Mountain Hideaway-Gatlinburg Tennessee

Best Things Nearby:
Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove, an artist's community, and the shops in Gatlinburg

Best Things About the Resort:
The beautiful, secluded, quiet, and serene setting of this bed-and-breakfast makes for a relaxing environment that everyone can enjoy.

Resort Experience:
The owners of this bed-and-breakfast are extremely welcoming and help to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Lee and John, the inn keepers, recommend hiking trails, provide maps, and give advice on which restaurants and shops are local favorites. This quaint lodge in the beautiful Smokey Mountains is a great place to stay and enjoy the magic of Tennessee.

• Unit Type: Other
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

As the trail begins it crosses over Alum Cave Creek twice. The bridges that span this beautiful creek make wonderful opportunities for family pictures (Christmas card quality!) as wildflowers and rhododendrons cover the banks of this crystal clear mountain stream. Further up the trail your hike will begin to follow Styx Branch. This trail is especially pretty during summer because it winds through thick growths of rosebay rhododendrons, which usually bloom in late June or early July. After hiking for 1.4 miles, the trail comes to Arch Rock, a great stone arch of black slate. A flight of stairs allows hikers to climb through the arch.

After passing through Arch Rock, the trail becomes steeper as it winds around Peregrine Peak, but the climb is well worth the astounding views of the surrounding mountains at the top! One of the prettiest vistas in the entire park can be seen from "Inspiration Point" about 2.3 miles from the trailhead. If you continues on another half mile, you will come to the Alum Cave Bluffs, a huge rock over hang about half way up Mt. LeConte. The bluffs offer a wonderful spot for a shady picnic and a break from the strenuous hike. Although this trail attracts large crowds it is one of my favorite trail in the park.