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Trailhead Lodge • Sleeps 8 • 2 Kings + Bunks • Game Room • Steps to Trail

Photo gallery for Trailhead Lodge • Sleeps 8 • 2 Kings + Bunks • Game Room • Steps to Trail

Outdoor dining
2-story great room: stone fireplace, chandelier, Roku TV, coffee bar
Terrace/patio
"Immaculate, gorgeous cabin—perfect for a family getaway. We'll be back!"
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Swimming pool
  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washer

Explore the area

View in a map
Gatlinburg, TN
  • Place, Ober Mountain
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson)
    ‪71 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Living Room 1

2 Twin Bunk Beds

Main floor bedroom

1 King Bed

Master

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Gameroom bathroom

Towels provided · Toilet

Main floor bathroom

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Master ensuite

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Trailhead Lodge • Sleeps 8 • 2 Kings + Bunks • Game Room • Steps to Trail


Trailhead Lodge is a private mountain retreat designed for families and groups who want space, comfort, and easy access to nature. Located directly beside the boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this home offers rare trail access just steps from the driveway, along with peaceful privacy only minutes from Gatlinburg.

Perfect for multi-generational stays, outdoor lovers, and families traveling together, Trailhead Lodge blends practical comfort with the quiet magic of the Smokies.



At a Glance
• Sleeps 8 comfortably
• 2 King bedrooms (one on each floor for privacy)
• Game room bunk nook with 2 bunk beds (4 twins) — ideal for kids or teens
• TVs in every sleeping area, plus living room and game room
• Game room with pool table, arcades, board games, and cozy seating
• Hot tub under the stars (seats 4)
• Two decks with mountain air and outdoor dining
• Gas grill for easy meals
• Strong Wi-Fi for streaming and messaging
• Spotty cell service is common this close to the National Park
• Mountain roads and steep driveway (details below)



A Mountain Retreat Where Memories Are Made

Welcome to Trailhead Lodge; your front-row seat to peace, presence, and the quiet magic of the Smoky Mountains. Nestled beside the National Park, this soulful retreat offers rare access to a hidden trailhead just steps from the driveway: no crowds, no signs, just nature unfolding in every direction.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sipping coffee on the balcony, or watching your kids laugh in the game room, you’ll feel it here; the exhale, the stillness, the joy of being fully together.



Sleeping Arrangements
• King Master Suite (upper level)
Private balcony, ensuite bath, and coffee + bourbon bar
• King Bedroom (main level)
Easy access and added privacy
• Game Room Bunk Nook
Two bunk beds (four twin beds), perfect for kids or teens



Kitchen & Dining
• Fully stocked kitchen with everything you need
• Log dining table for 6
• Bar seating for 4
• Coffee bar and ice machine for added convenience



Game Room & Family Fun
• Pool table, arcade games, board games
• Big screen TV for movie nights and game-day gatherings
• Designed for joyful connection across generations



Outdoor Spaces & Wildlife Watching
• Hot tub under the stars (seats 4)
• Two decks with outdoor dining and mountain air
• Frequent bear sightings, safely watch from the deck

Bear Safety Notes:
Bears can smell food from over a mile away (yes, really). Leaving snacks on the deck is essentially ringing a dinner bell. Please bring all food inside when not actively enjoying it and always lock vehicle doors.



Unmatched Location
• Trail access steps from the driveway
Cove Mountain Trail connects to Sugarlands Visitor Center and Laurel Falls
• Less than 1 mile to Ober Mountain (tram, skiing, alpine adventures)
• 3 miles to downtown Gatlinburg for dining, shopping, and attractions



Resort Perks Included
• Access to 3 mountaintop pools (open Memorial Day–Labor Day)
• Tennis and pickleball courts (open year-round)



Important Notes for Your Stay

Mountain Roads & Steep Driveway
Like most mountain homes, access includes winding roads and a steep driveway. Flat parking is available at the base if preferred, and most front-wheel-drive vehicles do fine. During winter months, 4WD or tire chains are recommended.

Cell Service & Wi-Fi
Cell service can be limited (especially AT&T) due to the proximity to the National Park. Strong Wi-Fi is available for streaming, messaging, and remote work.

Trip Insurance Recommended
Due to our mountain setting and weather variability, we recommend purchasing trip insurance. We are unable to offer weather-related refunds.



We look forward to welcoming you to Trailhead Lodge; place to slow down, reconnect, and create memories that last long after the mountains fade in the rearview mirror.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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About the neighborhood

Gatlinburg

Chalet Village, a neighborhood in Gatlinburg, is home to this vacation home. Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction and Titanic Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Gatlinburg SkyPark and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Anakeesta and Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park are not to be missed.
Map
Gatlinburg, TN

What's nearby

  • Ober Mountain - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Gatlinburg Convention Center - 6 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - 7 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Anakeesta - 7 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters - 7 min drive - 7.1 km

Getting around

  • McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) - 75 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ole Smoky Distillery - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Sugarlands Distilling Co. - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Puckers Sports Bar - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Smith & Son Corner Kitchen - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Crockett's Breakfast Camp - ‬8 min drive

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was beautifully decorated for Christmas and was clean and roomy! There were plenty of games for adults and kids alike! Our family of 8 loved every minute of the stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay, had a lot of bear activity, but other than that it was great and peaceful
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kate H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was perfect for two families of four with school age children. Kids really enjoyed the downstairs play area and all enjoyed the hot tub. The hiking trail up the road was perfect for our kids ages 8-11. We were close to plenty of things to do in the area! We had one issue with an outlet and hose was very responsive and sent maintenance to repair the following day. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Autumn C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay at the Trailhead Lodge. The views were beautiful. The kids loved the basement games. The trail into the park was our favorite. We got to hike with the trail all to ourselves.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Travis H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Cabin, had a great time. Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott Adams and Lea K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean, comfortable home nestled in the treetops. Great location for walking to the trails. A lot of bear activity.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jimmy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice location, completely stocked kitchen, comfortable beds and everything you will need. Showers were amazing and plenty of things to see!!
Just around the corner.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adam D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect cabin in the Smokies! Kids loved the game room/basement. Would move to come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Viktoria K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was perfect—great location and wonderful amenities. The kids especially loved the playroom! We saw bears in the neighborhood every day, which was such a thrill for them, and even spotted a mama bear with three cubs one afternoon. Amy is a fantastic host—very communicative and so sweet
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great choice if you want easy access to a beautiful trail as well as a short drive to town. The house is gorgeous. It’s perfectly decorated for a mountain retreat with nice furniture, finishings, and art. My teenage boys had so much fun playing pool and the arcade games in the downstairs area, and my husband enjoyed watching football from the hot tub after a day of hiking. My favorite part was that it is just a couple minutes walk to a trail that had the most beautiful view (picture included). The place really has something for everyone. We had a great time, thank you!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

great stay

This was our first time in Gatlinburg. We had a great time and the cabin had everything we needed. The kids really enjoyed the game room in the basement. The cabin is close to town as well as trails right up the road. Would stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous Cabin

The cabin was just as the pictures showed. Great location. Would definitely book here again
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Craig B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was peaceful and included all needed amenities. The kids loved the basement and arcade games. We definitely had bears on the deck and make sure your car doors are locked. Everyone had a great experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allison H. H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful home

We had a wonderful week at this beautiful property. Tucked high in the mountain, we felt very peaceful and secluded though everything was still very nearby. The home was fully stocked and well maintained. We had a wonderful vacation and would certainly recommend it.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Cabin

We had a wonderful before Christmas stay! The cabin is so beautiful. The kids had the best time with the pool table and video games in the basement. We hope to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dave M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dave

Your cabin was very well appointed and our stay was way to short ... We'll be back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bianca P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing experience!

This property was absolutely stunning! They provided everything and more. It was steps away from a beautiful trail in the smoky mountain national park. The dogs loved it. Our host Amy was great and extremely responsive. If I could leave 6 out of 5 stars I would.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Beary Merry Time

The cabin is exactly as pictured. We walked in to a beautifully placed table and impeccably clean house. As mentioned, the driveway can be tough, if able I recommend getting there in daylight to help. (You have to give it gas.) Amy was an amazing host! We did have to call her upon arrival and she advised there is a trick to the door. (Pull toward you while entering the code. It will hang up on occassion.) You will see BEARs!! They came around 8-9 am, and again around 4-6 pm. They greeted our party when we arrived, and we did have to wait them out. We were traveling with a dog, so we used two deck chairs across the top of the steps as a deterrent and to keep her up on the deck with us. This also helped warn us when a bear did come up on the deck while we were all inside. We made sure the doors were locked and watched it from inside at the kitchen table. Once it moved on, we replaced the chairs on the steps and straightened up the small mess it made of the grill (going after the drippings). Be cautious loading your car in the morning. The bears did reappear while we were in the middle of loading up. (Be sure to use a buddy system with 1 person watching from high up.) 1000% considering returning to this exact cabin on our next trip out (spring). The drive was beautiful. The beds were fantastic. The cabin was perfect for our couples get-away. We loved the proximity to town and the trails, while still being remote. We cannot wait to return, and are alreadyvlooking for date
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Harry M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful stay. Great place if you want to hike as access to the trail is literally next door. Did not expect how steep the roads would be but it’s in the Smoky Mountains.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Wayne H.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ted B.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
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