What to do in the Smokies During the Coronavirus

Updated April 23, 2020

While things aren’t completely “back to normal,” it does seem we’re starting to emerge from a bit of a fog. We’re happy to say that the Smokies is starting to reopen, welcoming guests back as soon as April 24 in state parks and May 1 for many businesses. Rest assured, restaurants, shops, and attractions that do open will be following stricter guidelines, ensuring guests can still practice social distancing in a new way while out. Whether you already have your trip planned or are deciding when to come, you want to know the best way to spend time in the Smokies while staying safe and healthy. We are here for YOU and want to help in any way we can. 

You can read more about what we’re doing for our guests and our team on our COVID-19 Updates for YOU blog. Along with increased measures for sanitizing and laundering, we are working on more flexible travel options for changed plans during this uncertain time. You can also find a list of new dates for events and dates for restaurants and businesses reopening. 

If you’re here in the Smokies or on your way, we want to offer some ideas on how to still enjoy your time in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. One highlight of staying in a cabin is that it is private, allowing you the space for social distancing. Our cabins also offer keyless entry with no trip to an office necessary, meaning fewer points of contact. You can drive in your own car and get into your cabin without interacting with others if you wish. We also have secluded cabins, which are even out of sight distance of other cabins – giving you plenty of privacy.

What to Do in the Cabin During COVID-19
If you find yourself in one of our cozy Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cabins, you’ll find plenty to do when practicing social distancing and staying in. Per guidelines from the CDC and Tennessee Department of Health, our cleaning procedures for our cabins have been heightened. We are using cleaning solutions with approved ingredients, taking additional measures to sanitize all surfaces, and laundering more often. Your safety is our first priority, and we want you to enjoy your time in the Smokies during this unique and difficult time. Need some ideas on what to do when staying in? We have you covered.

Events + Attractions OPEN
Starting May 1, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg will be opening businesses in phases. Visit our blog to see what businesses are open again and which events have new dates you can start planning around! We’re here for YOU, so give us a call if you need any help planning! Several car shows and music festivals already have new 2020 dates, so it’s time for YOU to start planning your getaway from that house you’ve been stuck in a little too long… 

How to Enjoy the Outdoors during COVID-19

As of April 24, state parks in Tennessee will be open to the public, with social distancing required while you enjoy stretching your legs and getting out a bit. While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has not set an official opening date yet, we hope to see updates as more area businesses and attractions follow the trend of reopening. Once it does open, it’s another wonderful place to get out and enjoy the amazing views while still taking extra precautions of social distancing. 

As always, please follow any guidelines put in place by the CDC and the Tennessee Department of Health. We will be monitoring the situation daily and alerting our guests to any updates as soon as possible. From our Cabins for YOU family to yours – we hope you stay safe and healthy during this time!

  • Play arcade games, air hockey, foosball, pool, shuffleboard, or ping pong 
  • Have movie marathons in your cabin’s private home theater
  • Bake sweet treats and have fun decorating cupcakes or cookies with the kids
  • Whip up meals in the fully equipped kitchen
  • Have a game night with board games and cards
  • Bring along some books and relax on the sofa or in a swing on the deck
  • Work remotely – with a view, taking advantage of Wi-Fi in the cabin
  • Have craft time with the kids 
  • Take advantage of resources like Scholastic Home Learning – offered FREE during the COVID-19 school closures – online for the kids 
  • Have a scavenger hunt around the cabin 
  • Use Wi-Fi to video chat with family and friends, keeping you connected 
  • Splash in the private indoor pool 
  • Soak in the outdoor hot tub

How to Enjoy the Outdoors during COVID-19

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park doesn’t have a reopen date yet, but we’ll keep you updated!  If you’re in the Smokies and wanting to get some fresh air and exercise this spring, you can take a walk or hike on a trail. There are more than 800 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so there are plenty of places to stretch your legs a bit while still keeping your distance from others. The Cades Cove Loop Road is also planning to reopen, so you can enjoy a scenic drive in the comfort and safety of your own vehicle! Just pack some snacks and water and enjoy an afternoon with some different views. 

As always, please follow any guidelines put in place by the CDC and the Tennessee Department of Health. We will be monitoring the situation daily and alerting our guests to any updates as soon as possible. From our Cabins for YOU family to yours – we hope you stay safe and healthy during this time!


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