14981 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, North Carolina, United States | (618) 248-8274
Beautiful setting in mountain region on Cheoah River with kayaking and fishing
Near Tail of the Dragon Road, a motorcyclist and sports car enthusiast destination
Rustic cabins with full kitchens and decks are available
Tapoco Restaurant for lunch and dinner; breakfast is also served on-site
Events include nightly bonfires; tennis and hiking also available
Children are allowed in the cabins (but not The Lodge)
Pets are allowed in some cabins
Wi-Fi is free, though spotty
Rooms in The Lodge lack TVs
Children aren't allowed in rooms in The Lodge
Historic Tapoco Lodge is rustic mid-range hotel in a beautiful setting on the Cheoah River. It’s not far from Tail of the Dragon Road, a popular destination for motorcyclists. Rooms and private cabins are both available, and the hotel offers woodsy events like bonfires, hammock areas, and easy access to hiking. It’s a good fit for couples and families with teens, but note that children under 12 are only allowed in the cabins. Dining takes place at the Tapoco Restaurant for lunch and dinner, and breakfast is also available on-site. For outdoor activities, there are kayaking and fishing on the river, and bonfires are a nice way to round out the day.
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Scene
Historic inn with gorgeous mountain setting along a rushing river
Opened in 1930, the Historic Tapoco Lodge was built by the Aluminum Company of America as part of hydroelectric efforts at the time. Today, following shifts in ownership since opening to the public in 1995, the beautifully maintained lodge is on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel is located on 120 acres of land in the Nantahala National Forest, with tree-covered mountains and the rushing Cheoah River providing a scenic backdrop. Guests tend to be couples or groups, with bikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and regularly returning guests especially prevalent. Families with children are allowed, though they can only stay in the cabins, and events like nightly bonfires help add to the away-from-it-all-vibe.
Location
Near famous Tail of the Dragon Road in Nantahala National Forest
Historic Tapoco Lodge is located 15
miles north of Robbinsville, North Carolina, and around 60 miles southeast of
Knoxville, Tennessee. It’s on the Cheoah River in the Nantahala National
Forest, and feels fairly remote, with no other businesses nearby. The hotel is near the start of the famous Tail of the Dragon road, part of US Highway 129 containing 318 curves in 11
miles -- a popular destination for bikers and sports car drivers.
Rooms
Homey rooms and cabins with varying amenities, some with river views
Lodge Rooms, Lodge Suites, and Cabins are available. Amenities vary by room type and include any combination (or lack) of flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Some rooms have porches with beautiful views of the river or mountains, and most bathrooms have black-and-white tile floors and shower/tub combinations, though some have stall showers. Some cabins have whirlpool baths, outdoor hot tubs, wooden decks, spacious living rooms, or full kitchens. Children are allowed in the cabins, and pets are also allowed in some cabins. However, kids under 12 and pets are not allowed in accommodations in The Lodge.
Features
Hiking trails, kayaking, and tasty meals included
Several miles of hiking trails originate on the lodge’s grounds, and the river offers opportunities for fly fishing and kayaking. There is a shuffleboard area, and outdoor fire pits are available to guests. Breakfast is available, and lunch and dinner are served in the Tapoco Restaurant -- no meals are included in rates. Tennis courts are free to use, and there are nightly bonfires that are free to attend as well. Parking is also free.
