the true heart of the smokies
the land
the inspiration
Nestled on 260 acres just a couple miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in close proximity to local attractions, you ain't seen nothing like this unspoiled beauty outside "The Park". Almost entirely covered by mature forest, the Comstocks trying to conserve the land and leave it as undisturbed as they found it. And that's exactly the way they like it. Each cottage and the amenities are designed for their building sites, one trip here won't be enough.
Like no other vacation destination in the Smoky Mountains, the Comstocks aim to create a destination similar to the vacations their 6 generations have enjoyed over the past century plus. In Elkmont 100 years ago, then on to Kinzel Springs, and last to find and build a humble hideaway in Emerts Cove in the 1930s, their ancestors, the Barbers, experienced a time when vacations spent with family were very different than the typical vacations of today.
Barber Cabin in Emerts Cove
circa 1938
the vision
Nights spent playing games and sleeping on the screened in porch with cool mornings and plenty of time for the outdoors, their little place on the Little Pigeon River was as ecofriendly and as at-home-in-nature as it gets.
Bringing this same vibe to Running Rock, this family is creating a community that feels like Emerts Cove, Elkmont or other 1920s-1950s vacation hot spots. Simple right? While spreading the cabins out enough to ensure a little privacy, the question has become - why not build modestly sized and eclectic cottages, retreats that feel as quaint and cozy as what still lives in their memories and is still alive today in places like Emerts Cove.
Elkmont in the 1940s
Designed by Jake & Amanda and built with friends and local craftsmen, the styles are each unique, charming and occasionally a tad quirky and often inspired by some epiphany or local historical structure they love. Gaining inspiration from the Arts and Crafts Movement, from Swiss cottages, from English cottages and from the Rustic Revival Movement, maybe some treehouses, hobbit cottages and even some log homes may make the cut. Fresh, crisp and cozy on the inside, they'll make full use of the beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains and mature forest in which they reside while offering the world class accommodations. No doubt, the kind of place none of us will want to leave!
the location
Part of what makes Running Rock such an excellent destination is it's close proximity to 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.