LeConte Lodge
This lodge is the only lodging inside the park with the exception of camping. Even though it is called a lodge, it is no luxurious stay, but it is a way to experience nature and mountain living. In order to get to the lodge you must hike one of five trails that lead to the lodge, which is comprised of small cabins with no electricity or running water and a community lodge where meals are served and leisure activities are available. Even though it may sound primitive, it is the only permanent structure to sleep in within the borders of this massive national park so it can be quite a luxury.
LeConte Lodge
250 Apple Vallet Road
Sevierville, Tennessee
(865) 429-5704.
leconte-lodge.com
Tennessee
The Smokey Mountains National Park website lists Cosby/Newport, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville as the towns closest to the park with many lodging and resort options. Tennessee is filled with many quaint resorts that are tucked into the hills. Christopher Place is one of these resorts and according to its website, its "an intimate bed and breakfast resort." There are also many upscale, large resorts such as Gatlinburg's Town Square Resort that towers between the mountains and offers high class amenities such as a Jacuzzi in every suite. To experience private mountain living, but still keep in touch with modern amenities there are resorts such as the Starr Crest Resort in Sevierville that allows you to rent a private cabin that is up-to-date with pool tables and Jacuzzis.
North Carolina
North Carolina's west side shares the Smokies with Tennessee and has many cities that offer many of the same type of mountain resorts. Checking out cities such as Bryson City, Cherokee, Graham County, Haywood County and Maggie Valley you can find resorts in all different forms such as bed and breakfasts, large, upscale tourist resorts and private but luxurious cabins. One of the biggest attraction resorts is in Cherokee where there is a resort built by the famous Harrah's. It is a full-scale resort and casino that has golf, gambling entertainment and much more. The Folkstone Inn is a very popular bed and breakfast that is smoke-free and is surrounded by a beautiful and relaxing landscape.
