Escape to Trailhead Lodge: Steps from National Park Adventure! and unwind in this serene mountain retreat nestled in the prestigious Chalet Village, bordering the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Savor a meal on one of two decks with dining areas or relax with nature’s beauty just outside your door at this dog-friendly cabin that sleeps 8 comfortably.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms3 bathrooms149 sq m
Popular amenities
Pool
Spa pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
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.
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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)
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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Resort Perks Included • Access to 3 mountaintop pools (open Memorial Day–Labor Day) • Tennis and pickleball courts (open year-round)
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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.
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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.
Property amenities
Pool/Spa
Communal pool
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2.5 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
One pet total
Suitability/Accessibility
No lift
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping on request
Iron/ironing board
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Billiards/pool table
Gym
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total pets
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: House is not baby/toddler proof
Events
No events allowed
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
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Chalet Village, a neighbourhood in Gatlinburg, is home to this holiday home. Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction and Titanic Museum are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Island at Pigeon Forge and Tanger Outlets. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Gatlinburg SkyPark are not to be missed. Visit our Gatlinburg travel guide
Does Trailhead Lodge • Sleeps 8 • 2 Kings + Bunks • Game Room • Steps to Trail have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
Is Trailhead Lodge • Sleeps 8 • 2 Kings + Bunks • Game Room • Steps to Trail pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).
How much is parking at Trailhead Lodge • Sleeps 8 • 2 Kings + Bunks • Game Room • Steps to Trail?
On-site parking is available at the property.
Where is Trailhead Lodge • Sleeps 8 • 2 Kings + Bunks • Game Room • Steps to Trail located?
Located in Chalet Village, this holiday home is 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from Ober Mountain and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Traffic Light #10 and Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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Trailhead Lodge • Sleeps 8 • 2 Kings + Bunks • Game Room • Steps to Trail Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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!!
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!
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.
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.