Three Little Bears Retreat - Beyond "Just Right" Smoky Mountains Adventure with All-Inclusive Amenities
Rooted in the spirit of the Cherokee and secluded on the mountainsides of the valley where the first deed was given to form the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Three Little Bears Retreat exists in careful balance with the forests, waterways, and wildlife that surround it.
Our all-inclusive mountain safaris and expedition trips invites guests to set aside the ordinary and explore the Smokies’ greatest wonders—summits, fire towers, white water, trout streams and hidden coves—through expertly guided expeditions, cultural immersion, and adventures designed for every generation, all while preserving and restoring the ecosystem we call home.
Adventure Out. Retreat In.
Five Unique Lodges & Cabins in North Carolina
Our distinct and luxurious accommodations range from one-bedroom cabins to four-bedroom, multi-level lodges, which all pay homage to the great explorers and conservationists of the past while continuing to be rooted in our local mountain culture and aesthetic which combines the elements and earthtones of the wilderness along with heritage of the past through curated antiques, explorer artifacts, local artwork, custom furniture and deluxe amenities.
Three Little Bears Lodge - Main Lodge
Pullman in the Pines Cabin
The Frontier Lodge
Sequoyah's Cabin
The Livingstone Lodge
Crockett's Creekside Cabin
Explore All Accommodations
ᎤᏬᏢᏍᏗ ᎤᏃᏴᏫ ᏅᏩᏙᎯᏯᏓ (Uwotlvsvdi unoyvwi nvwatohiyada) Cherokee ideal of Beyond Just Right, it's Livin' Right!
We are defined by the journeys we dare to take.
North Carolina All-Inclusive Adventure Retreat
Choose one guided adventure per day or choose one of our multi-day expeditions
Animal Safari Expeditions
Venture into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most biodiverse temperate forest on Earth and the most biologically rich national park in the United States. Our guided animal safari expeditions invite you to quietly track the Smokies’ legendary **Big Five—black bear, elk, wild boar, coyote, and bobcat—**while learning to read the subtle signs of a thriving wilderness shaped by ancient rhythms.
Led by experienced guides, these safaris go beyond sightings, revealing the intricate web of life that makes this landscape extraordinary—from forest canopies to hidden hollows—offering a deeper understanding of wildlife, conservation, and your place within one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems.
Summits & Fire Tower Expeditions
Designed for avid adventurers and experienced hikers, our guided expeditions dive deep into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, challenging guests to pursue the park’s highest achievements. Choose to summit all 16 of the Smokies’ legendary 6,000-foot peaks, or take on the iconic Fire Tower Challenge, hiking to historic lookout towers in and around the park where generations once watched over these mountains.
Led by seasoned guides, each multi-day expedition blends physical challenge with deep knowledge of terrain, weather, ecology, and mountain history. These journeys are not about speed or conquest, but about earning perspective—standing above the clouds, tracing ridgelines across ancient landscapes, and experiencing the Smokies at their most raw, rewarding, and unforgettable.
Wellness and Creative Immersion
ᎣᏍᏓ (Osda) ᎤᏃᏴᏫ (Unolvtanv) "Sacred harmony with all living things."
For those drawn to restoration over exertion, Three Little Bears Retreat offers a quieter path into the Smokies—one rooted in presence, creativity, and care. Our wellness experiences invite guests to slow the pace and reconnect through massage and facials, gentle yoga, and time spent simply breathing in the mountain air.
Beyond the spa, nourishment becomes an experience of its own. Join wild food foraging walks to learn the edible rhythms of the forest, or gather around the hearth for Appalachian cooking classes led by our acclaimed chef, where regional traditions, seasonal ingredients, and time-honored techniques come together.
Creative pursuits round out the journey, with hands-on art classes ranging from landscape painting and pottery to hat making and silversmith jewelry, each guided by skilled artisans and inspired by the land itself. These experiences are not about achievement, but about expression—offering space to restore the body, engage the senses, and leave feeling deeply renewed.
Weddings, Celebrations & Special Events at the Retreat
Gatherings, Celebrations & Curated Retreats
Three Little Bears Retreat offers a rare setting for meaningful gatherings—where celebrations, reflection, and connection unfold within the living landscape of the Smoky Mountains. Whether hosting an intimate wedding, a corporate or leadership retreat, a wellness-focused gathering, or a family reunion, our all-inclusive approach allows groups to be fully present while we thoughtfully curate every detail.
From scenic ceremony locations and rustic-elegant event spaces to guided adventures, wellness experiences, farm-to-table dining, and creative workshops, each gathering is designed around your purpose and your people. Our team works closely with hosts to blend structured programming with unhurried moments, ensuring space for both celebration and connection.
Guests may also choose to join one of our specially planned events or hosted retreats, thoughtfully scheduled throughout the year and centered on themes such as adventure, conservation, wellness, culinary traditions, or family exploration. However you gather—to celebrate, to reflect, or to renew—Three Little Bears Retreat offers a place where shared experiences become lasting memories.
Your Adventure Awaits
Are You an Influencer, Creator, Artist, Journalist, Chef or Craftsman? Connect with us, we'd love to collaborate and talk about having you come out to the Retreat.
Our Arts and Crafts Season is January, February, and September where we can accommodate longer stays and trades. Please reach out for more information: matt@3littlebearsretreat.com