Experience Smoky Mountain History: 4 Places You Need to Visit in Sevierville and Locust Ridge TN

Locust Ridge is the birthplace of Dolly Parton and is also where Dolly lived in her Smoky Mountain childhood cabin. Sevierville is just a town over and holds a lot of history as well! Want to experience history in the Smoky Mountains? Here are 4 places you need to visit in Sevierville and Locust Ridge TN:

1. Drive Near Dolly Parton’s Childhood Home

If you are a Dolly Parton fan, you have got to take a drive up the mountain on Locust Ridge Road in Locust Ridge TN. Dolly Parton grew up in a small 2 bedroom cabin with a tin roof just off this mountain road! Entering anywhere on the property is not allowed, but we have a perfect alternative! Did you know there is a replica of Dolly’s house that you can tour in Dollywood? Just take a short drive to Dollywood to view a replica of her “Tennessee Mountain Home.”

2. Catons Chapel Cemetery

Dolly Parton has a lot of family in the Smoky Mountains! If you want to experience history, visit Catons Chapel Cemetery near Locust Ridge TN. When you visit the cemetery, you will notice many of the headstones have the last names Owens and Parton. This is because many of Dolly’s family members are buried there as well as many early settlers in the area. Find Catons Chapel Cemetery next to Caton Church off Catons Chapel Road. 

3. The Sevier County Courthouse

Another stop you should make when you are touring Sevierville and Locust Ridge TN is The Sevier County Courthouse. The courthouse was built in 1896 and is known for its large iconic clock tower. In addition, the building was the first courthouse to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Tennessee. When you get to the courthouse, don’t be surprised to see Dolly Parton! Right in front of the building, you will find a large statue of Dolly Parton playing her guitar. Be sure to notice the butterfly as well! Find the courthouse at 125 Court Avenue in downtown Sevierville. 

4. Harrisburg Covered Bridge

Interested in seeing a bridge from the 1800s used by locals to reach communities on the other side of the river? The Harrisburg Covered Bridge is a bridge in Sevierville near Locust Ridge TN with great history. The bridge has been through a lot of the years and was at one point even swept away in a rough storm! Locals got together to save the structure and donated lumber and their labor. This special bridge has been protected by the community for generations and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It is surely a sight to see! You can find the Harrisburg Covered Bridge near the intersection of Old Covered Bridge Road and Harrisburg Road in Sevierville. 

Are you interested in finding out about more historical places in the Smoky Mountains? Learn about 7 historical places in the Smoky Mountains that you need to visit on your next trip. Have fun exploring history in the Smokies!