What Is The Best Place To Stay In Smoky Mountains

Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge

If your kids are adventurous and fun-loving, then youve got to spend a few nights at the Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge! It offers two enormous onsite waterparks full of thrilling water slides! You can enjoy the indoor water park or the seasonal outdoor water park as well as the miniature golf course.

The rooms at the Wyndham are actually fully equipped apartments that are quite spacious. You can enjoy your own kitchen with everything youll need to whip up meals for the family, as well as a balcony and a washer and dryer. Beds are luxuriously comfortable and youll have your own seating and dining area so you will never feel cramped.

The staff at the Wyndham are incredibly organized and willing to help you with anything you may need during your stay. Guests can take advantage of the other resort amenities including a fire pit, a large fitness center, two restaurants, and a game room. And the Sevierville Golf Club is just a 5 minute walk from the property.

The Wyndham is farther from the Great Smoky Mountains than the other hotels but its worth the drive because of how much fun your kids will have!

The Inn At Christmas Place Pigeon Forge

True to its name, this is a Christmas-themed hotel like no other at Pigeon Forge. This four-star hotel is located near the Pigeon Forge Snow and offers an experience like none other with their quirky theme style. This hotel is also the perfect Christmas holiday destination.

Each room has free wi-fi, a coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, DVD player, and flat-screen television. You can choose amongst the different lodgings available there, such as king suites, two-room suites, and the Santa suit. There are private hot tub facilities available here as well, along with an outdoor hot tub.

This hotel also has a gorgeous courtyard filled with vibrant flora, which will make you want to stop around here and observe the serene, scenic surroundings. The rates range from $160 to $250+ per night, depending on how early youre booking or during which season youre booking.

This could be the best place to stay in Smoky Mountains TN if youre into the quirky setting and variety of attractions near the hotel.

You can check out interactive museums like the Titanic Museum Attraction, a six-minute drive from this hotel. You can learn about the history of the famous Titanic ship and have a fun time navigating through the exhibits and artifacts. Its high in demand, so its recommended to make a reservation beforehand if youre planning to visit.

Bryson City Center Of Adventure Near The Smoky Mountains

North Carolina provides a different look to the Smoky Mountains than its counterparts in Tennessee and Bryson City is a more natural and laid-back town that will appeal to many.

This gateway to the mountains is not only close to the entry to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but is also next to the Nantahala River Gorge and Fontana Lake.

Adventure is one of Bryson’s calling cards because of highlights such as the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, wildwater rafting on the Nantahala River, chasing waterfalls at Deep Creek within the national park, Road to Nowhere, and plenty of opportunities to go tubing, horse riding, fishing, kayaking, SUP, and more.

Tiny Home Gina’s Great Getaways

You might not’ve heard of Gina’s Great Getaways but they have an amazing collection of unique stays in and around the Bryson City area that will blow you away.

The one we stayed at is called the Sweet Pea Tiny Home. It’s truly an adorable small space that backs into a tumbling creek. While small, it isn’t lacking in features with tons of privacy, firepit, charcoal grill, full kitchen, queen bed, air conditioning, and full size bathroom. No shortcuts were made with this home.

1800s Homestead Smokey Mountain Overlook

If you’re looking for a spacious cottage with views of the Smoky Mountains, this is a quiet part of Bryson City to stay in.

Being on the Booking platform, if you have Genius status, you’ll be able to apply a 17% discount too which makes this a great stay for those on a budget.

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Best Place To Stay In The Smoky Mountains

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This might come to a surprise to you but the most visited national park in the United States isn’t the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, or even Yellowstone. The most visited is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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.

For those starting to plan your trip to the Smokies, you’ll want to work out how you’ll be exploring the national park and where you want to base yourself or jump between. With this guide on the best place to stay in the Smoky Mountains, you’ll learn about the differences between all the areas and inspiration for where to stay.

The mountains are calling!

• Best place to stay in Zion National Park

Looking for deals on car rentals?

• The Smoky Mountains is definitely a road trip kind of destination and so you’ll definitely need to rent your own car when you’re here. To make sure you save money for all of the awesome activities in the region, make sure you apply these car rental coupon codes.

Here’s what we’re covering:

Authentic Farmstay In Cherokee: Dogwood Farms

This is an excellent farm stay near Cherokee! This quaint little cottage has stylishly rustic interiors and a large outdoor deck area. Alongside views of the Smoky Mountains and surrounding forest, youll be able to watch the farm animals. It comes with no steps, making it super accessible as well as great for small children. For a charming and peaceful stay, this is the place to be.

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Is It Better To Stay In Gatlinburg Or Pigeon Forge

If you read the first two answers, then you probably know which way Im going to go.

I like Pigeon Forge. In fact, we have had a little getaway vacation there with the family. We had Dollywood tickets and decided to make a weekend of it since we were going to the amusement park. It was fine and convenient for our general purpose. If youre Dolly Parton fans, you might vote for Pigeon Forge.

But, honestly, I just like Gatlinburg better. It makes for the best romantic getaway or starting point for outdoor adventures.

I like being able to park the car and walk around. In fact, I saw a gaggle of pedestrians trying to cross six lanes of traffic with a crosswalk in Pigeon Forge this weekend.

It was like real-life Frogger. Downtown Gatlinburg was made for pedestrians, almost everything is a short walk.

Gatlinburg, with its vaguely European architectural touches, just feels more like a real getaway. Its prettier. I prefer the view of the Gatlinburg Space Needle to anything in Pigeon Forge.

Gatlinburg also has better access to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park picnic areas.

You obviously have to assess what is important to you on vacation. If youre going to spend most of your time in Pigeon Forge, then it would make sense to stay there. Plus, if you account for Dollywoods Dreammore Resort, I think Pigeon Forge has the best hotels.

Otherwise, Id just as soon make the short drive home.

Wheres The Best Place To Stay On The North Carolina Side Of The Mountains

Again, we love Hendersonville. Its a great place. The apple picking in the fall is fantastic. The mountain views are wonderful. The downtown is lively and full of interesting shops and artisan restaurants. The area is rich in history. Its wonderful.

Certainly, Cherokee has grown over the years, has natural beauty and celebrations of native culture. Its also the best place in the mountains to see an elk. And they offer gambling at Harrahs if youre into such things. But for us, Hendersonville and nearby Flat Rock is the spot.

Also, Bryson City is a bit off the beaten path, but the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and its museum make for a fun getaway. There are just enough interesting restaurants and you can see locations used in the Harrison Ford classic movie, The Fugitive.

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The Cabin Rental Store

The Cabin Rental Store is a fantastic resource to find secluded cabins in Gatlinburg that can house very large parties. For instance, the Greenbrier Estate is perfect for extended family reunions, business conferences, wedding accommodations, retirement parties and more. These two 28-bedroom, side-by-side mansion cabins come fully decked out with private bathrooms, two private movie theaters, arcade games, four hot tubs, a fire pit, and two massive kitchens, among many other amenities. The Cabin Rental Store also offers smaller cabins, ranging from one to fourteen bedrooms, across Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Smoky Mountains

Where should I stay when visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Gatlinburg is the perfect getaway town for visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park thanks to its closeness to the park entrance and popular attractions. Some of the best hotels to stay here are andOld Creek Lodge.

Is it better to stay in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are both popular gateway towns for visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park but if you want to be close to the park entrance Gatlinburg is better. Pigeon Forge is a great place to stay for families thanks to its fun attractions.

Can you stay inside the Great Smoky Mountains national park?

Yes, there is one lodge and some campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The campgrounds are called Elkmont Campground, Cades Cove Campground, and Abrams Creek Campground.

How many days do you need in the Smoky Mountains?

I recommend staying at least 3 nights in the Great Smoky Mountains to discover hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and all the attractions in the town. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are the most popular towns to stay in the Smoky Mountains.

What are the best hotels near Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The Hollywood Star Cars Museum Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center The Tennessee Museum of Aviation Cades Cove

Enjoy your great smoky Mountain vacation,

Eylul

Cherokee Nc A North Carolina Town Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

To stay on the Tennessee side is much more popular for exploring the Smokies than the North Carolina end. Accordingly all the options for where to stay near Great Smoky Mountains so far, including Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Wears Valley and Townsend, are located on the Tennessee side.

But a good option for where to stay when visiting the Great Smoky Mountains from the North Carolina end is Cherokee. From Great Smoky Mountains hotels in Cherokee its only a few miles to the southern part of the national park.

On top of the great park access you in Cherokee also find the Oconaluftee Indian Village. The impressive indian village recreates life of an 18th century Cherokee village and makes it fun to learn more about the Cherokee culture.

From Cherokee you in addition can enter Americas favorite drive, the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway. A popular day trip is to drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee up to Asheville and visit the famous Biltmore Estate.

All in all, the southern side of the Great Smoky Mountains is not as busy as the northern end. Still Cherokee is a great option for where to stay near Great Smoky Mountains in the south. From hotels near Great Smoky Mountains in Cherokee you only have a few miles to the park border.

• Pick Cherokee for: Access to the southern side of the Smokies.

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Luxurious Cabin In Pigeon Forge: Mountain Views

As the name suggests, the scenic mountain views are what makes this cabin one of the best Airbnbs in Pigeon Forge! The rustic wooden architecture gives it a real rural vibe, while the cozy interiors are packed with soft furnishings and inviting seating areas. The large balcony runs the length of the property and has a private hot tub where you can enjoy a glass or two of champagne.

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Most Romantic Airbnb In The Smoky Mountains

• $$$

• 4 Guests
• King-sized bed

What could be more romantic than a cabin in the woods? This gorgeous Smoky Mountains Airbnb is the perfect spot to escape for a relaxing getaway. The cabin is surrounded by trees and the back patio is completely secluded for you to make the most of the Jacuzzi and bbq area with your loved one.

The living space is all open plan and modern with a fireplace, a couch downstairs and a king-sized bed in the loft above. If you want to spoil the romance, you can invite your friends or family, as theres a sofa bed downstairs in front of the fireplace. While this home sets the scene for some serious romance in seclusion, youre only 25 mins from Gatlinburg.

• 4 Guests
• Secluded and peaceful neighbourhood

This spacious homey cabin is our pick for the best Airbnb Plus in the Smoky Mountains. This means the property has been inspected in person by Airbnb for quality and design. The mountain home is decorated with antique furniture, has high ceilings and wide-open windows.

Theres a giant decking area with gorgeous views out over the Smokies. It even has hiking trails that begin right off the property. The home is located in a quiet and secluded neighbourhood in the mountains nearby to Asheville, so youre guaranteed peace and quiet during your stay. This Smoky Mountains Airbnb is well suited to families, groups of friends or even digital nomads, as it has a desk set up.

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Are You Looking For A Place To Stay In The Smoky Mountains

A cabin rental is the perfect place to stay in the Smoky Mountains! Smoky Mountain cabins put you just a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can explore miles of hiking trails. They range in size to accommodate all types of vacation groups, from couples to large families. After a hike in the mountains, youll love returning to your cabin and relaxing in front of the fire or in the hot tub. Cabins come with all the comforts of home and all the added benefits of a Smoky Mountain vacation, from fully equipped kitchens to gorgeous mountain views.

Take a look at where you can find the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains below:

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Sevierville Where To Stay For Those On A Budget

If you want to save money on accommodation, Sevierville is the best place to stay in the Smoky Mountains thanks to its great selection of budget hotels and affordable restaurants. Sevierville is located 15 miles north of Gatlinburg and is still not far from local attractions and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Sevierville has a small-town feel which allows you to be away from the crowds and also offers nice local restaurants, outlet shopping centers, and fun attractions. You will still be enjoying the beautiful mountain views, scenic Pigeon River, and easy access to hiking trails.

Here are the best budget-friendly hotels in Sevierville that I carefully picked for you:

Creekside Cove Wedding Chapel

Creekside Cove Chapel is an adorable rustic wedding chapel in Pigeon Forge. It has been designed to replicate the chapels early settlers would have used for their wedding ceremony, creating a simplistically romantic setting.

Get wed inside the chapel, which has authentic wooden pews and a light stained wood interior design. Alternatively, get married outside the chapel under the secluded gazebo, in the relaxing meadow or on an arched bridge. The chapel holds up to 20 guests, for a more modest experience.

• Address: 702 Wears Valley Road Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
• Prices: Prices start at $279 with a platinum wedding costing $799
• Capacity: 20

Known as The Best Place to Elope in East Tennessee, Honeysuckle Honey is an all-inclusive wedding venue. This venue offers a 45-minute elopement package for groups of 30 people or fewer. The elopement package wedding option does not include a reception with a meal or a DJ.

The wedding willow tree is the most popular, especially for couples eloping. There is also a cute stone temple arch and a historic wedding arbor. There is a covered pavilion which offers shading and the traditional wedding chapel that seats 40-50 people.

• Address: 934 Mill Creek Rd Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
• Prices: $1,499 weekdays or $1,599 on Saturdays elopement package, all-inclusive $1,999 weekdays or $2,100 on Saturdays, $2,499 weekdays or $2,599 for the Saturdays mountain package or large family elopement.
• Capacity: 30

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