The 13 best Airbnbs in the Great Smoky Mountains

Area: Sevierville / Wears Valley

Surrounded by a sea of green, this modern cabin is secluded high within the Smokies, with two bedrooms, one bathroom and a breathtaking view. The master bedroom has a king bed, stone fireplace, and a deep standalone tub, perfect for slow mornings or sunset soaks. There's a full kitchen and table for six, a stunning living room wth windows that reach the ceiling, and classic cabin wood details through the whole homes. The patio is of course, the creme de la creme, furnished for star gazing and complete with a hot tub. 

Time Out tip: Despite its secluded location, you’re less than 50 minutes from downtown Pigeon Forge and downtown Gatlinburg. 

Sleeps: Six.

Perks: The freestanding tub in the master bedroom, positioned right next to a massive window and perfect for a sunset soak.

Price: From $500 per night. 

Area: Gatlinburg outskirts / Bent Creek Golf Course

Just east of downtown Gatlinburg, within the Bent Creek Golf Course, Cobbly Nob Resort is a small community that takes luxury cabins seriously. Three bedrooms may sound tight for a party of ten, but when you discover just how much space is in this home, you’ll never doubt it again. Even the bunk beds are vast—each with a queen-size mattress and even a freaking TV and XBOX installed. Yes, in each bunk. It’s a great set-up for kids (and adults to be fair), and even has a huge game room with air hockey and a pool table. If you’re looking for friendly competition, this is the Airbnb for it. 

Time Out tip: Have an early-morning coffee on the balcony for misty mountainous views. 

Sleeps: 10. 

Perks: The complimentary access to the three resort swimming pools, and basketball and tennis courts.

Price: From $523 per night. Three-night minimum.

Area: Bryson City, North Carolina 

At the foot of the Smokies, the Lil Red Caboose feels like staying in Belmond luxury train and a cool and casual camper van all at once. Built from a very real and vintage 1970s caboose camper (apparently only 800 were made), this unique property has a bedroom, a small kitchen and dining table (that converts into a queen bed), a small but efficient bathroom and shower, and a custom patio deck. Outside, there’s access to a fire pit, three hammocks and a charcoal grill. 

Time Out tip: Bring bug spray for those humid southern summers. 

Sleeps: Four.

Perks: The little caboose is hella connected. You’re a few minutes from downtown BC, and near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Price: From $117 per night. 

Area: Sevierville 

Less of an Airbnb, and more of an all-inclusive theme park and boutique resort, this spectacular lodge just outside of Pigeon Forge is prime real estate for big reunions and celebrations. It’s got the massive, western-style bedrooms, full kitchen and large living room spaces that you normally get with these luxurious cabins, but this one’s beaten them by installing an indoor cabe pool—waterfalls and all. There’s also a tiled hot tub, ambient pool lounges and an enourmous balcony to savour the views. 

Time Out tip: If you want even more theme park perks, Goats on the Roof of the Smoky Mountains, an actual theme park, is a 15-minute drive away. 

Sleeps: 22.

Perks: Practicing your golf swing in the private Full Swing golf simulator room. 

Price: From $1422 per night. Three-night minimum (Around $194 per person for 21 guests) 

Neighborhood: Tallassee

This treehouse is a feat of engineering and accessed via a swinging rope bridge suspended in the canopy. It features an arched doorway that could trigger any favorite fairytale memories, and has a kitchenette that puts most studio apartments to shame. There’s a deck to sip coffee with the squirrels, two spacious and cozy beds, lots of board games and even a record player for those romantic nights, when you need a little Marvin Gaye while doing some stargazing. It’s the ultimate way to immerse within the park without ever laying your head on the ground.

Time Out tip: Visit in autumn for first-row seats to the fall foliage. 

Sleeps: Four.

Perks: The swinging egg chairs, cedar Nordic hot tub and the outdoor woven hammock that acts as the first-row seat to the fall foliage. 

Price: From $471 per night. Two-night minimum. 

Area: Sevierville

Fitting for introverts or privacy seekers, the mirrored cabin is an architectural dream, if you can spot it. The mirrors reflect the surrounding forest, making the almost invisible from the outside. Inside, it’s a modern masterpiece with a huge bed and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the woods like a cinema screen. There’s also a private hot tub, sauna and fire pit, an outdoor shower and darts board (not together, but how fun would that be), a woven hammock and an outdoor lounge under a transparent dome to enjoy the outdoors no matter the weather. 

Time Out tip: Need a little adrenaline rush? Legacy Mountain Ziplining is just 15 minutes away.

Sleeps: Two. 

Perks: The fireside s’mores under the stars. 

Price: From $412 per night. Two-night minimum. 

Neighbourhood: Whittier, North Carolina 

Mars colony meets mountain retreat, this geodesic dome offers a direct line of sight to the stars from its king-sized bed. There’s an indoor fireplace just next to it to feel extra snug on a chilly night, and but if you want to take that fresh mountain air, there’s a lovely outdoor fire pit and a even a sauna next door—robes provided. The dome sits on a private property with a hot tub, and is the idyllic balance of rural views and modern living. 

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for some day activities before the late-night sky shows, hang out with furry farm animals at Highland Hills Farm. It’s about a 25-minute drive, serves some pretty tasty coffee and, if you’re lucky, you’ll visit on the day where they host Cow Yoga sessions. 

Sleeps: Four. 

Perks: The complimentary s’mores-making kit is delightful. 

Price: From $412 per night. 

Neighbourhood: Sevierville

Wake up as the sun peeks through the horizon, and the entire home and woods turns a bright golden-orange hue. This “Everygreen Escape” is the perfect A-frame for slow mornings and whimsical stays—the kind where you dream of throwing your smartphone off a mountain and taking shelter in the woods with your favorite people. Outside, there’s a hot tub for six, a sauna for two, a fire pit, six Adirondack chairs and a movie projector for cinematic evenings under the stars. Inside, there are two bedrooms, two baths (one with a tub!), a full kitchen and living room with a TV and fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the views. 

Time out tip: Put that projector to good use and do dinner and a show al fresco by grabbing some sandos to-go from Bigfoot Philly Cheesesteaks, just five minutes away.

Sleeps: Nine. 

Perks: You’re a short drive from great restaurants, shopping, and Dollywood (rest in peace, Queen Dolly)

Price: From $328 per night. Two-night minimum. 

Neighbourhood: Gatlinburg / Spirit Loop 

Embracing that vintage, romantic heritage legendary, this kitschy little cabin in east Gatlinburg sits next to the town’s talked-about Arts & Crafts Community, an eight-mile loop of over 100 artisans showcasing handmade art pieces, crafts and souvenirs. Yet somehow, you still feel snug and secluded. The home has a heart-shaped Jacuzzi tub (classic, and perfect for quirky honeymoons), a fireplace and a private back deck and hot tub. It’s cozy, unpretentious, and exactly what a southern mountain getaway should be. 

Time Out tip: Hikers should try the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail that takes you to the scenic Place of a Thousand Drips, a serene showcase of small waterfalls within the woods. 

Sleeps: Four. 

Perks: The heart-shaped tub is class, especially with some bubbles, both for the tub and for your drinking glass. 

Price: From $200 per night. Two-night minimum. 

Neighbourhood: Sevierville/ Laurel

Three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms and two outdoor decks make up this riveting riverside stay near Gatlinburgh and Sevierville. The cabin sits right on the Little Pigeon River and offers a soundtrack of rushing rapids that beats any meditation app. Spend the day fishing, relax in the hot tub or enjoy the view as little ducks drift by. There’s a big TV for streaming, decent Wi-Fi (but spotty cell signal) and nifty arcade room if the weather acts up. 

Time out tip: There are no floats or tubes for the river, so bring your own if you’re taking a dip.

Sleeps: Eight.

Perks: The lower-level swinging bench under the fairy lights can get very cozy on chilly autumn evenings. 

Price: From $564 per night. Two-night minimum. 

Neighbourhood: Gatlinburg / Arts & Crafts community

Another Arts & Crafts loop find, this artsy cabin has one normal bedroom along with a lofted bedroom at the top of its wooden staircase. There’s bold-colored (and comfy) furniture in the living room, a full kitchen and a great wrap-around balcony that can be accessed through almost every room. Outside, there’s lots of patio furniture and a screen to keep pesky mosquitos away, and when you’re ready to explore, you’re within walking distance of artisan pottery studios and galleries.

Time Out tip: Stop by Painted Bear Coffee Co. in town for a cup of joe and to see local artists’ work hanging on the walls. 

Sleeps: Eight.

Perks: Being so close to town that you can enjoy the action, but far enough to relish the peaceful outdoors. 

Price: From $240 per night. Two-night minimum. 

Area: Sevierville

An elite choice for entertainment, this high-ceilinged luxury cabin has three bedrooms, four full baths, a large living room with cushioned leather couches and a full kitchen with granite tops for some chef-level dinners. But it’s all the extras that matter, here. There’s a hot tub on the scenic balcony, a small cinema with movie-theatre quality seats, a full-blown arcade room and indoor pool within a custom-made grotto. It almost looks like a play-grotto you’d find in a theme park, but that only adds to the charm, especially on hot summers after a long hike. 

Time Out tip: If you need to restock groceries, Whaley’s Country Store is a 15-minute drive in Pigeon Forge. 

Sleeps: 12.

Perks: You’re 20 minutes from some ragin’ Cajun dishes at Pawpaw’s Catfish Kitchen. 

Price: From $1048 per night. Three-night minimum. 

Area: Gatlinburg

Soak up the soaring ceilings and views of this “fine pine” treehouse, suspended among the trees in Gatlinburg. Great for small groups and families, the two-bed, two-bath has a stocked kitchen, an elegent dining table under a chandalier and rooms with delicious West Elm bedding. The living room is compact and cozy, with a big TV and dozens of board games to choose from. It’s a lovely space to bond with loved ones while getting back in touch with the great outdoors. 

Time Out tip: You’re five minutes frm the Arts & Crafts village, and from Crystelle Creek Restaurant, for feasting by the water with some local live music. 

Sleeps: Six. 

Perks: The outdoor patio furniture is so comfortable, one wouldn’t blame you for sleeping outside on nice evening. 

Price: From $764 per night.