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Though it’s the most visited national park in the United States, travelers are still bound to find seclusion in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Which may be why it appeals to so many people.
Renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, it’s understandable why so many people make the trek to visit this beautiful area in southern Appalachia. From a booming black bear population to over 1,500 species of flowering plants, nature is at its best within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
But if you prefer adventure to wildlife, GSM has that in spades, too. And fortunately, a benefit of the park being so popular is that there are hundreds of airbnbs near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s easy to find the perfect basecamp, whether you’re a big group of hikers or pair looking to plan a romantic getaway in nature. One of these airbnbs near Great Smoky Mountains NP is bound to be perfect for you.
Related Read: 8 Best Resorts in Tennessee for Every Traveler
1. Secluded Cabin Above the Clouds
Why you should stay: A cabin with in-house Pac-Man and air-hockey table. Game on.
- Location: Sevierville, TN
- Sleeps: 5
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $149/night
See for yourself how the Smokys eared their name from not one but two wrap-around porches in this unforgettable vacation in the sky. Immersed in nature, this home has sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and even has a private waterfall on the front patio.
Enjoy a nice soak after your adventures on the trails in either the jacuzzi tub inside or the private hot tub outside. The sunsets here are just as good as the ones in the park, and the private waterfall out front is pretty damn gorgeous. If you can tear yourself away, challenge your fellow travelers to an air hockey tournament or throwdown on the 60-game arcade table. It’s one of the more reasonably priced airbnbs near Great Smoky Mountains NP for five guests.
Check Availability2. Heaven On Earth Cabin
Why you should stay: A covered deck so you can enjoy the views even in the worst weather.
- Location: Bryson City, TN
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $158/night
Perched on the edge of an incredible valley, it’s easy to see why this charmer is called Heaven on Earth. It has everything you’ll need to rest your weary head after a day of adventuring in the mountains.
Cozy up around the wood-burning stove on a crisp fall night, soak in the hot tub to ease sore hiking muscles, or warm your insides with a glass of bourbon by the fire pit. Regardless of your choice, the big covered deck should be the perfect spot for a morning coffee or dinner (perhaps paired with a local IPA?)
Check Availability3. Gatlinburg Chalet
Why you should stay: Who wants one hot tub when you could have two?
- Location: Gatlinburg, TN
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $158/night
Only one mile from Ober Gatlinburg’s aerial tram, this little piece of Swiss heaven is exactly what you need for a relaxing visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Located at the top of a steep and winding road, this rental isn’t for the faint of heart. But you’ll enjoy the views from the lower deck of this cliffside home, which has jacuzzis both inside and outside. You also get a roomy game room (though the whole house is quite roomy, really) and a lovely living area where you can cozy up next to the wood-burning stove as the snow falls.
Check Availability4. Eagle’s Nest
Why you should stay: Access miles of private trails from your 40-acre property.
- Location: Tallassee, TN
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $173/night
This is one of the best airbnbs near the Great Smoky Mountains if views are your primary concern – this upscale unit is 1,100 feet above the valley below. Enjoy the sunrises while sipping some coffee at the breakfast counter or immerse yourselves in the sunsets on your 900-square-foot covered deck (no mosquito bites for you!)
Of course, the reason for visiting is to spend time outside, and you’re incredibly close to the park. In fact, this home backs to the park, so you can walk from your front door straight to the park’s Look Rock Tower. From there, you’ll see Clingman’s Dome and Gregory’s Bald to the east and Knoxville to the west. On a clear day, you’ll see as far as North Carolina and Georgia to the south. This rental is only for the bottom floor of the home as the owners live full-time in the floor above (but the units are totally separate.)
Check Availability5. Converted WWII Train Car
Why you should stay: A rad rental featured on “The Today Show” and the Travel Channel.
- Location: Maryville, TN
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $133/night
This renovated train kitchen car dates back to World War II, although the amenities are from this decade. Although the outside looks as if it’s seen better days, the minute you walk into this humble abode, the white-washed wood-plank walls and stainless-steel appliances will have your jaw dropping.
This retrofitted home has unique and relevant touches throughout including railroad sketches and industrial lighting. If you find you need some air (although the rental is quite spacious), head on out to your private lily pad pond and loveseat swing. It’s in the tiny town of Maryville, which (surprisingly!) has its own brewery and vineyard, as well as a few cute museums and antique shops.
Check Availability6. The TreEscape
Why you should stay: A treehouse perfectly tailored to adults.
- Location: Sevierville, TN
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $182/night
Built by the Treehouse Guys from the DIY Network, the TreEscape is the first true treehouse in Gatlinburg. Feel like a kid again without sacrificing adult amenities like a lofted bedroom, a rain-shower shower-head, a reclining leather couch, and a hot tub.
Something else adults will love are the home’s not one but two outdoor bars – so make sure you bring all the fixings for your favorite cocktails. Bonus: there’s a crows nest reached by a suspension bridge, perfect for wildlife-watching (though you may want to go easy on the booze when traversing the bridge.)
Check Availability7. Bearly Awake
Why you should stay: A romantic cabin with a wall of windows and optional spa packages.
- Location: Sevierville, TN
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $315/night
Standing outside this incredible cliffside cabin, it may look like the ground is melting away from the foundation as it’s lofted on an rocky pedestal just past the edge of the driveway. Romance fills the air as you step inside this home, which includes a massive wall floor-to-ceiling windows, exceptional views, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, and an elegant pool table.
View Mount LeConte from the comfort of your bed or perhaps ascend the spiral staircase to soak in the private hot tub while watching the sun set. Or have some fun with your partner and challenge them to a game of pool or a retro arcade game in your very own game room. If you want something extra upon your arrival, just message the owners (you can see some examples of offerings in the listing photos.) It’s one of the pricier airbnbs near Great Smoky Mountains, but you’ll get a better rate if you stay midweek or in the off-season.
8. The Timeless Memories Cabin
Why you should stay: Location, location, location.
- Location: Pigeon Forge, TN
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $203/night
Sitting smack dab in the middle of all the action in the Great Smoky Mountain region, this beautiful resort cabin has everything you need for a family vacation. It’s so close to the museums, attractions, and the park that you won’t know which place to visit first. You may want to add an extra day to squeeze ’em all in. Dollywood and the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster are super-popular with kids.
But if you’d rather hang out in your cabin, this Smoky Mountain airbnb has a pool table, arcade games, and a hot tub to use at your leisure in the privacy of your own home. It’s an excellent price for half-a-dozen guests, especially as you even get access to a community swimming pool in the summer.
Check Availability9. Heart Rock River Retreat
Why you should stay: A charming stay for a couple at under a hundo per night.
- Location: Whittier, TN
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $96/night
Surrounded by big mountains, this tiny home is surprisingly large. With a full-size kitchen and cozy reading nook, this home will make you wonder why it’s considered a tiny home in the first place.
Although secluded, it’s only minutes from town, so it’s easy to run out in the morning if you forgot to pickup coffee or bagels. And Whittier has great outdoor activities like river rafting and waterfall hikes, plus nearby Bryson City and Cherokee have excellent restaurants and cafes.
Check Availability10. The Cabooses
Why you should stay: The perfect quirky airbnb for locomotive lovers.
- Location: Bryson City, TN
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $198/night
This incredibly unique rental is on the Tuckasegee River and on the tracks of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad – but don’t worry: these train cars are out of commission. However, you will hear the other working trains, so be prepared for the vibrations and the intermittent noise. But it just adds to the ambiance. Inside, you’ll be happy to know there’s a full bathroom, complete with a normal-size shower, plus a full kitchen.
Cross the tracks down to the river for a drink around the fire pit while roasting some hot dogs, or keep the railroad theme going with a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.
Check Availability11. Modern Tiny Home
Why you should stay: A pet-friendly waterfront tiny home.
- Location: Bryson City, TN
- Sleeps: 3
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $101/night
Feel good about living with a more sustainable carbon footprint by staying at this beautifully built tiny house. You won’t be sacrificing anything, since the home has a roomy deck, an outdoor dining space by the water, and a lux hot tub. It’s the best affordable airbnb near Great Smoky NP if you have a small dog as the pet fee is just $25. It can sleep three in a pinch, but its probably more comfortable for a couple so no one has to sleep on the small pull-out couch.
Check Availability12. The Alexander
Why you should stay: An elegant tiny home for a big family.
- Location: Townsend, TN
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $227/night
Although small in square footage, this cozy rental packs a lot of punch. There’s no denying that this home was mindfully decorated, with its immaculate furnishings and high-end taste. Barn doors save on space and function as privacy screening for the bedroom. To top off your feeling of luxury, relax in the fluffy white robes supplied by your hosts during your stay.
Inside, it looks like one of the more elegant airbnbs near Great Smoky Mountain NP, especially considering the finishings. While it’s pricier than some of the other tiny homes on this list, it’s able to sleep six thanks to built-in bunk beds and a lofted sleeping area.
Check AvailabilityPlan Your Trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Water flows throughout the park. If waterfalls are what you’re after check out Laurel, Grotto, or Rainbow Falls. But if you’re looking for a swimming hole, try the The Sinks.
- See some of the park’s best views and unique features along the Alum Cave or Charlies Bunion trails.
- Make sure to visit the park at night to view the spectacular light show put on by Synchronous Fireflies. You won’t regret it/
- For the best chances at seeing wildlife, head to Cades Cove early in the day.
- If you want the best views of the Smokies but are short on time, take the quick hike to Clingmans Dome.
- If you need a break from the trails, check out the town of Gatlinburg. Moonshine was legalized here in 2009 if you want to try it at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery.
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Seen in: National Parks, North Carolina, Southeast, Tennessee, Where to Stay
