Where Should You Stay in the Smoky Mountains?
There’s no shortage of places to stay in the Smokies—from rustic cabins to hotel chains to mountain resorts. But how do you decide what’s right for your group?
We’ve been hosting guests for years (and vacationing here for decades), and these are the questions we recommend asking to help you find the perfect fit. And yes—we'll show you what makes Stay at Wildflower a little different, as well.
Ask the Right Questions When Choosing Your Lodging
How easy is it to get to your vacation rental?
The views from the cabins up in the mountains can be absolutely stunning, especially at sunrise, sunset, and on a rainy day when the mountains show why they’re named the Smokies. That trade off of that is that most of the cabins up in the mountains have steep, narrow, winding roads (and sometimes steep driveways/parking) that can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with driving on a winding incline, especially at night or in bad weather. Many are also not well-lit at night, meaning you’ll want to return to your vacation rental before dark, at least until you know where you’re going, and that can limit how much time you have to explore the area, if that’s part of your goal.What are the space and accessibility needs for your group?
How many beds, bedrooms, and bathrooms do you need to comfortably accommodate your group? Are the beds set up in a way that is functional for what you need? For example, our Big Lodge has a room with two twin over full bunk beds, which is great for kids, but probably wouldn’t be very comfortable for four adults! If you’re traveling with grandparents, small children, or someone with mobility assistance needs, accessibility matters. Does the property have accessible entrances, wide doors, room to maneuver a wheelchair in the bathroom, and an accessible shower? How many stairs do you have to climb to bring in your luggage? These are all things to consider when planning your trip.What kind of vibe are your looking for?
Do you want the convenience of a hotel or resort, the traditional log cabin experience, or something with a little more character and comfort? There’s no right or wrong answer to this question - it’s all about your preferences and tastes. Some people really love the consistency of their favorite hotel chain or the amenities of a resort. Many people come to the Smoky Mountains with a love of the log cabin feel and that’s exactly where they want to be, while others want something that feels a little closer to home. There’s something for everyone in teh Smokies - you just have to know where to look!How close do you want to be to the local attractions?
Some guests want the peace and quiet that comes with being tucked away high in the mountains. Their goal is to relax in the peace of nature and rarely intend to venture out. Others want to be in the middle of everything to get the most out of every day, and this is often found in one of the many hotels in town. We say why not have both? Stay at Wildflower is just minutes to Dollywood, the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the National Park entrance, but still feels like a country escape.
Types of Lodging in the Area
(And What to Know About Them)
🏨 Hotels and Resorts
Good For: Short stays, conference trips, solo travelers or couples who want to explore, access to shared pools and hot tubs (sometimes)
Limitations: Less privacy, shared walls, limited outdoor space, some hotels have minimal parking available
Recommendations: The Econo Lodge Pigeon Forge Riverside is often recommended by repeat visitors for it’s economical prices, clean rooms, and friendly staff.
🪵 Traditional Cabins
Good for: People looking for that “Smoky Mountain" feel, beautiful views of the mountains (sometimes)
Limitations: Can be very remote, have steep and winding drives, and hit-or-miss quality and cleanliness (more remote cabins are harder to maintain)
Recommendations: There are many cabin rental companies to choose from, including Auntie Belham’s and Aunt Bug’s. We’ve stayed with both in the past and had good experiences, but like all large rental companies, there may be a wide variety in cabin quality. There are also hundreds of options on AirBNB and VRBO.
🏠 Boutique Lodging
Good For: A more unique experience, families, groups, weddings, or people who want both comfort and character
Why guests love to Stay at Wildflower: Private, charming vacation rental properties with thoughtful amenities, great locations, and plenty of parking—plus a true sense of peace. If we’re booked up for your dates or not quite what you’re looking for, we recommend you check out our friends down the street at Sunnydale Holler.
Why Guests Love to Stay at Wildflower
There are many reasons our guests choose to Stay at Wildflower! Our location is perfect for those who want to be close to all the action, but still have privacy, peace, and quiet. You can kick back on the porch, stargaze, and even catch the nightly fireworks at Dollywood from our properties. We are on a flat road and have plenty of flat, paved parking, as well, making it easy to stay out our properties with multiple vehicles. There’s nothing worse than arriving to your cabin up on the mountain only to discover there’s not enough room for your cars! Our properties offer ADA-accessible units, wide doorways, barrier-free showers with built in seats, and zero-step entries which are surprisingly rare in the area, to make it easy for those with accessibility needs to maneuver through the houses comfortably. Our farmhouse-style properties are not cookie-cutter cabin rentals. They’re charming, clean, and cozy without being rustic or outdated, and our guests have loved the welcoming environment from the moment they step through the door. See what some of them have had to say:
“We absolutely loved the farmhouse. Beautifully renovated, more amentities than expected, pictures cannot do it justice as it has to be seen to feel the great vibe.” — Farmhouse Guest Review
“The renovated Wildflower Cottage is the place for a perfect getaway. I have followed this property for several years. You cannot find anywhere more charming, comfortable and clean. Rocking on the porch is so relaxing. It is secluded enough to be private but is only five-minutes from Dollywood/Splash Country and very close to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Tennessee's beautiful Great Smoky Mountains!” — Cottage Guest Review
“This property was amazing in size, amenities, and especially LOCATION. Never once did we get locked into the normal PF-TrafficJam!” — Big Lodge Guest Review
“This was a wonderful unit to stay very close to Dollywood. My whole family enjoyed themselves… Would recommend this as a stay to anyone coming to the Pigeon Forge area.” – Cozy Lodge Guest Review
“This property was such a great place to relax after a day of hiking! It’s so close to everything, but still feels very private.” - Charming Lodge Guest Review
Find Your Perfect Smoky Mountain Stay
Whether you're looking for a romantic escape, a family-friendly vacation, or a place for a big group gathering, the right lodging can make all the difference.
If easy access, charm, privacy, and thoughtful design sound like what you’re after, take a look at our Sevierville Vacation Rentals!
We hope you’ll choose to Stay at Wildflower, but no matter where you stay, we hope you have an amazing trip to the Great Smoky Mountains!
Ready to find your perfect Smoky Mountain Vacation Rental? Explore Our Properties →
