Hidden Mountain Resort

This family-owned resort started in 1981 with just a few cabins and grew in anticipation of the upcoming 1982 World's Fair in nearby Knoxville, Tennessee. Now spread across two vast subdivisions, including an RV park, the resort sits in mountainous terrain, with a river running through a landscape dotted by small lakes and ponds. Both the small East and West lobby buildings are built with wood and rough-hewn stone, and the familiar mountain decor incorporates bear skins, antlers, and hand-crafted log furniture. Each of the 300-plus cabins has been individually decorated by its owners. The resort primarily attracts families looking for a rural escape or a quiet stay near Knoxville and Pigeon Forge.

Located on a mountain road in Sevierville, just outside of Pigeon Forge, the Hidden Mountain Resort isn't within walking distance to nearby attractions, but is still convenient for driving to many area destinations. Cabins at the east end are only one mile from the main Parkway, though the sprawling grounds and mountainous terrain present delays coming in and out of the grounds. Sevierville is on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg -- known for its outdoor activities and as the birthplace of Dolly Parton -- as well as Knoxville. The popular Dollywood theme park is less than 20 minutes away, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about a 30-minute drive.

Each of the cabins is unique, with different owners responsible for each one's overall maintenance and decor. There is also a wide range between the sizes, from intimate one-bedrooms up to massive 14-room lodges. All have some combination of rough timbers, wood panels, exposed beams, and polished boards, and are styled traditionally with tile, or carpeted floors, and colorful walls or wallpaper with country motifs.

Each cabin has at least one large deck or patio from to enjoy the mountain views, and many also have a screened-in porch with a hot tub. Lodge-inspired furnishings include leather sofas and wooden rocking chairs. Each cabin has a full kitchen and dining area. Bathrooms range in style between updated stone-tiled walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and aging plastic shower/tub combinations with dated fixtures. Other in-cabin amenities can include sleeper sofas, pool tables, foosball tables, arcade games, and porch swings. All cabins have at least one hot tub, gas or charcoal grills and at least one fireplace -- some even have a wood burning fireplace, and free Wi-Fi.

It's worth being aware that some are in need of updates or have maintenance issues; ant problems, though uncommon, are a recurring concern, even in well-maintained cabins.

Spread across the natural terrain of the Smoky Mountains, the resort's main feature is the land it sits on, lined with walking trails that pass streams and picnic pavilions. A two-acre lake dominates the more secluded and wooded western grounds, while the eastern grounds are a more manicured, gated community, dotted with several fishing ponds. There are two outdoor pool areas: The simpler west pool has a small deck, while the east pool has a man-made waterfall, two hot tubs, covered fire-pit, and wicker lounge chairs surrounded by gardens. The mountain lodge event space caters to weddings and can accommodate up to 300 people in its timber-lined hall with a stone, wood-burning hearth as its center-piece. Log furniture and attractive tables covered in worn copper provide seating, with additional space on an outdoor deck. There are also two fitness centers with bikes, treadmills, circuit machines, and free weights.