This is a virtual cache located inside The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Physical geocaches of any kind are not allowed inside the park.
To reach the trailhead, take US 321 5.9 miles east of Gatlinburg, TN and turn onto the Greenbrier Road at the park entrance sign. Pass the ranger station and two picnic areas. At mile 4.1, park on a traffic loop and look for the gate and trail sign. Greenbrier Road is narrow and kind of rough. Large vehicles such as campers are not allowed.
This trail is famous for it's wildflower displays in April and May. It's possible to see 30 to 40 different species here. We saw Lady's Slipper, Jack in the Pulpit, Wild Ginger, and the Tennessee State Wildflower, the Crested Dwarf Iris, just to name a few.
While hiking to the above coordinates, don't miss the foundation of the Cantwell house on the right at mile 0.4.
At mile 0.7 the trail crosses a good bridge. Up the hill from the bridge and to the right look for cement block steps leading up the bank to the Ownby Cemetery. There's a skeleton of an old car to the right of the trail just beyond the cemetery.
At 1.0 mile the old road ends in a turnaround. Porter's Creek Trail continues on to the left. Follow your GPS to the right and take the spur trail to the Historic Farm Site. Continue on past John Messer's cantilevered barn and cross a creek to the posted coordinates.
To claim this virtual geocache as a find, email me the answer to the following question:
What is the name of this structure as posted on the erected sign?
After finding this virtual cache, I hope you continue on and complete the Porter's Creek Trail. It's 7.2 miles roundtrip from the parking area to campsite #31 and back. At the very least, continue on to mile 1.8 where a tiny creek crosses the trail after plunging over a 40 foot waterfall called Fern Branch Falls. Look to your left to see it. A spur trail leads to the top of the falls but it's really steep.
I hope you enjoy your hike. Please upload any photos you may take while on this trail. I would love to see them. And remember to always Leave No Trace.