Experience the quieter, more peaceful side of the Smoky Mountains!  This vacation treasure borders the Smoky Mountain National Park at the very end of historic Starkeytown Road.  While only 15 to 20 minutes from the main Parkway in Pigeon Forge, the last mile of your drive in will separate you completely from the busy tourist area.   Starkeytown Road is enveloped in a forest of trees, following a mountain stream that leads to a 100-year-old Appalachian style neighboring home, picturesque barn, and the relaxing family vacation rental called Starkey’s Homestead.

Enjoy coffee on the large porch each morning while listening to songbirds and the gentle creek flowing nearby.  Watch the fireflies in summer from the porch swing, or soak in the hot tub on the other side of the “L” shaped porch.   The propane fire pit, fruit orchard, and spacious kitchen will encourage family memories you’ll want to repeat year after year.  Unplugging is easy to do here, but the Starklink internet will keep you connected to the outside world if it’s a must.  Snuggling up near the fireplaces may be all you think about in the fall, though, after a walk along Starkeytown Road taking pictures of the golden fall leaves.

Starkey’s Homestead is named for the original Starkey family who homesteaded here in the late 1800’s from a government land grant in Civil War times.  The great-great granddaughter of Andy Starkey lives quietly and privately in the neighboring historic home where she once sat at her great grandmother’s feet listening to tales about logging, bear hunting, tobacco farming, quilting and looming.  What was once over 300 acres is now eight.  The majority of the land was reclaimed by the government in the late 1970’s for future completion of the last section of Foothills Parkway.  Starkey’s Homestead isn’t just a vacation rental… it’s a testament to Smoky Mountain history and survival.   Your visits here will only add to the legacy of love started centuries ago and validate that the Smokies are best enjoyed away from extreme commercialism.