A hidden gem of the Smokies, one right within the National Park boundary! This unique Fairy House is tucked away behind the lush green of the area. Even as a hidden gem, it isn’t too hard to get to with clear directions! It’s an awesome little spot to visit and is fun to explore for both adults and children. Here is everything you need to know about the House of Fairies in the Great Smoky Mountains!
History of the Fairy House
The House of the Fairies was built starting in 1928 as part of an estate by Louis E. Voorheis. He wanted to build a mountain retreat for those who wanted to get away from the crowds. The land is only one mile away from Gatlinburg, TN. The property has two mountain streams that flow through it, and Voorheis liked to design unique stone features utilizing the flowing water. Voorheis called his estate Two Creeks Orchard due to the two creeks running through the property and an old orchard. Parts of the Voorheis Estate remain, and the old spring house, now known as the House of the Fairies, is one of them. spring house, or now known as the house of the fairies, is one of them.
Getting to the House of the Fairies
All routes include taking the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail out of Gatlinburg and into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I’m sharing 3 different routes on how to get to the House of the Fairies, 2 are short and 1 is a longer more scenic hike including more historic buildings. Depending on which route you pick, depends on where you will park.
Hiking to the House of Fairies: The longer, more scenic route
The “longer” route is a hike that is about 4.5 miles out and back. It requires some small water crossings, so be prepared for that if you choose this route. Parking for the hike is best at Noah Bud “Ogle” Place. From the parking lot, find the Twin Creeks trailhead and start your journey. You hike the trail and once it becomes parallel with the road (you’ll be able to see it not far from the trail), you know you’re getting close. Eventually you will hit pavement, an intersection where the trail crosses over a road that turns off of the main road. This is the Twin Creeks Area where the Science and Education Center is.
You will start following the paved road, it will be a left off the trail and go straight on the road. You will see a building to your left, do not go towards the building but instead towards “facility parking”. The road will fork again up further, you will continue straight towards “fire management”. Once you’re at the end of the road, you have 2 different routes to choose from.
The first option, you will look to your left and find the building with the blue sign that reads “Discover Life in America”. Walk to the left of the building where you will then see a fire hydrant. Just after the fire hydrant, there will be a trail. Follow the trail up to the chain fence and walk along side of it. Continue on the trail straight and eventually the House of the Fairies will be in sight.
The second route option is once you come to the end of the paved road, instead of going to the left, look at the old barn looking structure to the right. There will be a fence, to the left of that building. Walk along the fence, with the building on your right. You will see a trail continue, follow the trail and you will see the House of the Fairies up on the small hill.
2 Shortcuts to the House of Fairies in the Great Smoky Mountains
Parking for the shorter routes to get to the House of the Fairies is limited. You’ll want to use one of the small roadside pull offs right near the Twin Creeks Science and Education Center sign. You will start following the paved road near the sign, going straight. You will see a building to your left, do not go towards the building but instead towards “facility parking”. The road will fork again up further, you will continue straight towards “fire management”. Once you’re at the end of the road, you have 2 different routes to choose from.
The first option, you will look to your left and find the building with the blue sign that reads “Discover Life in America”. Walk to the left of the building where you will then see a fire hydrant. Just after the fire hydrant, there will be a trail. Follow the trail up to the chain fence and walk along side of it. Continue on the trail straight and eventually the House of the Fairies will be in sight.
The second route option is once you come to the end of the paved road, instead of going to the left, look at the old barn looking structure to the right. There will be a fence, to the left of that building. Walk along the fence, with the building on your right. You will see a trail continue, follow the trail and you will see the House of the Fairies up on the small hill.
Leaving the House of the Fairies
Once you’ve explored around the House of Fairies in the Great Smoky Mountains, head back the way you came, or take the alternative route for a small change in scenery. As always, leave no trace so that generations after us can enjoy these historical landmarks within nature.
