Smoky Mountains/Gatlinburg

[RoxMonster]

Does anyone have recommendations for cabins in the Smokies? I have been researching for days and they are all blending together and most have mixed reviews. I would be fine with renting directly from the owners or through a company. I have checked into Chalet Villages, Jackson Mtn. Homes, Pioneer Rentals, Fireside CHalets, and Hearthside (?) Rentals. I have seen some really pretty cabins online but am worried it won't look like that in person.

We're looking for 1 or 2 BR (just me and H for our anniversary), hot tub outside, mountain view, king bed, full kitchen, preferably a pool table, and A/C (we're going in the summer). Budget is under 200/night and preferably closer to 170/night. Needs to be accessible with a non 4WD vehicle, too.

Also, what are some of your favorite things you have done near Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge? I want to do a lot of outdoor things like hiking (favorite paths?), scenic drives and picnics, taking the air tram, possibly renting bikes, etc. We aren't really interested in Dollywood I don't think but might be up for a show or some shopping.

Really we just want a super relaxing stay in the mountains, preferably fairly secluded from other cabins, with lots of outdoor/scenic activities and maybe a day spent doing touristy things or shopping.

[StormyDixon]

Www.auntbugs.com

[ddi741]

We haven't rented a cabin there but when we were originally looking we looked here.link

We ended up staying at a hotel because I wanted to walk to as much as possible.

As for things to do. I love Dollywood but if it's not your thing, check out the Titanic Exhibit in Pigeon Forge.  It's really great.

I enjoyed just walkting around Gatlinburg.  Whiskey tastings, wine tastings, beer tastings.  Cute little shops. 
We took the tram ride up to Ober Gatlinburg and enjoyed that. 
I haven't been to the aquarium but heard it's nice. 

[flycatcher]

We stayed in a cabin in September 2011 from Aardvark Cabin Rentals. It was a trip with my inlaws and they did the reservations. We were very pleased with the service and our cabin. It was wonderful. The cabin we stayed in looked exactly like the pictures. My husband and I are going down there this summer and will be renting the same cabin.

I've gone to the Smokies several times, at least twice a year for several years. We usually camp in the park. We avoid Gatlinburg and surrounding areas except for gas and whatnot. It's just not our thing, so I can't give advice on that.

As far as trails, hiking to Andrew's Bald is awesome, especially on a clear day. We brought ourselves a little snack and laid in the Bald and relaxed. It's beautiful. It's about a 3 mile roundtrip trail by Clingmans Dome. And since you're up there, going up to the observatory is cool, too. It allows for excellent views on a clear day. We hiked to Clingmans near sunset and that was awesome.

A cool trail for a waterfall is Grotto Falls on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail.

Those are my favorites! Have fun!

[Deleted]

You could also try looking at www.VRBO.com.  We have rented houses and cabins thru VRBO and have never been disappointed.

[lb2006]

we always stay at Gatlinburg Falls Resort - the photos are exactly how the cabin looks We go for a girls' weekend every november & spend two days outlet shopping!

[mrsnole]

We had awesome luck going through homeaway or vrbo to rend a cabin when we went to Gatlinburg last summer. We rented a larger cabin for three families or I would recommend the cabin we stayed at. I love Gatlinburg and it holds a special place in my heart as that is where DH proposed. Have fun!

[FormerCityGirl]

I've rented through Timber Tops. They have a lot of specials and offer some free attraction tickets with their cabins. The one I stayed in was as nice as the pictures. Their CS people at the 800 number can give you any info on a cabin that's not listed including how easy it is to get to or how close it is to other cabins. They have a main building to check in that is open 24 hours which makes late arrivals nice since you pick up the keys, tickets, and get directions. The cabin I stayed in was in a huge development and easy to get to without 4WD and this was in February with snow. The cabins were close to one another, but they back of them was pretty private since the were up on hills and the decks had privacy fencing. There was an indoor community pool too.

www.yourcabin.com/

It's very touristy in Gatlinburg, but the Ripley's Aquarium is worth the visit. It's connected to a garage that's easily accessible. They have a meet and greet with the penguins once a week. It would be a good indoor activity if you get a rainy day or want to escape the heat. There's a lot of shopping in that area too.

[iluvmytxrgr]

We've stayed at Smokey Mountain Rentals a few times.  We've always had great results with them.  

If you like out door activities, make sure you visit Cade's Cove.  We always pack a lunch.  There are a few waterfalls you can stop and hike to.  There are several historic churches and cemeteries, as well as cabins.  Every time we've been, we've seen all sorts or wildlife to include bear, deer, turkeys and other animals.  It's one of our favorite things to do.  I also recommend a white water rafting trip.  
Dollywood is a blast.  There are several great roller-coasters and water rides.  The Ripley's Aquarium is pretty nice.  Honestly, you could stay there for two weeks and not run out of things to do.  

[2boys2danes]

Visit the NOC store while you are there... in Gatlinburg as you take the main road up to Cades Cove. We love the outlet shopping, strip walking, the shows... all of its tacky splendor. If you are going over July 4 they have a wonderful midnight parade that was just so cool

[zarapipe]

We found a woman on ebay that rents cabins-

www.ebay.com/sch/rainbow_mountain_family/m.html?item=121062487178&pt=US_Lodging&hash=item1c2fe2f48a&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

We stayed at "Sugar Bear"

It was in between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. We had a great experience and it was so reasonably priced! It was very clean (including the hot tub), not too big, quiet and peaceful. The road to get there was a little rough- as it on top of a mountain, but we got up just fine with my 2w drive car, just be prepared for a climb.

[RoxMonster]

Wow thanks for all the recs! Lots of things to look into.

Has anyone gone ziplining there? I'm trying to talk H into it. I saw the #1 place on TA was Climb Works and it sounds awesome from their website. Any recs on that? I've never been zip lining period before so I'm quite the novice.

[crispnclean]

Some of my favorite things to do in Gatlinburg are:
Whitewater rafting
Outlet mall shopping
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Easy hikes: Laurel Falls, Grotto Falls, Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove
Picnic in the Smoky Mtn National Park - you might see bears!
Strolling along downtown Gatlinburg and the cheesy shops

[crispnclean]

Oh, and if you happen to be there on this one weekend, you should check out the Synchronized Fireflies. I think it happens in early June. I've never been personally, but I know others who have gone and say it's really cool.

www.elkspringsresort.com/gatlinburg_cabins_blog/a-gatlinburg-must-see-synchronized-fireflies/