At Three Little Bears Retreat, we believe the Smoky Mountains meet each person differently—and that a great retreat should do the same. Today, we are proud to relaunch as an all-inclusive adventure retreat beginning in April 2026, designed so that everyone in your group can experience the Smokies in the way they need most and better understand the most biodiverse temperate forest on earth!

If your idea of restoration is a multi-day fly-fishing expedition, our experienced guides will take you deep into cold mountain waters in pursuit of native brook trout. If others in your group are seeking something slower—or simply different—the lodge becomes a basecamp for discovery: guided hikes, wildlife safari tracking, spa and wellness experiences, conservation programs, and hands-on Appalachian arts including landscape painting, pottery, hat making, and silversmith jewelry.

Here, no one has to compromise. Adventure and ease exist side by side.

Food, Fire, and the Flavors of the Mountains

Our food and beverage program is rooted in place. We cook farm-to-table, drawing from Southern Appalachian traditions and Native American influences, and honoring the culinary legacy of the park’s early champions. Guests will experience dishes inspired by Camp Cookery, alongside backwoods cooking demonstrations, open-fire meals, and hands-on cooking classes that reconnect food to land, season, and story.

Culture, Conservation, and Cherokee Ideals

We have not lost sight of what makes this place sacred. Cherokee ideals—balance, respect, stewardship—are woven into how we host, guide, and build. Conservation is not a backdrop here; it is a shared mission. Guests are invited to engage alongside our team in native tree planting, invasive species removal, habitat restoration, and emerging partnerships with wildlife rehabilitators, helping care for animals that call these mountains home.

Adventures That Go Deeper

Our guided experiences are intentionally immersive, including:

• Multi-day Smoky Mountain Summit and Fire Tower expeditions
• Fly-fishing journeys for native brook trout
• Animal safari tracking, seeking glimpses of the Smoky “Big Five” — black bear, elk, wild boar, coyote, and bobcat — and many more species that quietly shape this ecosystem

For Families, Too (Yes—Even Parents)

Coming soon: Family Adventure Summer Camps. These multi-day experiences are designed so everyone wins. Kids learn wilderness skills and confidence, adults enjoy guided adventures and well-earned downtime, and families share meaningful days together. And yes—there’s even a parents’ night out planned. More details coming soon.

Beyond “Just Right”

Three Little Bears Retreat is about more than lodging or activities. It is about culture, history, conservation, and curiosity, brought together to awaken something deeper—whether you are young, world-weary, or wonderfully seasoned.

Come experience the Smokies as they were meant to be known. Not just visited. Lived. Explored. Protected.

Contact us to begin your Adventure without the hassle!

Previous Blog Posts: 

Activity and Adventure:

Early Fall in the Smokies: A Season of Subtle Magic

Thrill Seekers' Paradise: White Water Rafting in Bryson City North Carolina 

Exploring the Hidden Gems: Hiking Trails Off the "Road to Nowhere" in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Exploring the Scenic Wonder of Bryson City: The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Exploring the Beauty of Tsali Mountain Bike Trails in Bryson City, North Carolina

Foodies, Restaurants, and Local Food Traditions: 

Savoring Tradition: Exploring the Rich Legacy of North Carolina BBQ

History & Culture:

Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Cherokee Mythology: Stories, Spirits, and Sacred Wisdom

Horace Kephart: A Trailblazer in the Founding of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Formation of Fontana Lake: A Historical and Environmental Journey

Discovering the Heart of Appalachia: Exploring Local Farms in Bryson City

Romantic Experiences and Special Occasions:

Luxury Smoky Mountains Wedding Venue | Three Little Bears Retreat

Fine Dining Outing in Asheville, NC

A Luxurious Couples’ Weekend Escape: Reconnect and Rekindle at 3 Little Bears Retreat

Disconnect to Reconnect: Relax and Unplug in the Heart of the Smokies

Trip Itineraries: 

All in a Day - Trees Like Redwoods at Joyce Kilmer, Deals Gap at the Tail of the Dragon, Potoon Boat on Fontana Lake and the Fontana Dam

All in a Day - Waterfalls, Elk, Tubing and Cherokee Culture

Summer Family Adventures: One Unforgettable Week in Bryson City visiting the Smoky Mountains

Unforgettable 3 Day Itinerary for Bryson City, NC and the Smoky Mountains

3 Days of High-Energy Adventure from 3 Little Bears Retreat

Gingerbread Houses, Biltmore Elegance, the Polar Express and Reindeer: Check out this incredible itinerary for an unforgettable family experience