Ask any of our guests what surprised them most about staying with us, and a lot of them will say the same thing: how much there is to do without ever getting in the car for more than fifteen minutes. Our lodges sit high on Forest Springs Mountain, minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, the national park, and everything in between — so here’s how our own family spends a week here.
Start in the park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is right at your doorstep, and it costs nothing to get in. We’re partial to picnicking at the Chimneys and floating the stream at Metcalf Bottoms on a warm afternoon — both are easy, low-key ways to spend a morning before the heat sets in. If you want an easy waterfall walk with the kids, Cataract Falls behind Sugarlands Visitor Center is under a mile round trip and rarely crowded.
Downtown and the strip
Gatlinburg’s downtown Parkway is where most evenings end up. Ride the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway for the easiest big view in town, or walk the SkyBridge for the glass-floor thrill everyone ends up posting about. On a rainy day, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is our go-to — it’s air-conditioned, close to everything, and genuinely good for a half day.
Where we eat
The Peddler Steakhouse has been a family tradition for decades, with riverside seating and a salad bar worth the trip on its own. For something livelier, Loco Burro’s rooftop bar has margaritas, Tex-Mex, and live music most nights of the week — good for the adults once the kids have worn themselves out.
Don’t skip Dollywood
It’s not technically in Gatlinburg, but Dollywood is close enough that most of our guests make a day of it. We’ve done it all here for generations, so if you have a question about how to spend your time, just call — we’ll personally help you plan it.
Ready to make this your home base for exploring the Smokies? Check availability and find the lodge that fits your group.
