Back roads to Gatlinburg that skip the Parkway · The foothills community where Dolly went to school
Caton's Chapel is a small, rural community in the Sevier County foothills, set along Catons Chapel Road and Birds Creek Road between Sevierville and Gatlinburg. It's best known as part of Dolly Parton's childhood: she was raised here and attended elementary school in the community. Today it's a quiet place for cabins with country views and easy back-road access to the Smokies' main towns.
A piece of Dolly history
Dolly Parton's family moved to Caton's Chapel when she was a girl, and she attended the community's elementary school. For Dolly fans, staying here is a chance to see the rural Sevier County countryside that shaped her songs and stories.
Peace and quiet
Caton's Chapel is far from the neon of the Parkway, with farmland, rolling hills and mountain views. Evenings here are calm and starry.
Back roads to everything
Birds Creek Road runs from the Pittman Center Road area toward the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community and downtown Gatlinburg, while Pittman Center Road heads toward Sevierville. That makes it easy to reach both without the Parkway.
From Caton's Chapel, head toward Gatlinburg for the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, downtown Gatlinburg and the national park, or toward Sevierville for shopping and the Dolly Parton statue downtown. Dollywood and Pigeon Forge are an easy drive, too. Plan your days with our guides to Sevierville attractions and Gatlinburg attractions.
Dolly fans
Pair a stay in Dolly's childhood community with a day at Dollywood and a visit to her statue in downtown Sevierville.
Couples
A quiet cabin in the countryside with mountain views makes for a relaxed getaway. See our honeymoon cabins for more options.
Travelers who prefer the back roads
If you'd rather take scenic country roads than sit in Parkway traffic, Caton's Chapel puts you on the right side of town. Nearby Birds Creek offers more cabins along the same back route.
Stock up before you arrive
Caton's Chapel is rural, so pick up groceries in Sevierville or Gatlinburg on your way in.
Follow our directions
Country roads can confuse GPS apps, so use the driving directions we send with your reservation.
Respect private property
Caton's Chapel is a residential community. If you're exploring Dolly's old stomping grounds, enjoy the views from the road and respect the privacy of the families who live here.
Caton's Chapel is an unincorporated community in Sevier County, along Birds Creek Road and Catons Chapel Road near Pittman Center Road, between Sevierville and Gatlinburg.
Yes. Dolly Parton was raised in the community and attended elementary school there.
Both are a short drive by back roads, without needing to take the Parkway.
Yes. Some longtime locals still call the community "The Chapel."
Yes. Browse the cabins above and book direct with Colonial Properties to get our Stay & Play Pass.
Looking for more options? Explore our family cabins or all of our cabin resorts, and book direct to get our Stay & Play Pass with free attraction tickets for every paid night.