12 Amazing Cabin Rentals in Cherokee, North Carolina

Steeped in Native American history and packed with breathtaking mountain views, Cherokee is a stunning off-the-beaten-path destination.

Cherokee is a small town surrounded by North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains. It offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the Cherokee Nation’s history and culture at destinations like the Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and the “Unto These Hills” theatrical retelling of the Cherokee Story.

During your visit, hiking at least a few of the areas stunning trails is a must.Great Smoky Mountains National Park has hiking trails for all levels, and there’s an absolutely stunning stretch of the Appalachian Trail running through the park, too.

Make your trip extra memorable by booking one of the best Cherokee cabin rentals in the area. These cabins are private, surrounded by nature, and offer a cozy experience you can’t get from a hotel.

Related Read: 10 Can’t-Miss Glamping Sites Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

1. Lazy Bear Lodge

Why you should stay: Hand-built log cabin with a hot tub and spectacular views overlooking the Cowee and Nantahala Mountains.

• Sleeps: 6
• Minimum stay: 2–4 nights
• Starting from: $165/night

Lazy Bear Lodge is an authentic log cabin stationed in the mountains. There are two bedrooms and a sleeper sofa, plus a large yard. While you’re home, kick back and relax in the privacy of your own wooded yard complete with a hammock, hot tub, fire pit, grill, and picnic table. You don’t even need to leave to get your nature fix.

If cabin fever starts to set in, just venture across the street to the popular Pinnacle Park Trail, which gains 3,000 feet over seven miles of mountain-view trail. Downtown Sylva is also only minutes away for shopping and fun in the city.

Related Read: 6 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Wilmington, North Carolina

2. Heaven On Earth

Why you should stay: Go off the grid at this incredible cabin with views of the Great Smoky Mountains

• Sleeps: 6
• Minimum stay: 2 nights
• Rates from: $173/night

This cabin rental near Cherokee is Heaven on Earth. Located on a secluded five acres of untouched wilderness, this cabin allows guests to experience the rugged outdoors without sacrificing the comfort of home. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and marvel at the striking landscape on the 650-square-feet covered deck with a hot tub, rockers, and a cafe table for al fresco dining.

If you love the look of an open fire, you’ve got two options: hang out by the stone fireplace indoors, or make use of the outdoor fire pit. This two-bedroom, two-bath house is super close to Qualla Boundary (the North Carolina home of the Cherokee Nation) and Bryson City.

Related Read: 10 Incredible Glamping Spots Near Asheville, North Carolina

3. Bryson City Cabin

Why you should stay: Log cabin retreat nestled along Coopers Creek with a fire pit and furnished deck.

• Sleeps: 4
• Minimum stay: 2–4 nights
• Rates from: $148/night

Recharge and disconnect at Bryson City cabin, a two-bedroom, one-bath home on Coopers Creek. The property feels like its tucked away in nature, but it’s not so far from nearby shops and attractions as to be inconvenient.

You can expect to find all of the comforts of home, such as a well-stocked kitchen and complimentary toiletries. The home’s standout feature is the fully furnished outdoor deck with a gas grill just steps away from the fire pit and creek. Prepare for weak cell service, or, alternatively phrased, embrace the opportunity to break away from everyday life.

Related Read: 10 Unique Places to Stay in North Carolina

4. The Blue Bear Cabin

Why you should stay: Luxurious log cabin boasting panoramic views of the Smokies in a quiet mountain clearing.

• Sleeps: 4
• Minimum stay: 2 nights
• Rates from: $149/night

With tall, chalet-style windows and marvelous Smoky Mountain views, you’ll be hard-pressed to find fault with The Blue Bear Cabin. Natural light spills into the kitchen and living room where wood floors and ceilings create a warm and inviting atmosphere. There are two cozy bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms.

The cabin is on a secluded lot, but it’s a bit higher in elevation, so be prepared for a mountain road on your way up. Don’t forget your swimsuit so you can take advantage of the powerful hot tub that’ll soothe your tired muscles after a long day of hiking. There’s also a large porch and a fire pit with a views to die for.

Related Read: 11 Most Beautiful Swimming Holes in North Carolina

5. Rainbow Run

Why you should stay: Spacious two-bedroom home in the secluded river community of River Side Acres.

• Sleeps: 5
• Minimum stay: 2-4
• Rates from: $169/night

Rainbow Run is a two-bedroom, pet-friendly Cherokee cabin rental. The property is in the private community of River Side Acres, on the outskirts of Sylva, conveniently located near restaurants and grocery stores. Inside, an open layout will foster a sense of togetherness with your family, especially when combined with new furnishings and appliances, beautiful hardwood floors, and soft bedding.

Outside the home is a covered wraparound porch and custom stone fire pit for outdoor living. Fantastic trout fishing is within walking distance for those interested in casting their line, and other local attractions like Harrahs Casino and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian aren’t too far away.

6. Eagles Nest Hideaway

Why you should stay: Gorgeous log cabin with a tall wall of windows, impressive views, and luxury amenities.

• Sleeps: 6
• Minimum stay: 2–4 nights
• Rates from: $195/night

The Eagles Nest Hideaway is a 2,400-square-foot home with dramatically tall ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows so you always have a magnificent view of the Smokies. There are two cozy bedrooms and two and a half baths, plus a sleeper sofa in the loft. There are oak hardwood floors throughout the home, as well as a stunning carved log staircase and a river rock fireplace.

Guests also have access to the home’s numerous luxury amenities such as a bubbly hot tub, an outdoor stone fire pit with free firewood, patio and deck seating, and comfortable rocking chairs. There’s also a unique two-person jacuzzi in the loft that has great views from the incredible windows.

7. Big Sky

Why you should stay: Private mountain cabin with a fireplace, wraparound deck, and stunning mountain views.

• Sleeps: 9
• Minimum stay: 2-4 nights
• Rates from: $138/night

Big Sky is a cute Cherokee cabin rental perfect for a large group planning to indulge in the area’s best outdoor adventures; hiking, biking, fishing, and more are all nearby. Closely located near the town of Sylva, you can take advantage of great restaurants when cooking dinner sounds like too much work.

The ground floor has an open floor plan where your family can spend time together playing board games in the living room. There are two furnished decks so you can start your day while enjoying the views over a cup of coffee. When it’s time for bed, four inviting bedrooms offer a good night’s rest.

8.The Treehouse at Cataloochee

Why you should stay: Rustically luxurious cabin with a fantastic view outside and fantastic decor inside.

• Sleeps: 4
• Minimum stay: 3 nights
• Rates from: $297/night

The Treehouse at Cataloochee is a lovely cabin rental near the Cataloochee Ski Area. It really was a treehouse used by the local children at one point, and has since been “upgraded” into a jaw-dropping vacation rental. The Smoky Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the property, with incredible views from the three — yes, three, decks.

When you’re not out hiking or skiing, soak in the private jacuzzi or just enjoy time down by the fire put.

9. Luxury Farmhouse Cabin

Why you should stay: Whimsical one-bedroom cabin with designer finishes and sunset mountain views.

• Sleeps: 2
• Minimum stay: 2 nights
• Rates from: $185/night

For bohemian vibes and romantic getaways, look to this brand new luxury farmhouse cabin for two. The space has everything you need, including a bedroom decked out in cozy tones with a king bed and private balcony.  There’s no need to share in the bathroom, as it’s set up with two sinks and two mirrors for traveling couples.

There’s a second deck off the living room with a grill, dining table, and fire bowl. This small but mighty space also features a reading corner, a full kitchen with a stocked spice rack, onsite laundry, and complimentary toiletries. It’s modern, bright, and airy — and perfectly perched in the woods.

10. Love’s Lane

Why you should stay: Mountain-modern cabin with a pool table and a hot tub

• Sleeps: 4
• Minimum stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $125

Love’s Lane is a contemporary loft in the mountains boasting crisp architectural lines, expansive windows, and thoughtfully curated design. The kitchen has high-end stainless steel appliances for the traveling chef of the group and a ribbon-flame gas fireplace for chilly evenings. In the bedrooms, you’ll find plush pillow-top king mattresses topped with ultra-soft linens. The two bedrooms also feature their very own private, custom-tiled bathrooms with eye-catching wooden countertops.

This cool cabin also has a pool table, poker table, hot tub, and furnished deck with a fire pit, guaranteeing you won’t ever feel bored during your time at Love’s Lane. Bryson City is only 15 minutes away by car for any shopping or dining needs.

11. Rustic Retreat

Why you should stay: A truly rustic escape to the mountains with a spring-fed pool and hot tub.

• Sleeps: 5
• Minimum stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $278/night

This rustic retreat is a lovingly worn architectural home set amongst rolling green mountains for those who appreciate uncommon stays. Designed by the Norwegian architect Bernardo Rostad, this cabin features unique amenities such as an all-natural spring-fed pool, stone and reclaimed wood accents, and tall windows.

This rugged home is gorgeous, but doesn’t have the modern amenities some travelers may want: there’s no air conditioning, reliable WiFi, or cell service. You’ll need to traverse a winding gravel road that climbs to 4,700 ft of elevation to get to this property, so 4WD is recommended. At this Cherokee cabin rental, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains during the day and vibrant sunrises in the evenings.

12. Watershed Resort Pointe D

Why you should stay: Pet-friendly modern one-bedroom private unit for two with luxury amenities and direct views of Clingman’s Dome.

• Sleeps: 2
• Minimum stay: 2 nights
• Rates from: $145

Watershed Pointe D is a Cherokee cabin rental that effortless blends luxury and nature. No detail has been overlooked in this one-bedroom home, featuring an open great room with exposed beams, wooden ceilings, a modern chef’s kitchen, and bright white walls.

Outside, guests can marvel at views of Clingman’s Dome and the Nantahala Gorge, since the property has views in every direction. Leading to the patio are large glass doors blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. In the evenings, fire up the propane gas fire pit and crank up the hot tub’s jets for complete relaxation as beautiful sunsets paint the sky.

Explore More in the Mountains

Sign up for the Weekend Wanderer to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, and camping ideas every month.