Ridge View Lodge / Smoky Mountains

06/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E39iqbmNY/

Ever wonder why “book direct and save” matters? Here’s a real example from TODAY:

A traveler messaged us on Airbnb asking if we offered a veteran discount for a November stay at Ridge View Lodge / Smoky Mountains. Unfortunately, platforms like Airbnb charge hosts substantial fees, which makes hosts increase their rates on the Airbnb platform and also makes offering discounts there difficult.

Their Airbnb total for Nov 8-12 was:
💲 $2,284

If they had searched the cabin name "Ridge View Lodge" online and booked directly through our website, their total after our military/veteran discount would have been:
💲 $1,822

That’s a savings of $462 - for the exact same cabin and dates❗️

The takeaway:
When you find a vacation rental you love on Airbnb or Vrbo, take a minute to Google the property name or ask ChatGPT/Grok/search engines if the cabin has a direct booking website. You may find:
✔ Lower rates
✔ Exclusive discounts
✔ Better communication
✔ No unnecessary platform markups

Direct booking can mean hundreds of dollars back in your vacation budget - more money for attractions, dining, and memories.

We proudly support our military and veterans. 🇺🇸 Thank you for your service.



www.bluemountaincabins.com

05/10/2026

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will temporarily close the Ramsey Cascades Trail due to aggressive bear activity in the area. Please respect the closure as rangers continue to monitor bear behavior.

Looking for another hike this weekend? Explore more than 800 miles of trails across the park: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/day-hikes.htm

Wherever you adventure in the Smokies, stay bear‑aware throughout the park by always staying at least 50 yards away from bears, storing food properly, and staying alert on trails.

05/07/2026

🔥 SUMMER OPENING – PRIME DATES 🔥

Just opened up at Ridge View Lodge due to a cancellation:
📅 July 29 - August 2

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect Smoky Mountains getaway, this is it.

Wake up to views of Mt. LeConte and rolling Smoky Mountain ridges from your private 1.5-acre retreat. This 3,200 sq ft custom timber-frame cabin was built for gathering - with space, privacy, and those unforgettable mountain moments.

✔ 5 bedrooms | Sleeps up to 16
✔ Expansive decks + covered porches with nature views
✔ 6-person hot tub under the stars
✔ Fire pit for late-night stories
✔ Game room with arcade, foosball + 70” TV
✔ Loft with pool table
✔ Dining for 12 + fully equipped kitchen
✔ Fiber WiFi if you need to check in… but you won’t want to

Whether it’s family, friends, or a summer reunion - this is one of the best weeks of the year, and it won’t stay open long.

👉 Book direct and save vs Airbnb/Vrbo:
https://www.bluemountaincabins.com/ridge-view-lodge-orp5b16c5dx

Quiet. Space. Mountains.
This is what summer is supposed to feel like.

04/25/2026

The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is one of the most searched and attended events in the Smoky Mountains - and for good reason. If you're planning a trip to Gatlinburg in 2026, this guide gives you everything you need: exact dates, what to expect, crowd tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
https://www.bluemountaincabins.com/blog/Gatlinburg-Craftsmens-Fairs-Dates-Tips-insider-Guide

04/19/2026

If you're looking for an authentic Smoky Mountain experience, Alewine Pottery in Gatlinburg should be one to visit. Located along the famous Arts & Crafts Community loop, this family-owned pottery shop offers handmade ceramics, live demonstrations, and a true connection to traditional craftsmanship. Many Alewine-made items are easy to recognize because of the imprints of real maple leaves. https://www.bluemountaincabins.com/blog/Alewine-Pottery-in-Gatlinburg-A-Must-Visit-in-the-Arts-Crafts-Community

04/16/2026

**Family-Friendly Animal Attractions Near Our Smoky Mountains Cabins**
If you're staying at Appalachian Escape or Ridge View Lodge, you're just a short drive from two of the most popular animal attractions in the Smoky Mountains. These experiences are easy to reach and consistently rank among the most memorable family outings.
see more >>> https://www.bluemountaincabins.com/blog/Family-Friendly-Animal-Attractions-Near-Our-Smoky-Mountains-Cabins

03/03/2026

Done everything there was to do in Sevier County? Try a day trip to Mt Mitchell. At an elevation of 6,684 ft, Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River, and it's easy and free for all to enjoy. Located about 35 miles northeast of downtown Asheville (roughly 2.5–3 hours from our cabins near Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Sevierville, TN), reach it via a scenic drive: From the Smokies area, take Foothills Parkway, I-40 east, then the Blue Ridge Parkway south to NC Highway 128, which leads directly to the summit. see more ~ https://www.bluemountaincabins.com/blog/blue-ridge-parkway-and-mt-mitchell

03/01/2026

If you're staying with us at Blue Mountain Cabins in the Smoky Mountains (near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville, TN), one of the best day trips is hopping on the Blue Ridge Parkway from its southern terminus. The Parkway begins near Cherokee, NC (on the southern side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Key Stops (closest to TN/Smokies side):
~ Waterrock K**b (Milepost ~451 - 452): The Parkway's highest visitor center area - short trail to panoramic views. Picnic tables are available.
~ Richland Balsam Overlook: (Milepost 431.4): Our favorite. The highest point on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,053 feet! Pull off for a parking lot overlook with sweeping views over Nantahala National Forest. Usually, you can smell balsam firs.

~ Other nearby stops: Oconaluftee Valley Overlook, Cowee Mountains Overlook, or short trails/pull-offs for wildflowers and birdwatching.
More > https://www.bluemountaincabins.com/blog/Scenic-Drive-The-Southern-Blue-Ridge-Parkway-Near-the-Smoky-Mountains-TN

02/13/2026

Pittman Center sits east of Gatlinburg, along beautiful rolling foothills and river valleys.
You can take Grassy Branch Loop and Grassy Branch Road from Ridge View Lodge - it will cross the Little Pigeon River Grassy Branch bridge; Turn right, and it will take you right to Emerts Cove bridge, which is only 2.5 miles from the cabin. Follow through and turn left heading toward the Greenbrier GSMNP entrance.
https://www.bluemountaincabins.com/blog/pittman-center-small-hidden-gem-smokies

02/06/2026

🚧 Temporary Closure: Starting Monday, Cades Cove Loop Road will be temporarily closed to all users for hazard tree removal.

📅 Scheduled closure dates: February 9–13 and February 23-27.

✅ The road will reopen at 12 PM each Friday and remain open through the weekend during regular hours (sunrise to sunset).

Thank you for your patience as we complete this essential work. Mitigating hazard trees in busy areas improves visitor safety!

Visit our website for alternative scenic drives and places to explore during this closure: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/index.htm



NPS Graphic

ALT: A National Park Service arrowhead logo on a brown background.