Great Smoky Mountains National Park plays host to some great mountain getaway cabins set amid towering mountain ranges and waterfalls. It’s easy to set out from here to the trailheads for Mt. LeConte and Clingmans Dome, but it can be tempting just to linger at any of the mountain vacation cabins, especially when there’s a view of the Smoky Mountains right from your window.

While the western mountains go for high drama, the Great Smoky Mountains are misty, known for fine mountain art, bluegrass music, and Ole’ Smoky moonshine. Set next to nearly 5,000 acres of national park, these cabins provide mountain views and all the comforts of a home away from home. The best place to hang out is on one of the rocking chairs or swings positioned on the deck of your cabin for the biggest local attraction: sunset over the Smokies.

Summer getaways don’t have to be splurges. Value-seeking travelers can plan an affordable stay at one of these great cabins, in the Great Smoky Mountains, blending good music at mountain festivals with great hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area. The cabins are located with a day’s drive from three-fourths of the U.S. population. So, you see, there’s no need to pay for more gas or high hotel bills at a large theme park. We have it all here.

The kids and the grownups can take a ride on numerous water rides, roller coasters, and sky wheels. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, and there are many park entrances. Pack a picnic and take a drive to the scenic overlooks and easier hiking trails or look for deer and black bear in nearby Cades Cove.

GRANNY’S CREEKSIDE LODGE

Wears Valley

Soak in the sweeping view in peace from the deck of this Wears Valley cabin (shown above); after all, you haven’t just rented a three-story, six-bedroom, Smoky Mountain log cabin near Pigeon Forge, you’ve rented the sounds and views of the river and a fisherman’s paradise. The warm, beautiful and very spacious cabin is big enough to sleep 20 (with a 10 person hot tub on the deck); The living room features a blue ray player, surround sound, 50"inch TV with Ipod port, and 2 large electronic games supplied with 60 games. Open year around. $400–$600/night, depending on season. In Wears Valley, a few miles off Wears Valley Road; 877-774-4121; www.firesidechalets.com/132.html

CABIN OF DREAMS

Pigeon Forge

With many chalets and cabins to choose from, you might have trouble deciding. We’ll help: A Cabin of Dreams #701 has four bedrooms, a movie theater room, a hot tub, game room, and two fireplaces, which makes it one of the best groups cabins we’ve ever seen. Toss in outdoor rocking chairs, a mountain view, and a great kitchen, four bedrooms that sleep up to 12, four baths, and you’ve got the makings of a memorable weekend, for certain.
Open year around. $385-500. About one mile from downtown Pigeon Forge and most attractions; 877-774-4121; www.firesidechalets.com/701.html