Caldwell Cemetery in the Cataloochee region of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Caldwell Cemetery is located on the far side of the meadow across from the Caldwell House. For a location map, visit the Cataloochee Historical Area web page.
A mowed swathe through the tall grass of the meadow across from the Caldwell House leads to the forest where you then take one of the steepest trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the top of a mountain where the Caldwell Family Cemetery is situated. This trail is even steeper than the trail to the Palmer Chapel Cemetery, which I didn’t think was possible. Maybe they were in competition with each other to see who could get closer to heaven. As I said in the review of that cemetery, I wouldn’t be a pall bearer at my own mother’s funeral. I could hardly get up the hill by myself, let alone carrying a coffin.
The visit to the Palmer Chapel Cemetery taught me not to expect a typical trip to a graveyard when it comes to these mountain cemeteries. I brought my hiking poles with me this time, and even with them I slipped twice on the way down. A visit to either of these cemeteries is no laughing matter and is only for those in good shape.
The following are photos of some of the tombstones.
Grave of H. J. Caldwell (11/3/1851 to 5/19/1922) in the Caldwell Cemetery, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Grave of Mary E. Howell Caldwell (3/17/1855 to 8/25/1937) in the Caldwell Cemetery, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Grave of ? Caldwell (Born and Died 1/5/1913) in the Caldwell Cemetery, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Grave of Nell N. Caldwell (2/24/1924 to 1/4/1929) in the Caldwell Cemetery, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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 February 6, 2025
