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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited out of the entire impressive US National Parks system. Over 12 million people visited in 2024 alone. It’s a unique and beautiful region, blending the drama of alpine landscapes with the mild temperatures and lush forests typical of lower altitudes.
Unlike the semi-arid harshness of many mountain ranges, life thrives in every well-watered inch here. Tall trees canopy the surroundings, moss and fungi carpet the ground, and soft earth cushions every step. For comparison, the altitude of the highest peak in the Smokies (Clingman’s Dome/Kuwohi, 2023 metres or 6643 feet) is below that of most trailheads at the base of the Colorado Rockies.
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When to visit the Smoky Mountains
I unreservedly recommend the Smoky Mountains for an autumn trip. I visited in October when the fall colors were just starting to peak—a breathtaking time when the air is crisp, and the scenery is a mix of summer green and fiery autumn hues. But every season has its charms.
Where to stay in the Smoky Mountains: Try out tiny living
Whenever you visit, spring through winter in the Smoky Mountains, you’ll of course need to decide where to stay. Since this is a large area, covering two states with multiple entrances on both east and west sides, the options can be overwhelming. Here’s a guide to those looking for unusual, even quirky, lodging that can be more than just a place to sleep.
If you’ve ever dreamed of going off-grid or testing out tiny living, your Smoky Mountains trip is the perfect opportunity. Thanks to innovative builders, the region boasts multiple tiny home communities where you can experience compact, sustainable living firsthand. Read on to find out three different options for tiny vacation rentals, ranging from the most practical and affordable to the ultimate in whimsy.
Tiny Town, USA in Newport, Tennessee
Once an unassuming industrial town, Newport has transformed into a hub for the tiny home lifestyle. It’s home to Tiny Town USA, the largest tiny home community in the country.
Founded by Incredible Tiny Homes (ITH), this scrappy, budget-conscious company has created a space for affordable living, with homes built using upcycled industrial materials. Tiny Town sits in the foothills, with a view of the mountains to the east.
To be clear, Tiny Town isn’t built as a vacation resort. It’s an affordable living community–a practical, compact series of neighborhoods designed for those seeking financial freedom through downsized living. But for travelers curious about tiny homes, staying here offers a rare glimpse into this still-evolving movement.
If you want to get a feel for one of the most genuinely affordable lifestyles available in any developed country, this is your chance. The people here have purchased their tiny homes, but having made that investment, ITH has boasted that their goal is to never raise lot rents above the $200-$300/month US that they currently charge. That’s not a typo. Two hundred dollars a month.
Residents can list their homes on AirBnb, luckily for tourists. I booked the “Mountain Roots” home in the “Beach” community. This tiny is a wood-paneled, loft-bedded itty bitty home. It is safe, cozy and affordable. Another great option would be to book a stay in the coveted Forest Community, the most popular “neighborhood” in Tiny Town. It was build without leveling the trees around it; each home site is tucked right into the trees.
Solo travelers will particularly appreciate this experience. With cozy accommodations, a welcoming community, and an affordable price point, staying here reduces the dreaded single supplement. You’ll also have built-in opportunities to take a tour and/or talk to neighbors who are living the tiny community lifestyle.
Acony Bell Tiny Home Community, Mills River, North Carolina
Perched high in the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina, Acony Bell is a more upscale tiny home neighborhood than Tiny Town. We’re jumping from the western (Tennessee) side of the Smokies to the eastern (North Carolina) side for this recommendation. Acony Bell is carefully designed as a picturesque, sustainable tiny living community.
Acony Bell homes are thoughtfully arranged in a way that fosters both privacy and a sense of community. Pick this spot if you’re interested in a sense of community and a serene environment.
The community’s scenic setting and upscale tiny home atmosphere make it a sought-after destination for both short-term visitors and long-term residents. The highest rated home is “Trout Lily”. If you need a home that can accommodate a family, book the “Magnolia”.
Hobbit-Style Mountain Shire Tiny Homes in Sevierville, TN
What if you want more whimsy in your tiny lodging, or you want to be closer to a Park entrance? Sevierville serves as one of the primary gateways to the Smokies. It’s famous for its retro Americana, roadside attractions, and, more recently, whimsical lodging options.
For fantasy lovers, there’s Mountain Shire, a getaway that is a collection of Hobbit homes. The tiny homes are true to literary style, with round doors and tree-inspired décor. The setting is in a secluded-feeling walled-in parcel with outdoor seating and fairytale landscaping. Even if you’re not a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan, it will add an eccentric and memorable element to your vacation.
Seriously. Check out the pictures on the Mountain Shire website. I dare you to resist booking one of these little gems.
Good things come in small packages. If those small packages are tucked into beautiful landscapes, anyway.
The Smoky Mountains offer accommodations as diverse as the landscape itself. Whether you’re here to embrace a minimalist lifestyle or indulge in fantasy, try out tiny life while you’re at it. Between the atmospheric beauty of the Smokies and the taste of tiny living, this vacation may just change the way you think about the good life.
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