The Bearskin Lodge
Got white-water rafting and hiking on your Gatlinburg trip itinerary? In addition to Bearskin Lodge offering regular nightly room rates, travelers destined there can book a special adventure package geared to the nature enthusiast. The hotel offers a two-hour guided hike to Bear Creek with deli-style lunch included. A two-hour rafting trip takes the guests down the Pigeon River with a professional guide. The package also includes two nights of lodging at the hotel, breakfast and a photo CD of the rafting trip. Great Smoky Mountain National Park's entrance is only steps away, just beyond the hotel grounds.
840 River Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
thebearskinlodge.com
Fairfield Inn and Suites Gatlinburg North
While staying in Gatlinburg, outdoor enthusiasts will most certainly spend a majority of time away from their accommodations, but they may do so without worry---the front desk has safety deposit boxes available to secure valuables. If a hike or rafting trip gets a little grimier than expected, the hotel has a coin-operated laundry and valet laundry service. The Fairfield offers complimentary continental breakfast to its overnighters, including coffee, cereal and fresh fruit. This location enforces a smoke-free policy and pets are not allowed. Swimming in summer is a must at the Fairfield's outdoor pool and water slide area, and the indoor pool enables year-round swimming.
168 Parkway
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
(865) 430-3659
marriott.com
Hampton Inn and Suites Gatlinburg
Located directly on Gatlinburg's Parkway and only 300 yards from the entrance to the Smoky Mountain National Park, this location is an urban stroll to surrounding downtown Gatlinburg attractions, stores and restaurants. What makes this location a natural choice for the outdoor enthusiast is its next-door neighbor, The Ober Gatlinburg aerial tramway that visitors can ride to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park. Request a room with a balcony on the south side of the hotel and enjoy the subtle sound of the mountain stream that makes its way below. From the balcony and through the trees, Hampton Inn guests can watch the trams heading in and out. To the back of the hotel on the stream side is a tree-lined large swimming pool and whirlpool. As with most hotels in town, pets are not allowed.
967 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-4878
hamptoninn.com
Article Written By Sheri Lacker
Sheri Lacker has more than 30 years' experience as a writer, photographer and multimedia artist. Her work has been used by Warner Brothers, Barbour/Langley and Casey Kasem Presents, among others. Her awards include the Theatre Excellence Scholarship and Guest-Artist-in-Res. Lacker studied journalism, Web design and historical research at the University of Memphis.
