Best Places to Stay for a Winter Getaway in the Smoky Mountains

By now, the warm blush of autumn foliage has faded to a brown mass on the ground. Stark branches stand out against the pale sky and sway in a penetrating breeze carrying the faint scent of ice and charcoal. The world in this state evokes a familiar nostalgia. It’s the feeling of melting into a plush armchair with a book in one hand and hot cocoa in the other. It reminds you of the pleasant sensation of a crackling fire radiating over your skin. It makes you wish you could gaze outside your window and see only snow-capped mountains, frost-laden pine forests, and crystalline creeks for miles all around.

If you’re craving this kind of winter aesthetic, you’ll only find it in the Great Smoky Mountains. Your restful seclusion from the world in this frosty wonderland is best experienced from the warmth of a rustic cabin, the comfort of a small town lodge, or the zen of a riverside resort. Find your next wintertime escape at any of these fine lodgings in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg!

Secluded Cabins in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville

Nothing speaks of wintertime magic more than a quiet log cabin set in a woodland hideaway or on a picturesque mountainside. Whether you want to treat your partner to a romantic weekend, reunite with family in an extraordinary setting, or splurge with your best friends on a private adventure, there are plenty of secluded cabins in Gatlinburg to accommodate your unique situation.

Diamond Mountain Rentals

At Diamond Mountain Rentals, you’ll find a wide selection of cabins ranging from one to four bedrooms, sleeping up to twelve people maximum. Many of their cabins are outfitted with balconies overlooking gorgeous streams or mountain valleys, jacuzzis in the master bedroom, gas, wood and electric fireplaces, and pool tables to keep you entertained during downtimes. Their pet-friendly cabins will save you money on a pet sitter and allow your fur baby to enjoy the new sights and sounds, too. Plus, when you book a cabin with Diamond Mountain Rentals, you can receive over $425 in free tickets to popular local attractions like Dollywood, Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks and more.

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.

Old Mill Lodging

Old Mill Lodging specializes in cabins, mountain homes and cottages in Wears Valley, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. Enjoy waking up in a comfortable king-sized bed to bright daylight streaming in from the balcony window, illuminating the natural gold of the rustic wooden walls. In the evening, sip some Ole Smoky whiskey on the front porch rocker chairs, or warm your toes by the stacked stone wood-burning or gas fireplace. Walk the lovely forested premises to take in the fresh mountain air, or melt away your worries in the hot tub. Old Mill Lodging steeps your stay in the tradition of the East Tennessee Appalachian mountains.

Best Places to Stay in Gatlinburg

The real reason for your visit is to be completely immersed in nature in all its wintry glory, and the best places to stay in Gatlinburg know this. These Gatlinburg hotels are situated right near the river and only minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Greystone Lodge on the River

Greystone Lodge offers cozy king and double queen executive rooms, deluxe rooms, and two-room family suites. This impressive hotel provides both sophistication and the illusion of seclusion, with some rooms featuring a private balcony overlooking the tranquil river. At the same time, you won’t miss out on the convenience of staying in downtown Gatlinburg, close to the trolley line, popular restaurants, local attractions, and the national park. For larger parties, those wanting more privacy, or those looking for a happy medium between a hotel and a cabin, Greystone Lodge also rents out quaint mountain cottages. These one- or two-bedroom homes are outfitted with stylish décor, flat panel televisions, complimentary WiFi, balconies, gas fireplaces, and fully equipped kitchens.

Baymont Inn & Suites on the River

Baymont Inn & Suites is only minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Gatlinburg, yet it retains that highly sought-after quaintness with unbeatable views over the river. Whether you’re in town for a week or just a weekend, you’ll love waking up each morning in a plush king or queen bed, grabbing a cup of coffee, and walking straight out onto your private balcony to take in the view. Make sure to visit their buffet and omelet bar for a complimentary breakfast that will sustain you throughout your hiking adventures and downtown escapades.

Hampton Inn Historic Nature Trail

The Hampton Inn at Historic Nature Trail is ideal for everyone, but especially for families with small children and individuals with disabilities thanks to its king, double queen, and accessible suites. Close to all the major Gatlinburg attractions, a quiet repose is only a short walk away if your kids or grandparents get tired from a full day of fun. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning on your way to the trolley stop right out front. When it’s time to turn in, you get to look forward to the ambiance of a creekside resort, complete with a fire pit, outdoor hot tub and indoor pool.

Courtyard by Marriott in Gatlinburg

Also just off the Historic Nature Trail, Courtyard by Marriott offers an upscale atmosphere with amenities like an outdoor fire pit, hot tub, indoor pool, flat-screen televisions with popular streaming services, and individual climate control. Select king and queen rooms also come with a whirlpool tub, fireplace, and balcony so that you never have a boring night in. Don’t forget to book your room directly on their website to get the best rate guaranteed, plus other perks like the option to modify your reservation, request additions, and use mobile check-in.

Riverfront Places to Stay in Pigeon Forge

If your interests lead you instead to Pigeon Forge, you can opt for a luxurious waterfront stay instead. Whether you prefer a traditional experience in a deluxe resort or an unconventional respite at a scenic campground, Pigeon Forge has two excellent options to comfortably suit your entire party.

Riverstone Resort

When you stay at Riverstone Resort, you’ll get to sink into a deluxe king or queen bed, relax on a balcony overlooking the Little Pigeon River or scenic golf course, and take full advantage of the diverse menu of massage and beauty treatments at the spa. The rustic one- to three-bedroom condos at Riverstone Resort come furnished with jacuzzi hot tubs or full body massage showers, balconies, sleeper sofas, and in-unit washers and dryers. Alternatively, book your reservations far in advance to snag their one-of-a-kind log cabin, featuring a wrap-around porch overlooking the river, accommodations for up to four guests, a pool table, and a gas fireplace.

Camp Riverslanding

If you’re looking for a delicate balance between a Smoky Mountain camping experience and a stay at a resort, then Camp Riverslanding is for you. This riverside Pigeon Forge campground welcomes RV enthusiasts to any of their four types of back-in sites, including some directly on the banks of the river. If you don’t have an RV, rentals are also available on-site. Alternatively, their two vacation homes are big enough for a week of glamping with the whole family. Plus, you could even experience a slice of local history if you stay at the Farmhouse Vacation Rental, the first recorded house in Pigeon Forge. At Camp Riverslanding, you get to breathe in that sweet mountain air and simultaneously take advantage of extravagant amenities like a game room, free cable TV, river tubing, a dog park and doggy camp, basketball and tennis courts, and more.

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At this time of year, you’re probably expecting to see quarter-sized puffs of snow floating gently across the window every time you look outside. The mere hint of the coming first snow is enough to send you spiraling into wondrous wintry memories! Indulge in those cozy winter feels and make a spontaneous getaway to the Smokies. Since so many of the best places to stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are immersed in the nature-filled Smokies, your winter wonderland awaits just within reach!

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