2. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

A beautiful sunrise in the Smoky Mountains

A gorgeous sunrise in the Smokies.

Surprisingly, a vacation to the Smoky Mountains, one of America’s most visited and beautiful parks, won’t cost you an arm and leg. Unlike many other overpriced tourist destinations, there is a mix of upscale and budget-friendly lodging, dining, and attraction choices. The beautiful Smokies regions, which lies on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is home to a plethora of luxury cabin rental companies, many of which offer very affordable rates (especially during the off season).

Many cabin rental companies offer rates lower than $100 per night. Additionally, because you have so much space available, you can easily split the cost of a rental with family and friends. Timber Tops is one fantastic option in the area. During April and May, they offer a 3 for 2 special. Cabins range from 1-15 bedrooms with both cheap and upscale options available, including a range of luxury amenities like hot tubs, cozy fireplaces, secluded mountain views, pool tables, and much more! Also, be sure to check Groupon and Living Social as many cabins in the area advertise special deals on these discount sites!

Timber Tops offers a variety of secluded cabins with incredible views!

Timber Tops offers a variety of secluded cabins with incredible views!

Relaxing with a view of the beautiful Smokies!

Relaxing with a view of the beautiful Smokies!

In addition to an impressive array of budget-friendly cabin rentals, you will be able to take advantage of free admission to one of America’s most gorgeous parks, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With a national park comes endless options for budget-friendly outdoor fun including scenic drives, fishing, hiking and biking, wildlife watching, tours, and much more.

 Budget Friendly Fun in the area

*Visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park – There is plenty of fun to be had in the Smokies, from hiking, biking, waterfall viewing, scenic drives, wildlife watching, and much more! Each season brings forth new amazing views. The park is home to one of the largest concentrations of black bears in the country with approximately 1500 bears calling the land home. If you are lucky you may even see a bear from your cabin rental. Be sure to read up on what to do in the case of bear encounters. Always carry bear spray and keep a close distance from any wildlife when out on the trails.

Early morning views of the Smokies.

Early morning views of the Smokies.

*Taking in the gorgeous views via a scenic chairlift or aerial tram rides – There are 2 ways to take in the tremendous scenery of the area (outside from hiking and other recreational activities): scenic chairlift rides and aerial tram rides. Both of these affordable options offer a fun way to take in the beautiful scenery without much effort required. The skylift ride is just $15 per adult, while the enclosed aerial tram ride is just $12. These prices are a lot cheaper than many other scenic ski lift rides you will find at pricier mountain resorts.

Gatlinburg's Aerial Tram ride is one of the best ways to take in the spectacular scenery of the area!

Gatlinburg’s Aerial Tram ride is one of the best ways to take in the spectacular scenery of the area!

*Attending special yearly Events – No matter what time of year you plan your visit, you are sure to find an interesting lineup of activities including the Winter Trolley of Lights, The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, and the Taste of Autumn. Check the Gatlinburg website for a full lineup of events.