Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Unique Smoky Mountain Lodgings
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on September 15, 2020
Summer's winding down, but that doesn't mean you still can't plan an amazing getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains. Whether it's just for the weekend or a whole week, the area has so much for visitors to see, do and enjoy, all set against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
One of the first decisions most people make when planning a trip to the Smokies is where they're going to stay. Common choices include hotels, motels, rental cabins and condos, B&Bs or perhaps even a camping experience. This week, we're going to focus on the unusual and the unique when it comes to Smoky Mountain accommodations. Read on to discover several ideas for places that take overnight lodging to the next level. Some are in the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area, while others are a little farther away. But in all cases, you'll be making a reservation for a travel experience you'll never forget.
LeConte Lodge
You may be familiar with this one already. This rustic lodge sits perched atop Mt. LeConte in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And the only way to get there is to hike to the top. You can take your choice of five different routes, ranging from longer and less steep to shorter and steeper. But at the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Smokies (especially at sunrise and sunset), overnight accommodations in a primitive cabin and a delicious meal in the dining area. There's no electricity or running water, but what do you expect from a retreat sitting more than 6,000 feet above sea level? If you want to make a reservation, visit www.lecontelodge.com, but they generally book a couple of years ahead. You'll probably have to get on their waiting list.
Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains
We'll take you a step up from primitive mountaintop-cabin dwelling with this company that offers an upscale glamping experience that's actually just down the road from Smoky Mountain Ziplines (if you decide you also want to zipline Pigeon Forge). Their large ventilated tents come with private decks, king-sized beds with luxurious linens, woodstoves and even in-tent bathrooms, depending on the options you choose. You can also add extra cots and bedding if you're planning to bring children with you. Other camp amenities include daily housekeeping, picnic area and grills, fire pit with S'mores, on-site dining and complimentary daily activities.
Treehouse Grove
This Gatlinburg resort has eight different treehouses designed by “Treehouse Master” Pete Nelson. But don't think for a minute that these accommodations are child's play. Each comes with two bedrooms, a private bathroom with a shower, electricity and high-speed Internet. The treehouses are available in various sizes and configurations, but generally, they're all elevated and ensconced by mature forest growth.
Hot Springs Resort and Spa
You'll have to travel to the North Carolina side of the national park for this one, but you'll be glad you did once you've taken a soak in the mineral springs in Hot Springs, NC. Folks have been going to that area for more than a hundred years to sit in the local mineral waters and enjoy their therapeutic properties. Lodgings at the resort include tent and RV camping, cabins and suites that have their own private mineral tubs. You'll find a total of 12 outdoor mineral baths in Jacuzzi-style pools, some of which offer privacy. Pools are drained, sanitized and refilled after each use, and massage therapy is available.
The Inn At Christmas Place
You may already be familiar with this one too, because it's right here in Pigeon Forge as well. It's a hotel, but what makes it unusual is that it's Christmas-themed. Yep, you can celebrate Christmas any time of the year when you stay at this property, where a hot breakfast and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus are included.
