- Appalachian Trail-themed experience: Immerse yourself in authentic hiking culture with museum-quality displays and more.
- Unmatched location: Just minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and top trailheads.
- Vibrant hiking community: Connect with fellow hikers, join events, and tap into local knowledge.
- Lots more to love!
The Appy Lodge stands out as Gatlinburg’s premier hiker-focused hotel, offering authentic Appalachian Trail theming, unbeatable proximity to the Smokies, hiker-specific amenities, and a vibrant hiking community, making it the top choice for outdoor adventurers seeking comfort, convenience, and local expertise.
1. Authentic Appalachian Trail Theme That Inspires Adventure
Why do hiking enthusiasts feel instantly at home at The Appy Lodge?
Unlike generic mountain hotels, The Appy Lodge features museum-quality displays showcasing Appalachian Trail history, vintage hiking gear, and trail maps spanning decades.

Key Features:
- Museum-like lobby displays with authentic trail memorabilia
- Historical hiking photographs and trail documentation
- Interactive trail maps highlighting local hiking opportunities
The Appy Lodge transforms your stay into part of your hiking journey, not just a place to sleep. Guests frequently mention how the authentic theming helps them connect with the rich hiking heritage of the Smoky Mountains.
2. Unbeatable Location for Great Smoky Mountains Access
How close is The Appy Lodge to the best hiking trails?
The Appy Lodge sits just a short distance from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, putting you within minutes of iconic trailheads like Gatlinburg Trail, and within easy driving distance of other trails like the challenging Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte.
Prime Trail Access:
- 1.9 miles from Gatlinburg Trail (easy, paved, dog-friendly)
- 6.4 miles from Cataract Falls Trail (moderate, 1-mile waterfall hike)
- 14.7 miles from Alum Cave Trailhead (strenuous, 5.5 miles to LeConte)
- 23 miles from Chimney Tops Trail (strenuous, 3.8 miles round trip)
Ready to start your adventure? The Appy Lodge’s location lets you hit the trail early and return to comfort without fighting traffic or tourist crowds.
3. Located Near Great Local Restaurants
You’re bound to work up quite the appetite when you go for a hike in the Smoky Mountains. Luckily, our Gatlinburg hotel is close to some delicious restaurants!
Nearby restaurants include:
Mini-Summary: After spending some time exploring the area, you will love the convenience of having these great local restaurants located right near your lodging!
4. Variety of Great Amenities at Our Gatlinburg Hotel
Why do hiking enthusiasts choose The Appy Lodge over other Gatlinburg hotels?
Hikers will love the trail-themed aspects of our hotel, but they’ll also love the incredible Gatlinburg hotel amenities we have as well.
Amenities include:

- Free guest parking
- Indoor pool open year-round
- Outdoor pool open seasonally
- Free downtown parking pass available upon request
- Guest laundry
- Complimentary breakfast
Our comfortable hotel rooms each come with amenities to guarantee a comfortable stay, like Keurig coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, and custom hickory furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Appy Lodge different from other Gatlinburg hotels?
The Appy Lodge is Gatlinburg’s premier hiker-focused hotel, offering authentic Appalachian Trail theming, hiker-friendly amenities, and a strong hiking community.
What is the Appalachian Trail-themed experience like?
The hotel features museum-quality displays with Appalachian Trail memorabilia, vintage gear, historical photos, and interactive trail maps. This immersive theming connects guests to the hiking heritage of the Smoky Mountains.
How close is The Appy Lodge to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and trailheads?
The Appy Lodge is just a short distance from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park headquarters and minutes from several popular trailheads. This location allows quick access to both hiking trails and Gatlinburg amenities.
Are there restaurants near The Appy Lodge?

Yes, the hotel is located near popular local restaurants, including The Park Grill, No Way Jose’s, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, and lots more. Guests can easily enjoy great dining after a day of hiking.
What amenities are available for guests?
Amenities include free parking, indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, complimentary breakfast, guest laundry, and a free downtown parking pass upon request. Guest rooms also feature Keurig coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, and custom hickory furniture.
We hope that this information has been helpful to you as you decide where to stay for your next hiking trip in the Smoky Mountains. You can reserve your spot at our Gatlinburg hotel right here, and then start getting ready for an incredible hiking adventure in the Smokies!












