Escape to Mountain Shade, a sprawling three-bedroom, three-bathroom retreat designed for those who value space, serenity, and the simple joys of the Smokies. Located in a wonderfully quiet area of Townsend, TN, this cabin offers the rare combination of a "spread out" feel with all the modern comforts your group needs for a perfect mountain getaway.
Space for the Whole Crew
Whether you’re traveling with family or a group of friends, Mountain Shade provides a flexible layout that ensures everyone has a comfortable place to land:
The Master Suite: A true sanctuary featuring a luxurious king-size bed and a private ensuite bathroom. Melt away the day in the whirlpool bathtub or enjoy the convenience of the stand-up shower.
The Downstairs Retreat: Perfect for families, the lower-level bedroom features a queen bed plus a full-under-twin bunk set, giving the kids or extra guests their own dedicated space.
Extra Sleeping: For larger groups, the spacious living room includes a sleeper sofa for additional guests.
Full Bathrooms: With three full bathrooms (all featuring stand-up showers), there’s never a wait to get ready for a day of adventure.
Cozy Interiors & Local Flavor
The heart of the home is the expansive living room, anchored by a traditional wood-burning stove that creates a warm, nostalgic atmosphere on crisp Tennessee evenings. The kitchen is fully and thoughtfully equipped, making it easy to prepare everything from a quick trail snack to a full holiday dinner.
Outdoor Living & Unique Amenities
Mountain Shade is built to help you enjoy the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies" to the fullest:
Private Screened Deck: Accessible directly from the master bedroom, the screened back deck features a table and chairs—the ultimate spot for your morning coffee or a late-night card game without the bugs.
Bonfire Pit: Gather everyone around the outdoor bonfire pit to roast marshmallows and swap stories under the stars.
Room to Park: Traveling with a trailer, motorcycles, or multiple vehicles? You’ll love the large, flat parking area. Plus, guests have full access to the garage, providing extra security and convenience for your gear.
The Perfect Location
Situated on a large lot in a very quiet neighborhood, Mountain Shade offers the peace and quiet you come to Townsend for, while remaining just minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
PETS We do not accept pets in any of our cabins without specific written approval from management. Only those dogs that have specific and formal training as a SERVICE dog will be allowed in our cabins. Emotional support animals are not accepted.
FEES: The management company of this cabin charges a $50 per stay Damage Waiver Fee to every customer. It is automatically included in your rate. This covers our guests for up to $350 worth of accidental damage should damage occur during their stay. If damage occurs to the cabin, furnishings, etc, please report it to management as soon as possible so that the damage can be repaired. You may opt out of paying the $50 damage waiver fee by putting down a $350 REFUNDABLE damage deposit.
Common Concerns: *Road Conditions: Some of our cabins are on steep, narrow, curvy mountain roads. If you are concerned about road conditions to get to a cabin, please feel free to ask us! None of our cabins require a 4-wheel drive under normal weather conditions, but some do in inclement weather. *TV & WiFi: We do have TV's and WiFi in most of our cabins. There are times when heavy cloud cover, weather systems, mountains, or trees will cause problems with the signals. We always want our guests to have the comforts they want on vacation, but there are times we cannot control this problem. *Pests & Wildlife: Here in the Smoky Mountains, we have lots of native bugs and wildlife. All of our cabins are treated for pests, but there are times you will find bugs or even have trouble with bugs. Fall/Winter is ladybug season in the Smokies, and these little buggers are attracted to heat, meaning your cabin and every other one out there that is warm! They will swarm to the cabin, and you'll probably see them alive/dead on windowsills, in vents, etc. Rest assured that your cabin has regular pest control and is professionally cleaned, including bug removal, before and after your stay. However, these bugs come back right away, and unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about them until the season passes. Please never feed, taunt, or approach any wildlife. This is their home, and we are the visitors. *There are no refunds for storms or power outages. If there is a power outage, there will be no water and potentially no heat. Storms can also make roads impassable, so if a storm is in the forecast during your reservation, come prepared with water and non-perishable food, etc.
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You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A damage deposit of USD 500 will be collected before check-in.
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
You need to know
Property # 1178379vb
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
About the area
Townsend
Located in Townsend, this cabin is in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove. Tube Junction and River Rage Go-Kart Track are also worth visiting.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 6 min drive - 3.7 km
The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum - 7 min drive - 7.7 km
Townsend Visitor Center - 7 min drive - 8.3 km
Dark Island Swinging Bridge - 7 min drive - 8.0 km
Getting around
Alcoa - Knoxville Airport (TYS) - 36 min drive
Restaurants
Peaceful Side Social - 10 min drive
The Barn at Blackberry Farm - 23 min drive
The Artistic Bean - 10 min drive
The Townsend Abbey - 9 min drive
Apple Valley Cafe Express - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 bdrms, Bonfire Pit, Screened Porch, Mountain Shade pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at 3 bdrms, Bonfire Pit, Screened Porch, Mountain Shade?
As of 20 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 3 bdrms, Bonfire Pit, Screened Porch, Mountain Shade on 23 July 2026 start from NZ$437, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at 3 bdrms, Bonfire Pit, Screened Porch, Mountain Shade?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 3 bdrms, Bonfire Pit, Screened Porch, Mountain Shade?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 3 bdrms, Bonfire Pit, Screened Porch, Mountain Shade located?
Situated in the mountains, this cabin is 1.8 mi (3 km) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Tuckaleechee Caverns. The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum and Dark Island Swinging Bridge are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The cabin was great. Plenty of room and comfort for our entire family (11 in all). Clean and well kept. Would stay here again for sure.
Scott L.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 December 2025
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that the cabin was a great fit for your entire family and that you found it clean, comfortable, and well kept. Hosting a group of 11 is no small thing, and we’re glad everyone had plenty of room to enjoy their time together. We would love to welcome you back again for another stay!
We enjoyed our stay so very much!! We loved the location and could take Rich Mtn Road from Cades Cove straight to our cabin when we wanted to. The owners were responsive and so very kind. There is a garage for your vehicle.... no bears getting in our car!!! We would definitely stay here again!!! Thank you so much!
Karen C.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 November 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay and loved the location — Rich Mountain Road is such a beautiful and unique route back from Cades Cove. We’re glad the garage gave you peace of mind and that you found us responsive and kind. We’d love to welcome you back anytime!
Very nice and clean
Beautiful and quiet. My whole family would stay again. Thank you.
Verified traveller
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 September 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you and your family enjoyed your stay and found everything clean, beautiful, and peaceful. It means a lot that you would choose to stay with us again, we’d love to welcome you all back anytime!
Fantastic cabin. Spotless. Everything we needed and as described. Even had a garage we could use for our 52 year old car (we were in town for an old car gathering). The communication and instructions were perfect. Lots of great birds to watch. Loved every aspect. Highly recommend to anyone.
Dan Q.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 November 2025
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We really enjoyed your photos as well. We’re thrilled to hear that you found the cabin spotless, well-equipped, and exactly as described. It’s great to know the garage worked perfectly for your classic car — what a fun reason to visit!
We’re glad the communication and instructions made everything easy, and it’s lovely to hear you enjoyed watching the local birds, too. We truly appreciate your high recommendation and are so happy you loved every aspect of your stay.
We’d be delighted to welcome you back anytime!
Great communication with the host. Lots of dishes, pots and pans. The cabin is nice. It is a little older but very clean and open. Nice kitchen. Master bed slept good. Mattress is firm. Outdoor play area for the grandkids.
Elizabeth D.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 October 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed your stay and found the cabin clean, comfortable, and well-equipped. It’s great to know the kitchen had everything you needed and that the outdoor play area was a hit with your grandkids. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you and your family back again soon!
This is a nice spot with potential. The home is dated but adequate. There are only 5 towels, no bath mats, bringing extra could be helpful. The living area on the first floor was great. We liked the fire pit but would suggest bringing camping chairs and an outdoor table.
Amanda K.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 7 August 2020
I am sorry that you did not feel like our cabin was better than 3 stars. We always strive to provide our guests with a 5 star stay. We actually leave 20 towels in this cabin. They are in the closets next to the bathrooms as there is no place to put them in the bathrooms themselves, except for the master which has plenty of cabinet space. The bathmats are folded neatly next to the towels in the closet.
The location and general building were awesome, but there were some issues that needed repairs and also it wasn't very clean (despite previous review calling it 'exceptionally' so).
Carol B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 September 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re so glad you enjoyed the location and the overall space, but we’re truly sorry to hear that some areas did not meet expectations. Cleanliness and maintenance are very important to us, and we would have loved the chance to address these concerns during your stay. Unfortunately, nothing was communicated to us at the time, which is disappointing, as we want every guest to have the best possible experience. Please know we’ll be reviewing these issues with our team right away, and we hope you’ll consider staying with us again so we can provide the five-star visit we strive for.
A large, modern, comfortable, well equipped cabin in a quiet wooded neighborhood. We were there for peak fall colors and had a beautiful display right from the deck. Easy access to nearby GSMNP border trails and a good location for returning easily from the Cades Cove Loop drive if you don't mind take the maintained gravel road for a while. It worked great for us and we enjoyed some world class fall color hiking.
Kitchen was well equipped, though I would add a sheet pan myself. Microwave and sink were left uncleaned which seems more like maybe the cleaning staff was just in a bit of a hurry on the way out and missed them because everywhere else the cleaning was of a high standard so no real concerns, just details. We only used the king bed, it is of good quality, firm, and comfortable. Shower was good. Overall we were quite comfortable and would certainly stay again.
Spacious cabin, enough room for our big family. Smoky Cabin's personnel were great. We ended up needing an extra night and they were very accommodating! We would definitely stay again.
Comfortable and super clean! We definitely plan on returning. Well stocked with everything we needed. Great layout of cabin, downstairs room with bunks is perfect for kids!
We were in the area for a celebration of life and loved how close this home was located to Cades Cove. The home was very well kept. The shower space in the two bedrooms (not master) are very small but did the job. The pictures don’t do this property justice as it looks so much nicer in person.
The cabin was easy to get to. It was exactly as described. Nice and clean. There were plenty of towels, washcloths, and toiletries. Any suggestion would maybe be to take extra pillows. The ones provided really didn't bother me but some people like thicker pillows. Also, some rooms don't have curtains. But again, that didn't bother us either. I didn't worry about anyone looking through the windows. Curtains would only take away the natural beauty of the cabin and the scenery. Overall we really enjoyed our stay and would definitely go back.
Wonderful area and people, great to get away into the woods for a quiet stay. The property is very nice, but be careful going downstairs (one of our group had a little slip) and know that the back-side windows don't have any shades, blinds or curtains.
Had a little problem with the bathrooms but overall it was a nice place and it really enjoyed the playground for the kids. Also the little pit outside and grill. Maintenance came right out and fix the problem.
This was the perfect space for six teen girls and two of their moms! It was a great location for hiking (Spruce Flats Falls and Chimney Tops) as well as some shopping and eating in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Kendra S.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
About the host
Hosted by Cathy Moore
What makes this property unique
Horse Boarding Stables
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests