10/10 Excellent
Jason V.
Jan 5, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jason V.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Entire home
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
Reviews
9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 81600 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Gatlinburg, TN
- Place, Ober Mountain11 min walk
- Place, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies6 min drive
- Place, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters6 min drive
- Airport, Knoxville, TN (TYS-McGhee Tyson)69 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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Hot Tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
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House Rules
Children
Children allowed: ages 0-17
House is not baby/toddler proof
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
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 Ober Mountain and Gatlinburg SkyPark. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Anakeesta are not to be missed.
Gatlinburg, TN
What's nearby
- Ober Mountain - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
- Gatlinburg Convention Center - 5 min drive - 4.3 km
- Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - 6 min drive - 5.3 km
- Anakeesta - 6 min drive - 5.3 km
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters - 6 min drive - 6.0 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Ole Smoky Distillery - 9 min drive
- Sugarlands Distilling Co. - 9 min drive
- Puckers Sports Bar - 9 min drive
- Crockett's Breakfast Camp - 8 min drive
- Smith & Son Corner Kitchen - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
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 window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Kate H.
Dec 24, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kate H.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Katie K.
Aug 24, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Katie K.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Autumn C.
Nov 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Autumn C.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Scott Adams and Lea K.
Sep 14, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Scott Adams and Lea K.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Travis H.
Sep 1, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Travis H.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jimmy M.
Sep 10, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jimmy M.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Nicole G.
Oct 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nicole G.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Adam D.
Jul 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Adam D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Viktoria K.
Aug 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Viktoria K.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Craig B.
Aug 4, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Craig B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Karen P.
Apr 15, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
great stay
Karen P.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Allison H. H.
Apr 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful home
Allison H. H.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Tiffany K.
Dec 31, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous Cabin
Tiffany K.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dave M.
May 21, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dave
Dave M.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Stephanie D.
Dec 24, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Cabin
Stephanie D.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Bianca P.
Mar 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing experience!
Bianca P.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Amanda S.
Oct 21, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Beary Merry Time
Amanda S.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Harry M.
Feb 7, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Harry M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
8/10 Good
Verified traveler
Feb 26, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Verified traveler
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
6/10 Okay
Wayne H.
Oct 2, 2025
Wayne H.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ted B.
Sep 20, 2025
Ted B.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
About the host
Hosted by Amy - available throughout your stay. I respond quickly through the platform
Hi, I’m Amy! I’m a nurse practitioner and dementia caregiver coach turned short-term rental host, mom of three boys, and wife to a talented carpenter who helps bring many of our renovation dreams to life. Hospitality is a big part of who we are. After caring for my mother through her journey with Alzheimer’s, our family needed space to breathe, heal, and reconnect. So we bought a small mountain home years ago that eventually grew into a passion for creating meaningful getaways for others.
I’m originally from Kentucky, and when I’m not working on one of our rentals, you’ll probably find me hiking, exploring local restaurants, or meeting with dementia/ALZ caregivers.
My husband and I personally design, rehab, and manage all our properties. We put a lot of heart into the details because we genuinely want families to feel at ease the moment they walk through the door.
Hosting isn’t just a business for me. It’s a way to offer families the same thing the mountains gave us: a place to slow down, make memories, and remember what matters. Whether you’re here for adventure, rest, or a little bit of both, we’re grateful to share a space where you can reconnect with the people you love.
I’m originally from Kentucky, and when I’m not working on one of our rentals, you’ll probably find me hiking, exploring local restaurants, or meeting with dementia/ALZ caregivers.
My husband and I personally design, rehab, and manage all our properties. We put a lot of heart into the details because we genuinely want families to feel at ease the moment they walk through the door.
Hosting isn’t just a business for me. It’s a way to offer families the same thing the mountains gave us: a place to slow down, make memories, and remember what matters. Whether you’re here for adventure, rest, or a little bit of both, we’re grateful to share a space where you can reconnect with the people you love.
Why they chose this property
We chose Chalet Village because it has been a special place for our family for years. Long before we ever became hosts, we used to come to this very neighborhood for our own getaways. My mom especially loved it here. Every morning around 7 a.m., she would sit out on the front porch, waiting to see the bears wander through. Watching her face light up...every single time, made this place feel like magic to us.
Chalet Village sits right beside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so the connection to nature is immediate. You’re surrounded by fresh air, wildlife, and that calming mountain stillness that’s hard to find anywhere else. Yet just a few minutes down the road, you have Gatlinburg’s restaurants, shops, the Ober Mountain Tramway, and all the adventures that make the area so fun.
What we love most about this neighborhood is that perfect blend of peace and convenience. It feels tucked away, cozy, and private, but never isolated. Guests can spend the morning hiking, the afternoon exploring town, and the evening relaxing on the deck without ever feeling rushed.
For us, Chalet Village is more than a location. It’s a place filled with years of memories, family moments, and the kind of simple joy that keeps drawing people back. We’re grateful to share that same experience with the families who stay here.
Chalet Village sits right beside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so the connection to nature is immediate. You’re surrounded by fresh air, wildlife, and that calming mountain stillness that’s hard to find anywhere else. Yet just a few minutes down the road, you have Gatlinburg’s restaurants, shops, the Ober Mountain Tramway, and all the adventures that make the area so fun.
What we love most about this neighborhood is that perfect blend of peace and convenience. It feels tucked away, cozy, and private, but never isolated. Guests can spend the morning hiking, the afternoon exploring town, and the evening relaxing on the deck without ever feeling rushed.
For us, Chalet Village is more than a location. It’s a place filled with years of memories, family moments, and the kind of simple joy that keeps drawing people back. We’re grateful to share that same experience with the families who stay here.
What makes this property unique
Trailhead Lodge lives up to its name in the most unforgettable way. While many cabins advertise “near the national park,” this one is literally steps from it. The trail entrance beside the lodge is unassuming and unmarked. No grand sign, no fuss. One moment you’re standing on a quiet neighborhood road, and with a single step into the trees you realize: you’ve just stepped directly into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
And not just anywhere in the park, you’re standing on Cove Mountain Trail, a true hidden gem.
Head right, and within about half a mile you’ll reach the top of the Ober Mountain ski slopes, where you can actually watch skiers glide down the mountain in winter. In the warmer months, this same route becomes a mountain bike trail with sweeping views and peaceful forest pathways.
Head left, and a gorgeous 3-mile downhill hike takes you all the way to Cataract Falls and the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It’s one of the most scenic ways to experience the Smokies without ever needing to move your car.
This rare “back door into the park” is what makes Trailhead Lodge truly special. Guests can wake up, sip their coffee, lace up their shoes, and within seconds be on a national park trail; no traffic, no parking lots, no hassle. It’s a quiet, private, nature-immersed experience that you won’t find at most Gatlinburg cabins.
Trailhead Lodge blends the convenience of being minutes from Gatlinburg with the magic of having the Smokies right outside the door. Whether you’re here to hike, ski, bike, explore, or simply breathe in the fresh mountain air, this property offers an adventure that begins the moment you step outside.
And not just anywhere in the park, you’re standing on Cove Mountain Trail, a true hidden gem.
Head right, and within about half a mile you’ll reach the top of the Ober Mountain ski slopes, where you can actually watch skiers glide down the mountain in winter. In the warmer months, this same route becomes a mountain bike trail with sweeping views and peaceful forest pathways.
Head left, and a gorgeous 3-mile downhill hike takes you all the way to Cataract Falls and the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It’s one of the most scenic ways to experience the Smokies without ever needing to move your car.
This rare “back door into the park” is what makes Trailhead Lodge truly special. Guests can wake up, sip their coffee, lace up their shoes, and within seconds be on a national park trail; no traffic, no parking lots, no hassle. It’s a quiet, private, nature-immersed experience that you won’t find at most Gatlinburg cabins.
Trailhead Lodge blends the convenience of being minutes from Gatlinburg with the magic of having the Smokies right outside the door. Whether you’re here to hike, ski, bike, explore, or simply breathe in the fresh mountain air, this property offers an adventure that begins the moment you step outside.
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