Luxury Vacation Rentals in the Smoky Mountains

Luxury travel in the Smokies is all about high-end experiences that still feel grounded in nature.

Spend your days exploring hiking trails near Asheville or trying watersports on the French Broad River, then retreat to a private cabin with expansive mountain views to soak in a bubbling hot tub under the stars.

Plus, with Wander Concierge, you can personalize your stay in all sorts of ways. Our team can make your stay special by organizing yoga instructors, private chauffeurs, restaurant bookings, and everything in between.

Why Visit the Smoky Mountains?

The Great Smoky Mountains are most famous for their stunning scenery. The most visited national park in the USA is brimming with natural beauty and opportunities for adventure. From waterfalls and wildflower hikes to scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, there are many ways to soak up all the Smokies have to offer.

But that’s not all! With charming towns full of artisan shops and Southern comfort food, cultural attractions with a rich history, and outdoor activities to tap into your adventurous side, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit the Smoky Mountains.

When is the Best Time to Go To the Smoky Mountains?

The best time to visit the Smokies depends on how you plan to spend your vacation. The region has a mild climate, so temperatures remain relatively similar year-round, but here’s what to expect from each season:

• Spring (March–May): Wildflowers blanket the trails, waterfalls flow at their peak, and the temperatures are perfect for hiking and exploring.
• Summer (June–August): Lush greenery and long sunny days make it ideal for tubing, rafting, and other outdoor adventures. Just be prepared for crowds on hiking trails and at tourist hotspots.
• Fall (September–November): This is peak foliage season, and the Smokies put on a show. Crisp air, fiery colors, Halloween celebrations, and harvest festivals make fall a magical time to visit.
• Winter (December–February): Quieter trails, occasional snow, and cozy cabin vibes. Winter is a great time to explore nearby towns and bond around the fireplace at your luxury vacation rental.

What is the Best Town to Stay in for the Smoky Mountains?

Gatlinburg

This Tennessee mountain town is a getaway to the Smokies, offering sweeping views of the park and attractions like the SkyBridge and Ober Mountain tramway. Gatlinburg’s charming downtown zone is bustling with distilleries, arcades, nightlife options, and independent shops. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want easy access to the park with lots to do nearby.

Stay at a luxury vacation rental in Gatlinburg to bring an upscale twist to your mountain escape. Discover Wander Smoky Ridge, a six-bedroom secluded forest retreat complete with ensuite bathrooms, a games room, a hot tub, and a fireplace. Enjoy panoramic mountain views from your indoor pool at Wander Gatlinburg Mountain, or the outdoor pool at Wander Smoky Summit.

Sevierville

Sevierville is a cozy, laid-back alternative to the other vibrant towns of the Smokies, great for families or travelers looking for a slower pace. Discover unique attractions like the Titanic Museum and the Museum of Aviation and explore natural wonders like the Forbidden Caverns.

Wander Sevierville Creek is a magical one-bedroom retreat complete with a hot tub and fire pit, perfect for a romantic getaway that balances luxury with nature. Meanwhile, Wander Sevierville Haven is a spacious 18-guest property featuring a games room, home theater, and indoor pool, ideal for family fun.

Asheville

Another gateway to the national park, Asheville, blends natural beauty, artsy vibes, and local culinary delights, making it an excellent destination for every kind of traveler. Enjoy live entertainment, must-visit museums, and local breweries, then retreat to your luxury vacation rental, Wander Asheville Meadows, to take in the scenic mountain views as you unwind.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a picturesque town best known for being home to Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-themed park and memorabilia museum. This mountain town in the foothill of the Smokies is the perfect place to make base while you enjoy outdoor adventures and discover the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge.

Wander Pigeon Forge is a stunning five-bedroom property that blends high-end amenities like a hot tub, vintage arcade, and Tesla charger with breathtaking views and a feeling of being immersed in nature.

Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

There are a hundred different ways you could spend your vacation in the Smokies, which is why it’s one of our favorite destinations for every type of traveler. Here are a few of our top picks:

Hike or Bike through the Iconic National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains is a hiker's paradise. With over 800 miles of trails, there’s something for every skill level. Try Laurel Falls for a beginner-friendly 2.6-mile round-trip hike to an Instagram-worthy 80-foot waterfall. Looking for a challenge? Tackle Alum Cave Trail or Mount Le Conte for panoramic views at the top.

If you prefer exploring nature on two wheels, try the Gatlinburg Trail, the Oconaluftee River Trail, and the lower Deep Creek Trail.

Take a Scenic Drive

Dubbed "America's Favorite Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway is a slow-paced, scenic drive through the Southern Appalachian mountains. The parkway offers 469 miles of breathtaking scenery. Expect stunning mountain ranges, plant and wildlife sightings, and plenty of stopping points for Instaworthy snaps.

Explore Charming Mountain Towns

Each town in the Smokies has a distinctive character. Discover lively and walkable Gatlinburg, filled with art galleries, live music venues, and breweries. There are countless things to do in Ashville, Watch artists work at the River Arts District, wander through boutiques in Downtown Ashville, and pick up fresh produce at the Ashville city market. Or visit Bryson City for a quieter gem with a historic train ride (the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad), local breweries, and riverfront dining.

Try Something Adventurous

Dial up the thrill-o-meter with adrenaline-filled activities set against the most beautiful backdrop in the Southeast. Zipline through the mountains, go whitewater rafting on the French Broad River, ride a mountain coaster, or take a helicopter ride for bird’s eye views of the Smokies.

The Best the Smoky Mountains Vacation Rentals: Our Top Picks

• Wander Smoky Mountain Forest: A seven-bedroom wood cabin with a spacious balcony, private hot tub, and games room, ideal for families and groups of friends.

• Wander Sevierville Hollow: A cozy couples retreat with a wraparound deck, hot tub, and plush king-sized bed, perfect for reconnecting during a romantic getaway.

• Wander Smoky Summit: A forest retreat with a spacious BBQ area, cozy fireplace, and inviting outdoor pool, with spa-like bathrooms for a touch of indulgence.

• Wander Pigeon Stone: A huge cabin accommodating up to 32 guests, featuring a movie theater, spacious communal zones, and two pools, ideal for company retreats.

• Wander Asheville Meadows: A two-bedroom glass bungalow with giant windows that ‘frame the mountains as art’, named the most beautiful rental in North Carolina by Architectural Digest.

• Wander Smoky Peaks: A three-story wood cabin combining rustic charm with modern elegance with luxurious amenities like ultra-fast Wi-Fi, a hot tub, and ensuite bedrooms.

• Wander Pigeon Ridge: An 18-bedroom open-concept cabin with a games room, home theater room, hot tub, and outdoor dining area, perfect for entertaining.

• Wander Smoky Mountain Sky: A rustic forest retreat with an outdoor seating area, cozy fireplace, nine bedrooms, and unparalleled mountain views.

Getting Around

The Smoky Mountains region is best explored by car. Major access points include Knoxville, TN (1 hour from Gatlinburg) and Asheville, NC (about 90 minutes from the North Carolina side of the park). Once you're here, scenic byways, park roads, and charming backroads make driving part of the fun.

Wander properties offer secure parking and EV charging stations where available. Need help with car rentals or local drivers? Our concierge team can assist.

Shuttle services, which can be booked online, offer transport between local communities and popular park destinations, such as Newfound Gap, Alum Cave Trailhead, and Chimney Tops Trailhead.