The 10 Best Great Smoky Mountains Resorts in NC & TN

Looking for a relaxing weekend getaway in the mountains?

There’s no shortage of resorts in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina.

777 Casino Dr, Cherokee NC • 828-497-7777

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At this popular resort in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, you’ll get the full pampering experience while being surrounded by the rugged wilderness and beauty of Cherokee NC.

We love the fact that this deluxe hotel and casino is owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and offers outdoor adventures (and the Blue Ridge Parkway) right at the doorstep.

Even if spinning the roulette wheel isn’t your thing, this Cherokee NC resort also has a spa, pool, bowling alley, golf course, and arcade, making this the ultimate playground for adults. 

Evenings offer live music from every genre, while The Comedy Zone boasts up-and-coming comedians that will leave you in stitches.

They also have 11 different restaurants, including a coffee shop and brewery, an Italian bistro, a sports bar, a food court, and a noodle bar.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Hotels in Asheville NC to Visit

315 Bridge St, Hot Springs NC • 828-622-7676

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Spending time at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa in Hot Springs NC puts you at the heart of all the natural beauty the area has to offer.

It’s located in the stunning North Carolina mountains on the banks of Spring Creek and the French Broad River, with the Appalachian Trail just a few hundred feet away! 

What makes this resort special is the fact that natural hot mineral waters are piped right to the hotel’s outdoor hot tubs. Soaking in them is a transcendent experience, and every tub is cleaned and sanitized after each use.

The Hot Springs NC resort offers everything from primitive camping, tent sites, and RV hookups to luxury suites with private mineral water hot tubs, deluxe cabins, and rental houses. 

We also love the fact that everyone is welcome here, from AT hikers looking for a bit of comfort to those forking out big bucks for a romantic getaway in NC. 

READ MORE: The 10 Best North Carolina Mountain Resorts to Visit

4. Lakeview at Fontana Inn & Treetop Soaking Cabanas 

171 Lakeview Lodge Dr, Bryson City NC • 800-742-6492

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Lakeview at Fontana in Bryson City NC is a great place to leave the rat race behind and immerse yourself in nature. 

One of the unique things about this Western NC resort is that it is “unhosted,” meaning guests do a self-checkin and checkout. But helpful staff are on-site and always just a text message away.

The major draw of this Eden-like mountain resort is their hilltop soaking cabanas, which overlook Lake Fontana. Guests can rent a cabana for 90 minutes and enjoy a soak in a tub while also soaking in spectacular scenic views.

This Bryson City resort also has a 2.5-mile hiking trail through the forest, hammock chairs to swing in, a lake-view deck to relax on, a cozy WiFi lounge, and complimentary coffee and fresh-baked pastries every morning!

From May to September, you can even enjoy a dip in their spring-fed outdoor swimming pool. 

READ MORE: The 20 Best Treehouse Rentals in the North Carolina Mountains

5. Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center

91 N Lakeshore Dr, Waynesville NC • 800-222-4930

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The Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center is the perfect family resort in the Smoky Mountains for a short weekend getaway or a week-long vacation. 

There are several different accommodation options to suit almost every taste and budget.

Rooms at the contemporary Terrace Hotel come with a hot breakfast, access to pickleball courts, and more. Or you can stay at the historic Lambuth Inn, with its more traditional parlors and rocking chairs on the porch. 

They also have Lake Junaluska rentals, which are ideal for families because they come with a full kitchen and all the creature comforts. For those seeking more rustic adventures, there’s even a Lake Junaluska campground.

All guests can make the most of free lake access, kayaking, fishing, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, playground,  tranquil gardens, and a lakeside walking trail.

READ MORE: The Top 15 Treehouse Rentals near Asheville NC

6. Historic Tapoco Lodge 

14981 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville NC • 828-498-2800

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Located along the banks of the Cheoah River near the Tail of the Dragon scenic drive, the Historic Tapoco Lodge is an ideal retreat for outdoor adventures (and auto enthusiasts who love curvy mountain roads).

Established in 1930, this 120-acre resort is packed with fun activities, ample places to relax, and a fantastic location that puts everything the Smoky Mountains have to offer right at your fingertips. 

Guests can stay in one of the Lodge suites for a more luxurious and spacious experience. Their Lodge rooms each have its own unique decor theme and a view of either the river or the mountains. 

Or you can rent one of their stunning cabins (including several pet-friendly cabins), which overlook the surrounding forest. Note that none of the rooms come with TVs, as they encourage guests to connect with nature rather than a screen!

Whichever accommodation you choose, you’ll have access to miles of hiking trails, nightly communal bonfires, a tennis court, and one of the the best restaurants in Robbinsville NC. 

READ MORE: The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Bryson City NC

Resorts in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee

2525 DreamMore Way, Pigeon Forge TN • 800-365-5996

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This luxury resort in the Great Smoky Mountains mixes the glitz and glamour of Dollywood with the peace and tranquility the Appalachian region is known for.

Located just minutes away from the Dollywood theme park, this Smoky Mountains resort in Pigeon Forge TN is great fun for the whole family. 

Standard rooms at the resort all have a King bed or double Queen beds, with options for additional bunk or twin beds. If you need more space, there are also suites that can sleep 4 to 6 guests. 

DreamMore Resort has indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and spa services. Kids will enjoy the playground, game room, and Camp DW (where scheduled activities include arts and crafts, storytelling, and pool parties).

There are also several restaurants, including the DM Pantry (where you can grab a coffee and snack) and the Song & Hearth (which offers traditional Southern food and hospitality).

539 Parkway, Gatlinburg TN • 865-430-4200

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Do you want the best of the beach AND the Tennessee mountains? Get a relaxing taste of the tropics at this laid-back Smoky Mountains resort in Gatlinburg TN.

Guests can immerse themselves in this “mountain paradise with an island state of mind” by enjoying a full spa day, or relaxing by the pool with an adult beverage.

9. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort

915 Westgate Resorts Rd, Gatlinburg TN • 865-430-4800

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Located just minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is a popular resort with a water park perfect for family vacations. 

Their accommodation villas are widely varied in size and amenities. You’ll find everything from 1-bedroom villas for singles and couples to a 5-bedroom villa that sleeps up to 20 guests!

This Gatlinburg resort has its own ziplines, playground, and spa, as well as a fitness center, game room, and mini golf.

If that weren’t enough, there’s also the Wild Bear Falls Water Park, which offers 60,000 square feet of family-friendly fun.

With its retractable roof, their pool is cool at any time of year. There’s also a lazy river, giant waterslides, and an interactive treehouse.  -by Emma Gallagher, featured image of Lake Junaluska by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett