John Messer Barn built around 1875
The John Messer Barn is located about a mile down the Porters Creek Trail. Parking for the trail is at the end of Greenbrier Road. See the Greenbrier Region web page for an interactive location map.
What is today known as the John Messer Barn was actually built by Pinkney Whaley in 1875. The Whaleys were one of two original families that came to the Greenbrier Region, the other being the Ownbys. The entire farm was later sold to John Messer, who had married Pinkney’s cousin Lucy. All land and structures were eventually purchased by various government agencies for inclusion in the new Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The barn is on the National Register of Historic Places, and its double-cantilever style is only found in a few counties in East Tennessee.
Today you can visit the barn and walk inside. Behind it is the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club Cabin that was built after the park was established. Other Whaley-era buildings once stood on the property, but they were torn down to make room for the Hiking Club cabin. A springhouse and outhouse are located behind the cabin near the tree line. Allow about fifteen minutes to see the buildings and grounds (not counting the actual hiking time).
Smoky Mountain Hiking Club cabin
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on March 16, 2020
