Some of the Most Amazing Cabins on the Quiet Side of the Smokies - Great Options in Walland, Townsend, and more!
If you're dreaming of a Smoky Mountain getaway without the traffic, crowds, and commercial overload, the quiet side of the Smokies is calling your name. Tucked into the foothills just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, towns like Walland and Townsend offer a peaceful alternative to the hustle of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Here, you’ll find scenic drives without bumper-to-bumper backups, local shops without long lines, and the kind of tranquility that lets you actually hear the birds sing and the river flow. It’s the perfect place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the Smokies the way they were meant to be enjoyed.
Townsend, known as “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” lives up to its name with charming cafés, friendly locals, and easy access to some of the park’s most beautiful—and less crowded—trails and waterfalls. Walland, just down the road, offers the same serenity with a touch of rustic luxury, thanks to its private cabins, scenic riverfronts, and wide-open spaces. Whether you’re hiking, biking, fly fishing, or just sipping coffee on a quiet porch, the quiet side delivers an unforgettable experience—without the neon lights and dinner show traffic jams. So skip the chaos and choose calm—you’ll leave feeling more refreshed than ever.
Below we have put together 20 of the coolest cabins we have seen on the quieter side of the Smokies. Below each listing we will include helpful information like where the cabin is located, how many people can sleep there, and a brief description. Ofcourse there will also be a link where you can reserve one of these beauties for yourself. That will be the orange text. If you are looking for a specific one, just keep on scrolling down until you find it!
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Bigfoot Cabin in Townsend
Townsend, Tennessee. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 6.
Settle into mountain comfort at this cozy cabin, perfect for both adventure and relaxation. After a day of exploring, unwind in the inviting living area with comfy seating, a flat-screen TV (ready for your streaming apps), DVD player, and even a copy of Harry and the Hendersons. A crackling wood-burning fireplace sets the scene in cooler months—just bring firewood and s’more supplies! The fully equipped kitchen includes an electric stove, dishwasher, spices, and plenty of counter space, plus a dining area and peaceful deck views. Sleep soundly in the king-sized master suite with jetted tub, or let kids dream big in the bunk room with books and a teepee. Extra sleeping space is available upon request. With board games, Bigfoot novelties, coffee supplies, and laundry access, your stay is as fun as it is stress-free! Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this fun Bigfoot Cabin!
Little River Retreat
Townsend, Tennessee. 3 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 10.
Welcome to Little River Retreat—a peaceful riverfront escape perfect for families or groups! This cozy two-story home features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a spacious loft, and 2 queen sofa beds, comfortably accommodating your entire crew. Enjoy modern comforts like high-speed Wi-Fi, central HVAC, a washer/dryer, and a fully stocked kitchen with all the essentials. Whether you’re soaking in the hot tub, playing cornhole on the terrace, or gathering around the fire pit under the stars, this retreat is all about relaxation and connection. With inviting indoor and outdoor spaces—including a balcony with serene river views—you’ll find everything you need for a memorable stay in the Smokies. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Little River Retreat!
Lonestar Cabby
Townsend, Tennessee. 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 14.
Welcome to Lonestar Cabby—a custom-built, rustic retreat near the Townsend entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and just minutes from Cades Cove. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath cabin sleeps up to 14 guests and offers the perfect blend of comfort and mountain charm. Surrounded by nature and across from Little River, it's the ideal escape from the suburban grind. Enjoy a luxurious main-level master suite with a private porch, jetted tub, and walk-in dual shower. Unwind in the outdoor hot tub or relax on the upper-level balcony. With a fully stocked kitchen, cozy living and dining spaces, and flexible sleeping options including sleeper sofas, a futon, and a crib, this cabin is perfect for families and groups. Centrally located between Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Knoxville—adventure and serenity await! Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Lonestar Cabby!
Swinging Bridge Riverfront Cabin
Townsend, Tennessee. 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Sleeps 4.
Welcome to Swinging Bridge Cabin, a peaceful riverfront escape just one mile from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance in charming Townsend, TN. Nestled on the banks of the Little River, this cozy cabin offers direct access to fishing, tubing, swimming, and sunbathing—just 100 feet from your front door—without the crowds. Enjoy the serenity of private river fun, thanks to a swinging bridge that connects to town while keeping the property itself exclusive. Whether you're relaxing on the beach, hiking nearby trails, or exploring Townsend’s local gems like The Abbey, Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ, or the Pancake House, there’s something for everyone. For a change of pace, Pigeon Forge is just 30 minutes away, and Gatlinburg is a 45-minute scenic drive. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this amazing cabin!
River’s Cabin
Walland, Tennessee. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 4.
Escape to River’s Cabin, a private riverside retreat nestled on 10 secluded acres with 400 feet of exclusive Little River access. Just 16 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and 40 minutes from Pigeon Forge, this peaceful hideaway is perfect for fishing, kayaking, tubing, or simply relaxing by the water. Enjoy modern comforts like Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, TVs in every room, and a cozy indoor fireplace. Outside, unwind in the hot tub, grill on the propane BBQ, or gather around the firepit under the stars. Wildlife sightings are common—keep an eye out for deer, wild turkeys, or even a black bear! Pet-friendly for small dogs, and discounts are available for longer stays. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of River’s Cabin!
Fjellstallen Farms
Townsend, Tennessee. 2 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Sleeps 12.
Escape to Fjellstallen Farms, a one-of-a-kind luxury stable retreat tucked in the peaceful mountains of Townsend, TN. This stunning getaway blends rustic charm with upscale elegance, featuring soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and breathtaking views throughout. With room for up to 12 guests, enjoy a king suite, loft apartment, multiple sofa beds, and plenty of space to relax. Inside, find a gourmet kitchen, cozy wood-burning fireplace, pool table, shuffleboard, poker, and even a private game room by the horse stalls with arcade games. Outside, unwind in the hot tub, gather by the outdoor fireplace, and soak in the Smoky Mountain scenery. Bonus: Your stay includes $940 in complimentary tickets to top local attractions like Dollywood and the Ober Gatlinburg tram. Secluded yet accessible, Fjellstallen offers a peaceful retreat just minutes from the Foothills Parkway, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg—making it a truly unforgettable Smoky Mountain experience. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Fjellstallen Farms!
Ivy Hollow
Townsend, Tennessee. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 8.
This cozy and cute cabin has everything you need for a great escape to the quiet side of the Smokies! When you stay at Ivy Hollow, you will have a peaceful vacation whether you are chilling in the hot tub or just relaxing on the porch. You will be very close to an entrance to the National Park and Cade’s Cove! At Ivy Hollow there is a fun bunk room for kids that they are sure to enjoy. The neighborhood has access to golf, a pool, and even a gym! Tons of amazing Smoky Mountain activities are nearby, but you are tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Ivy Hollow!
White’s Cottage
Walland, Tennessee. 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom. Sleeps 6.
Escape to this cozy, rustic cottage near the Great Smoky Mountains—perfectly located near Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Foothills Parkway. Blending vintage charm with modern comforts, this 2-bedroom retreat features queen beds, a queen sofa bed, a full kitchen, and an open living area with a large sectional and 50" TV. Start your mornings on the private deck, unwind in the hot tub, or gather around the fire pit with firewood provided. Enjoy fast WiFi, a washer/dryer, charcoal grill, and outdoor seating. Family-friendly amenities like a high chair and pack'n'play are available by request. No 4WD needed for access, and essentials like laundry pods and toiletries are included. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of White’s Cottage!
Copperline
Townsend, Tennessee. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, Sleeps 4.
Wake up to stunning Smoky Mountain views at this newly updated studio cabin, just 8 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ideal for couples, small families, or solo travelers, this peaceful retreat offers the perfect mix of rustic charm and modern comfort. Enjoy a cozy king bed, spa-like jetted tub, full kitchen, fireplace, and a gourmet coffee bar. Unwind in the outdoor hot tub or watch a movie under the stars with the projector setup. Additional perks include high-speed WiFi, a smart TV, Xbox, charcoal grill, and access to a seasonal pool and picnic pavilion. Just a short drive to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and outdoor adventures like hiking and tubing, this mountain sanctuary is your gateway to unforgettable memories in the Smokies. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this chic cabin!
Gimmie The Smokies
Townsend, Tennessee. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 8.
Your dream mountain escape awaits in this stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom + loft luxury cabin, nestled on the 15th hole of Wild Laurel Golf Course in charming Townsend, TN! Wake up to sweeping views of rolling fairways framed by majestic Smoky Mountain peaks, all just 10 minutes from the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you're sipping coffee on the deck, hitting the trails, or soaking in the serenity, this retreat blends rustic charm with upscale comfort for the ultimate getaway. Golf, hike, explore, unwind—this is your front-row seat to the Smokies in style. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Gimmie the Smokies!
Beautiful Rustic Home in Walland
Walland, Tennessee. 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 9.
Escape to a charming log cabin retreat in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, where rustic character meets modern comfort. Perfectly situated near Maryville, Townsend, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this thoughtfully curated getaway offers adventure and relaxation just minutes away. Enjoy stunning views from the private hot tub, unwind by the fire pit, or stargaze through the telescope. Inside, the cozy living room features vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace, while the fully stocked kitchen with granite countertops and stainless appliances is ideal for family meals. With a game room, pool table, arcade games, and Nintendo Switch, there's entertainment for everyone. A fenced yard, screened porch, and pet-friendly features make it feel like home. Sleeps up to 9 with luxury king suites, bunk beds, and spacious living areas. Check out this link to find more photos and availability!
Amazing Mountain Views in Townsend
Townsend, Tennessee. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 6.
Unwind in comfort at this stylish mountain-view cabin nestled in the heart of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. From the moment you arrive, you'll be captivated by breathtaking long-range views, best enjoyed from the front porch rockers or while soaking in the private luxury spa. Inside, the cozy living space features plush furnishings and a welcoming ambiance. The main level offers a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, while the loft features a queen bed and the living room includes a sleeper sofa—perfect for couples, small families, or solo travelers. The cabin includes a gas fireplace (available October–February), a fully equipped kitchen, and all the essentials for a relaxing stay. Enjoy the entire home to yourself—please note, no pets are allowed. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this great cabin in Townsend.
Rivermont
Walland, Tennessee. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 7.
Welcome to Rivermont—a peaceful, newly renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom riverfront cabin in Townsend, TN, just minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This charming retreat features private river access for swimming, fishing, or kayaking, plus a screened-in porch, multi-level deck, and a cozy loft with bunk beds. Inside, enjoy vaulted ceilings, an open-concept living space, a fully updated kitchen, and a warm fireplace. With space to comfortably sleep up to 7 guests, Rivermont is perfect for small groups, families, or couples looking for a relaxing getaway. Enjoy the serenity of the river, explore nearby trails, or take a short drive to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Dollywood. Whether you're adventuring or simply unwinding by the water, Rivermont offers the best of both peace and proximity. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Rivermont!
Chic Cabin on the Quiet Side
Townsend, Tennessee. 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 8.
Escape to Wildflower House, a stunning mountain-view retreat in Townsend, TN—known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” Nestled in a gated community at the end of a quiet gravel road, this sparkling new home offers total privacy while providing access to a golf course, pool with mountain views, restaurant, and fitness center. Inside, enjoy two main-floor suites with queen beds, private baths with heated floors, a cozy loft with twin beds and a futon, and a fully stocked kitchen with dual ice makers and modern appliances. Relax on the screened-in porch, gather around the fire pit, or rinse off under the outdoor shower after a day of adventure. Whether you're here to hike, tube, or simply unwind, Wildflower House is your serene home base in the Smokies. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Wildflower House!
Camp Olio
Walland, Tennessee. 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Sleeps 8.
Welcome to Camp Olio—your peaceful woodland escape with rustic charm and modern convenience. This cozy log cabin sits on a few wooded acres just 13 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains and close to Townsend, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Knoxville. With a spacious open-concept living area, metal roof for rainy-day ambiance, and thoughtful outdoor spaces—including a hot tub, fire pit, porch swing, patio dining, and hammocks—this retreat is made for relaxation. The cabin features a main floor king bedroom with a desk, a semi-private loft with a second king bed, and two full beds in the walkout basement, which also houses a ping pong table and leads to the covered hot tub patio. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this gorgeous little escape!
Big Sky Lodge
Townsend, Tennessee. 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Sleeps 8.
Big Sky Lodge is a stunning new build perched on 3.3 acres with breathtaking 360° mountain and woodland views—considered one of the best vantage points in Townsend. Thoughtfully designed for comfort and style, this retreat features plush beds, custom cabinetry, a high-end gas fireplace, double oven, and a fully stocked kitchen with quality cookware and pottery bakeware. The spacious great room with large windows opens onto a generous deck perfect for dining or relaxing. With two living rooms (each with TVs), three bedrooms (2 kings, 1 queen), three full bathrooms, and a queen sleeper sofa, there’s ample room for family or friends. Additional highlights include a fire pit, stamped patios, washer/dryer, and TVs in every bedroom. Big Sky Lodge is your peaceful mountain escape with all the comforts of home. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Big Sky Lodge!
Firefly Lookout
Townsend, Tennessee. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, Sleeps 4.
Check out Firefly Lookout, a freshly redecorated 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom hillside cabin in charming Townsend, TN—perfect for couples, small families, or a group of up to four. Blending cozy cabin charm with modern flair, this studio-style retreat features new furniture and appliances, high-speed WiFi, and a fully stocked kitchen complete with an espresso maker, air fryer, Keurig, and more. Enjoy meals on the private patio or unwind in the open-concept living room with a wood-burning fireplace and smart TV. After a day of exploring local attractions like Astra Lumina, downtown Townsend, or Great Smoky Mountains National Park, soak in mountain views from the porch or relax with hot cocoa by the fire. Firefly Lookout offers the ideal balance of comfort, style, and adventure for your next Smoky Mountain getaway. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Firefly Lookout!
Lil Bear BnB
Townsend, Tennessee. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 7.
We know that you will love getting cozy at Lil’ Bear BnB—a charming one-story cabin nestled in the woods, perfect for a peaceful Smoky Mountain escape. Just minutes from Cades Cove, river tubing, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this cozy retreat offers the ideal blend of relaxation and adventure. Unwind in the private hot tub on the secluded front deck, roast marshmallows by the firepit under twinkle lights, or enjoy game night in the inviting living room. With smart TVs in each bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen, board and outdoor games, and plenty of outdoor seating, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Situated on nearly an acre of lush forest, Lil’ Bear BnB is a tranquil hideaway that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and savor the simple pleasures of mountain living. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of Lil Bear BnB!
Rustic Luxe Billiards Cabin
Townsend, Tennessee. 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms, Sleeps 10.
Escape to this newly renovated rustic-luxe cabin in a gated mountain community, just 5 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and under an hour from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Knoxville. Perfect for families and friends, this spacious retreat sleeps 10+ and features three king ensuites with fireplaces, a bunk/game room with Xbox and arcade, and a fully equipped kitchen with a coffee bar and wine fridge. The expansive one-level layout includes a cozy great room with billiards and shuffleboard, a dedicated workspace with a printer, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Step outside to enjoy a large patio with a hot tub, grill, fire table, and plenty of seating. Surrounded by nature with a creek side yard to explore, this cabin blends comfort, entertainment, and serene mountain charm for an unforgettable getaway. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this beauty!
Smoky Mountain A Frame
Walland, Tennessee. 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Sleeps 4.
Unwind in this stunning newly built A-frame cabin on the peaceful side of the Smokies, just minutes from the Foothills Parkway and 15 minutes from the Townsend entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Thoughtfully designed with character in every corner, the cabin features a striking 26-foot wall of windows framing panoramic mountain views, a cozy open-concept living area, and a kitchen fully stocked for cooking. The main bedroom offers a king bed, blackout curtains, a sound machine, and charming touches like a reclaimed 1880s beam. Enjoy the rain shower under a skylight, relax on the deck with a fire pit, or retreat to the loft with two full beds and a reading nook. Peaceful, scenic, and full of charm—your mountain escape awaits. Check out this link to find more photos and availability of this Smoky Mountain A Frame!
Thanks so much for reading through our article about great places to stay on the quiet side of the Smokies! If you loved this list, we know that you will enjoy some of our other amazing lists featuring great places in the Smoky Mountains!
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