Cabin

Sky Bear-Epic Views-Big Groups-3LittleBearsRetreat

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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

  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning

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)

Basement "Bunk" Room

+1
5 Single Beds

Basement King Bedroom

1 King Bed

Main Floor Guest Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Master Suite

1 King Bed

Upstairs Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Upstairs Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

Downstairs-Basement Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Master Bath - Main Level

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Upstairs Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Sky Bear-Epic Views-Big Groups-3LittleBearsRetreat

Sky Bear Lodge at 3 Little Bears Retreat

Disconnect & Reconnect to nature & your group in this elegant, authentic and historic luxury lodge on 3 Little Bears Retreat with views of the Smoky Mountains and the nature amenities of our resort adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

• Soaking bathtub
• Outdoor Swings
• Hot tub
• Onsite Manager
• Game Room
• Trails & Creek
• SOLO firepit
• NEW! SOLO Gas Pizza Oven
• Massage Chair
• Paved Drive & Parking for motorcycles, luxury cars & trailers
• No Cleaning Fees!
• 3% fee for the Mountains contribution (see below)

Add to your wishlist by clicking the "Heart" in the upper-right corner.

The Retreat

Welcome to Three Little Bears Retreat, THE only place to disconnect to reconnect, relax and experience great adventures with your family and friends! You’ll feel like a new person the moment you arrive at this view! Come retreat, renew, and refresh at our regenerative nature resort.

Social

Follow us on social @3littlebearsretreat

5 Cabins to Choose From
Copy these links to view our other cabins.

3 Little Bears Cabin https://t.vrbo.io/WdTfO19xeTb

AirBear Airstream Treehouse: https://t.vrbo.io/Y438LhmyeTb

Poppa Bear Cozy Cabin: https://t.vrbo.io/Fnl26uLyeTb

Smoky Bear Lodge: https://t.vrbo.io/rjKycLXyeTb

Nuwati Hall & Spa - weddings, retreats, reunions, groups and spa services inquire for more information.

Location

This cabin is located 5 minutes away from a variety of breweries, restaurants, the train, downtown Bryson City, and 2 entrances to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, where you can hike, bike, fly fish, paddleboard and kayak to your heart's content.

And only 3 hours from Atlanta, 3 hours 20 min from Charlotte, and 2 hours from Greenville, SC

Cabin

Elegant and authentic lodge created in the mid 1900’s as a wealthy businessman’s private escape is now yours to experience! Watch the eagles and ravens soar amongst the summits. Hear the many species of songbirds whistling while enjoying outdoor luxuries including hot tub, swings, cornhole, covered dining, and rocking chairs, breakfast bar with a breath-taking view that is hard to imagine until standing there in awe.

Refresh yourself indoors with luxury memory foam king beds, cathedral rough hewn wood ceilings, expansive A-frame windows, natural local stone gas fireplace , and a fully-equipped chef’s kitchen. See your night’s end with a cozy blanket and fire watching a movie with our streaming wifi or commune with friends over smores and a fire.

Nature

Experience nature in a setting that immerses you in the culture and history of the area, the sustainable and regenerative efforts to nourish the environment by the Retreat, along with all the luxuries of the modern world. This luxury alpine lodge is the pinnacle of a mountain vacation where it is secluded and adjacent to the National Park; has its own trails, creeks, and ponds; provides the concierge level services of a resort; and is only minutes from wineries, whitewater rafting, hiking trails, waterfalls, the railroad and downtown Bryson City (the adventure capital of the Smokies!).

Sustainability & Regeneration

The Retreat is also on a constant quest towards not just sustainability, but regeneration of nature. We work with wildlife rehabilitators to heal and release injured wildlife, are actively working on healing our Hemlock trees from the adelgids that are killing them, have implemented our own recycling pickup and transfer program, and also look towards adaptive reuse and consistent modifications in the properties towards better energy efficiency and use of materials. The Retreat wants to be the great national park lodge model for the next generation and is constantly marching towards the Cherokee tradition of ᎣᏍᏓ (Osda) ᎤᏃᏴᏫ (Unolvtanv) "Sacred harmony with all living things" through our own motto of “Beyond Just Right, Be Livin’ Right.” Your “3% for the Mountains” resort fee goes directly to these ongoing efforts, and we appreciate you being a part of our path forward!

Privacy

Every cabin on the Retreat is designed to have incredible privacy. This lodge is at the end of a 1/4mile driveway through the Retreat and sits perched at the top of the Retreat with nothing within several hundred feet of the lodge.

Other things to note

Updates

Winter of 2025, we took on accomplishing the recommendations of our guests and ways to improve our guest experience, which included hiring an onsite guest experience manager, adding in-cabin spa services, new SOLO fire pits and pizza ovens, a greatly expanded common area with the Nuwati trail extending from our activities pavilion closer to the top down to Lands Creek at the bottom giving access to waterfalls, hammocks, a hideaway playground, a stream fed oasis pond and more to come. We also added an event/meeting space/wedding venue, which will open up in Summer 25 for weddings, group retreats, family reunions, and other experiences that we do in common for our guests at the Retreat.

Local Recommendations

Walk around Bryson City. A Hallmark style town that has been featured in several movies and is a quintessential mountain basecamp town. 5-minute drive. Lots of shops and restaurants.

• Our favorite winery is Deep Creek. 15-minute drive with great views.

• Our favorite hangout is Bryson City Outdoors where tourists and experienced hikers gather to buy new gear and share their experiences of the day.

• Our favorite restaurant is Bryson City Brewery. It has a great farm to table menu, excellent beer selection, live entertainment, and a huge yard for kids to play and be free.

• Our favorite Summer hike is Deep Creek Waterfall Loop Trail. 5-minute drive. 2 mile hike with 3 epic waterfalls! If you have little ones or dont want to struggle, skip Juney Whank and all ages can do the hike to see Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek in an out and back walk along the famous Deep Creek (stay for tubing too)!

• Our favorite Winter hike is Nolands Creek Trail through the National Park entrance by the Retreat. The hike is beautiful down to Fontana Lake crossing several bridges and the water drop in the lake in the winter extends the hike into a lakebed valley that is beautiful with big cascades.

We have many more local recommendations for eateries and activities. Message us to get a link to our guidebook for the area.

House Rules

1) No pets

2) No smoking inside the cabin. No butts, cigars or other in firepits. Dispose in bagged trash.

3) Check-in after 4:00 PM (unless you have arranged for an early check-in of 2pm)

4) Checkout before 11:00 AM (unless you have arranged for a late checkout of 1pm)

5) No parties or events

Pricing

Nightly rates vary based on specific dates. Weekends are priced higher.

Two Night Stays

Two Night Stays are made available during the week and between booking gaps on request, please inquire. Otherwise, a three-night minimum is required.

Early Check-in + Late Checkout

We offer both early check-in (2 pm) and late checkout (1 pm) add-ons for $50. The amount is limited, though, depending on the date. Please message us to add it to your reservation.

Security Camera

There is one security camera at the property's entrance gate facing toward the main road.

Liability Waiver

After booking, you will be asked to complete a Release of Liability Waiver. The waiver is a standard step we ask all guests to take, and it helps us continue offering unique stays in a natural setting.

Property manager

Matthew McGee
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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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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Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Bryson City

Located in Bryson City, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. 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. Travelling with kids? Consider Smokey Mountain Trains Museum and Cherokee Botanical Garden and Nature Trail. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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 pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Sky Bear Lodge?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sky Bear Lodge?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Sky Bear Lodge located?

This family-friendly Bryson City cabin is located on the waterfront, 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Smokey Mountain Trains Museum. Island Park and Juney Whank Falls 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