Cabin

Sky Bear Lodge, EPIC views at Gr Smoky Mtn Park! 3mi to town

Photo gallery for Sky Bear Lodge, EPIC views at Gr Smoky Mtn Park! 3mi to town

196 A3008
0 E2 A6675
196 A2998
196 A7929
DJI 0002

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 15418.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Swain County, NC
  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Nantahala Brewing Company
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Smokey Mountain Trains Museum
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Gatlinburg, TN (GKT-Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge)
    ‪112 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 15)

Bedroom 1

+7
7 Single Beds and 4 King Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area

About this property

Sky Bear Lodge, EPIC views at Gr Smoky Mtn Park! 3mi to town

Perched atop the mountains with breathtaking multi-range views, The Sky Bear Lodge at 3 Little Bears Retreat Nature Resort blends the historic charm of a classic hunting lodge with the refined elegance of modern luxury. This hand-hewn masterpiece exudes rustic sophistication, featuring locally crafted furniture and art pieces, large stone fireplaces, and a soaring A-frame design that welcomes guests into a warm and grand retreat.

Designed for families and large group gatherings, the lodge offers an expansive wraparound deck and screened porch, perfect for soaking in the scenery. Inside, three spacious living areas provide plenty of room to unwind, while a game room, ping-pong table, and fire pit offer entertainment for all. Luxuriate in the hot tub under the stars, sink into the massage chair, or indulge in the master suite’s spa-like soaking tub—all while surrounded by the rich history and natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

With a paved driveway for easy year-round access, The Lodge is as convenient as it is extraordinary. Whether gathering around the grand fireplace or stepping onto the porch to take in the crisp mountain air, this retreat offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, relaxation, and timeless Appalachian heritage.

Beyond relaxation, 3 Little Bears Retreat is a nature resort rooted in sustainability, with eco-friendly design, wildlife rehabilitation initiatives, and native plant restoration. Bordering the birthplace of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and rich in Cherokee and Appalachian heritage, the retreat offers unbeatably convenient access to Fontana Lake, Deep Creek, fly fishing hotspots, iconic hiking trails, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, white water rafting, tubing, and downtown Bryson City. The Retreat also offers guests further relaxation from our Nuwati Spa Services, where our talented staff will provide our spa services in the privacy and comfort of your luxury cabin as well as concierge services and more. On the Retreat, we have the Nuwati Trail, which follows one of our meandering mountain streams, and connects the property from Lands Creek at the bottom to scenic multi-range views at the top. Along the way, you'll find places to relax, our oasis pond where you might decide to take a plunge, and various other fun amenities. After booking, we will contact you to help you plan your unforgettable stay.

Whether you seek solitude or adventure, this secluded yet well-connected mountain escape invites you to experience fellowship, relaxation, and discovery—all immersed in the nature and culture of Western North Carolina.

Note: property is suitable for motorcycles and has covered carport. Other cabins nearby are available for larger groups or corporate retreats

Property manager

Matthew McGee
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Air conditioning
Parking available
Fireplace

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Bryson City

Bryson City is home to this cabin. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and The Cottage Craftsman are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Oconaluftee Indian Village and Smokey Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine. Smokey Mountain Trains Museum and Bryson City Gem Mine are also worth visiting.
Map
Swain County, NC

What's nearby

  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - 11 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Nantahala Brewing Company - 11 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Smokey Mountain Trains Museum - 11 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Island Park - 12 min drive - 5.8 km
  • Harrahs Cherokee Casino - 27 min drive - 26.1 km

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪La Poblana - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Arby's - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sky Bear Lodge, EPIC views at Gr Smoky Mtn Park! 3mi to town pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Sky Bear Lodge, EPIC views at Gr Smoky Mtn Park! 3mi to town?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sky Bear Lodge, EPIC views at Gr Smoky Mtn Park! 3mi to town?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Sky Bear Lodge, EPIC views at Gr Smoky Mtn Park! 3mi to town located?

Situated in Bryson City, this cabin is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians. Nantahala Brewing Company and The Cottage Craftsman are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 6 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 6 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 6 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 6 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 6 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Summer Vacation House

Fun, comfortable house with great views and excellent service & communication from the owners. This house is an awesome base for exploring the area around Bryson City or for just hanging out. Very roomy with more beds than our family of 5 could fill and an amazing wrap around porch with unbeatable views. We spent most days hiking or rafting and then spent the evenings relaxing on the porch and participating in epic pool tournaments. Rooms and beds were very comfortable and the kitchen is well equipped for those nights that we cooked instead of going out. The house is an easy 5 to 10 minute drive to Bryson City and a short drive from multiple hiking sites. It’s about 25 minutes to the Nantahala Outdoor center and the activities they have as well.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kellie E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful getaway with friends and family

We booked Sky Bear Lodge in February for Mid October. Our group included people driving from TX, CO and MN. Sky Bear Lodge was our hub for the week and is a beautiful property with absolutely stunning views. We hauled motorcycles up to do some riding in the beautiful Smoky Mountains and the tail of the dragon. The driveway is a little tight with some pretty tight corners, but we were able to get three trailers up and riding back and forth was a little slick in spots because of the dew and leaves, but doable. We reached out to Matthew for a couple of questions and he was very responsive. Hight recommend this property!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Wedding Venue

Our son and his (now) wife wanted a spot overlooking the mountains. It needed to be intimate, a place we could have shifts of guests, places we could separate, share a meal, and if needed have a view from large windows in case of rain. Sky bear covered that completely. Though is was supposed to rain all day, the sun was out and beautiful. The deck made the perfect place for a trellis, wedding party and aisle way for the bride to make her entrance. Because of all the different entrances from the deck, we could make it a perfect day with many memories. The groomsmen and bridesmaids each could have their space, and the few guests theirs. We had porkchops on the grill and plenty of plates and utensils for a sit down dinner. We had no problem with parking, and the grocery was just 10 minutes away for all the trips for forgotten items. The prewedding festivities had a quaint town within minutes with many options. Perfect
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sheryar W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Last days of summer

The place was as the listing shows. Family was very happy with the place, the view and all the things. The gameroom was especially enjoyable. Had everything we were looking to keep us busy. Location close enough to the park and other sights within a short drive.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sallie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

Beautiful cabin and great host!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marnie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spacious, comfortable, and gorgeous views!

Our visit with 6 adults and 3 children was absolutely fantastic. The game room is such a fun bonus as is the hot tub. The view is absolutely unbelievable-- we almost didn't want to leave the house for our day adventures! Matt is a wonderfully responsive host as well.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Matthew McGee

Host profile image
Three Little Bears Retreat was inspired by a lifelong love for nature, adventure, and connection. As an avid backpacker and hiker, I’ve had the privilege of exploring the far corners of the world—from the remote mountain trails of Patagonia and Kilimanjaro to vibrant cultural hubs in Brazil and Thailand, and from rustic cabins to luxurious lodges and resorts. The experience I gained from these places and cultures instilled a dream to one day create my own resort, and I believe that the inspiration of the warmth of a remote village guesthouse in the Himalayas, the thoughtful design of eco-lodges in Central America, and the communal spirit of a safari camp in Africa all have their place in the design and creation of this Retreat.

Why they chose this property

Our retreat rests alongside a pivotal piece of history—the site of the first deed given to Horace Kephart for the formation of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on Lands Creek. Kephart came to Bryson City and the Smoky Mountains seeking solace in a place he deemed "the back of beyond," and then fought for its preservation as a national park through his work as a writer and as the foremost outdoorsman of his time. Inspired by his vision, we too see this land as something to be cherished and protected. Through our sustainability initiatives, we strive to honor his legacy by preserving and regenerating the natural environment that makes this place so extraordinary.

While the Park now preserves the beauty of the mountains, this land carries the memory of sacrifices made by families whose homes once stood within its boundaries. Generations later, their stories of resilience remain woven into the fabric of these hills, shaping our community’s spirit. To ensure that future generations can enjoy this landscape, we commit to practices that restore the land, conserve resources, and support the biodiversity of these mountains.

Even here, where the forest whispers its age-old songs, we remember that this land was first home to the Cherokee Nation. Their deep understanding of and respect for the environment inspire our own efforts to live in harmony with nature. The Cherokee principles of balance and stewardship guide many of our sustainability practices.

"Here, in the Back of Beyond, life moves to the rhythm of the mountains, not the ticking of a clock." -Horace Kephart

What makes this property unique

At Three Little Bears Retreat, we honor the histories of the mountains and the Cherokee People while creating a space where stories can be shared, bonds strengthened, and memories made—all with a commitment to leaving the land better than we found it. Our retreat spaces are designed not only to bring people together but also to minimize their environmental footprint. From our use of energy efficient technology and eco-friendly materials to our initiatives in reforesting and wildlife rehabilitation and preservation, every aspect of our retreat is crafted with care for the environment.

We also love that the location of our retreat offers endless, easy access opportunities for adventure. From hiking and fishing to tubing and exploring hidden waterfalls, the Smokies are a playground for the curious and the bold. For those who prefer a slower pace, the trails and streams surrounding the retreat, the Road to Nowhere, and Deep Creek invite quiet reflection and a chance to recharge. As you explore, know that each visit contributes to our ongoing efforts to preserve this landscape through trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and pollution reduction projects.

"In the school of the woods, there is no graduation day." --Horace Kephart

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests