The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the country’s most-visited national park.
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According to Outside, Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomed around 11.5 million visitors in 2025—a whopping 6.5 million people more than the second contender, Zion National Park.
That’s more than double the number of visitors compared to other heavy-hitters on the national parks list, from Zion to Yellowstone to Acadia National Park. What’s with the massive discrepancy, you might ask?
Well, the Smokies are beautiful. That’s one factor. The more likely factors influencing visitor numbers are the size of the park, proximity to major cities, and family-friendly, easy-to-hike trails. (Along with more daring ventures, of course.)
It spans over 800 square miles (compared to Zion’s almost 600 square miles) and is located close to vacation hubs like Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Cherokee. There are plenty of casual stops to be made, too, from trails toddlers can hike to scenic lookouts with little cafes and shops.
There are also dozens of gorgeous cabins around the Smoky Mountains that you can rent and use as a base while you explore. They’re cozy, affordable, and come in all shapes and sizes—from big-family-ready cabins to romantic chalets. Here’s where to find them.
Best Airbnb cabins around the Smoky Mountains
Luxury Nantahala Cabin (Robbinsville)
- Sleeps: Five guests
- Why book this rental: This rental is located in the Nantahala National Forest, which is just as scenic as the Smoky Mountains. You’ve got a spacious wraparound deck to soak up the views and ambiance, along with luxury relaxation features like a claw-foot tub set before bay windows and an outdoor hot tub.
- Sites nearby: 1-hour drive to the Smoky Mountain National Park, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, and Fontana Lake
The Nest with a Treehouse (Sylva)
- Sleeps: Four
- Why book this rental: Located on 50 acres of private land, this modern rental lets you skip out on the hustle and bustle between your Smoky Mountain adventures. There’s also a hot tub for you to enjoy, and a large porch that acts as a lookout. Just know that Wi-Fi is provided by a cellular hotspot, meaning you won’t be taking any video calls.
- Sites nearby: 40-minute drive to the Smoky Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway
Tiny Home Cabin (Part of Whisper Woods micro-resort) (Sylva)
- Sleeps: Two
- Why book this rental: Though tiny, this rental packs a punch when it comes to its minimalist design and maximalist features. Here’s what I mean: the back deck is in the trees, providing a magical experience, while there’s also an outdoor shower, fire pit, and fireplace inside. You can even stargaze from the bed. In other words, even if you normally avoid tiny homes, this rental is still worth checking out.
- Sites nearby: 35-minute drive to the Smoky Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway
Creekview Cabin (Part of Serenity Falls Community) (Cosby)
- Sleeps: Four
- Why book this rental: This rental is located in dense woods with a creek passing by—that’s a great selling point. But the interior has a massive window in the salon that faces the creek, letting you recline in a comfortable chair while enjoying the view. There’s also a patio outside overlooking the creek.
- Best Smoky Mountains sites nearby: 50-minute drive to the Smoky Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, and a short drive to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
A-Frame Cabin (Seymour)
- Sleeps: Six
- Why book this rental: This flashy A-Frame offers stellar views of the surrounding forest. It’s a new construction with modern features, ideal for anyone who avoids more rustic spots. There’s a large porch and balcony, both with comfortable outdoor furniture.
- Sites nearby: 50-minute drive to the Smoky Mountain National Park, and close to Pigeon Forge, Clingmans Dome, & Dollywood
Creekside Cottage (Maggie Valley)
- Sleeps: Six
- Why book this rental: Set on eight private acres and only a short 30-minute drive to the park entrance, this cottage is your ticket to non-stop Smoky Mountain ambiance. There’s an outdoor fire pit near the creek, a wood-burning fireplace inside, and a large front porch with a grill.
- Sites nearby: 30-minute drive to the Smoky Mountain National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Soco Falls
Cabin with Panoramic Views (Bryson City)
- Sleeps: Two
- Why book this rental: Bright, open, and located high on a ridge that showcases the forest, this cabin makes you feel like you’re hovering above the Smokies—and the nearby Tuckasegee River. You have nearly five acres to yourself, too, making for an idyllic private escape. But there is a catch: this rental runs on a well, meaning you need to conserve water. It’s also not pet-friendly, and wildlife is active in the area.
- Sites nearby: 40-minute drive to the Smoky Mountain National Park
Newly Built Log Cabin (Bryson City)
- Sleeps: Four
- Why book this rental: If you enjoy classic log cabin vibes, look no further. This rental has the best of both worlds, giving you a rustic setup with modern, comfortable features—like a full kitchen, a hot tub overlooking the mountains, and an arcade Pac-Man to play. Outside, there’s a large fire pit for you to enjoy.
- Sites nearby: 40-minute drive to the Smoky Mountain National Park, Nantahala Outdoor Center, and Fontana Lake
North Mountain Cabin with Views (Waynesville)
- Sleeps: Two
- Why book this rental: This rental isn’t like the other Airbnb cabins around the Smoky Mountains—because it isn’t a traditional cabin setup. The unit has a large garage-style door that opens onto a patio. Above, there’s another balcony with a ‘nest’ or an in-deck hammock. From below, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of farm life, along with stunning views of the mountains.
- Sites nearby: One-hour drive to the Smoky Mountain National Park
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