Tyson McCarter Place

Overview

A tucked-away historic homestead along Webb Creek, Tyson McCarter Place is one of the Smokies’ most evocative farm sites. The house is gone, but the outbuildings and stonework remain, offering a clear window into late-19th-century mountain life. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and feels far removed from the park’s busy loops—more history hike than roadside stop.

What You’ll See

• Barn and corn crib: an unusual adjoined setup (typically separate on other farms) with a drive-through, double-pen log barn and lean-to crib.
• Smokehouse: compact, dovetail-notched log building once used to cure meat.
• Springhouse: a small log structure with a stone trough channeling cold spring water to keep perishables cool.
• House site: two chimney falls and foundation remnants mark where the home stood.
• Rock walls: well-built, hand-stacked fences still lace the clearings and trail edge.

Getting There

The Old Settlers Trail (15.8 miles point-to-point) passes directly through the homestead. The site sits about 3.2 miles west of the Old Settlers junction with the Maddron Bald Trail. There’s also an unmarked, roughly 0.5-mile gravel maintenance road from US 321 near the Rocky Grove community; it’s usually gated to vehicles but open to foot traffic, making for a short, easy approach if you locate it. Expect dense hardwood forest with small clearings where the buildings and ruins sit.

Trail Notes & Conditions

The Old Settlers Trail is a strenuous route overall, with substantial cumulative elevation gain and multiple creek crossings. Some crossings lack footbridges and shouldn’t be attempted if water is up after heavy rain. Backcountry Campsite #33 lies near the trail’s midpoint for those planning longer days.

Why It’s Special

Beyond the solitude, the farmstead’s circular arrangement of buildings around an open barnyard is a rare layout likely meant to protect livestock. Combined with the unusual barn-and-crib pairing, it’s a standout snapshot of how families adapted to the Smokies’ terrain and wildlife.

Wildlife

This is black bear country. Sightings do happen along the Old Settlers corridor—give wildlife space, keep food secured, and stay alert around creeks and dense vegetation.

Best Time to Visit

Pick dry-weather days—especially after rain has moved out—to keep creek crossings reasonable. Weekday mornings are reliably quiet. Soft morning or late-afternoon light works well for photographing the log textures, stone walls, and forest clearings.