The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee are a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. With its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder why people flock to this region. One of the most important aspects of planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains is deciding where to stay. With numerous options ranging from cozy cabins to luxurious resorts, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect place to rest your head. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, to help you make the most of your trip.
Why Choose the Smoky Mountains?
The Smoky Mountains offer a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. From hiking and camping to fishing and wildlife watching, there’s something for every interest and skill level. The region is also steeped in history and culture, with numerous museums, historic sites, and festivals throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, the Smoky Mountains have something for everyone.
Best Places to Stay in the Smoky Mountains
In this article, we’ll explore the top places to stay in the Smoky Mountains, including:
- Cabins and Chalets: Cozy cabins and chalets offer a home-away-from-home experience, perfect for families or couples.
- Resorts and Hotels: Luxurious resorts and hotels provide top-notch amenities and services, ideal for those seeking a more indulgent experience.
- Bed and Breakfasts: Quaint B&Bs offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a more intimate and personalized experience.
- Camping: For those who love the great outdoors, camping is a great option, with numerous campsites and RV parks throughout the region.
In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into each of these options, highlighting the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, we’ve got you covered.
Best Places to Stay in the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Smoky Mountains, located in eastern Tennessee, are a popular vacation destination known for their natural beauty, rich history, and wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure-filled trip, the Smoky Mountains have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip.
Sevierville
Sevierville is a charming town located at the foot of the Smoky Mountains, just 45 minutes east of Knoxville. It’s a popular destination for families and couples alike, offering a range of accommodations from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts.
* **Riverstone Resort and Spa**: This luxurious resort offers spacious rooms, a full-service spa, and an outdoor pool. It’s located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
* **Hilton Garden Inn Sevierville**: This hotel offers comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. It’s located near the Sevierville Convention Center and offers easy access to the Smoky Mountains.
* **Smoky Mountain Trout Farm**: This family-friendly resort offers rustic cabins, an outdoor pool, and a trout farm. It’s located near the Little Pigeon River and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a popular vacation destination in the Smoky Mountains, known for its vibrant nightlife, delicious restaurants, and wide range of outdoor activities. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Las Vegas For Families)
* **The Lodge at Buckberry Creek**: This luxurious lodge offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers easy access to the Smoky Mountains.
* **The Inn at Christmas Place**: This festive hotel offers comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. It’s located in the heart of Gatlinburg and offers easy access to the city’s shops and restaurants.
* **Gatlinburg Inn**: This budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. It’s located near the Gatlinburg Strip and offers easy access to the city’s attractions.
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is a popular vacation destination in the Smoky Mountains, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, delicious restaurants, and wide range of outdoor activities.
* **The Island at Pigeon Forge**: This luxurious resort offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers easy access to the Smoky Mountains.
* **The Inn at Pigeon Forge**: This budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. It’s located in the heart of Pigeon Forge and offers easy access to the city’s shops and restaurants.
* **Pigeon Forge Inn**: This family-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. It’s located near the Pigeon Forge Strip and offers easy access to the city’s attractions.
Other Options
If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, there are several other options to consider in the Smoky Mountains.
* **Cades Cove**: This historic valley is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers a range of accommodations, including cabins and camping sites.
* **Townsend**: This charming town is located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains and offers a range of accommodations, including cabins and bed and breakfast inns.
* **Wears Valley**: This scenic valley is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers a range of accommodations, including cabins and camping sites.
Things to Do
The Smoky Mountains offer a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Here are a few things to do: (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Cambria Ca)
* **Hiking**: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy day hikes to more challenging multi-day backpacking trips.
* **Fishing**: The Smoky Mountains are home to over 2,000 miles of streams and rivers, offering a range of fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers.
* **Wildlife Viewing**: The Smoky Mountains are home to a wide range of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and white-tailed deer. Visitors can take guided tours or drive through the park’s scenic roads to spot these animals.
* **Scenic Drives**: The Smoky Mountains offer a range of scenic drives, including the Cades Cove Loop Road and the Roaring Fork Motor Trail.
* **Waterfalls**: The Smoky Mountains are home to over 250 waterfalls, ranging from small cascades to larger falls like Grotto Falls and Laurel Falls.
Conclusion
The Smoky Mountains offer a wide range of accommodations and activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure-filled trip, the Smoky Mountains have something for everyone. By considering the options outlined in this article, you’ll be able to find the perfect place to stay and make the most of your trip to the Smoky Mountains.
Key Points
* The Smoky Mountains offer a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts.
* Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge are popular vacation destinations in the Smoky Mountains.
* The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
* The Smoky Mountains are home to over 250 waterfalls and offer a range of scenic drives.
* Townsend and Wears Valley are charming towns located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
Recap
In this article, we’ve explored the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, and provided a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure-filled trip, the Smoky Mountains have something for everyone. By considering the options outlined in this article, you’ll be able to find the perfect place to stay and make the most of your trip to the Smoky Mountains.
Here are five FAQs related to “Best Places To Stay In The Smoky Mountains Tennessee”:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best areas to stay in the Smoky Mountains for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, we recommend staying in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Both areas offer a wide range of accommodations, dining options, and attractions. Gatlinburg is a popular choice for its convenient location near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while Pigeon Forge offers a more lively atmosphere with its many shows and attractions.
What are some budget-friendly options for accommodations in the Smoky Mountains?
If you’re on a budget, consider staying in a cabin or condo instead of a hotel. Many of these properties offer full kitchens and amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces, which can be a great value. You can also look for budget-friendly hotels and motels in nearby towns like Sevierville or Townsend. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Quito Ecuador)
What are the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains for families?
For families, we recommend staying in Pigeon Forge or Sevierville. Both areas offer a variety of kid-friendly attractions, such as Dollywood and Dolly Parton’s Splash Country. Many hotels and resorts in these areas also offer amenities like water parks, game rooms, and kids’ clubs.
Can I stay in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself?
Yes, you can stay within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but you’ll need to camp or stay in one of the park’s backcountry shelters. There are also several lodges and resorts located just outside the park’s borders that offer stunning views and easy access to the park’s trails and attractions.
What are some luxury options for accommodations in the Smoky Mountains?
If you’re looking to splurge, consider staying at a luxury resort like the Lodge at Buckberry Creek or the Inn at Christmas Place. These properties offer upscale amenities like fine dining, spas, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can also look for luxury cabins and vacation rentals in the area that offer private hot tubs, fireplaces, and other high-end amenities.