Twenty Amazing Places to Stay on the North Carolina side of the Smokies
When most people start to plan a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, many travelers head straight for Tennessee, but the North Carolina side offers a quieter, equally stunning escape that’s perfect for a relaxing and adventure-filled vacation. With charming mountain towns like Bryson City, Waynesville, and Cherokee, this side of the Smokies feels less crowded while still offering easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Nature lovers will appreciate the untouched beauty of places like Deep Creek, Lake Santeetlah, and the Nantahala National Forest. Whether you're fly-fishing, rafting, hiking, or simply soaking in mountain views from a cozy cabin or dome, it’s easy to unplug and recharge. You’ll also find a slower pace, friendly locals, rich Appalachian culture, and unique stays—from modern cabins to luxury glamping domes. If you’re dreaming of fresh mountain air, starry nights, and less traffic, the North Carolina Smokies may just be the perfect getaway. There are 20 total options on this list, so if you are looking for a particular one, keep scrolling until you find it!
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Black Rock A Frame
Sylva, North Carolina. 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Sleeps 12.
Escape to Black Rock A-Frame, a private luxury cabin perched nearly 4,000 feet above sea level with stunning sunset views of the Smoky Mountains. This modern A-frame retreat sits on 6 peaceful acres between Maggie Valley and Cherokee, just 55 minutes from Asheville, making it perfectly located for hiking, skiing, casino nights, or exploring charming mountain towns. The cabin sleeps up to 12 guests with four beautifully designed bedrooms, a theater room with sleeper sofas, and premium amenities throughout. Relax in the hot tub as the sun sets, challenge friends in the game room, or unwind in the cozy great room with its soaring windows and mountain views. With a fully stocked chef’s kitchen, luxe bathrooms, Starlink Wi-Fi, and thoughtful touches throughout, this home blends comfort, style, and adventure. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Black Rock A Frame!
If you love a great A Frame cabin rental, make sure that you check out this list of gorgeous A Frame Airbnb and VRBO rentals!
Starlight Lookout Glamping
Maggie Valley, North Carolina. 2 Beds, 1 Bath, Sleeps 4.
Starlight Lookout offers a luxurious glamping experience where comfort meets the wild beauty of the mountains. Perched at 4,200 feet and just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee, and Maggie Valley, this cozy yet spacious 20-foot canvas yurt invites you to relax and reconnect with nature. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable queen bed, optional air mattress, soft lighting, storage, mini kitchen with fridge, microwave, and Keurig, plus a bistro table for rainy-day meals. Outside, enjoy a fully equipped propane cooking area, firepit with swivel grate, picnic table, glider chair for stargazing, flushing-toilet outhouse, warm outdoor shower, and serene mountain views. Starlight Lookout blends adventure, tranquility, and comfort into one unforgettable retreat. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Starlight Lookout!
We love a great glamping escape, so much so that we published a whole article about the best glamping we have found on Airbnb and VRBO!
Soco Sanctuary
Maggie Valley, North Carolina. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, Sleeps 4.
Soco Sanctuary is a private, modern mountain retreat that feels like a cozy treehouse escape, perfect for couples seeking serenity and nature. Tucked among the trees, this one-bedroom cabin features a king-size bed, updated kitchen, gas fireplace, smart TVs, Wi-Fi, and a loft with extra sleeping space. Enjoy woodland views from the hot tub, porch swing, hammock, or fire table on the expansive deck. Relax indoors with a book or game by the fire, or unwind outdoors in total privacy. Conveniently located just minutes from Maggie Valley, Blue Ridge Parkway, Soco Falls, Lake Junaluska, Cataloochee Ski Area, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this peaceful hideaway blends comfort, romance, and adventure in the heart of Western North Carolina. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Soco Sanctuary!
Cabin in the Clouds
Bryson City, North Carolina. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 6.
Cabin in the Clouds is a peaceful mountaintop getaway nestled among the treetops, offering stunning Smoky Mountain views and ultimate privacy just 2.5 miles from downtown Bryson City. Wake up to sunrise views through panoramic windows, enjoy your morning coffee on the deck, or unwind in the hot tub with a glass from the wine fridge as the sun sets over the mountains. The cabin features a fully equipped kitchen, cozy gas fireplace, smart TVs, and Wi-Fi. The master suite includes a king memory foam bed and spa-like bathroom, while a second bedroom offers a queen bed and full bath. With luxury linens, a fire pit, and easy access to restaurants, shops, and the Smoky Mountain Railroad, this cabin blends comfort, style, and convenience. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Cabin in the Clouds.
Fontana Firefly
Bryson City, North Carolina. 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Sleeps 4.
Fontana Firefly is a one-of-a-kind floating cabin offering modern comforts in an off-grid, lakefront setting—accessible only by boat and just 15 minutes from Bryson City, NC. Perfect for couples or small families, this cozy 400 sq. ft. retreat sleeps up to four guests with a queen bedroom and sleeping loft. Spend your days swimming, fishing, or relaxing on the spacious docks surrounded by nature. Powered by a solar system and supplied with lake-filtered water, the cabin provides high-speed internet, essential amenities, and a unique blend of adventure and serenity. Due to its off-grid nature and floating design, guests should be comfortable with minimal resource use, possible motion from waves or wind, and boat-only access. This is glamping elevated—literally on the water. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Fontana Firefly!
Smoky Mountain Basecamp
Whittier, North Carolina. 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 9.
Smoky Mountain Basecamp is your perfect retreat to adventure hard and recharge harder—offering modern luxury, panoramic mountain views, and peaceful seclusion at the top of a private gated community in Bryson City/Whittier. After a day of hiking, rafting, or riding the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, unwind in the hot tub, outdoor sauna, or cold plunge. This stylish 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath cabin features three king bedrooms with deck access and a fun bunkroom with games and a PS4 Pro. Enjoy fast Starlink Wi-Fi, open-concept living spaces, a fully stocked kitchen, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame awe-inspiring sunsets. Outside, relax by the firepit, outdoor fireplace lounge, or simply soak in the wraparound deck views. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Smoky Mountain Basecamp!
Awesome Franklin A Frame
Franklin, North Carolina. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 6.
Escape to this chic three-bedroom, two-bath mountain cabin, offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from its expansive deck and private hot tub. Spread across three levels, the home features a master bedroom and open-concept living area on the main floor, complete with large windows, a fully equipped kitchen, electric fireplace, smart TV, and access to a newly renovated deck with seating, grill, and fire pit. A cozy loft bedroom overlooks the mountains, while the lower level offers a private bedroom with en suite bath and separate entrance. Stay connected with high-speed internet and enjoy easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and nearby towns like Franklin, Highlands, and Asheville. AWD/4x4 is recommended for the gravel, steep road. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this chic Franklin A Frame!
If you love this A-Frame getaway, we know you will enjoy our whole list of amazing A Frame rentals on Airbnb and VRBO!
Luxury Dome with Mountain Views
Franklin, North Carolina. 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Sleeps 6.
Escape to a one-of-a-kind mountain glamping dome where nature and comfort meet in perfect harmony. This secluded retreat offers stunning mountain views, peaceful surroundings, and luxurious amenities like a private hot tub, patio bed swing, and plush king-size bed with a view. While offering a truly unique experience, guests should note that the property sits on a steep, one-lane mountain road—4WD is recommended but not required. Up to three vehicles can park on-site. Due to its remote location, trash pickup is unavailable; guests must take trash to a nearby county drop-off. The dome is insulated and climate-controlled but may be affected by extreme temperatures. Ideal for nature lovers seeking serenity without sacrificing modern comforts. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this amazing dome!
If you love this idea of staying in a dome on vacation, you have to check out our list of the coolest domes that you can find on Airbnb and VRBO!
The Woven Ridge
Bryson City, North Carolina. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 6.
Escape to The Woven Ridge, a luxury mountain cabin just minutes from Bryson City, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Nantahala Forest. This serene retreat offers breathtaking views, a cedar barrel sauna, cold plunge, hot tub, and outdoor bucket shower for a spa-like experience. Inside, enjoy an open-concept living room with a cozy fireplace and smart TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and comfortable dining area. The master suite features a king bed and ensuite bath, while the second bedroom has a queen bed and an additional queen sofa bed is available in the living room. Two modern bathrooms, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, washer/dryer, EV charger, and central heating and air ensure a seamless stay. Outdoor spaces include a deck with seating, grill, wood fireplace, and string lights for stargazing or morning coffee. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of the Woven Ridge!
Rocky Gap Mountain View
Whittier, North Carolina. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 6.
Experience rustic charm with modern comfort in this beautifully restored 1890s log cabin, offering panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Perfect for families or group getaways, it features a spacious eat-in kitchen with a large island, cozy loft bedroom, and mountain views from every sleeping space. Relax by one of two fireplaces, curl up with a book, or unwind on the screened porch or open deck while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Enjoy the full privacy of the cabin during your stay. Please note: 4WD is required year-round to access the property. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this rustic beauty!
Romantic Cabin with On Site Waterfall
Maggie Valley, North Carolina. 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 6.
Perched nearly 4,000 feet high in the Smoky Mountains, this secluded retreat blends natural beauty with luxury, making it ideal for romantic getaways or family escapes. Wake to the sound of cascading waterfalls and spend your mornings unwinding in the creekside spa area, complete with a hot tub, sauna, and cold plunge. Enjoy evenings by the outdoor fireplace under the pergola, gather around the fire pit for s’mores, or cross the rope bridge to the treehouse daybed for a magical view. Inside, modern comforts meet rustic charm with a cozy wood-burning fireplace and an Infinity game table. With scenic streams, bocce ball, pizza oven, outdoor TV, and breathtaking views, this is mountain bliss at its finest. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this romantic beauty!
Smoky Mountain TreeLoft
Bryson City, North Carolina. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, Sleeps 4.
Perched high above the treetops, Smoky Mountain TreeLoft offers an unforgettable stay where every room and outdoor space showcases jaw-dropping views. This modern treehouse retreat is designed for total immersion in the beauty of the Smokies—whether you're enjoying a luxurious 9-foot shower, soaking in the double slipper tub, cozying up by the fireplace or hot tub, dining with a view, or watching a movie on the 120" projector. Located just minutes from Bryson City, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Fontana Lake, hiking trails, and the National Park, it's perfectly positioned for adventure and serenity. Access involves a steep, winding mountain road, and while water is managed carefully due to a low-producing well, every detail ensures a memorable and elevated mountain escape. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of the Smoky Mountain TreeLoft.
Charming Smoky Mountain Cabin
Whittier, North Carolina. 5 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 10.
Just one mile from Cherokee Casino, this rustic 5-bedroom, 2-bath cabin offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for families and friends. Cast a line in the on-site creek, explore nearby waterfalls, or unwind in the private hot tub while the kids enjoy cornhole and outdoor games. Evenings are best spent gathered around the fire pit, grilling on the patio, or cozying up indoors with a movie or board game by the fireplace. With a fully equipped kitchen, Smart TVs, free WiFi, and central heating/air, you’ll feel right at home. Pets are welcome with a fee, and 4WD is recommended. Enjoy mountain views, modern conveniences, and peaceful surroundings in the heart of the Smokies. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this charming cabin!
The Red Shed A Frame
Bryson City, North Carolina. 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom. Sleeps 4.
Perched just minutes from town yet surrounded by nature, The Red Shed A-Frame offers a stylish and secluded mountain escape with stunning Smoky Mountain views. This fully renovated cabin features a designer interior, an open-concept living area with high A-frame ceilings, an electric fireplace, and a brand-new kitchen with a coffee bar. The loft’s king bed boasts a picture window overlooking the mountains, while a cozy queen bedroom on the main floor provides added comfort. Outside, unwind in the hot tub under a gazebo, enjoy the bar and outdoor shower, or gather around the fire pit on the expansive deck. With amenities like a BBQ, egg chairs, tetherball, and breathtaking scenery, this private oasis is the perfect Smoky Mountain getaway. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of the Red Shed A Frame!
One Sweet World
Bryson City, North Carolina. 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 8.
Perched high above the clouds in Bryson City, One Sweet World offers a peaceful mountain escape with breathtaking long-range views from every room. This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath cabin features a cozy king suite, two guest rooms, a fully equipped kitchen with coffee bar, and inviting living spaces with fireplaces and Smart TVs. Step outside to relax in the hot tub, gather around the fire pit, or enjoy meals on the covered deck with mountain vistas. With central heat and air, a large driveway, laundry room, and pet-friendly accommodations, every comfort is provided. Just a short drive from downtown Bryson City and top attractions, this secluded retreat requires 4-wheel drive for access, ensuring your stay is both scenic and serene. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of One Sweet World!
Luxury Glamping Dome in the NC Mountains
Whittier, North Carolina. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, Sleeps 4.
Escape to a luxurious glamping retreat in a romantic geodesic dome overlooking the Smoky Mountains, where nature meets comfort and every detail is designed for relaxation and unforgettable memories. Set on 4.5 private acres with mountain and wooded views, this unique getaway offers a hot tub, outdoor fire pit with s’mores supplies, indoor fireplace, private hiking trail, and a secluded two-person hammock with stunning vistas. Inside, enjoy a starry night through the bay window, AC/heat, a well-stocked kitchenette, cozy hammock chair, Smart TV, and spacious bathhouse with dual shower heads. With high-speed Wi-Fi, pet-friendly yard, plush robes, coffee, snacks, and local guidebook included, this dome is ideal for couples, yet roomy enough for kids or friends seeking a peaceful mountain escape. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this dome!
If you love this idea of staying in a dome on vacation, you have to check out our list of the coolest domes that you can find on Airbnb and VRBO!
Modern Cabin close to downtown Bryson City
Bryson City, North Carolina. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 5.
Bryson City, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, is the perfect setting for this modern 2-bedroom, 2-bath cabin just 7 minutes from downtown. Thoughtfully designed for comfort, it features mountain views year-round, a spacious deck with a hot tub and grill, Starlink Wi-Fi, an outdoor fire pit with provided firewood, and smart TVs in every room. The cabin sits on a gentle paved and gravel road with private parking and keyless entry. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and pet-friendly accommodations. Close to hiking trails, waterfalls, the Polar Express train, and area attractions, it offers both convenience and nature. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this modern cabin!
Wengen Chalet
Bryson City, North Carolina. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 6.
Escape to Wengen Chalet, a modern rustic retreat offering breathtaking year-round Smoky Mountain views and luxurious amenities just minutes from Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This thoughtfully designed cabin features a wall of windows, a fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops and stainless appliances, premium linens, high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, an indoor gas fireplace, and laundry conveniences. Outside, unwind in the hot tub, sauna, cold plunge, or hammock, enjoy movies under the stars, gather around the firepit, or dine on the screened deck overlooking the mountains. With a Tesla EV charger, massage chairs, arcade games, air hockey, and foosball, Wengen Chalet blends comfort, adventure, and style—making it the perfect destination for unforgettable memories and true mountain relaxation. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Wengen Chalet!
Historic Hemlock Cabin
Robbinsville, North Carolina. 1 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 3.
Perched on a private hill overlooking a cascading stream, the Historic Hemlock Cabin at Huffman Creek Retreat offers a peaceful escape into the Smoky Mountains. Handcrafted from locally sourced Hemlock and Wormy Chestnut, this one-bedroom, two-bath cabin blends rustic charm with quiet luxury. Enjoy serene forest views, the soothing sounds of the creek, and evenings on the porch beneath the trees. Inside, the cabin features a cozy living space, full kitchen, and a master suite with a stunning river rock shower. Guests have access to 500+ acres of private trails, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness, all just minutes from Lake Santeetlah and scenic drives like the Tail of the Dragon. Perfect for couples seeking nature, romance, and the timeless beauty of the Smokies. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Historic Hemlock!
Beautiful Cabin at the Top of Heath Peak
Waynesville, North Carolina. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 10.
Perched atop Heath Peak at 3,600 feet, this cozy log cabin offers breathtaking mountain views and peaceful seclusion for families or couples. With room for up to 10 guests, the cabin features 7 beds, a kid-friendly bunk room with a Nintendo Switch, and relaxing amenities like a hot tub and fire pit overlooking the mountains. Enjoy the wraparound porch, string lights, rocking chairs, and swing for quiet evenings outdoors. Inside, the fully stocked kitchen makes hosting gatherings effortless, while the living area provides a gas fireplace and Smart TVs with Roku. Modern comforts include Wi-Fi, keyless entry, central heat/air, and in-unit laundry. Just a short drive from downtown Waynesville, hiking trails, Asheville, and the Biltmore Estate, it’s an ideal mountain getaway. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this gorgeous place!
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