This former fire tower is now a rustic observatory that offers amazing views of eagles, hawks, and the Appalachian Mountains.

Amazing pre-Civil War ruins alongside a shallow, rocky river that hosts beautiful (but endangered) lilies.

These strange large stones served as a campsite and lookout post for generations of Native Americans.

The secret city built by the Manhattan Project.

Abandoned for 60 years, this submerged bridge was completely forgotten until the lake was drained.

This winding road of 318 curves is a must-visit for (careful) motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts.

Once a gas station, this flightless airplane beside the Old Dixie Highway now houses a barbershop.

One man’s religious convictions led him to build this stone castle meant to withstand an apocalypse.

The scant remains of this flooded historic village can be explored in one of the most remote areas of the Great Smokies.

A rapidly disappearing authentic bit of the old south.

Mile-long cave system near Great Smoky Mountains.

North Carolina's only restored fort from the French and Indian War.

This road in the Great Smoky Mountains was supposed to assuage a displaced community, but ended up a $52 million dead end.

The highest point in Tennessee, Clingmans Dome bears witness to the ravages of one type of insect.

For two weeks every June, fireflies in the Smoky Mountains perform an astonishing light show.

According to local lore, this narrow passageway through two large rocks was accidentally created by the devil himself.

Step back in time on this preserved 1800s farm.

This Transylvania County city is home to a rare white squirrel population that is descended from an escaped carnival animal.

Wild lights and sound effects turn a walk through some caves into an eye-popping 1960s tourist attraction.

This historic church houses the grave of a Scottish soldier who fought in the Battle of Waterloo.

An eight-sided home built during a brief octagon craze in the 1850s.

This maze-like slot canyon is a unique gem within an already fascinating geological area.

An idyllic mineral hot springs facility with a more-than checkered past.

A 300-yard long natural tunnel runs through a ridge deep in the Appalachian Mountains.