MJ Destinations POI: Brushy Mountain Prison, Petros, TN

Lifestyle August 7, 2020 Phillip Thorpe

All too often we Jeepers get too hung up on hitting the toughest, wildest, muddiest trails we can find. I must be honest; I...

All too often we Jeepers get too hung up on hitting the toughest, wildest, muddiest trails we can find. I must be honest; I am as guilty as anyone on this. On this destination, we are going to take a step back from the trails and check out one of the coolest weekend destinations in the Southeast, Brushy Mountain Prison.

Brushy Mountain Prison is nested between to ridges in Petros, TN. Where is that you might ask? Well its located about 20 minutes from Windrock Off-Road Park in Oliver Springs, TN. Brushy was known for being one of the toughest prisons in the USA and housing some of the most famous inmates, most notably was James Earl Ray.

The prison opened for operation in 1896 and was shut down in 2009. Over four years went by before a company purchased it and restored life back into the defunct prison. Now that the prison is open for the public to enjoy. The owners restored several of the old buildings on the campus. They offer up some of the best BBQ in East Tennessee, clean bathrooms, and some of the tastiest moonshine the Smokies have to offer. There is even a concert venue for summertime concerts.

But with all the amenities they have to offer, none compare to the big house itself. There are guided tours of the facility given daily. You will get to walk through the prison as it has set since the state shut it down in 2009.

Finally, if you are a real thrill seeker, you can sign up for a Paranormal Tour. Their resident paranormal investigator has over 20 years of experience and claims that Brush Mountain Prison is the hottest site she has ever investigated. Their paranormal tours are for 4 hours or a 7-hour overnight tour if your really looking to get spooked.

While this destination will not require lockers or a winch, it should be at the top of your hit list for ModernJeeper Destinations. Make sure to come hungry and allow plenty of time for exploring the property as this place will not disappoint. For more information on Brushy Mountain Prison, check them out at www.tourbrushy.com

Phillip Thorpe Contributing Writer

Philip has been an off-road fanatic every since he could crawl into his Grandpa's "monster truck." Over the years he has been a successful competitive fisherman and hunter. He is a connoisseur of Bourbon and BBQ. He also spends his time as a Moderator on Modern Jeeper Forum and a land use advocate for the Blue Ribbon Coalition.