Cabin

Poppa Bear Cabin

Photo gallery for Poppa Bear Cabin

Luxury cozy cabin bryson city 3 little bears retreat 1
Luxury cozy cabin bryson city 3 little bears retreat 2 hot tub
Luxury cozy cabin bryson city 3 little bears retreat 3 games
Luxury cozy cabin bryson city 3 little bears retreat 4 outdoor shower (2)
Luxury cozy cabin bryson city 3 little bears retreat 6 local craftsman
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 51000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Hot tub
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Swain County, NC
  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Smokey Mountain Trains Museum
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Nantahala Brewing Company
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Gatlinburg, TN (GKT-Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge)
    ‪116 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

2 King Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub

Spaces

Kitchen
Separate dining area

About this property

Poppa Bear Cabin

PoppaBearCabin at 3LittleBears Retreat

Disconnect & Reconnect in this secluded haven on 3 Little Bears Retreat with views of the Smoky Mountains and the amenities of our Retreat adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

• Outdoor Shower
• Gas Fireplace
• Hot tub
• Trails, Pond, Creek
• SOLO firepit & Pizza Oven!
• No Cleaning Fees!
• 3% fee for the Mountains contribution (see below)
• Private backyard

Add to your wishlist by clicking the "Heart" in the upper-right corner.


The Retreat

Welcome to Three Little Bears Retreat, THE only place to retreat, reconnect, relax and experience great adventures with your family and friends! You’ll feel like a new person the moment you arrive at this view! Come retreat, renew, and refresh at our 55acre regenerative nature resort.

Social

Follow us on social @3littlebearsretreat

5 Cabins to Choose From
Copy these links to view our other Retreat cabins.

3 Little Bears Cabin: https://t.vrbo.io/WdTfO19xeTb

AirBear Airstream Treehouse: https://t.vrbo.io/Y438LhmyeTb

Poppa Bear Cozy Cabin: https://t.vrbo.io/Fnl26uLyeTb

Sky Bear Lodge: https://t.vrbo.io/cF5P6qRyeTb

Smoky Bear Lodge: https://t.vrbo.io/rjKycLXyeTb

Nuwati Hall & Spa - weddings, retreats, reunions, groups and spa services inquire for more information.

Location

This cabin is located 5 minutes away from a variety of breweries, restaurants, the train, in downtown Bryson City. 1 Minute from the “Road to Nowhere” entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. 10 Minutes from the “Deep Creek” Entrance to the National Park. 15 Minutes from Fontana Lake. 20 Minutes from either Nantahala or Cherokee. Limitless adventures abound where you can hike, bike, fly fish, raft, paddleboard and kayak to your heart's content.

And only 1 hour from Asheville, 3 hours from Atlanta, 3 hours 20 min from Charlotte, and 2 hours from Greenville, SC

Cabin

Our setting is serene with nice views out to the ridgeline. Inside our cabin has a primary king bedroom another guest bedroom with a king bed and one full bath. There is a full size kitchen with a gas range, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Outside, we have both a covered hot tub, and an outdoor shower. We also have a large yard with a fire pit, picnic area, ping pong and other games. This is an incredible romantic getaway for a couple, comfortable and fun stay for friends, or a fun and comfortable stay for a small family (can sleep up to 5 with sofa bed).

Nature

Experience nature in a setting that immerses you in the culture and history of the area, the sustainable and regenerative efforts to nourish the environment by the Retreat, along with all the luxuries of the modern world. This luxury cabin is the pinnacle of a mountain vacation where it is secluded and adjacent to the National Park; has access to the Retreat trails, creeks, playground and pond; provides the concierge level services of a resort; and is only minutes from wineries, whitewater rafting, hiking trails, waterfalls, the railroad and downtown Bryson City (the adventure capital of the Smokies!).

Sustainability & Regeneration

The Retreat is also on a constant quest towards not just sustainability, but regeneration of nature. We work with wildlife rehabilitators to heal and release injured wildlife, are actively working on healing our Hemlock trees from the adelgids that are killing them, have implemented our own recycling pickup and transfer program, and also look towards adaptive reuse and consistent modifications in the properties towards better energy efficiency and use of materials. The Retreat wants to be the great national park lodge model for the next generation and is constantly marching towards the Cherokee tradition of ᎣᏍᏓ (Osda) ᎤᏃᏴᏫ (Unolvtanv) "Sacred harmony with all living things" through our own motto of “Beyond Just Right, Be Livin’ Right.” Your “3% for the Mountains” resort fee goes directly to these ongoing efforts, and we appreciate you being a part of our path forward!

Privacy

Every cabin on the Retreat is designed to have incredible privacy. This cabin sits up at the top of its own drive and is tucked into the woods with a very private deck and backyard.

Other things to note

Updates

Winter of 2025, we took on accomplishing the recommendations of our guests and ways to improve our guest experience, which included hiring an onsite guest experience manager, adding in-cabin spa services, new SOLO fire pits and pizza ovens, a greatly expanded common area with the Nuwati trail extending from our activities pavilion closer to the top down to Lands Creek at the bottom giving access to waterfalls, hammocks, a hideaway playground, a stream fed oasis pond and more to come. We also the Nuwati Hall & Spa, which will open up in Summer 25 for weddings, group retreats, family reunions, experiences and spa services that are offered to all of our guests at the Retreat.

Local Recommendations

Walk around Bryson City. A Hallmark style town that has been featured in several movies and is a quintessential mountain basecamp town. 5-minute drive. Lots of shops and restaurants.

• Our favorite winery is Deep Creek. 15-minute drive with great views.

• Our favorite hangout is Bryson City Outdoors where tourists and experienced hikers gather to buy new gear and share their experiences of the day.

• Our favorite restaurant is Bryson City Brewery. It has a great farm to table menu, excellent beer selection, live entertainment, and a huge yard for kids to play and be free.

• Our favorite Summer hike is Deep Creek Waterfall Loop Trail. 5-minute drive. 2 mile hike with 3 epic waterfalls! If you have little ones or dont want to struggle, skip Juney Whank and all ages can do the hike to see Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek in an out and back walk along the famous Deep Creek (stay for tubing too)!

• Our favorite Winter hike is Nolands Creek Trail through the “Road to Nowhere” National Park entrance by the Retreat. The hike is beautiful down to Fontana Lake crossing several bridges and the water drop in the lake in the winter extends the hike into a lakebed valley that is beautiful with big cascades.

We have many more local recommendations for eateries and activities. Message us to get a link to our guidebook for the area.

House Rules

1) Pets- 1 dog allowed after approval with pet fee. Only crate trained dogs allowed.

2) No smoking inside the cabin. No butts, cigars or other in firepits. Dispose in bagged trash.

3) Check-in after 4:00 PM (unless you have arranged for an early check-in of 2pm)

4) Checkout before 11:00 AM (unless you have arranged for a late checkout of 1pm)

5) No parties or events unless in connection with Nuwati Hall
Pricing

Nightly rates vary based on specific dates. Weekends are priced higher.

Single and Double Night Stays
These are available on an inquiry basis if there is a small gap between reservations. Otherwise, a three-night minimum is required.

Early Check-in + Late Checkout

We offer both early check-in (2 pm) and late checkout (1 pm) add-ons for $50. The amount is limited, though, depending on the date. Please message us to add it to your reservation.

Security Camera

There is one security camera for the driveway and entrance to the property

Liability Waiver

After booking, you will be asked to complete a Release of Liability Waiver. The waiver is a standard step we ask all guests to take, and it helps us continue offering unique stays in a natural setting.

Property manager

Matthew McGee
Premier Host

Languages

English
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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Bryson City

Located in Bryson City, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Oconaluftee Indian Village are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Smokey Mountain Trains Museum and Cherokee Botanical Garden and Nature Trail. Bryson City Gem Mine and Santa's Land Family Theme Park and Zoo are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Swain County, NC

What's nearby

  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Smokey Mountain Trains Museum - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Nantahala Brewing Company - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Island Park - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Harrahs Cherokee Casino - 23 min drive - 27.7 km

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪La Poblana - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Arby's - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Poppa Bear Cabin pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Poppa Bear Cabin?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Poppa Bear Cabin?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Poppa Bear Cabin located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians. Nantahala Brewing Company and The Cottage Craftsman are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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About the host

Hosted by Matthew McGee

Host profile image
Three Little Bears Retreat was inspired by a lifelong love for nature, adventure, and connection. As an avid backpacker and hiker, I’ve had the privilege of exploring the far corners of the world—from the remote mountain trails of Patagonia and Kilimanjaro to vibrant cultural hubs in Brazil and Thailand, and from rustic cabins to luxurious lodges and resorts. The experience I gained from these places and cultures instilled a dream to one day create my own resort, and I believe that the inspiration of the warmth of a remote village guesthouse in the Himalayas, the thoughtful design of eco-lodges in Central America, and the communal spirit of a safari camp in Africa all have their place in the design and creation of this Retreat.

Why they chose this property

Our retreat rests alongside a pivotal piece of history—the site of the first deed given to Horace Kephart for the formation of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on Lands Creek. Kephart came to Bryson City and the Smoky Mountains seeking solace in a place he deemed "the back of beyond," and then fought for its preservation as a national park through his work as a writer and as the foremost outdoorsman of his time. Inspired by his vision, we too see this land as something to be cherished and protected. Through our sustainability initiatives, we strive to honor his legacy by preserving and regenerating the natural environment that makes this place so extraordinary.

While the Park now preserves the beauty of the mountains, this land carries the memory of sacrifices made by families whose homes once stood within its boundaries. Generations later, their stories of resilience remain woven into the fabric of these hills, shaping our community’s spirit. To ensure that future generations can enjoy this landscape, we commit to practices that restore the land, conserve resources, and support the biodiversity of these mountains.

Even here, where the forest whispers its age-old songs, we remember that this land was first home to the Cherokee Nation. Their deep understanding of and respect for the environment inspire our own efforts to live in harmony with nature. The Cherokee principles of balance and stewardship guide many of our sustainability practices.

"Here, in the Back of Beyond, life moves to the rhythm of the mountains, not the ticking of a clock." -Horace Kephart

What makes this property unique

At Three Little Bears Retreat, we honor the histories of the mountains and the Cherokee People while creating a space where stories can be shared, bonds strengthened, and memories made—all with a commitment to leaving the land better than we found it. Our retreat spaces are designed not only to bring people together but also to minimize their environmental footprint. From our use of energy efficient technology and eco-friendly materials to our initiatives in reforesting and wildlife rehabilitation and preservation, every aspect of our retreat is crafted with care for the environment.

We also love that the location of our retreat offers endless, easy access opportunities for adventure. From hiking and fishing to tubing and exploring hidden waterfalls, the Smokies are a playground for the curious and the bold. For those who prefer a slower pace, the trails and streams surrounding the retreat, the Road to Nowhere, and Deep Creek invite quiet reflection and a chance to recharge. As you explore, know that each visit contributes to our ongoing efforts to preserve this landscape through trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and pollution reduction projects.

"In the school of the woods, there is no graduation day." --Horace Kephart

At Three Little Bears Retreat, every stay is an invitation to be part of something bigger: a fellowship that bridges past and present, a respite from the demands of daily life, an adventure in reconnecting with what truly matters, and a commitment to nurturing the environment we all share.

"Preserve, study, absorb, revere, and enjoy the primeval woods before its too late." --Horace Kephart

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests