The Alum Cave trail is a moderately difficult trail that departs from the Bearskin Lodge in Gatlinburg. Alum Cave is the site of an old Confederate mining operation. During the war, the rebels cut through the land in search of saltpeter, which was a critical ingredient required for the creation of gunpowder. As a rich source of saltpeter, the area was of much importance to the Confederates. The Alum Cave Bluff was created as a result of the mining effort, and provides hikers a sweeping view of the area.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Rd.
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-1200
nps.gov
The Battle of Burg Hill was a skirmish between Confederate and Union forces that took place in the latter part of 1863. Every year, the battle is reenacted by volunteers in full period uniforms. The event includes not only a demonstration of the skirmish, but a bevy of historical exhibits and costumed actors imitating the lives of people during the time of the civil war. The reenactment is free to attend and takes place once a year during the summer.
Company E. 37th Virginia Volunteer Infantry
302 Oakwood Ave.
Pennington Gap, Virginia 24277
276-546-6010 E
37thvirginia_inf.tripod.com
Pigeon Forge is located eight miles north of Gatlinburg, and is the site of a garment factory that was operated in secret by the Unionists during the war. The garment factory was set up in an old mill, and when the Confederates took over the area it became a hiding place for trapped Union soldiers. After the battle of Knoxville, the soldiers reemerged and captured a number of rebel troops. A sign with more information marking the head of the trail can be found at 160 Old Mill Avenue in Pigeon Forge.
Tennessee Civil War Trails
3136 Caney Creek Rd.
Pall Mall, Tennessee 38577
civilwartrails.org
