Nestled behind the most popular campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park stand the rickety remains of a rustic vacation community that began before the park was established and thrived for 80 years. Still visible are 74 buildings, including the Wonderland Hotel, the Appalachian Clubhouse and cabins that make up the Elkmont Historic District, a logging community that was turned into a summer resort area around 1910.

Park officials now say they prefer an option that retains the Appalachian Clubhouse, 15 cabins near it in an area called Daisy Town, a cabin awarded to one of the park’s founders by President Franklin Roosevelt and a larger cabin on so-called Millionaire’s Row that once belonged to Col. W.B. Townsend, head of the logging company that established Elkmont. The Appalachian Clubhouse would be restored for day use and exhibits would explain the history of Elkmont. The plan would cost about $5.7 million. Park officials are gathering public reaction to that plan until May 11 and hope to announce a final decision by early 2007.

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