Tucked into the coal-dusted hills of the South Cumberland Plateau, Tracy City, Tennessee, is a town where fire once forged fortunes—and left behind echoes.
Beneath its quiet streets and rusted rails lie stories of miners who never clocked out, ovens that still whisper smoke, and creatures that may or may not walk the woods. This isn’t just history—it’s haunted memory. In Tracy City, the shadows linger a little longer, and the past never fully lets go.
Rooted in the Land | Tracy City, TN
Fiery Gizzard Trail
A Hiker's Paradise
Renowned for its scenic beauty and biodiversity, this 12.5-mile trail stretches from Tracy City to Foster Falls, offering hikers views of waterfalls, rock formations, and ancient hemlock trees.
📍Trailhead Address:
Grundy Forest State Natural Area, 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd, Tracy City, TN 37387
Grundy Lakes State Park
Lakeside Leisure and Historic Coke Ovens
A serene spot featuring multiple lakes perfect for swimming, picnicking, and leisurely walks. The park also houses historic coke ovens, remnants of the area's coal mining past.
📍 Address: 587 Lakes Road, Tracy City, TN 37387
Sycamore Falls
Waterfall Wonders
Located along the Fiery Gizzard Trail, Sycamore Falls is a picturesque 12-foot waterfall that cascades into a superb swimming hole, making it a favorite spot for hikers and swimmers alike.
📍 Access Point:
Via the Fiery Gizzard Trail at Grundy Forest State Natural Area
Explore Historical Attractions
Coal Heritage, Swiss Roots, and Architectural Gems
Grundy County Historical Society Heritage Center
Stories from the Plateau
Tucked behind Grundy Lakes is one of the South’s best-preserved collections of beehive coke ovens—stone furnaces once used to convert coal into fuel for the iron industry. A self-guided walk tells the story of the immigrants and miners who built the region with fire and grit.
📍 Address: 465 Railroad Ave, Tracy City, TN 37387
Historic Coke Ovens Park
Fire, Iron, and the Backbone of a Town
The spiritual and architectural heart of campus. Built in the early 1900s, its soaring ceilings, historic pipe organ, and Tiffany-style windows make it a showstopper.
📍 Trail Access: 587 Lakes Rd, Tracy City, TN 37387 (via Grundy Lakes)
Colonel A.M. Shook House
Coal Baron Grandeur
Built in 1890 by coal magnate Colonel Alfred Montgomery Shook, this Second Empire-style home once symbolized wealth and ambition on the Plateau. Though not open for tours, it remains one of Tracy City’s most distinctive and storied buildings.
📍 Address: Corner of Railroad Ave & Montgomery St, Tracy City, TN 37387
Explore Tales from the Plateau | Tracy City, TN
Ashes, Echoes, and Appalachian Shadows
Tracy City may seem quiet now—a sleepy spot tucked high on the Cumberland Plateau—but dig just beneath the surface and the past starts whispering. Founded on coal, fire, and grit, this mountain town has seen its share of sorrow and strange goings-on. Between the rusted coke ovens and crumbling foundations, locals still speak in hushed tones about the spirits that never clocked out. Some stories are rooted in truth. Others are older than memory. All of them hang in the air like the smoke that once filled these hills.
The Coke Oven Whispers
Where Fire Once Burned, Something Still Stirs
Behind Grundy Lakes lies a field of ancient stone ovens—blackened, beehive-shaped relics of the coal empire that once ruled this town. At night, hikers report hearing faint tapping, as if someone is still working deep inside. Others have seen flickers of light from within—though there’s no electricity, and no one around. They say the spirits of overworked coal miners, many of them convicts or children, haven’t quite let go of the job they died doing.
The Phantom at Dutch Maid Bakery
The Sourdough Never Sleeps
Tennessee’s oldest family-owned bakery comes with more than just heirloom recipes. Staff over the years have reported footsteps in the flour room when no one’s there, dough mixers turning on by themselves, and a cold breeze even when the ovens are hot. Some believe it’s the spirit of the original baker, John Baggenstoss, still keeping watch over his family business.
The Shook House Glare
Coal Barons Don’t Like Company
The ornate Shook House has stood for over a century, a monument to coal wealth and 19th-century ambition. But neighbors say it’s never been entirely empty. Some claim to have seen a man in a stovepipe hat peering from the top window at night—long after the building was boarded up. Others say you can feel a sudden drop in pressure when you pass by, as if the house itself is holding its breath.
The Crying Hollow
Don’t Follow the Voice
Just outside of town, near an overgrown stretch of the Mountain Goat Trail, hikers sometimes hear a child crying from the woods. Locals call it Crying Hollow. The sound is faint—until you move closer. Then it stops. Or worse, it moves. Folklore says it’s the spirit of a little girl who disappeared during the coal boom, never found. Some say if you call out to her, she’ll call back. Once. Then nothing.
The Switchyard Spirit
Still Waiting for the Last Train Out
Near Depot Street, where the old rail lines once funneled coal in and out of the mountain, a tall figure in a trench coat is sometimes spotted pacing the gravel. He never boards. He just waits, smoking a pipe that never glows, and vanishes when headlights approach. Old-timers say he was a railroad man who died on the tracks—still hoping the next train will take him home.
The Convict Miners' Lament
Echoes from the Depths
In the late 19th century, Tracy City's coal mines were worked by convicts leased from the state—a practice that cast a long shadow over the town's history. Miners and visitors have reported hearing distant, rhythmic hammering and low, mournful chants emanating from the old mining areas, especially near the remnants of the Tracy City Stockade. It's as if the spirits of those unjustly imprisoned still toil beneath the earth, their sorrowful songs rising with the mountain fog.
The Battle of Tracy City
Phantoms of the 1864 Raid
On January 20, 1864, during the Civil War, a Union stockade in Tracy City was attacked by a Confederate raiding party. The skirmish was brief but brutal. Locals claim that on cold January nights, ghostly figures can be seen reenacting the battle near the old stockade site. The sounds of gunfire, galloping horses, and soldiers' cries pierce the silence, only to fade with the dawn.
The Arsonist's Legacy
Flames That Never Die
Tracy City has a storied history of mysterious fires. In 1935, ten buildings in the business district were set ablaze by unknown arsonists. The 100-year-old L&N Depot and the James K. Shook School also fell victim to flames in the 20th century. Some residents believe that the spirits of those who perished or suffered losses in these fires still linger. At night, flickering lights resembling flames are sometimes spotted in the areas where these buildings once stood, and the faint smell of smoke lingers in the air, even when no fire is present.
The Gizzard Howl
Something Big Still Walks These Woods
Hikers near the Fiery Gizzard Trail have reported strange, guttural howls echoing through the hollows—long after dark, and long after they thought they were alone. One account from the early 2000s described deep growls and heavy footsteps just off-trail, near Sycamore Falls. No one saw what made the sound… but they ran anyway.
📍 Location: Fiery Gizzard Trail, Grundy Forest, Tracy City, TN 37387
Explore Tracy City, TN
Once fueled by fire and forged in grit, Tracy City is a mountain town with coal dust in its bones and stories in its stones. The echoes of its mining past still hum through the beehive coke ovens tucked beneath the pines, and its streets—lined with bakeries, blacksmiths, and ghosts—feel stitched together by both heritage and heart.
It’s the kind of place where a trail might lead you to a waterfall… or a whisper. Where sourdough has been rising for over a century, and a switchback road might just end in folklore. Come for the views, stay for the legends—and don’t be surprised if Tracy City stays with you, long after you’ve left.
Hometown Highlights | Tracy City, TN
Explore Places to Stay:
Bigfoot Adventure RV Park & Campground
Located within Baggenstoss Farms, Bigfoot Adventure offers over 500 acres of land dedicated to outdoor activities. The RV park and campground feature amenities including a bathhouse with showers, RV water and dump stations, 30/50 AMP hookups, and more than 25 camper hookups. Guests can enjoy on-site attractions like a disc golf course and a zipline, ensuring a memorable stay for families and adventure seekers alike.
📍 Address: 518 Brawley Rd, Tracy City, TN 37387
Open Daily
Camp Swann
Rustic Charm with Modern Comforts
Experience a blend of rustic charm and modern amenities at Camp Swann. This recently renovated campground, with a history dating back to 1946, offers cozy cabins and well-maintained shower facilities. Guests have praised its cleanliness and accessibility, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
📍Address: Camp Swann has 10 cabins each with their own unique theme around Tracy City, TN 37387
Top-of-the-Falls Glamper
Nestled near a serene waterfall, the Top-of-the-Falls Glamper provides a unique glamping experience. Guests can enjoy the sounds of cascading water while relaxing in a well-appointed camper. The site offers amenities like s’mores kits, access to hiking trails, and close proximity to local dining options.
📍Address: Browns Hollow Rd, Tracy City, TN 37387
The Retreat at Water's Edge
Combining serene woodlands with waterfront living, The Retreat at Water's Edge is a tiny home community offering amenities such as hiking trails, a playground, community pavilions, firepits, and kayak rentals. It's an ideal spot for those looking to hike, fish, kayak, and explore the natural beauty of Tracy City’s.
📍Address: 14139 US Hwy 41, Tracy City, TN 37387
Fiery Gizzard Homeplace & Cottage
Historic Charm with Modern Amenities
Located near the renowned Fiery Gizzard Trail, this cottage offers a cozy stay with easy access to one of the area's most popular hiking destinations. Guests appreciate the clean, organized space and the thoughtful touches provided by the hosts, including snacks and drinks.
📍Address: Revealed when booked
The Goat Pen Hostel
Rustic Retreat with a Modern Twist
Tucked away in the serene landscapes of Coalmont, The Goat Pen offers a unique lodging experience that blends rustic charm with contemporary comforts. Guests can enjoy cozy accommodations amidst nature, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Whether you're here for adventure or relaxation, The Goat Pen welcomes you with open arms
📍 Address: 24 Main Street, Tracy City, TN 37387
Explore with Forks on the Plateau:
Dutch Maid Bakery & Café
Sweet Traditions and Sourdough Ghosts
Step inside Tennessee’s oldest family-owned bakery, and it’s like walking into a warm loaf of history. Established in 1902 by Swiss immigrant John Baggenstoss, Dutch Maid Bakery has been kneading love and legacy into every bite for over a century. The smell of sourdough drifts through the air like an old memory, mixing with the quiet creak of antique floors and the gentle clatter of coffee cups.
But this place is more than just pastries. It’s a living museum of Appalachian and Swiss-German heritage, with shelves of old photos, century-old baking tools, and stories stacked as high as the layer cakes in the display case. The café serves up hearty plate lunches, homemade soups, crisp salads, and deli-style sandwiches—all made with care and a touch of nostalgia.
If you ask around, you might hear about the Flour Room Ghost—an unseen presence who walks through the back hallway and flicks lights off and on, especially after hours. Some say it’s John himself, still overseeing the operation, making sure the sourdough rises just right.
Whether you’re here for a chocolate-dipped cookie, a stack of pancakes, or a peek into the past, Dutch Maid is more than a bakery—it’s the beating heart of Tracy City. Come hungry. Leave with a story.
📍 Address: 109 Main St, Tracy City, TN 37387
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Saturday: 9 AM–4 PM
Sunday: Closed
Hank’s Corner Grille
Burgers, Beer, and Small-Town Lore
If Tracy City had a town square heartbeat, it would echo from Hank’s. Tucked into a humble building on Main Street, Hank’s Corner Grille is where locals gather for burgers, cold beers, and stories that only get better with each retelling. It’s loud in the best way—music playing, trivia nights buzzing, and that unmistakable hum of community.
The menu is straight-up comfort: big burgers, crispy wings, fried pickles, and a summer salad that surprises with how fresh it is. The Soldier Burger, a towering stack of beef and cheese, is practically a rite of passage. Wash it down with something cold from the bar, and you’ve got yourself a Plateau feast.
Hank’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a meeting place. A first-date backdrop. A post-softball victory stop. A "pull up a chair, we’ve got room" kind of place. And some locals will tell you, if you’re sitting alone by the front window, don’t be startled if the chair next to you pulls out on its own. Just nod and keep eating. Around here, even the ghosts know where the good food is.
📍 Address: 24 Main St, Tracy City, TN 37387
Hours of Operation:
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Rosie’s Farmhouse Kitchen
Where the Biscuits Come with Backstory
Rosie’s doesn’t just serve food—it serves memories. From the moment you step onto the wraparound porch and hear the screen door clap behind you, you know you’ve arrived somewhere honest. This is farmhouse cooking done with soul, and it comes from the heart of Vonna Layne, a lifelong Plateau local with a talent for turning ingredients into love.
Inside, it feels like Grandma’s kitchen if Grandma also had killer fried chicken and a rotating dessert menu that’ll test your willpower. The walls are lined with vintage farm tools and family photos, the kind that make you feel like you’ve always belonged here.
The breakfasts are legendary. The meatloaf is slow-cooked. And the cornbread? Flaky, buttery, and whispering secrets from another time. Locals come for Sunday lunch, travelers stop for pie, and every meal feels like a reunion—even if it’s your first time through the door.
Whispers of an old man in overalls sometimes come up—seen walking past the windows when no one's outside. Folks say it’s Rosie's grandfather, still checking in to make sure dinner’s done right.
📍 Address: 1382 TN-56, Tracy City, TN 37387
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 11 AM–7:30 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday-Friday: 11 AM–7:30 PM
Sunday: 11 AM–3 PM
Potbellies Family Restaurant
Gravy, Gossip & Southern Generosity
Potbellies isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a daily ritual for locals, truckers, and road-tripping families looking for something real. Located right in the heart of Tracy City, it’s the kind of place where the sweet tea flows like mountain spring water, and the waitresses already know your order before you sit down.
Inside, it’s all warm lighting, big booths, and the smell of home cooking wafting from the kitchen. The breakfast menu doesn’t quit (neither do the biscuits), and if you’re here on meatloaf day? Count yourself lucky. The pizza is cheesy and loaded, the burgers come stacked, and the catfish? Fried to crispy, golden perfection.
It’s a place where second helpings are encouraged and so is secondhand storytelling. Folks say the name “Potbellies” doesn’t just refer to the stove—it’s a badge of honor. And if you catch sight of an old man in a rocking chair out front, don’t worry if he disappears when you blink. Some say he’s been greeting guests since before the menu had prices.
📍 Address: 268 Colyar St, Tracy City, TN 37387
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 7 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday to Friday 7 AM–7 PM
Saturday & Sunday
Dari Delight
Where the Grill Sizzles and Time Slows Down
Since forever (or close to it), Dari Delight has been the go-to for comfort food with a side of small-town nostalgia. This old-school roadside spot is equal parts diner, burger joint, and community hub. You might come for the fried chicken or the catfish, but you’ll stay for the hush puppies, the ice cream, and the conversations that drift from table to table like steam off a fresh biscuit.
From crispy paninis to hot pizzas, it’s a menu built for appetite and memory. And if you’re lucky enough to catch a sunny day, grab your food to-go and eat under the shade trees—locals swear it makes everything taste better.
There’s even a rumor that an old jukebox used to play by itself after closing. Nobody knows if it was faulty wiring or something more ghostly—but either way, the vibe’s still kicking.
📍 Address: 740 Main St, Tracy City, TN 37387
Hours of Operation:
Monday 11 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–4 PM
Thursday11 AM–6 PM
Friday11 AM–7 PM
Saturday & Sunday Closed
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant
A Taste of Jalisco in the Tennessee Hills
Bright, bold, and brimming with flavor, El Maguey brings the heat to the Plateau. The sizzle of fajitas, the snap of a fresh chip hitting guacamole, the clink of cold margarita glasses—it’s a fiesta waiting to happen, tucked right off Colyar Street.
The portions are generous, the service is warm, and the menu hits all the right notes: enchiladas that melt, tacos that crunch, and queso that cures just about anything. It’s the kind of place where birthdays are loud, salsa is made fresh, and everyone feels like family by dessert.
Some say a shadowy figure has been seen heading into the back hallway after hours—but the staff says it’s just Señor Queso making his nightly rounds. Either way, the spirits here are always friendly.
📍 Address: 106 Colyar St, Tracy City, TN 37387
Hours of Operation:
Explore Shops on the Mountain | Tracy City, TN:
Antiques, Artisans & Appalachian Finds
The Marugg Company
Crafting European-style scythes since 1873, The Marugg Company is equal parts tool shop and living history. Still family-owned and proudly local, this quiet corner of Tracy City is where form meets function—alongside antique treasures and a little mountain lore. A great stop for those who appreciate craft, heritage, or a sharp edge.
📍 Address: 88 Depot St, Tracy City, TN 37387
Dutch Maid Bakery Gift Shop
Sweets, Souvenirs, and a Slice of History
Inside Tennessee’s oldest bakery, you’ll find more than bread. The gift shop at Dutch Maid is a treasure trove of handmade goods, regional cookbooks, vintage kitchen tools, and gifts with heart. Perfect for grabbing a treat and a keepsake.
📍Address: 109 Main St, Tracy City, TN 37387
Grundy County Historical Society & Heritage Center
Step inside the heart of Grundy County’s memory. The Grundy County Historical Society, along with its Heritage Center and the Tennessee Consolidated Coal Company Library & Research Center, preserves the stories, struggles, and spirit of this mountain community. From coal miners’ ledgers and Civil War relics to handmade crafts and first-edition books by local authors, this is where the past lives on—not behind glass, but within reach.
The newly updated Grundy County History & Heritage site houses a rich collection curated by the Historical Society and includes the original work of Ralph Thompson, whose dedication helped preserve so much of the region’s legacy.
Whether you’re researching genealogy, exploring regional history, or just want to hold a piece of the Plateau’s soul in your hands—this is your starting point.
📍 Address: 465 Railroad Ave, Tracy City, TN 37387
🕒 Visit the official website for hours, archives, and research inquiries
More Than Just Main Street:
Ben Lomand Connect – Tracy City
Tucked into downtown Tracy City, Ben Lomand isn’t just an internet provider—it’s a modern lifeline in a mountain town rooted in history. Offering everything from fiber-fast internet and phone services to home security and smart tech, Ben Lomand keeps the Plateau connected to the world while staying grounded in local service.
Walk into the office and you’re likely to see familiar faces behind the counter—this is tech with a handshake, not a help desk on hold. Whether you're streaming from a cabin in the woods or securing your small business on Main Street, Ben Lomand brings dependable service with a hometown backbone.
📍 Address: 67 Main St, Tracy City, TN 37387