Want to Sneak Away to the Smokies This Fall? Here are the BEST Cabins in Gatlinburg & the Surrounding Area…
Planning an overnight stay in the Smoky Mountains during fall? Book one of these fantastic cabins in Gatlinburg!
There’s a beautiful paradox in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains in the fall. Visitors come to get away from it all and soak in the beautiful fall foliage. Yet, fall is the busiest time of the year.
In 2022, October was the busiest month of the year for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with more than 1.6 million people visiting. Those who seek to get away from the Smokies’ crowds look for Gatlinburg cabin rentals.
From your first search for cabins in Gatlinburg, it can be overwhelming with so many to choose from. We’ve compiled some tips and a list to help you find the perfect cabin or chalet getaway at the peak of the fall color transition.
Things to Consider for Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals
If you’re coming to see the fall foliage while still enjoying a mind-boggling number of attractions, you want to schedule your reservation in one of the Smoky Mountain cabins during the peak period.
If you’re staying below 4,000 feet, the peak is early to mid-October. Above 4,000 feet, you’ll get picture-perfect landscapes from mid-October through early November. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
- Cabin vs. Chalet — A cabin has a flat or slanted roof, while a chalet has a sloped roof with eaves hanging over the edge. It’s almost an A-Frame, but not quite since the slope doesn’t reach the ground. Don’t assume that a chalet is always going to be a fancier version of a cabin. It’s really about the roof design.
- Atmosphere — Do you want a family-friendly or adults-only location? Will you be bringing a pet? How large is the pet? Do you want a hot tub, game room, and/or views, even if it costs a little more?
- Driving — Are you comfortable driving winding mountain roads, some narrow with steep drops? Can you navigate that in snow or rain? Or, do you want easy-to-access flatter roads and driveways?
- Location — Do you want to be close to downtown Gatlinburg? Closer to the national park? In between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge? Happy to be farther away in a more remote area near Sevierville?
We’ve compiled the best cabins in Gatlinburg to suit all needs — from extravagant to bare bones. All of them come with free views of fantastic fall foliage as can only be seen in the Smoky Mountains.
New Luxury Cabin in Chalet Village
One of the newest cabins in Gatlinburg for a luxurious fall trip, this one raises the bar. With this kind of luxury accommodation mixed with a rustic vibe and upscale sophistication, you’d forget why you came if the glistening lights of Gatlinburg’s downtown weren’t just over the horizon.
Here, you have a trifecta of three stories to explore — three bedrooms with their own fireplaces, three bathrooms, and three patios. The home was designed to hug the hill, customized with huge windows in every room to soak in those stunning changes of colors from beyond, above, and below.
The most amazing views of Gatlinburg and the valley from any of the 3 decks. Game room, bunk room and media room were huge hits for our four kids ages 5-13. Tremendous thought and detail went into all aspects of this house – from the open concept layout, hot tub views, bathrooms, comfortable furniture and high-end fixtures.
Carin D.
You’ll pray for a rainy day to enjoy the 80-inch-screen movie theater or play in the game room with a pool table, foosball table, carnival games, and classic arcade games. Modern technology meets old school with Alexa, smart locks, outdoor cameras, and top streaming channels on every television in the home.
When the mood strikes, soak up to eight people deep in the first-floor hot tub, staring out at the twilight. Head to the upper deck for unparalleled and unobstructed sunrise views. When it’s time to leave, the ski resort, Gatlinburg, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are all less than 15 minutes away.
Parkside Escape
With some of the most exclusive views of the national park, this cozy cabin with a wraparound porch will wrap around your heart instantly. The cabin property borders the park.
The one-bathroom, 1.5-bath home sleeps up to four people, but in no way does this space feel cramped. A steep driveway offers even more seclusion from the few neighbors around.
My husband and I stayed at the cabin in the fall and absolutely loved it. The wrap around porch exceeded all expectations and the view was beautiful. The cabin itself is spacious and charming with all of the amenities one could need. While there are neighbors, you still have plenty of privacy.
Heidi E.
Whether you want a hot sauna, a hot tub, a giant bathtub, or a hot shower the size of a room, this home was made for relaxing after a day of exploration. The decor is a touch of antique with quintessential cabin flair but the comforts of home away from home, like a pool table and fireplace.
Lindsey Mill Cabin
For those who don’t want to drive mountain roads, the historic and unique Lindsey Mill Cabin is a tough competitor for East Gatlinburg cabin rentals. The cabin is a former grist mill, complete with the water wheel.
It’s a feast for the eyes and the ears as you hear the babbling of Webb Creek. A catch-and-release pond ties together the outdoor aesthetics, which can be enjoyed from the solitude of two levels of the back porch where a hot tub waits.
We enjoyed being away from the city, but close enough to enjoy it during the day. Listening to the creek and relaxing in the hot tub in the evening brought our eventful days in the city to a peaceful close. This was the most relaxing and beautiful place we have stayed.
Jessica S.
Inside, warm up the fall chill in the air at the massive stone fireplace. The intimate setting is for adults only, and there’s a fireplace in the bedroom too. Fall asleep to the crackle of the fire mixed with what one guest called “the mesmerizing sounds of the creek.”
The cabin is just 20 minutes from Gatlinburg, yet feels like a world away. The mountains surround you, but the road to get here is flat and easy to access.
TreScape
The trendsetter of treehouse cabins in Gatlinburg and perhaps the only one with a crow’s nest, cabin life is truly elevated at TreScape — tucked into the woods between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
“The Treehouse Guys” of DIY Network are the architects of the home, so no detail is missed. This cabin intentionally makes you forget if you’re inside or outside with the supporting trees as part of the interior.
The bedroom sits in the loft, with double-tiered skylights perfectly placed to catch every ray of sunlight and soak in the night skies. Dark spiral stairs take you to the first floor where shiplap walls paint a pristine picture against the walnut shelves.
The treehouse porch comes with a two-person hot tub and two bars with window service from inside. Become part of the fall foliage by walking the suspension bridge to the crow’s nest. A ground-level patio is perfect for rainy or snowy days with covered spaces to relax by a firepit while dinner cooks on the grill.
Everything design choice we made was with the intent of giving our guests a unique and memorable experience that will never be forgotten.
TreScape Owners
Unlimited high-speed internet and streaming services are available, but you might decide to unplug instead when you see this treetop treasure.
MORE TREES, PLEASE! This Gatlinburg cabin will get you ready for the Treetop Skywalk and Anavista Tower.
Hapey Place
Hapey Place is one of the best Smoky Mountain cabins for those who travel with pets and want extra pet amenities. No, it’s not a typo, but it sounds just like the happy place for you and your pets.
The owners spent their formative years visiting the Smoky Mountains and have dedicated their lives to letting others relive that experience.
No detail is missed here, especially for those looking for pet-friendly cabins in Gatlinburg. When one of the biggest concerns about Gatlinburg cabin rentals is steep and dangerous roads, this crew put a video on YouTube showing exactly what the drive is like:
Grab your dog and let them see this — Hapey Place has a fenced-in dog run, so pups can play without getting tempted by a run through the surrounding woods. All sizes of dogs are welcome too, which is a nice change of pace compared to so many cabins that don’t think dogs come larger than 50 pounds.
As one of the more affordable options in the Smoky Mountain cabin circuit, you still get extras that usually cost more, like a full laundry room. The rustic cabin comes with pops of red on the roof and weaves throughout the home, all the way to the porch where extended views of the Smokies lie before you. Every room in the home has this amazing viewpoint.
At the same time, the goal is to provide affordable accommodations for all budgets. Other “Hapey” options in the region include:
Heaven’s Crown
If there’s a point where a cabin, chalet, and mansion meet, Heaven’s Crown is at the center of it. It’s one of the most spacious and upscale cabins in Gatlinburg for extended families or group family gatherings.
This nine-bedroom (and a nursery), 7,500-square-foot home is listed as one of the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
The home does more than exude elegance, it caters to large groups who want an exquisite experience with a long, family-style dinner table, a fire pit that can be enjoyed without crowding around it, and every room adorned with nearly floor-to-ceiling windows to soak in the views.
And what a view you’ll get! The designers perfectly positioned the angle of this home for views of the Smoky Mountains, Mount LeConte, and downtown Gatlinburg. When you want to be in the center of town, the drive is just five minutes.
The house itself is actually better than what the pictures depict! Also, the location makes it a breeze to get in and out of Gatlinburg even when the traffic gets bad.
Kurt F.
When you’re home, the hot tub or indoor heated pool is waiting for you. Choose from the movie theater or the game room, all with exquisite accents that are about as rustic chic as you’ll find. No need to worry about firewood either because the fireplace and fire pit run on gas.
TIP: If this slice of heaven is too big for your group or budget, Heaven’s Cabins has 44 more options. For example, you can check out Heaven’s Escape.
Love Story
When it’s your honeymoon or second honeymoon, or you just want to “fall in love” all over again, this Gatlinburg cabin rental brings romance.
Your love story starts in the seclusion of a heavily wooded area with a simply spectacular one-bedroom cabin at the center. Take a dip in the hot tub on the private deck or enjoy the heart-shaped bathtub with a skylight showcasing the night sky.
Former guests love the privacy and stunning views while still being close enough to the busy towns below. Fall is the perfect time to visit as each falling, colorful leaf reveals more of the mountains in the distance. The coziness of the cabin encourages intimacy and relaxation, with chats by the fire or snuggling on the porch.
The love story was a great experience. Nights hanging out in the hot tub, playing a game of pool, or table tennis, and being close to down town Gatlinburg. My wife and I stayed here for our honeymoon and could not think of anything that could have been better. Looking forward to the next trip.
Ryan D.
Downtown Cabin With Hot Tub
This cabin is about as close to downtown Gatlinburg as you can get while magically feeling like it is miles away. Another piece of magic comes with this one-bedroom home that can sleep up to eight people.
The unique round design provides views from all directions with curved living room windows that surround you with the sights of fall. It’s perched on top of a hill with four staircases weaving up to the first level of this two-story oasis. Enjoy the views from the hot tub or Adirondack chairs while others are waiting in traffic.
We enjoyed this 2nd stay! Still love it as much as I did the first time we visited!! The hot tub is amazing! Peaceful nights! We had everything we could possibly need. We got lucky and saw a baby bear who decided to climb up the outside stair rail to see us.
Alicia J.
You’ll get the charm of a cabin outside but the comfort of an upscale home inside with a fireplace, lush couches, and heavenly beds. The spacious bathroom comes with dual vanity sinks and two shower heads in the bathroom.
Cliff’s Edge
One of the great cabins in Gatlinburg with cliffside views, the name of this cozy cabin is also a great description. It sits along Cliff Branch Road with the backside of the home offering expansive views of the mountains above and below.
The home has one bedroom and is perfect for couples or small families. A wide front porch greets you with a mix of cream and wood exterior that simply pops out of the fall foliage that frames the home.
Out back, two levels of decks stare across an explosion of fall colors — from the forest at the base to the mountains in the distance — that seem to blur together like an infinity mountain range.
Deck seating includes couches, a bar table, and a hot tub. On a clear day, you can see people on the Gatlinburg SkyBridge a half-mile away.
INTERESTING FACT: This home atop the cliff was built in 2019. The devastating Gatlinburg fire of 2016 wiped out much of this neighborhood, so homes like this show the tenacity and dedication of locals to rebuild, remember, and restore a safer community than ever before.
Inside, wood panel walls blend with stone accents on the fireplace, and wait until you see the stone-layered shower. It’s like bathing in a luxury cave. Barn doors and marble countertops add to the allure. And, the open kitchen is great for guests. Just don’t let this guy in if he comes knocking again, okay?
Book Your Rental Cabin in Gatlinburg Tennessee Today
One of the top tricks for finding a Gatlinburg cabin rental — even at the last minute — is checking the calendar for the days between longer stays. You might even get a discount if there are two days mid-week between check-ins.
Many cabins in Gatlinburg require someone at least 23 years old to rent them to avoid loud groups. A few of these cabins offer free tickets to the main attractions in town, which can save you hundreds of dollars in total trip costs. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few in the nation without an entrance fee, but a parking pass is mandatory in 2023 and beyond.
TIP: No matter where you look for cabins in Gatlinburg, remember that this is bear country. You won’t find Gatlinburg cabins without the potential for a bear sighting.
