If you’re travelling to the Great Smoky Mountains this year, treat yourself to an authentic and truly local experience by staying at our hotel in downtown Gatlinburg. We’ve put together 4 reasons for why we have the best lodging in town.
Our Location
Do you love downtown Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? If so, then Bearskin Lodge on the River is the perfect place for you! A stay with us means that you get the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds. Our location places you within walking distance of numerous top attractions, shops and dining spots. We’re also just steps away from the Gatlinburg entrance of the national park and the trailhead for the Gatlinburg Trail. Within just five minutes you can walk to The Peddler for a fabulous dinner, the NOC Gatlinburg to rent hiking gear or shop for locally made gifts, enjoy wine tasting at Sugarlands Cellars or indulge in the Smokies best cinnamon rolls at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp. We have plenty of free parking and if you feel like riding instead of driving, you can hop on the trolley. A short walk will take you to never-ending fun in the heart of downtown but you’ll find that it’s very peaceful on our property as well. Book a room along the river with a private balcony and you’ll have the chance to soak up the tranquility of the water as it flows from the peaks of the Smokies. Grab a spot on the city side and enjoy kicking pack and relaxing before heading out to explore. All guests have access to our rocking chairs along the river as well. If you decide to rock awhile, keep your eyes open because you never know when a great blue heron, otters or a bear will pass by!
Our Guest Rooms
Guests have 8 different options to choose from when picking the perfect guest room for their stay at our hotel. Every room is designed beautifully with a rustic vibe and a twist of coziness and luxury. You’ll find custom hickory furniture and incredibly comfy beds that were custom made for us by Brothers Bedding. The beds are complete with plush pillows and high-quality breathable linens. Hardwood floors and walk-in showers are not only aesthetically pleasing but they allow us to thoroughly clean the rooms. In-room amenities include a microwave, coffee maker, small refrigerator, and more. Large flat screen televisions and wifi keep you connected to entertainment, family back home and catching up on any news that may interest you. We offer suites that include a living area with sleeper sofa, rooms with fireplaces, options with private balconies and extra sitting space. Need adjoining rooms? We have those too!
The Experience
Our hotel was created based off of the legacy of our owners’ grandmother, Hattie Ogle McGiffin. Hattie was a pioneer in the hospitality industry in the Smoky Mountains and she was also the owner of The Bearskin Motel, a former lodging spot in downtown Gatlinburg. The Ogle family isn’t just connected to the beginning stages of tourism in the area though, they were also the first settlers to call Gatlinburg home. Martha Jane Huskey Ogle arrived in the early 1800’s to secure a dream, of her late husband, to call the Smokies home. The foundation that our hotel stands on today is one that is completely local, focused on the Smokies history and the national park and continuing to provide the type of dedicated service to guests that Hattie always showed her guests. It’s more than just a business, it’s an experience. It’s a family that includes our staff and our guests and it’s what we hope will someday be a legacy that future generations strive to carry on. A stay with us, is a full immersion into the story of the Smoky Mountains. It’s an opportunity to experience both the natural side of the beautiful hills of southern Appalachia as well as the culture aspect of life in Gatlinburg.
Are you ready to experience the Smokies?
Take a few minutes to browse Our Guest Rooms . You can even Take a Virtual Tour if you would like to have a closer look at your future home away from home. If you have any questions, Connect with Our Staff and we’ll be happy to assist you in getting everything set up for your vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains!
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