where to stay in great smoky mountains

Yes, your experience may verge on rustic, but youll be rewarded with the most stunning views imaginable. 4 June 2021 View The state-straddling, Unesco-listed Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to one of the oldest mountain ranges in the US, lined by rustic riverside lodges, luxury camping retreats and storied places to stay - all bookable with Culture Trip. Although similar to Gatlinburg in many respects, Pigeon Forge holds a few key differences worth taking into account. The Highlands condos that burned in 2016. Your condo might not come with a continental breakfast, but youll likely enjoy access to a sizable kitchen in which you can prepare both your morning cup of coffee and your evening meal. You also can do a self-guided tour of the nearby Palmer House, built in 1869 and a reminder of the settler history in the park. Pictured: The Chimney Tops Picnic Area (photo by James Overholt/TheSmokies.com), Growing up in the Midwest, my nearest beaches were hours away. Sure, you could swim in a lake or river or stream. Explore the farms water grist mill where they stone-grind their own Hickory King White Dent Corn. This area has awesome days out for people of all ages and interests. With the word built right into their name, you can bet that Bear Camp Cabin Rentals will have a cabin property perfect for you. ), OVERALL BEST PLACE TO STAY IN GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Bougie-coffee lover and staunch enemy of coriander; TEFL-certified language teacher, linguist, and aspiring polyglot. Deep Creek waterfall hike to Indian Creek Falls, Juney Whank Falls and Tom Branch Falls is 2.4-mile roundtrip Mingo Falls the tallest waterfall in the southern Appalachians is 0.4 mile round trip Chasteen Creek Falls is 4 miles roundtrip and begins in the Smokemont . This massive mountain range with its diversity in ecosystems, wildlife, and heritage is uniquely positioned with half being in North Carolina and the other half in Tennessee. All rights reserved. Mt. Let us know in the comments. In the Great Smoky Mountains youll find diverse wildlife, cascading waterfalls, beautiful hikes, expansive vistas, and the great rolling fog that gave the mountains their name. Some people know from the get-go that they prefer to be in the heart of the action of Pigeon Forge, or, perhaps, away from it all in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Just north of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge is another major tourist town in the region. The interiors are beautifully decorated in a traditional way, and there is a cozy little log burner in the living room where you can warm yourself up during the winter months. High School . The Tennessee side offers a better variety of accommodations, the best outdoor activities and easier access to more of the country through the interstate system. 02/23/2023 4 Gatlinburg GSMNP Maggie Valley North Carolina Pigeon Forge Townsend Wears Valley There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a place to stay in the mountains, but views should definitely be one of them (photo by Daniel Munson/TheSmokies.com) 888-465-9644 Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Because of the varied length and slopes of campsite driveways, some sites are better for tents than RVs. Below, we offer a detailed overview of the myriad of options available. Its old-growth forests, wildflowers and iconic smoky haze draw more than 11 million visitors annually. In fact, it was 2019s most-visited National Park in the USA! These varying purposes can considerably narrow your selection, but youll still need to choose between many places and many types of accommodations. The store is roughly 25 miles north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which sits on the North Carolina border and . Still, it manages to maintain a good deal of small-town appeal while also keeping active types happy with its location right at the base of the Smoky Mountains. Sports. For the RV crowd, the campground can accommodate trailers up to 35 feet and motor homes up to 40 feet. The process of finding the perfect accommodations begins with determining the general region in which you intend to stay. For more information: Additionally, they have a Last Minute Deals page on their website which allows you to save on stays in select cabins. However, in the gateway towns, there are many hotels, resorts, and cabin rentals with great views and convenient access to the park. It was like real-life Frogger. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's . We do not represent World Nomads. Large chain and specialty hotels deliver a myriad of benefits particularly for vast groups seeking easy access to top attractions. Not only will this be cheaper than booking with third-party sites, but it also means that the money will go directly to the local economy and the homeowners themselves, as opposed to the big companies. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. The road climbs some 3,000 feet along the edge of the mountain, and passes through a stunning number of . We also love the huge kitchen! Otherwise, Id just as soon make the short drive home. There is also a private hot tub for guests to use throughout their stay. This bustling Smoky Mountains town is known for its vibrant atmosphere. Its made of wood from Germanys Black Forest and has hand-cast bells which ring out carols and strike the time each hour. Condos vary considerably in terms of both size and luxury. Because of the varied length and slopes of campsite driveways, some sites are better for tents than RVs. However, not all of us are ready, willing or able to make that hike or plan that far in advance. When you arrive, youll likely be guided through every step of the check-in process and perhaps even assisted with your luggage. Before you head in, though, know there are no showers or electrical or water hookups in the park. Required fields are marked *. treehouse-grove.com. No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without a visit to Alamo Steakhouse and Saloon the dcor is like walking back in time, and the food is unmissable. This converted train carriage has a rustic charm that will take you back in time to the foundations of the city. 865-429-5704 If you own an RV or a pop-up camper, youre in luck you can set up shop at one of several campgrounds located in the Smoky Mountains region. Keep in mind that these tickets expire nightly and its only one ticket for each attraction per day, so be sure to use them up when you can! There are 3 entrances for arriving at Great Smoky Mountains National Park: the Gatlinburg, Tennessee entrance, the Townsend, Tennessee entrance, and the Cherokee, North Carolina entrance. For more info please read myPrivacy Policy. you can set up shop at one of several campgrounds, 4 Mysteriously Abandoned Places in the Smoky Mountains, 7 Reasons The Smoky Mountains Make The Perfect Valentines Day Getaway, Guide to Protecting Your Home From Wildfires in the Smoky Mountains, Swimming in the Smokies: Top Swimming Holes, What is Glamping and Why You Should Try It. Cades Cove Campground. You've come to the right place (photos by Morgan Overholt and Bill Burris/TheSmokies.com), The best place is to rent a house or a room in the Blue Mountain Mist bed and breakfast they are in Sevierville, Tennessee best place on earth ,goodies temptations station ,drinks beverage and cakes cookies Guests also have discounted admission to the nearby leisure center, so you can keep up your fitness routine. Theres no dump station here. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (865) 436-4178 info@gatlinburg.com Cades Cove, Smokemont: Year-round. Waterfalls Visit the Oconaluftee Visitor Center for more information, hiking maps and directions to trail heads. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Its not just a normal National Park, its one of the best National Parks in the USA. If you stay in Pigeon Forge, youre only a 20 minute drive or so from the Smokies, but you have a lot more entertainment on-hand. Visiting Nashvilles Grand Ole Opry & How To Take A Tour. It makes me think of Gatlinburg in the early 80s and my youth! The areas walkable nature appeals to those looking to minimize their time behind the wheel. This popular destination offers several exclusive perks, including a TimeSaver feature for minimizing ride waits, door-to-door transportation, and early ride access on Saturdays. These attractions can include theme parks, concerts, museums, restaurants, and more. Here are my favourite mountain towns and places to stay around the area. Its wonderful. That said, this is a great price-saving tip in general. We had Dollywood theme park tickets and decided to make a weekend of it since we were going to the amusement park. 0:00. Can a Beginner Do It? Plus, it has a huge walkable area! Accommodation here is usually significantly cheaper than the equivalent in Gatlinburg, and the restaurants have a more local atmosphere. Bear Camp Cabin Rentals is my pick for accommodation rentals in East Tennessee. For more information: Baths range in temperature from 100F to 104F and every pool is drained, sanitized and refilled after each use. There are 4 sub peaks above 6,000 feet on the mountain: West Point, High Top, Cliff Tops and Myrtle Point. The Chattanooga Choo Choo 20-acre entertainment complex features two hotel buildings, indoor and outdoor pools, an arcade, many restaurants, shops, galleries, live music venues, and a comedy club. I'm Christy Woodrow and I started this adventure travel blog in 2010 to provide trip ideas and helpful travel tips for people with limited vacation time. Some of the more unique features include indoor pools, hot tubs, theatre rooms, pool tables, air hockey, waterfront cabins, mountain views, arcade games, pet-friendly cabins, and more! Conventional hotels abound throughout the Smoky Mountains. The campground has restrooms with running water and flush toilets. Its difficult to plan a route of more than a mile or two without, The massive Buc-ee's parking lot was full for the grand opening (photo by Daniel Munson/TheSmokies.com), When the self-styled home of the worlds cleanest bathrooms, delicious barbecue, freshest food and friendliest beaver announced plans to build the worlds largest convenience store in Sevierville, it generated a, Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. Advance reservations are required on Recreation.gov. Getting to Great Smoky Mountains National Park The park is conveniently located around the mountain tourist town of Gatlinburg, TN, which is just south of the larger tourist town of Pigeon Forge. Make your camping reservation online via Recreation.gov. Your email address will not be published. Camp Margaritaville is a great resort that is perfect for families who want a traditional campground, a hotel or a combination of the two. The campground can accommodate trailers up to 35 feet and motor homes up to 40 feet and has a dump station open year-round. 17 Most Beautiful Smoky Mountain Waterfalls, What To Expect at the Dolly Parton Stampede in Pigeon Forge, Will Ghost Town in the Sky Reopen? Fortunately, Ive climbed over every inch of the Smoky Mountains, visited Grandma every Christmas in Maggie valley and worked a summer at Dollywood. This is one of the more unique hotels in the region but an absolute must if you are visiting over the holiday season. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. In fact, I saw a gaggle of pedestrians trying to cross six lanes of traffic with a crosswalk in Pigeon Forge this weekend. John Gullion, Managing Editor at the Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the parent company of TheSmokies.com and HeyOrlando.com. You could encounter horse trailer traffic on this narrow road, which may involve stopping or reversing to enable other vehicles to pass. Follow the road past Walters Power Generating Station to four-way intersection. Each is named for a different type of tree. The rooms are decorated in a cheerful style, and there is a small waterpark on-site for the kids to use. Within each of the aforementioned property types, youll find a plethora of amenities. Theres no public transport near the Smokies and travelling between these mountain towns by car will take you hours over sometimes hair-raising roads! Active types often prefer Gatlinburg for its proximity to the Smokies. Floyd's home was very private, with no close neighbors, and surrounded by a 10ft privacy fence. As the name suggests, the scenic mountain views are what makes this cabin one of the best Airbnbs in Pigeon Forge! The treehouse is camping style with no running water, but has electricity, fans and heaters. Couples Retreat is one of our favourites in Smoky Mountains but theyre not taking guests right now. Be sure to check out the reviews for the best options. Pigeon Forge offers easier access to Sevierville, Dollywood, and the LeConte Center. Sites can accommodate motor homes up to 35 feet and trailers up to 32 feet. Great Smoky Mountain National Park is huge. A bad day? For more information: Read Also: Best Affordable Cabins in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg: Top 8 Ranked [2022]. To make reservations, go to Recreation.gov. The main casino is within walking distance, as are many other Cherokee attractions. Cherokee is probably the most beautiful destination on this list as its engulfed by mountains on all sides. Condos also offer a homelike environment in which you and your loved ones can instantly relax. Window shop through town. Youll find the scenery particularly enjoyable if you stay somewhere with a patio or a balcony. All campgrounds have running water, flush toilets, picnic tables . Would I want to stay among the most natural beauty? Custom-made of red cedar, the treehouse is located right in a llama pasture for ultimate cute-ness. Everywhere you look there's something to see, and often it is something you might not expect, such as King Kong climbing a replica of the Empire State Building at the Hollywood Wax Museum or a replica of the Titanic. Gatlinburg is home to a wide range of tour guides and excursion providers. With Pigeon Forge, however, vacationers priorities may go beyond the great outdoors. We put together a personalized guide to camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park from a beautiful horse camp to car camping in style and RV paradise. 119 Christmas Tree Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868 There are no showers or electrical or water hookups in the park. The main gateways to Great Smoky Mountains are the Sugarlands Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, North Carolina. The argument can surely be made that the North Carolina side of the border has the best restaurants. Camping & RV. On a good day, it might take you about 20-30 minutes to get from one town to the other. Did I miss anything? My ancestors actually lived in the Cataloochee Valley, one of the main attractions on the North Carolina side of the park! A breakfast buffet is included in the rate. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Now, you have to pick a place to stay. Many local hotels come with pools, hot tubs, and other fun amenities. Youll feel the spirit of the holidays all year long with its Christmas tree, holiday garland, and singing Santa. Its still possible to hear the Cherokee language spoken widely in this part of the country, and its pretty cool to see the Sequoyah writing system used on street signs. Nearby, Pigeon Forge is fun and convenient, but unless you find a cabin off the beaten path, its not necessarily beautiful. Stocking the kitchen requires a llama train. Welcome to Ordinary Traveler! Get the heart pumping inthis, If you still want to head outdoors but prefer something a little calmer,this. Need a place to stay? Only a short drive from Cherokee, it doesnt have anywhere near the same amount of tourists as everywhere else mentioned in this guide, which is part of its charm! Camper cabins provide an excellent middle ground, and in some cases, much-desired privacy. But the expansion of businesses and cabins has kind of lessened the visual experience. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Certainly, with the casino at Cherokee and the Biltmore in Asheville, the North Carolina side of the mountains has plenty of charm. Pigeon Forge has the most popular attractions and a clear advantage during Rod Runs. As the home of Dollywood, this is a must-visit for families heading to the area. The Inn at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. doesnt pay much attention to the calendar. While there are no hook-ups, there is a dump station. For example, they offerThe Cedar,The Poplar and The Willow and also provide a beautiful, secluded environment. The Gatlinburg Strip is only a short walk away, so you wont be too far from the best bars and restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg. Our Nashville weekend getaway guide covers the best time to visit, where to stay, things to do and where to eat on your weekend in Nashville! Any direction you go, youll find gurgling creeks and superb hikes. Pigeon Forge is ideal. Spend your money here if you enjoy irony but expect very little. Dollywood is a given! Dorothys House sits inside the infamous Land of Oz Amusement Park. 475 Norton Creek Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Its where youll find the largest selection of bars, shops, entertainment venues and some of Gatlinburgs best Airbnbs. For more information: Need a map of Great Smoky Mountains National Park? This makes it an excellent choice for those that dont have their own transport. No matter your travel preferences, youll have no trouble finding accommodations to suit your unique needs in and around the Smoky Mountains. She started this adventure travel blog in 2010 to provide trip ideas and helpful travel tips for people with limited vacation time. For example, supplies are brought to and from the lodge by pack animals like llamas. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. With miles of incredible horseback riding trails, river access, a ranger station and historic sites less than a mile away, the five-site Big Creek is a great place to base out of in the northeastern side of the park. Detailed below are a few of the main types of accommodations, as well as where they can be found and why they may or may not work for your vacation. If youre going to spend most of your time in Pigeon Forge, then it would make sense to stay there. I love the Sydney James Motor Lodge The old mom and pop feel, a balcony room backed up to a rushing creek, and easy walk to town. Buy the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map for Great Smoky at REI.com. Managed by The Hot Springs Resort Spa, the springs are the only naturally-hot mineral springs in North Carolina. This kitchen can prove valuable for picky eaters or for those looking to save money on dining. With room to sleep five, including a bed in the cupolas, and a window view of the ranchs roaming bison, it will make a vacation your family wont forget. 811 East Parkway, P.O. Just 20 minutes from Great Smoky National Park, its the kind of place where non-campers find themselves completely enamored with tented living. Sandwiched between Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Nantahala National Forest, Bryson City is a small gateway to both regions. Large groups and families heading to Gatlinburg will love this luxurious townhouse right in the heart of the city! Hotels and Cabins. You will also receive a FREE eBook on how to take the most beautiful travel photos! We generally dont like huge crowds we want something a little quieter. If I had to choose a favorite, I love Gatlinburg! No one location or type of lodging will supply a perfect experience for every vacationer; where you stay depends not only on price and reputation, but also on your unique situation as a traveler. You can stay in a gorgeous glamping tent, at a family farm or in Oz. Choose from a variety of cabin sizes and amenities to find the one that best suits your group. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. There is only one lodge inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, LeConte Lodge, and reservations start with a lottery in fall. Say hi to my friends at the kettle korn stand if you go! Many have kitchens or kitchenettes, which appeal to those unwilling to prepare their meals on the grill or over the fire. Just answer one question: What type of camper are you? World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and a partner of other affiliate programs including Booking.com, CJ and Tripster, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases via links found in this article. Close to some of the best rainbow and brook trout fishing and far away from the crowds, Cataloochee Campground is just enough off the beaten path to offer more solitude than the more popular and larger campgrounds of Cades Cove and Elkmont. Staying safe in the Great Smokies Many black bears call the Smokies home. Photo: by Vic Peters via Wikimedia Commons, The walking bridge over Oconaluftee River in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Mountain Farm Museum at Oconaluftee Valley. Cades Cove. Then try out one of Bear Camp Cabin Rentals Smoky Mountain Treehouses! Read Also: The Mt. Its the best place to have a comfort-filled vacation. Would I want to stay in a popular destination to maximize the fun? We love Conors Steak & Seafood they have a welcoming atmosphere and an incredibly well-priced menu. And it is situated right at the 11-miles, one-way loop road that offers spectacular views, historic buildings and wildlife-viewing opportunities. This vast region is packed with stunning mountain views, engaging entertainment venues, and insightful local highlights. North of Pigeon Forge, Sevierville is a little bit off the beaten path but a great choice for those on a budget! Recreational opportunities abound, with many campers able to hit the trail as soon as they put on their hiking boots. 865-622-7695 I like being able to park the car and walk around. Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. Here are our top 11 weird and wonderful places to stay in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area, if you are seeking unforgettable, adventurous experiences. Dont miss out on this campground. The campground has restrooms with running water and flush toilets. Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. Set to open in 2021, these treehouses are perched 10 feet off the ground, and come with all modern amenities including oversized windows from which to soak up the view. But it was never quite like a summer, The Pigeon Forge Greenway is a great place to take a scenic walk or get some exercise while on vacation (photo by Kirby Russell/TheSmokies.com), As a runner residing in the North Georgia foothills, I am no stranger to hill work. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Highest Elevation Mountain Peak Our region of the Smokies has the highest-elevation mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A resort is a destination in and of itself. From Andrews Bald, you can see Fontana Lake and expansive views of the Smokies. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is considered the capital of Cherokee culture in the United States and is in the heart of the Qualla Boundary Reservation. There are so many beautiful Airbnbs in Smoky Mountains. Rent bikes, go on a trail ride on horseback, see wildlife and enjoy The Loop Scoop, a delicious concoction of soft-serve ice cream, sprinkles and M&Ms on a chocolate waffle cone at the general store near the Cades Cove Campground. I get it though, sometimes youre in a rush to get going. All Rights Reserved. Not only do Bear Camp Cabin Rentals offer their namesake accommodations, but they also have Hotel and Motel suites at the ready. If you dive right into town, unfortunately, youll feel like youre in another tourist trap town. 828-658-8012 Rapid Expeditions offer adrenaline rush activities along the Pigeon River great for older kids. Ask for Eric Ball owner. What a view and easy access to the park, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge via the bypass. For the lowest prices, they suggest booking between January and March (off-season), and to book during weekdays as opposed to weekends. Between the two is the scenic Newfound Gap Road, which winds for 29 miles, neatly bisecting the park on the only pavement traversing the Smokies. Your email address will not be published. Theres a big screen TV in the living room for relaxation time between outings. On the contrary, the fact that they manage over 150 individually-owned properties means that no matter what specifications you require for your visit, there will be accommodations that suit your needs. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. While the mountains are easily reached from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg sits adjacent to the national park. Campfire Lodgings Look Rock: late-April late-October Gatlinburg is a more authentic experience and has close access to the Smokies. Visiting the Grand Ole Opry is a must-do. We road tripped with my entire family to TN, stayed all together in an . Cherokee is a great area to stay in if you want to explore some smaller sections of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Cataloochee and Deep Creek. Country Cascades Waterpark Resort is a great family-friendly resort in the area. Dollywood lovers, in particular, will appreciate the convenience of the DreamMore Resort. 226 Bison Run Rd., Clyde, NC 28721 Backcountry sites 68, 69, 70 and 71 are along this stretch, and you will need a backcountry permit and reservations for the sites in which you plan to spend the night. Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 You may also call the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297 for information to plan your hiking or backpacking trip. Nestled in the outskirts of Sevierville, this is an excellent choice for those that want somewhere calm, without all the noise of the main tourist areas. To get bragging rights that you hiked part of the Appalachian Trail, spend a few nights on the Forney CreekTrail via the AT. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Easily the most visited city in the region, Gatlinburg is the main gateway to Great Smoky Mountain National Park for most tourists. Its a great place. How to Book Accommodations with Bear Camp Cabin Rentals. Some people know from the get-go that they prefer to be in the heart of the action of Pigeon Forge, or, perhaps, away from it all in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park had a rough start as its developer passed away six months before it opened in 1970. Take some time to assess your priorities and determine which location and type of lodging best fits your needs. This single-bedroom North Carolina cabin is the perfect choice for couples heading to the Smokies! Pigeon Forge - Best Place to Stay in the Smoky Mountains for Families 3. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Rich Mountain Loop Cades Cove is one of the best places for bear-spotting in the park, but most visitors only see it from the road, slogging through slow-moving lines of cars full of tourists. Wears Valley - the best town for relaxation 4. To get to Big Creek, head 16 miles east of Newport, Tenn., on I-40. Other park regulations include that those bringing horses into the park must have the original or a copy of an official negative test for Coggins.

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