This fall, you don’t have to hop on a plane to wake up somewhere extraordinary. Tucked into the misty blue ridges of the Smokies, a luxurious weekend getaway is closer than you think. Ten miles outside Gatlinburg, on 182 wooded acres near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance, Under Canvas Smoky Mountains offers a way to experience the mountains without sacrificing comfort.
Its safari-style tents feel more like boutique hotel rooms rather than campsites, with king beds, West Elm furnishings, private bathrooms, and wood-burning stoves that make a chilly November evening cozy. For night owls, the Stargazer Tent has a viewing window above the bed, letting guests stargaze before falling asleep.
Like every Under Canvas property, this camp is intentionally off-grid. Without screens competing for attention, families and friends can easily immerse themselves in the magic of the nature around them. With numerous hiking trails and wildlife spots, guests can choose their own adventure, whether that means an easy morning stroll or a full day spent hiking.
For a gentle start, Cataract Falls is a flat, one-mile walk that begins and ends at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and rewards hikers of every skill level with a waterfall at its end. Grotto Falls, at 2.7 miles, is slightly more technical but still manageable for most, and it pays off with a waterfall hikers can actually walk behind. Over in Cades Cove, the 5-mile trek to Abrams Falls offers a longer outing with an equally stunning finish. For those craving a real challenge, Mt. LeConte is the park’s most popular strenuous day hike: 11 miles and more than 3,000 feet of elevation gain to the top of the third-tallest peak in the Smokies. Waiting at the summit is LeConte Lodge, a hike-in-only retreat so remote that its supplies arrive weekly by llama.
Under Canvas Smoky Mountains is also a great place to spot local wildlife, and wildlife lovers should make Cades Cove their first stop. The 11-mile driving loop on the park’s western side is one of the best places to spot deer, wild turkeys, and, with a little luck, black bears. At the park’s southern entrance near Cherokee, elk often graze in the fields around the Oconaluftee area during the cooler hours of the day. And for guests craving a different type of adventure, you can also rent a kayak on Fontana Lake for a more peaceful day, often leading to big reflections and exploration of quiet coves.
However, your getaway can be even more stress-free. The camp’s Adventure Concierge makes planning a breeze. Available before your stay and on-site, the team helps you book once-in-a-lifetime excursions throughout the area, from ziplining and whitewater rafting to tubing and private guided hikes.
After a long day of exploration, guests return to camp and settle in for dinner al fresco on a patio surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees. The on-site cafe serves wholesome, cafe-style fare, enjoyed inside or out, from an ever-changing menu inspired by the region and built around seasonal ingredients. The same cafe fuels each morning with hot breakfast and espresso, plus grab-and-go provisions for a picnic in the park. For a taste of local tradition, The Old Mill in nearby Pigeon Forge serves Southern family-style cooking beside a historic gristmill. Guests can then finish the night with nightly complimentary s’mores around the communal fire pits as they recount the day’s adventures.
While most guests come to Under Canvas for the adventure, many leave thankful for the small moments of the trip and the chance to enjoy that human connection.
For more information or to book your next stay, check out their website or follow along on social media.
undercanvas.com/camps/great-smoky-mountains
Without screens competing for attention, families and friends can easily immerse themselves in the magic of the nature around them.
While most guests come to Under Canvas for the adventure, many leave thankful for the small moments of the trip and the chance to enjoy that human connection.