10 Insane Abandoned Spots in Tennessee That May Give You Nightmares

There’s something strangely fascinating about the forgotten. About the cast aside, the lost, the places that used to hold such love and now are rusted and dreary, huddled in the hills or down by the river. We can only imagine the people that fell in love and had their hearts broken in these abandoned places – there are so many stories we’ll never know, but can only imagine.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

10) The Rusted Ferry Brent Moore / Flickr Tucked back on the banks of Lick Creek in Rome, Tennessee you can find a little ferry with a big story. Built 65 years ago, it has been snagged by the National Register of Historic Places for your viewing pleasure. Get up close and snap a picture if you want, but look out for vandals. 9) Abandoned Mills Rachel Gardner / Flickr Tennessee is an agrarian state that has a large number of farmers and crops spread across the whole of the state. You can see abandoned mills like the one above and other farming structures just by driving down backroads and exploring. If you're looking for an adventure, you don't have to look far. 8) Alone in Dunbar carlfbagge / Flickr Decatur County has this neat stop nestled in Dunbar. As you can tell, it hasn't been inhabited for quite awhile. We like to think that there's a certain rustic charm to the forgotten. 7) Elkmont Jordan Liles / Flickr Hiker Jordan Liles went on an adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and stumbled across a most forgotten place - Elkmont. The experience resulted in the short film, 'Tennessee Wonderland' that you can watch online. If you can't make it out to this abandoned storybook town, then at least Liles made it easy for you to live vicariously through him. You can see from the main road here in Elkmont that is is as if time stood still, freezing Wayne Hsieh / Flickr 6) Cleveland's Abandoned Factory Jeff Jackson / Flickr In Cleveland, Tennessee you'll find this magnificent gem. An abandoned factory, still teeming with rusted out machinery and materials. Be careful if you take a walk through! 5) Higdon Hotel Joy Castello / Flickr The Higdon Hotel has been closed for business since 1920, but the beautiful building still stands. Nestled in the green hills of East Tennessee, the original structure from 1890 isn't the most stable, but feel free to point a camera at the place. 4) The Lost City of Loyston Wikimedia There were a couple of towns that were flooded during the creation of the Norris Dam in 1936. Completely inundated, this abandoned town exists in a watery grave. Eerie... 3) Tennessee State Prison Brent Moore / Flickr The former Tennessee state prison closed in 1992, but for more than a century housed high profile prisoners and death row inmates. It is located in West Nashville, and is frequented only on special events and for storage. This cell block is enough to give you nightmares... Dave Edens / Flickr Can you imagine waiting for a ride on, 'Old Sparky' here? Nope. Don't like it. Not at all. Dave Edens / Flickr 2) Lonely In Rogersville Rachel Gardner / Flickr Rogersville boasts a splintering nod to the grandeaur ot the past with this neat boxframe, one with beautiful pillars and large front porch. Staying true to its southern roots, there's even a hospitable wreath on the front door. 1) The Dotson School Wayne Hsieh / Flickr Protected by East Tennessee's Endangered Heritage list, you won't be seeing this school go anywhere. Located in Grainger County, this once bustling schoolyard has since been used to store hay. With the great foundational bones, though, we wouldn't be surprised if it could simply be restored to a present life just as grand as the past.

What did you think of Tennessee’s cloister of abandoned folk? We think they’re pretty crazy, but would love to hear your thoughts. Let us know in the comments!