The "Little Greenbriar School" Still Teaching in the Smoky Mountains

The "Little Greenbriar School" is Still Teaching in the Great Smoky Mountains !!




The small log structure built in 1882, housed the "Little Greenbriar School". Children from nearby families attended this school for more than 50 years..










Though formal classes ended in 1935, teaching and learning did not.... The school still serves local children and Smoky Mtn Park visitors....




The Little Greenbrier School is located in the Greenbrier area between Gatlinburg and Cades Cove of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Wears Valley area.


The building served as both a school and the Primitive Baptist Church until 1935.


Inside you will see the types of desks the students of that time used. The Greenbrier cemetery is in front of the school, which is another interesting stop to make during your time in the Smokies.

Go to the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area either by Lyon Springs Rd in Wears Valley or from the Park. Walk across the bridge to the Metcalf Bottoms Trail - 0.6 mile to the Little Greenbriar School. You can also continue 1.0 mile to the Walker Sister's Farmstead on the Little Brier Gap Trail - starting at the barricade up the hill from the school..

See more historical aspects of the park, hike the little Greenbrier Gap hiking trail(follow signs) that is 2.8 miles round trip. The trail begins near the school and leads you by the Walker sisters cabin. The trail runs from Wear Gap road to the Laurel Creek Falls Trail.

To reach the school by car, drive on up the road close to a mile and a half and you will see a sign saying Wears Cove straight on or Little Greenbriar School right.

Turn right........ This is a small, gravel, one lane road, but not one way! So pay close attention to oncoming traffic and any wide spots you may need to back up to in order to pass. When you reach the school, about a mile and a half, the road forks take the right fork down into the gravel parking area and enjoy a few minutes at the old school house.