Hiking is a popular sport in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Appalachian Trail is located approximately 5 miles from Smoky Mountain Retreat. Many other trails are also available for hikers. Even with large groups, the cabins offer a comfortable place to relax after a fun-filled day either horseback riding, biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, hiking, or tubing. Or choose to just sit back and enjoy the peaceful, quiet life.

For an adventure that is dripping with excitement, try the whitewater rafting or canoeing on the Nantahala River. Rafting is the sport of choice for many outdoor enthusiasts and families wanting to add a splash of adventure to their vacation. The white-capped rapids will give you the thrill of a lifetime.

If whitewater rafting is not your "cup of tea", try tubing down Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountain National Park. The cool water, flora, and fauna sure leave the spirit refreshed and the senses soothed. Tubing is a sport for anyone four years old and up. You can float with the gentle movement of the water, or paddle your tube with hands and feet, belly up or belly down.

While visiting Smoky Mountain Retreat, be sure to experience the sights and sounds created by the beautiful mountain waterfalls and babbling brooks. Guests say they like to open the windows at night and let the sound of a nearby stream lull them to sleep. An enjoyable afternoon on a hot summer day can be a good book and lawn chair on the banks of Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountain National Park. Some of our guests have even admitted to wading out into the creek and sitting on a large rock with their feet dangling in the cool water. This is an enjoyable experience for the young and old alike.

Mountain biking can be enjoyed year round, as our summers are warm and winters are cool. You can escape the winter "blahs" with exhilarating rides during this time of year. Summer finds you zipping along the trails and splashing through creeks. Spring promises brisk, invigorating rides amid vibrant new growth, while fall offers thrilling adventures on trails blanketed by autumn's colorful leaves. For intermediate to advanced riders, the twisting miles of rolling singletrack at Tsali are a dream come true. 

A lot of our guests like to go horseback riding. The trails might follow cascading mountain streams or go to the mountain tops and the high country. Trained guides and gentle horses combined with the most beautiful scenery in America makes this one of the outstanding experiences of your vacation.

The Smoky Mountain Retreat is located approximately 30 miles from Cataloochee Ski Resort and Tony's Tube World. We have a lot of guests staying with us as our cabins will accommodate large groups (10 to 16 guests) and are more economical. With our complete kitchens, each including microwave, toaster, coffee maker, full-size range, and refrigerator, large groups can reduce the cost of their vacation by preparing their meals at the cabin instead of eating out. We also furnish a gas grill for our guests to use. The cabins have stone fireplaces and all the free firewood our guests need.  Just imagine a day in the snow, enjoying the pristine beauty of the ski slopes, then coming "home" to a roaring fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate to warm the body and soul. Nothing could be more relaxing! Many guests like to go to the slopes at night, while others can stay in and enjoy the TV (with cable hookup) or watch movies on the VCR. The cabins offer peace, quiet, and relaxation.