Heritage sites in Waynesville, North Carolina

Beech Grove School, located at the end of the Cataloochee Entrance Road in Waynesville, North Carolina, is a historic institution within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Built in 1901 to serve the Big Cataloochee community, it was the only school in the area until a few years after the park opened in 1940. Visitors can explore the well-preserved interior, complete with old desks and chalkboards, though unfortunately marred by graffiti from disrespectful tourists. Nearby, a small parking area provides access to hiking trails such as the Pretty Hollow Gap Trail and the Little Cataloochee Trail, allowing visitors to explore the former communities and historical buildings in the area. The Beech Grove School is a fascinating glimpse into the past of education in the Smoky Mountains.