Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re seeking a cozy cabin, a luxurious resort, or a unique mountain-top experience, there are plenty of accommodation options near the park to suit your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various places to stay near the Smoky Mountains National Park, providing you with the information you need to plan your perfect getaway.
Traditional Hotels
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The Smoky Mountains region offers a wide range of traditional hotel options, from budget-friendly inns to high-end resorts. Here are some of the top-rated hotels in the area:
- LeConte Lodge: Located atop Mount LeConte, this unique accommodation is only accessible by foot via hiking routes of 5-8 miles. The lodge is open from mid-March to mid-November, and advance reservations are required.
- The Lodge at Camp Margaritaville: A popular hotel in the area, offering a range of amenities and a lively atmosphere.
- Twin Mountain Inn & Suites: Known for its highly-rated breakfast and stunning views from the hotel rooms.
- Margaritaville Island Hotel: Another popular hotel option in the region.
- The Inn at Apple Valley, Ascend Hotel Collection: A highly-rated hotel with excellent reviews.
Condo Rentals
For those seeking more spacious accommodations with additional amenities, the Smoky Mountains region offers a variety of condo rental options. Here are a few examples:
- Outland Chalet & Suites Great Smoky Mountains: Offers accommodations with a garden, free private parking, and a terrace.
- Cozy Creek Cottages: Provides accommodations with a terrace and free WiFi, located near Harrah’s Casino and Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
- Veda Inn & Cottages: Offers highly-rated breakfast and accommodations with free WiFi and private parking.
Cabins and Chalets
The Smoky Mountains are renowned for their cozy and charming cabin rentals, offering a more intimate and secluded experience. Here are some popular cabin and chalet options:
- Cherokee Stonebrook Lodge: Located opposite Harrah’s Casino, offering accommodations with a garden and free private parking.
- Creekstone Inn: Known for its highly-rated views from hotel rooms.
- Route 19 Inn: Another hotel with highly-rated views from its rooms.
Best Towns to Stay in Near the Park
The Smoky Mountains region offers several towns that provide excellent accommodation options, each with its own unique character and amenities. Here are some of the best towns to consider:
- Gatlinburg: Offers a variety of hotels, resorts, and cabin rentals with great views and convenient access to the park.
- Townsend: Known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” it provides a more serene atmosphere for visitors.
- Pigeon Forge: A popular town with many hotels and resorts, including Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort.
- Cherokee: Offers accommodations like Veda Inn & Cottages and Cozy Creek Cottages, with easy access to the park.
Choosing Between Gatlinburg and Townsend
When deciding where to stay near the Smoky Mountains National Park, the choice between Gatlinburg and Townsend can be a significant factor. Gatlinburg is known for its lively atmosphere and abundance of amenities, while Townsend offers a more peaceful and serene experience.
Cost and Timings
The cost of accommodations near the Smoky Mountains National Park can vary depending on the type of lodging and the time of year. On average, you can expect to pay around $176 per night for a 3-star hotel, $174 for a 4-star hotel, and $305 for a 5-star hotel.
The LeConte Lodge, located atop Mount LeConte, is open from mid-March to mid-November, with advance reservations required.
Directory and Hours
For more information on the LeConte Lodge and the operating hours of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can visit the following resources:
- LeConte Lodge: Visit the LeConte Lodge website for reservation details.
- Park Hours: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open year-round, but some facilities may have limited hours or be closed during the winter season.
Value
The accommodations near the Smoky Mountains National Park offer a range of unique experiences and value propositions. The LeConte Lodge, for instance, provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to stay atop Mount LeConte, accessible only by hiking routes of 5-8 miles. The condo rentals, on the other hand, offer more spacious accommodations with additional amenities like gardens and private parking.
Phone Numbers
If you need to contact the LeConte Lodge, you can reach them at (865) 429-5704.
References
- TripAdvisor – Hotels in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- National Park Service – Lodging in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- My Smoky Mountain Park – Where to Stay and Eat
- Expedia – Hotels in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Booking.com – Accommodations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park