961 Campbell Lead Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States | (618) 248-8274
Excellent views of the Smoky Mountains
26 acres of scenic grounds and hiking trails
Large, lodge-style rooms with private balconies and full kitchens
Bathrooms have walk-in showers and separate whirlpool tubs
Pavilion on the creek features a large fireplace and fire pits
Antique-filled lounge and meeting room are nice places to relax and meet
Multiple outdoor patios for viewing the scenery
On-site fine dining restaurant serves regional cuisine
Fitness center area includes a patio, kitchen, and fireplace
Free continental breakfast
Free Wi-Fi
No pool
Not within walking distance of any Gatlinburg attractions
Restaurant not open for lunch and serves dinner on limited days
Some lower-level rooms have no view
The Lodge at Buckberry Creek was tragically impacted by the November 2016 wildfires. The Lodge will partially reopen summer 2017, and is currently taking limited reservations. We will update our review as soon as possible. Designed like a luxury retreat from a bygone era, this hotel is the real deal in Gatlinburg, offering an authentic mountain lodge experience without sacrificing any comforts. It's an ideal location for travelers who want rustic seclusion while remaining close to downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. A car is necessary, as nothing is within walking distance, but the heart of downtown is only a few minutes' drive away. The rooms are large, with each individually decorated with a fireplace, whirlpool tub, and private balcony. Lawn games and scenic trails are the hotel's main activities. There's a renowned restaurant with regional cuisine, numerous spots to enjoy the views, and many hearths to gather round. Those who desire more familiar amenities, such as a pool, without the 19th-century atmosphere should check out the Gatlinburg Falls Resort.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
An Adirondack-style escape set in the Tennessee mountains
A mountainous road leads to the secluded hotel, whose rustic elegance and grand style was inspired by the local setting and the storied mountain retreats of the Adirondack Mountains. It fits harmoniously into its Smoky Mountain flora with an exterior construction of natural dark timbers and stone. Inside, the hotel's classic atmosphere comes alive with a mix of unmilled wood beams, plaster, deer antlers, and a copious collection of antiques from upstate New York.
Location
In the mountains outside of town
Bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is known for its mountain views, hiking, fishing, rafting, and skiing. The Lodge at Buckberry Creek sits on a secluded mountain road but is an easy drive (via the Gatlinburg Bypass) to downtown and nearby Pigeon Forge. Nothing is within walking distance, but it's a short drive (six to eight minutes) to the national park or the downtown area and tourist attractions such as the Ober Gatlinburg Tram, Space Needle, and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. The town of Pigeon Forge and its popular Dollywood theme park is a 25-minute drive away, Knoxville is about an hour, and Nashville is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from the resort.
Rooms
Individually designed lodge suites with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and private balconies
The room decor goes far beyond that of other upscale hotels in the area, and though still very rustic, the Lodge at Buckberry Creek takes a more elegant approach to the Adirondack style. Exposed timbers, birch bark accents, bear skin rugs, and 19th-century sportsman's equipment are common features. Each large and individually furnished suite has a full kitchen that fits seamlessly into the rest of the decor -- there's no granite countertops here but porcelain farm sinks and custom-made wooden cabinets and shelves. The living areas fit queen sleeper sofas and gas fireplaces amid authentic Adirondack antiques. Private balconies with log furniture vary in size, depending on room type, and some on the ground floor lack views. The bathrooms are a treat, with the same rustic hand-crafted style as the rooms but they're fully modern with walk-in showers and separate whirlpools.
Features
Hiking trail, creekside pavilion, fishing creek, and free breakfast are standout features.
The hotel sits on 26 acres of wilderness terrain in the Smoky Mountains, amid local flora and fauna. A one-mile loop trail goes from the main lodge down to the Creekside Pavilion, a retreat within a retreat, with a huge open-air fireplace and lots of space to sit around outdoor fire pits and enjoy the woods. All terrain "Mountain limos" are available to shuttle guests back and forth between the locations. The staff hosts lawn games, and there are several outdoor patios and decks with Adirondack chairs. The upscale restaurant is one of the best in eastern Tennessee. It has two full-time chefs who specialize in seasonal, regional cuisine and host the occasional wild game dinner. The outdoor seating with amazing mountain views is sought after by tourists and locals alike. Free continental breakfast is served daily, with the option to order from an a la carte menu (for a fee). The hotel has catch-and-release fishing at the creek, and is one of the annual "Casting for Recovery" locations, which offer free, therapeutic fly-fishing retreats for breast cancer survivors.
