Brookside resort gatlinburg fire

Build memories at the grand lady of Gatlinburg, the Brookside Resort. Less than a mile from the resort you will find Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies where you can immerse yourself with colorful sea creatures as the moving walkway effortlessly carries you through the underwater tunnel. Awaken every morning to the complimentary farm fresh breakfast buffet with eggs, waffles, biscuits and gravy, and more. Enjoy not one, but two outdoor pools featuring a water slide that the children will love! 

Your balcony lures you to sit a spell with that book that you've been wanting to read while being soothed by the sound of splashing creek waters. Later you can stretch by walking the resort grounds, photographing the covered bridges and gardens, or take a stroll to see the beautiful eight-foot waterfall featured on the property. After a long day of adventure relax and soak in the hot tub then sit out by the wood fire to dry off before heading back to your room. 

Popular attractions a mile away include Anakeesta Theme Park and Ripley's Believe It or Not!. Also within one mile of the Brookside Resort are the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram and the Gatlinburg Sky Lift that will give you birds-eye views of this picturesque area. The nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park also beckons with wildflowers, rivers, trails and countless waterfalls. At the resort you can hit the basketball, volleyball, and shuffleboard courts or the fitness center for a quick workout. There are also BBQ picnic grounds on-site available for your use. 

Brookside Resort offers smoking and non-smoking accommodations: cozy cabins, creek side and tower rooms. All suites include a balcony/patio overlooking the Roaring Fork Creek, a private bathroom, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, cable TV, alarm clock/radio and free local calls. Some suites offer a king size pillow top bed, whirlpool bathtub, a wet bar or a wood-burning fireplace. Some standard suites are pet-friendly. Hungry? There are dozens of unique local eateries within a mile, such as the Buckhorn Inn, Greystone, Geno's Pizza, Papa John's, and Estrella Hondumex. Be sure to choose the best hotel for your vacation! 

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Gatlinburg one year after the wildfires

A raging inferno swept through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and into the city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee on November 28, 2016, killing 14 people and injuring 190 more. Damage caused by the fires is estimated at over $500 million.

2460 structures were damaged or destroyed and 17,136 acres were burned. Strong winds reaching 87 mph fanned the flames on as it swept through Gatlinbug.

I covered the fires last year and the immediate aftermath as residents were first allowed back to their homes and businesses. Here is a link to what they found and what their homes and businesses looked like before the fires. I returned to the area this week to see what progress has been made to repair the damage. Most of the same places were revisited. This is what I found.

Joe Songer

Joe Songer | [email protected]

View from Carlos C. Campbell Overlook then

View from the Carlos C. Campbell Overlook just after the park reopened last year.

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View from Carlos C. Campbell Overlook one year later

View from the Carlos C. Campbell Overlook now. The fire destruction can be clearly seen where the fall color ends. Most everything above the color line was burned. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Roaring Fork Baptist Church after the fires

Roaring Fork Baptist Church was completely destroyed.

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Roaring Fork Baptist Church now

The Roaring Fork Baptist Church is being rebuilt and is almost complete. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Tree Tops Resort then

The Tree Tops Resort on Roaring Fork Road. Several structures were destroyed at the complex. (

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Tree Tops Resort now

The Tree Tops Resort on Roaring Fork Road. Construction work is in progress throughout the complex one year later. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

El Sonador Mexican Restaurant then

El Sonador Mexican Restaurant after the wildfires burned it to the ground.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

El Sonador Mexican Restaurant now

El Sonador Mexican Restaurant is still a vacant lot one year later.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Black Bears

A young black bear cub hides in the shadow of a tree as his mother tries to lead it away from a group of tourists in a fire ravages section of the park.  Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Creek Place Efficiencies then

Creek Place Efficiencies on Parkway were completely destroyed but the bank next door (right) was untouched.

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Creek Place Efficiencies now

Creek Place Efficiencies on Parkway have not been rebuilt and the land is for sale. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Ogle's Market and 73 Car Wash then

Ogle's Market and 73 Car Wash just after the wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Ogle's Market and 73 Car Wash now

Ogle's Market and 73 Car Wash one year later. The debris has been cleaned up but the market has not been rebuilt yet. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Alamo Steakhouse then

Alamo Steakhouse on East Parkway, is one of the more famous restaurants in town. It was completely destroyed.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Alamo Steakhouse now

The Alamo Steakhouse has been completely rebuild on the same site. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

New construction

A new house under construction one year after the wildfires devastated Gatlinburg. You can clearly see the path of the fire by the trees without leaves. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Cabin at 223 Roaring Fork Road then

Homes destroyed in the 200 block on Roaring Fork Road.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Cabin at 223 Roaring Fork Road now

A concrete slab in the foreground contrasts with a home under construction next door a year after the fires. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Service Station on East Parkway then

A service station on Parkway destroyed by the fires on East Parkway.

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Service Station on East Parkway now

This service staion on Parkway one year later. The debris has been cleared andd a new home was built on a hill behind it. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Chimney Tops

The view of Chimney Tops looks beautiful from a distance. This is where the wildfire started one year ago. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Chimney Tops up close

A closer look at Chimney Tops shows the destruction the fire caused. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Black Bear Cub

A young black bear cub looks up into a tree, hiding in the tree's shadow. Its mother was nearby watching. The bears were sited in an area where the fires swept through. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Scars remain during the rebuilding process

A charred tree still remains, but new construction moves forward in the distance. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Carr's Northside Cottages then

Several cottages at Carr's Northside Cottages were destroyed.

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Carr's Northside Cottages now

Most of the cottages at Carr's Northside Cottages have been completely rebuilt. The complex suffered heavy damage. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Tower Road home then

The home was gutted by the wildfires on Tower Road.

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Tower Road home now

One year later, the debris has been cleared but nothing has been rebuilt yet. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Marilyn Sims home Davenport Road then

Ronnie Buckner walks on the driveway where the home once stood. It was built in the early 1960's. The Marilyn Sims family home at 804 Davenport Road in Gatlinburg.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Marilyn Sims home Davenport Road now

The Marilyn Sims property has been cleared on Davenport Road. Nothing has been rebuilt yet. The original home was built in the 1960's. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Gatling Village Townhouses on Baskins Creek Road then

Gatling Village Townhouses on Baskins Creek Road. Many of the structures were damaged or destroyed.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Gatling Village Townhouses on Baskins Creek Road now

Gatling Village Townhouses on Baskins Creek Road. The units are being rebuilt. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Survivor

One tree survived close to where the wildfire raced through north of Chimney Top. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Downtown Gatlinburg busy

The main parkway in Gatlinburg on a busy autumn day. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Condos on Cherokee Orchard Road then

Condos destroyed on Cherokee Orchard Road.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Condos on Cherokee Orchard Road now

The lot has been cleared where condos once stood on Cherokee Orchard Road. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

New construction on Tower Road

New construction on Tower Road. Most of this area was destroyed by the fires. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Country Town N' Suites then

Country Town N' Suites shortly after the wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Country Town N' Suites now

Country Town N' Suites today. All of the debris is gone but the units have not been rebuilt yet. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Country Town N' Suites

Search and Rescue markings remain on a wall at Country Town N' Suites. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Bypass entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park today

Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires. The fire swept across this entrance and evidence remains.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Robert E. Lee Hotel at 349 East Holly Ridge Road then

Robert E. Lee Hotel at 349 East Holly Ridge Road.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Robert E. Lee Hotel at 349 East Holly Ridge Road now

Robert E. Lee Hotel at 349 East Holly Ridge Road. The debris has been cleared and is now a parking lot for construction vehicles and trailers. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Stark contrast

The Tree Tops Resort on Roaring Fork Road are under construction in the background, but the homes in the foreground have not been rebuilt yet. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

New construction underway

New Construction in a neighborhood above Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Destruction below Turkey Nest Road then

Views of destruction from Turkey Nest Road one year ago.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Destruction below Turkey Nest Road now

A view looking down on a street below Turkey Nest Road. The debris has been cleared but nothing built yet. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Black Bear in fire area today

A black bear walks through the forest close to wear the wildfires destroyed much of the area, north of Chimney Top. She and her two cubs have returned to the area.  Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

New growth

New growth appears around a charred tree. The understory is returning to much of the burned area. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Charred mountain top

A charred mountain top where the fire raced through. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

New construction near chair lift

A new home being built near the chair lift above Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Beautiful drives

There are beautiful drives throughout the park even after the fires. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

Streams running clear again

Most of the fire debris has disappeared from the streams in the fire affected areas. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

More growth

New construction above Gatlinburg on East Holly Ridge Road. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one year after the devastating wildfires.

Joe Songer | [email protected]

More info about Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Gatlinburg Before and After the Wildfires 2016

Gatlinburg One Week After the Devastating Wildfires

Gatlinburg Christmas After the Wildfires

Great Smoky Mountains National Park After the Wildfires

Joe Songer | [email protected]

A look back one year after the devastating wildfires in Gatlinburg Tennessee and the great Smoky Mountains National Park. Then and now photos and progress being made.

As damage reports continue in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires in Gatlinburg and the Smokies that has to date destroyed nearly 1,700 homes and businesses, we've compiled a list of structures affected by the fires and/or the ferocious winds that accompanied them.

This list, in alphabetical order, will continue to be updated as more information becomes available, and cleanup continues.

Alamo Steakhouse, Gatlinburg: destroyed; Alamo Steakhouse owner Kelly Johnson said employees will maintain their salaries for the next year.

The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant & Grill in Sevierville: undamaged and serving meals to first responders

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts: Executive Director Bill May offered an update, saying Hughes Hall and Wild Wing (both lodging facilities) destroyed, as well as a maintenance building; May said  "the core campus is intact."   The craft center will host a free musical concert on Dec. 10.

Baskins Creek Condos: undamaged

Baskins Creek Vacation Rentals: destroyed

Bearskin Lodge on the River: intact

Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que, Gatlinburg: no damage

Big Daddy’s Pizza, Gatlinburg: undamaged

Black Bear Falls Log Home Community: all cabins initially believed lost, but according to the Gatlinburg Getaway website, all cabins were spared in the fire.

Blaine's Grill and Bar: intact

Brookside Resort: no damage

Calhoun’s Cherokee Grill: intact, but eatery posted on its Facebook page that "we will be closed until further notice."

Carr's Northside Cottages & Motel: damage unknown; according to Carr's website: "Offices are closed while we assess damages to our property.  Currently, we have no power or access to our office."

Chalet Village: damaged; website states: "We will be issuing full refunds for check-ins with arrival dates in the next 7-10 days"

Chapel at the Park: undamaged; according to its website, "Chapel at the Park was on the end of town that was not effected by the fire."

Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens: undamaged

Cobbly Nob community: dozens of houses destroyed

Cooter's Place: intact

Crawdaddy’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar: intact

Creek Place Efficiencies: destroyed

Creek Place Properties: A News Sentinel reporter in Gatlinburg witnessed the cabin rental office burn Tuesday morning

Crockett's Breakfast Camp: no damage

Cupid's Chapel of Love: destroyed; Facebook page says, We will be upgrading all of our weddings to Chapel at the Park."

Doc Collier Moonshine: intact

Dollywood: park undamaged and now open; according to Dollywood Director of Communications Pete Owens, "more than a dozen" cabins damaged

Dollywood's DreamMore Resort: no damage

The Donut Friar: no damage

Driftwood Apartments: destroyed

Eight Gables Inn: destroyed; its website states: "If you have an upcoming reservation, we will be reaching out to you soon."

Elkmont: intact

The Fabulous Chalet: damaged

First Baptist Church of Gatlinburg: church building intact, but youth building destroyed; church's Facebook page says to "please continue to pray for our service personnel still working the fires."

Five Guys Burgers and Fries on Parkway: smoke damage

The Fox & Parrot Tavern: intact

Gatlinburg Church of Christ: destroyed

Gatlinburg Convention Center: intact

Gatlinburg Inn: no damage

Gatlinburg-Pittman High School: no damage

Gatlinburg Sky Lift: no damage, but the attraction's website says "with the mandatory evacuation still active in Gatlinburg, Sky Lift operations remain closed."

Gatlinburg Townhouse Village: 10 units destroyed

Greystone Lodge: intact

Highlands Condos: destroyed: website says "all condos are now unavailable for rent"

Hillbilly Golf: damage to course; buildings intact

Hollywood Star Cars Museum: minor roof and smoke damage

Hungry Bear BBQ: intact

Jack Huff’s Motor Lodge: no damage

Kilwins: intact

Laurel Springs Lodge Bed & Breakfast: intact

LeConte Lodge: undamaged

The Lodge at Buckberry Creek: most structures destroyed; Buckberry's Facebook page says: "It is with heavy hearts we announce that only one building survived the Gatlinburg wildfires."

Loco Burro: intact

Log Cabin Pancake House, Gatlinburg: intact

Maddog’s: no damage

Mountain House Inn: intact

Mountain Laurel Chalets: 44 cabins destroyed

Mountain Lodge Restaurant: destroyed

Mountain Mall: no damage

Mysterious Mansion: Initial reports said mansion was destroyed in the fire, but venue is now reporting on its Facebook page that building stands

NAPA Auto Parts, Gatlinburg: damaged

No Way Jose’s: intact

Ober Gatlinburg: undamaged

Olde Gatlinburg Condos: intact

Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen: intact

Ole Smoky Moonshine: no damage

Pancake Pantry, Gatlinburg: undamaged

The Park Grill: no damage

The Park Vista Hotel: damaged but building stands

Parrot Mountain: no damage

Peace Frogs, Gatlinburg: no damage

Peddler Steakhouse: undamaged

Pi Beta Phi Elementary School: intact (minor wind and smoke damage)

Pittman Center community: dozens of homes destroyed

Pittman Center Elementary School: no damage

Rainbow Motel, Gatlinburg: no damage

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: no damage; general manager says "all is fine"

Riverhouse Motor Lodge: destroyed

River Terrace: possible damage; website says hotel is "temporarily shut down as we assess the fire damage"

Roaring Fork Baptist Church: destroyed; church's website said it is accepting donations and "thank you for all your prayers."

Rocky River Motel: damaged

Sidney James Mountain Lodge: no damage

Smoky Mountain Brewery: intact

Southland Car & Jeep Rentals: heavily damaged

Space Needle: intact

Sugarlands Distilling Company: undamaged; Sugarlands Shine praised first responders on its Facebook page, saying, "the strength and commitment displayed by these men and women was, and is, nothing short of heroic."

Sugarlands Visitors Center: no damage

Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre: undamaged; according to its Facebook page, theater will try to re-open Dec. 8.

Tom & Earl's Back Alley Grill: intact

TreeTops Resort: destroyed

Tremont Institute: intact

Tudor Inn bed and breakfast: destroyed

Wears Valley community: around 70 homes destroyed

Wearwood Elementary School: intact (some roof damage from high winds)

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa: heavy damage; partially reopened on Dec. 10.