Where to Stay in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for Mountain Views and Fall Foliage

Featuring Dollywood day trips, mountain views, and plenty of leaf-peeping [#cneaudio: https://embed-audio.cnevids.com/script/narrated/87a803a6-89e9-47d5-af88-070a3a480bda] Frequently named the most visited national park in the US, Great Smoky Mountains have universal appeal—travelers come from all over the country (and the world) to enjoy the natural beauty of this part of North Carolina and Tennessee.

Hikers, anglers, photographers, road-trippers, birders, families, and thrill-seekers can all find reasons to make the trek. Whether you want to see the namesake fog blanketing the peaks—many of which tower well over 6,000 feet—breathe in the crisp air, or glimpse the famous wildflowers and fall foliage, there’s plenty to do, and some excellent places to spend the night once you get here.

From the historic LeConte Lodge—the only lodging within the park’s boundaries—with its hard-to-come-by reservations and hike-in access to some of the South’s most luxurious hotels—Blackberry Farm and The Swag are legendary in the hospitality world—there’s something for every type of traveler. Whether it’s your first time exploring the park or you’re planning a return trip, you have options for where to set up your base camp.

You can opt for a rustic cabin rental,

You can opt for a rustic cabin rental, a kid-friendly resort, or a stylish glamping site depending on your mood. Read on for some of the best places to stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park for your next nature-filled adventure. Bed and bath: 1 bed, 1 bath
Why we love it: Panoramic mountain views, dog-friendly, s’mores supplies
This Smoky Mountain tree house may be conveniently located near downtown Bryson City, but there’s a very good chance you’ll want to stay put once you check in.

The one-bed, one-bath home, styled in serene natural hues, has a full kitchen, strong Wi-Fi, a private hot tub on the deck, and a 120-inch projector screen—all the ingredients needed for a cozy fall or winter getaway. The owners also provide a handful of thoughtful amenities, including waffle-knit robes, dog treats, and supplies for roasting marshmallows over the firepit. The views, however, are the star of the show.

Whether you’re looking out from the deck or waking up in the light-filled bedroom, you’re treated to breathtaking mountain and valley panoramas—past guests note the photos don’t even do this place justice. Plus, it’s just a 30-minute drive from the national park entrance and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Location: Bryson City, North Carolina
Things to do nearby: Fontana Lake, downtown Bryson City, the Polar Express
Number of guests: 5
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Why we love it: Outdoor firepit, washer and dryer, hot tub on the deck
Some rentals are completely void of personality; they’re simply a place to sleep at night.

This Bryson City cabin is not one

This Bryson City cabin is not one of them. The dog-friendly two-bedroom is cozy, characterful, and conveniently located near the downtown area. Every inch of this Airbnb gives off a decidedly homey vibe, from the stocked bookshelves to the accent pillows and thoughtful extra blankets in the bedrooms. Plan for everyone to gather in the open-concept kitchen and living room as dinner is prepared, then convene on the outdoor deck for cocktails, and circle up by the firepit (firewood is provided) after the sun goes down.

Location: Bryson City, North Carolina
Things to do nearby: downtown Bryson City, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Nantahala Outdoor Center
Number of guests: 2
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Why we love it: Indoor electric fireplace, wraparound porch with a hot tub, spacious walk-in shower
If you’re staying in the Smoky Mountains, there’s a good chance you’re after two things: mountain views and a heavy dose of peace and quiet.

You’ll get both at this roundhouse-style cabin in Sevierville, Tennessee, a 40-minute drive from the national park. Weather permitting, you’ll likely spend the majority of your time on the patio, where a hot tub, firepit, and grill play second fiddle to the panoramic scenery and lurid sunsets. Luckily, the views don’t dissipate when you head indoors; you can get your mountain fix while enjoying morning coffee at the built-in bar and accompanying bay window.

Location: Sevierville, Tennessee Things to do nearby: Ober

Location: Sevierville, Tennessee
Things to do nearby: Ober Ski Mountain, Dollywood, Ole Smoky Distillery
Number of guests: 2
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Why we love it: Waterfront location, outdoor firepit and hot tub, Wi-Fi
You may have gone glamping in a tree house or a tent, but what about a dome? This fully insulated creekside structure in Sylva, North Carolina, is designed for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the Smokies without going totally off the grid.

Along with the queen bed, there’s a small bistro table and chairs, a Roku TV, a decent-sized kitchenette, and a private bathroom. Every night, you’ll go to sleep with twinkling stars peeking through the skylight, and you’ll wake up to natural light streaming in the panoramic window. Outside, there’s cornhole, a hot tub, and easy access to the creek—everything you need for a slow weekend that leaves you rested and rejuvenated.

Location: Sylva, North Carolina
Things to do nearby: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, private creek on the property, Oconaluftee Indian Village
Number of guests: 4
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Why we love it: Coffee station, washer and dryer, barbecue grill
Bryson City may not have the same recognition as Gatlinburg when it comes to proximity to the national park, but don’t overlook this Western North Carolina gem; it’s the “adventure capital of the Smokies” for a reason.

After a full day of rafting

After a full day of rafting on the Nantahala River, hiking to waterfalls, or stepping back in time at the Mountain Farm Museum, return to this custom-built cabin and prepare for an unforgettable sunset, best viewed from the balcony. Billed as the “Cabin in the Clouds,” this serene escape is the type of place where you can completely unplug: Read the newspaper in one of the outdoor Adirondack chairs instead of getting updates on your phone, play a board game with your travel companions, and get a good night’s sleep on a memory foam mattress covered in 700-thread-count Egyptian cotton bedding.

Location: Bryson City, North Carolina
Things to do nearby: Deep Creek, Deep Creek Winery, Nantahala River zip line
Number of guests: 8
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Why we love it: Pet-friendly, outdoor dining area and grill, electric vehicle charging
This multi-level log cabin outside of Bryson City pairs rustic charm with modern amenities—stainless steel appliances, a washer and dryer, and even a custom walk-in shower in one of the bathrooms.

Your group will have lots of space to spread out, thanks to the wraparound top-floor deck and the lower deck, the latter of which is where you’ll find the outdoor hot tub. To ward off the nighttime chill, light the firepit, roast some s’mores, and recap your adventures from the day. When it’s time for some shut-eye, head inside to the simple, clean bedrooms; you may want to call dibs on the king-size suite, though.

Location: Bryson City, North Carolina
Things to do nearby: Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, Walnut Creek Farm, intro to whitewater rafting course

Source: www.cntraveler.com