How It All Began...
Those who can see the invisible can do the impossible.
THE STORY began with the Comstocks, a family local to the Smoky Mountains for many generations and who have risked everything to make a grand dream a true reality.
In 2021, Jake Comstock's lifelong dream of creating a nature-lover's paradise began when he pursued and eventually purchased this abandoned patch of land, a long-ago farm covered in hills and hollows. God's providence and his family's sacrifice since that December day cannot be understated. Now every day is spent looking after the land at Laurel Creek and preparing it for the vision not yet fully visible. Whether designing cottages, using logs harvested from the land itself, or clearing a route for nature trails, the Comstocks are building a reminder that we sometimes need to slow down, step back to a less complicated time, and remember what matters most.
the inspiration
Running Rock is designed to create a place not dissimilar from the many vacations the Comstock's own family has enjoyed in these mountains. For at least the six generations now, the Comstock family has vacationed in Elkmont over 100 years ago, in Kinzel Springs after that, and at last at their own humble cabin in Emert's Cove beginning in the 1930s. The Barber Cabin, as it is called, has been the place where "vacation" means something wholly different from how we use the word today. Many nights at the Barber Cabin have been spent playing board games and talking late into the night on the screened-in porch, and many days traversing the trails in the Park or playfully splashing in the cool waters of the Little Pigeon River without distractions from the modern world.
This humble family home in the Smokies is the birthplace of an idea, one of mirroring the vacations of yesterday fused with a sincere love of nature while achieving it in an eco-friendly way.
Barber Cabin in Emerts Cove
circa 1938
the vision
Places like Elkmont, Kinzel Springs, and other 1920-30s vacation hot-spots ooze feelings of a peaceful escape; that's exactly the sensation Running Rock EcoPark and Resort hopes to achieve. There is a question that persists-- why not build modestly sized and eclectic cottages and cabins that feel as quaint and cozy as the humble places that still live in our memories and are still alive today in places like Emerts Cove, just up the road.
Designed by Jake & Amanda and built with friends and local craftsmen, the styles are each unique, charming, occasionally a tad quirky, and often inspired by some epiphany or local historical structure they love. Most have been inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement, by Swiss cottages, by English cottages, and by the Rustic Revival Movement, with some inspiration from treehouses, even hobbit cottages and log homes may make the cut. They're fresh, crisp and cozy and make full use of the beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains and mature forest in which they reside in. They also offer world class accommodations. No doubt, the kind of place none of us will ever want to leave!
Elkmont in the 1940s
the location
Situated in one of the most adorable communities in the south, Pittman Center, Running Rock could not find a more similarly-minded neighbor. In addition, Running Rock is in close proximity to the GSMNP and the many attractions nearby. Three miles to "the Park", 7 miles from all that awaits in Gatlinburg and 12 miles from the fun of Pigeon Forge and Dollywood, they're all a short drive away. In addition, it's 27 miles from I-40 and 46 miles from McGhee Tyson Airport.
Running Rock, the name...
As a teenager Jake and his friends frequently hiked to a great swimming hole hidden deep in the Smokies, about which only a few folks knew existed. Jumping from monster boulder to monster boulder sometimes requiring a running start, the name stuck. In the years since he and his family have continued to jump into and swim in those cold, refreshing waters and it has long been their very favorite swimming hole. It's the kind of secret only real kindness can purchase.
Elkmont in the 1940s
Owner & Designer:
Jake Comstock
Now in his 3rd career, Jake is a restless dreamer who doesn't sit still for long. Designing and overseeing the entire project he humbly states, "This is a culmination of my life's experiences and dreams hidden deep within my mind making this "little piece of perfection" so very special. Our family loves these mountains and looks forward to sharing it with everyone."
