The Smoky Mountains have plenty to offer – from gorgeous hikes in Gatlinburg to sightseeing in Pigeon Forge, from sampling Tennessee moonshine to, of course, experiencing Dollywood. In this article, we’ll cover the best vacation homes to book for an IG-worthy photoshoot without even leaving the house. We do understand that you’ve got lots to explore while you’re there, too, so we also included cute local spots and hikes to check out when you’re looking for a change of scenery.
Pine Rise
Pine Rise is a four-story tall cabin in Sevierville complete with 10 rooms, two kitchens, two hot tubs, and decks on each level. This home also has its own movie theater, but when you’re looking to explore more of the outdoors, we recommend making the short drive to Anakeesta. This outdoor theme park has activities for the whole crew: including a rollercoaster, treetop skywalk, restaurants, ziplining, and plenty of photo ops along the way.
Buckskin
Buckskin is an absolute beast — 12 bedrooms, room for 36, and the ability to fit the entire group chat with seats to spare. The money shot here is the great room: soaring wood-beamed ceilings, expansive windows framing the mountains, and a stone fireplace doing half the styling work for you. Go wide on the indoor pool, or catch golden hour from the porch swing with the peaks behind you and a hot tub soak waiting. For a “phone eats first” moment, head for good ole’ country cooking at Five Oaks Farm Kitchen.
Duval
Came for Duval’s outdoor seating, and stayed for the heated indoor pool with beach entry. We recommend posing under the pool’s waterfall – dim the lights to let the pool’s LEDs really shine for an ambiance like no other. For a different angle, check out the Gatlinburg Space Needle located in the downtown strip.
Chestnut
Going nuts for the views at Chestnut. Our favorite photo-op in this house has to be in the living room. Post up on the cozy couch where the panoramic views of the mountains behind you are sure to shine on your IG feed. Reach new heights in your photo game with a trip to the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, where you’ll experience the world’s longest pedestrian bridge (on top of great shots)!
Little Sparrow
Come to Little Sparrow for a traditional cabin charm with a modern twist. This stay has all you need for a shoot with its pool, hot tub, and elevated views that make for a great backdrop. Fancy a shot in the standing tub? Go off. For a daytime adventure, head to NC to hike the (half-mile) highest point along the Appalachian Trail, Clingman’s Dome.
Wilder
This Smoky Mountain retreat is a winner with its indoor pool, hot tub overlooking the Smokies, and large deck perfect for finding the ideal lighting. Wilder is a home that not only delivers in amenities but also puts you in a prime location for a trip to Pigeon Forge, where you can visit The Old Mill for pics by the waterfall and grist mill.
Foxview
Become one with nature at Foxview – a Sevierville stay where the photo-ops are endless. Post up by the deck with stunning views of the forest around you. Put your comfiest clothes on and get a shot sipping hot cocoa by the indoor fireplace. If you’re looking for a new backdrop, head to Crave Golf Club and pose by their candy-infused mural.
Overlook Lodge
Glass, light, and one seriously scroll-stopping plunge pool — Overlook Lodge is the Smokies’ most photogenic new build. Set your golden-hour shot at the lower deck’s plunge pool, where the water seems to spill straight into the ridgeline behind you. Inside, the floor-to-ceiling windows turn every corner of the great room into soft-light heaven, and the primary suite’s soaking tub is begging for a steamy self-care post. Cap the night with a firepit frame under the stars, and grab a bottle from Sugarlands Distilling Company down the mountain for a proper moonshine cheers on the upper deck.
Copperhead
Say hello to your new favorite getaway home. Copperhead is a modern Smoky Mountain stay complete with this incredible pool, hot tub, and great natural light for all the pics you’re about to take. Cozy up by the fireplace, or have an amusement-filled day at Dollywood.
Hickory Ridge
Here’s where to stay in the Smokies if you’ve got a drone. Hickory Ridge is nestled in the trees of Gatlinburg and comes with three large balconies, incomparable views, two hot tubs, and all the porch-sitting you can handle. When you’re ready to put your hiking boots on, head to Porters Creek Trail for beautiful waterfalls, a historic cemetery (if that’s your vibe), and a historic farm site.