Discover The Best Places to Stay in the Smoky Mountains

Planning a vacation to east Tennessee and wondering about the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains? You’ve come to the right spot! Not only does this region boast the most incredible landscapes in the state, but with towns like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Wears Valley bursting with shopping, dining and entertainment, you can craft a vacation that appeals to everyone.

From waterfall-studded hikes through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) to moonshine tastings on the strip and roller coaster thrills at Dollywood, no matter your definition of fun, you can make time for joy when you stay in a Venture Smoky Mountains vacation rental! 

If you’re unfamiliar with the area, this article will cover the best things to do and best places to stay in four of the most popular locations in the Smoky Mountains. Check it out and start dreaming up your next adventure-filled getaway! 

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Best Places to Stay in the Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg

What is Gatlinburg, Tennessee, known for?

As one of the main entrance points to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is popular for its superb location, quirky shops and family-friendly fun.

Why do people go to Gatlinburg, Tennessee?

People visit Gatlinburg for a myriad of reasons! Some are looking for a quiet mountain escape, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing. Nature lovers come for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. And other travelers come for the good time vibes! Downtown is bustling with people visiting shops, art galleries, restaurants and museums, just to name a few of the area's diversions!

What are the top things to do in Gatlinburg?

• Take a ride on the Gatlinburg Free Trolley
• Visit Ober Mountain
• Ride a chair lift and take in the view
• Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Gatlinburg or Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
• Sip moonshine at Ole Smoky Distillery's The Holler, Sugarlands Distilling Co. and more 
• Drive through GSMNP over to Cherokee, North Carolina, taking time to stop at overlooks
• Take a hike, go rafting or cast a line
• Visit the mountain-top adventure facility at Anakeesta

Where are the best Gatlinburg vacation rentals?

There are tons of cabins and rental homes in Gatlinburg. Whether you’re planning a couple’s getaway or a trip with a big group of friends, Gatlinburg has a vacation rental to fit your travel party. Get an incredible resort experience when you find a property at Chalet Village or Black Bear Falls.

Pigeon Forge

Located between Gatlinburg and Sevierville, Pigeon Forge is an ideal home base for visitors who want easy access to everything the area has to offer.

How far is Pigeon Forge from Gatlinburg?

Pigeon Forge is about 16 minutes from Gatlinburg and 19 minutes from Sevierville, so whether you’re looking for fun in the GSMNP or at Dollywood, you're an easy drive from eastern Tennessee's top attractions.

Is Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg better?

That just depends on the kind of vacation you want to have. If you’re looking for proximity to the park and a smaller mountain town experience, try Gatlinburg. If you’re after more entertainment opportunities and a lively atmosphere with plenty of attractions, Pigeon Forge can’t be beaten.

Is Pigeon Forge a walkable town?

There are certainly walkable areas, but on the whole, Pigeon Forge isn't as walkable as Gatlinburg. You’ll want a car to get you from place to place. 

Top Things to Do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

• Challenge the family at go-kart racing and mini golf
• Attend a spectacular dinner theater show
• Explore the Titanic Museum
• Get hands-on at the science-focused indoor amusement park at WonderWorks
• Experience 23 acres of dining, rides, shopping and more at The Island Pigeon Forge

Where to find Pigeon Forge vacation rentals?

In addition to our full inventory, which includes some of the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains, you’ll find charming Pigeon Forge cabins at the Black Bear Ridge Resort! Located just minutes away from the top things to do in the area, these homes feature pools, hot tubs and gorgeous views.

Sevierville

The birthplace of America’s (and possibly the world’s) sweetheart, Dolly Parton - Sevierville, Tennessee, is located just south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With a lovely, historic downtown area, plus great dining and entertainment options, it’s no wonder it’s one of the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains.

Is there anything to do in Sevierville?

While it’s less touristy than Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, there’s still plenty to do! Here are our favorites:

• Visit the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo
• Try some award-winning muscadine wine at Hillside Winery
• Go to Dollywood! We shouldn’t even have to say this… It’s obviously a must.
• Snap a picture with the Dolly statue downtown
• Take the Historic Sevierville Walking Tour
• Go for a hike along the Little Brier Gap Trail, a part of the Appalachian Trail
• Indulge in the perfect apple fritter at Applewood Farmhouse
• Visit a local art gallery

Sevierville, TN Vacation Rentals 

Whether you’re looking for a resort experience like that of Summit View or Starr Crest, or you prefer a centrally located cabin with a private swimming pool, our experts can help you find the ideal Smoky Mountain home for your vacation.

Wears Valley

If what you’re looking for is a vacation that lets you disappear into the calm of the towering mountains, away from all the flash and glittering tourist traps, Wears Valley is your heaven on earth.

This quiet farming town is tucked deep in the mountains, attracting visitors who want peaceful days, star-studded nights, and a chance to truly relax. 

Where is Wears Valley?

It’s located between Pigeon Forge and Townsend, Tennessee, on US Highway 321.

What is the secret entrance to Gatlinburg?

If you’ve never been to this area, you may be surprised by the traffic. In Gatlinburg, getting down from your cabin to town can take a matter of minutes, but getting back up at the end of the day when everyone is trying to drive unfamiliar, dark, winding mountain roads can take more than an hour.

With few roads leading in and out of the centers of town, traffic can back up quickly. If you want to bypass all that noise, however, you can use the Wears Valley entrance located about nine miles from Pigeon Forge.

What’s there to do in Wears Valley?

• Take a scenic drive down the Foothills Parkway
• Go on a hike at Cades Cove
• Get your feet wet at Friendly Falls
• Mine for gems, ride an alpine coaster and check out the goats (yes, goats) at Goats on the Roof.
• Find cute souvenirs at Mountain Brothers General Store

Wears Valley Vacation Rentals

The Preserve in Wears Valley features the highest elevation of any rental community in Tennessee, so you know the views are unbeatable. Boasting properties with hot tubs and multi-level balconies, these homes are the ideal spot for a Smoky Mountain retreat.

Book Direct with Venture Smoky Mountains and Save

With more than 200 rentals to choose from, we offer a wide selection of mountain homes, cabins and townhomes in the best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains. Whether you’re on a company retreat or a romantic escape, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for. Plus, when you book directly with us, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you got your rental at the best rate. 

In addition to our incredible specials, our guests are never charged hidden fees or third-party markups like you see at Airbnb or Booking.com. That’s what keeps families coming back to stay with us year after year.

Browse our complete inventory and let us welcome you to the Smokies on your next getaway.