Best Luxury Resorts: Smoky Mountains Hideaways

Have you ever wanted to feel like you’re on top of the world? How about exploring hidden corners of the woods? Whatever you’re interested in doing, if it involves nature, one of the best places to experience it is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This massive park is one of the most popular in America and stretches across not one but two states: Tennessee and North Carolina. If you’re interested in visiting the Smoky Mountains, you’ll probably want a good place to stay, but how to go about finding a great place? No worries, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the best luxury resorts Smoky Mountains have to offer.

Best Luxury Resort Near the Smoky Mountains

When it comes to luxury resorts near the Smoky Mountains, it doesn’t get better than the historic Tapoco Lodge. This property has been the home away from home for countless wilderness explorers since 1930, and it welcomes guests with its exceptional service. Don’t let its age fool you, though; Tapoco Lodge features plenty of modern comforts. Not to mention, the lodge is conveniently located not just near the Smoky Mountains but other popular North Carolina attractions as well. So, whether you want to take a scenic drive up the Cherohala Skyway, unwind by Lake Santeetlah, or kayak down the Cheoah River, Tapoco Lodge has you covered. Here are some amenities you can look forward to at the lodge.

Amenities

Accommodations

• Lodge Rooms: These rooms combine the elegance of the past with the comfort of the present. You’ll have views of either the Cheoah River or Yellowhammer Mountains to enjoy here. Plus, each of these rooms has a unique regional theme! Overall, these rooms come with a king bed and private bathroom to accommodate two guests.
• Lodge Suites: If you’re looking to have more room to stretch your legs, you’ll love these suites! With a king and queen bed, a small seating area, and a walk-in shower, you’ll have everything you need for a cozy stay.
• Cabins: For a truly unique experience, look no further than the cabins. Each of these cabins offers different yet beautiful views of the Cheoah River, Cheoah Bluffs, Meadow Branch, Yellowhammer Creek, and Yellowhammer Mountains. These cabins vary in size and amenities and can accommodate two to six guests, depending on which you choose.

An Alternative to a Luxury Resort in the Smoky Mountains

Sure, luxury resorts near the Smoky Mountains are great, but what if you want something a little different? As it turns out, you can enjoy many of the same great amenities and spacious rooms you’d want from a resort but at a property that’s a little more unique. Interested? Then you’ll love Huffman Creek Retreat. Nestled in the heart of Appalachia beside the burbling Huffman Creek, this off-grid cabin getaway is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The property stretches out across 700 acres, so you’ll have plenty of room to stretch your legs. Of course, the real highlight of the retreat is the distinct cabins. Each of these cabins is designed to suit specific travel groups. So, no matter what your needs are, you can rest assured they’ll be met at the Huffman Creek Retreat.

Amenities

Accommodations

• Hemlock Cabin: This cabin is the smallest that the retreat has to offer, but it’s great for small groups. The Hemlock features a queen bed, twin bed, bathroom, indoor fireplace, fire pit, and kitchen. Accommodates three guests.
• The Barn: For something just a bit bigger and a bit more homey, the Barn features a full bed, two twin beds, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a fire pit, a living area, and front and back porches. Accommodates four guests.
• The Treehouse: As its name suggests, this cabin is modeled after a treehouse, but bigger! Here, you’ll find two queen beds, a twin day bed, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a fire pit, a living area, and covered porches. Accommodates five guests.
• The Trouthouse: The Trouthouse is the newest addition to Huffman Creek, and it shows! This property boasts three queen bedrooms, three bathrooms, a full kitchen, a living room, a movie theater with projector, a fire pit, and a multi-level porch. Accommodates six guests.
• The Chestnut Lodge: This lodge features five queen beds, twin bunk beds, five bathrooms, a full kitchen, a living room, a pool table, a fire pit, a fireplace, and a front and back porch. Accommodates nine guests.
• The Homestead: The Homestead features two king beds, two queen beds, two twin beds, three bathrooms, a full kitchen, a living room, a fire pit, a pool table/game room, and a front and back porch. Accommodates ten guests.
• Creekside Lodge: Finally, Creekside features a king bed, three queen beds, two twin beds, two full beds, three bathrooms, a full kitchen, a fire pit, a fireplace, and a front and back porch. If you want to bring a big travel group to a Smoky Mountains property, this lodge is for you. Accommodates fourteen guests.

Things to Do Near the Best Luxury Resorts Near the Smoky Mountains

Naturally, while it’s nice to have a good place to stay, if you’re on vacation in the Smokies, you’re probably there for the sights. Fortunately, there are plenty of great things to do near the best luxury resorts near the Smoky Mountains. So, let’s take a look at them!

Hike Across the Smoky Mountains

Of course, we have to talk about what hiking is like near Smoky Mountains resorts. The mountains are filled with unforgettable sights to enjoy on foot. In fact, you’ll be able to trek through 150 trails that come up to over 800 miles. Some of the best trails include the Chimney Tops Trails, which gains over 1,400 feet in two miles and leads you up the mountain. There’s also the Grotto Falls trail, a picturesque, three-mile trail that runs behind the 25-foot waterfall it shares a name with.

Go Kayaking and Rafting Near Smoky Mountains Resorts

Of course, the Smoky Mountains and the areas around them have plenty of rushing rivers and streams for you to float down at whatever speed you like. Want a challenge? Then you’ll love the Cheoah River, which has slick rapids and complex turns. Another popular spot for kayaking is the Nantahala River. This river is a bit less intense than the Cheoah River, making it a bit more family-friendly. With that said, there’s still enough excitement here to make it worthwhile for more experienced kayakers. In fact, the Olympic Kayaking Team often trains on this river. Overall, if you’re looking for fun water-based activities, you’ll find a lot to love near the best luxury Smoky Mountains resorts.

Explore the History of the Smoky Mountains

Did you know that the Smoky Mountains also has a number of historic sites? It’s true; there are actually over 90 historic buildings near some of the best Smoky Mountains resorts. One spot, Cades Cove, is practically a historic district with a variety of churches, mills, barns, and cabins dating back to the early 1800s. Additionally, the mountains are home to one of the largest collections of log buildings in the eastern U.S. As a result, you’ll be able to get a great idea of how families of the time lived. Another interesting historical site is Elkmont, a pioneer Appalachian community from the early 1900s before the park was established. Today, it’s a ghost town that anyone can visit. So, if you’re interested in strolling through a piece of history, Elkmont is definitely worth your time.

Browse for More Exciting Vacation Destinations

Are you interested in exploring the unknown? Do you like surrounding yourself in the beauty of nature while disconnecting from the outside world? If so, then welcome; you’re in good company. At Nook, we specialize in finding one-of-a-kind vacation spots off the beaten path. In fact, we’ve curated an entire list of these spots that you can see for yourself. From North Carolina cabins to boutique hotels in Hawaii, we’ve got you covered. Click the link below to take your first step towards the vacation of a lifetime.