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.

Fly Fishing - Beginner to Multi-Day and Multi-Style Expeditions

Bryson City is widely regarded as the “Fly Fishing Capital of the Smokies” and often cited as one of the premier fly-fishing destinations on the East Coast due to its unmatched concentration of rivers, streams, and cold-water fisheries within a compact area.

Centered among four major rivers—the Oconaluftee River, Tuckasegee River, Nantahala River, and Little Tennessee River—the Bryson area also offers access to dozens of pristine mountain creeks and streams, including beloved waters like Deep Creek and Noland Creek. These waters support a diverse fishery, including stocked and wild brown trout and rainbow trout, native brook trout in higher elevations, and species such as rock bass in select rivers.

With options for technical wade fishing, peaceful backcountry creek fishing, and guided drift-boat outings, the area offers something for every skill level. Positioned in the heart of this extraordinary watershed, the Retreat serves as an ideal basecamp for multi-day fly-fishing adventures—allowing guests to explore different rivers, elevations, and species each day while returning to comfort, knowledge, and expertly guided experiences.

Guided Mount LeConte Expedition

A true icon of the American outdoors, Mount LeConte is the most famous hike in the Great Smoky Mountains and a bucket-list summit for hikers across the United States. Rising above the clouds, LeConte draws thousands each year—yet many unknowingly stop short at LeConte Lodge, never reaching the mountain’s true summit and its breathtaking panoramic views.

Our guided Mount LeConte expedition goes beyond the ordinary hike. Led by experienced guides, guests are taken past the well-traveled stopping point to the actual summit overlooks, where sheer cliffs and sweeping vistas reveal why LeConte holds legendary status. Along the way, guides share insight into the mountain’s geology, ecology, weather patterns, and the rich human history that shaped its trails.

This is not simply a hike—it is a complete LeConte experience. Thoughtfully paced, expertly navigated, and deeply rewarding, the journey offers the perspective, confidence, and context needed to truly stand on one of the Smokies’ most celebrated summits and take in the view that so many miss.

The Road to Nowhere - Guided Hikes

Road to Nowhere is one of the Smokies’ most intriguing landmarks—a scenic mountain road built in the 1940s for a lakeside community that was never completed after the creation of Fontana Lake. Today, it serves as both a quiet drive and a gateway to adventure, offering access to peaceful hikes along the old roadbed and into the surrounding backcountry. Nearby Noland Creek is renowned for pristine fly-fishing waters and shaded hiking trails that follow the creek deep into the park, with opportunities to continue on foot to secluded swimming spots along the lake’s edge. It’s a place where history, wilderness, and water converge—perfect for reflective walks, angling, and cooling off in the Smokies.

E-Bike the Road to Nowhere - Great Smoky Mountain National Park - Adult Riders Only

The entrance to "The Road to Nowhere" is literally around the corner from the Retreat, and is one of the quietest and most beautiful-serene entrances into the National Park. E-bike tours are done directly from the Retreat and provide one of the most thrilling rides through the mountains culminating at the Tunnel. It has many trails leading off its two parking areas 1) Nolands Creek, and 2 ) the Tunnel. These trails lead to several harder trails, and you can even hike all the way to Kuwohi (formerly Clingman's Dome) from here... although the opposite direction is much easier!

Chasing Waterfalls - Guided Hikes

In a land shaped by water, Western North Carolina holds one of the world’s highest concentrations of waterfalls. Guided by local experts, we explore both famous cascades and quiet, undiscovered falls—each hike carefully suited to your comfort and skill level. Every step leads to a moment worth lingering in. Subject to minimum numbers and skill level. 

Optional Itineraries: Waterfalls & Breweries; Waterfalls, Blue Ridge Parkway & Tubing the Oconoluftee; Waterfalls & Cherokee Culture

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers an unforgettable journey through the mountains aboard both classic diesel locomotives and a beautifully restored steam engine. With scenic excursions departing to the Nantahala Gorge and the historic town of Dillsboro, guests experience river valleys, mountain vistas, and Appalachian charm from the comfort of vintage railcars. Throughout the year, the railroad also hosts a variety of themed specialty rides—including brewery and bourbon excursions, the family-friendly Bunny Hop, and the beloved Polar Express—making each season a reason to ride the rails.

White Water Rafting and Kayaking

Go flyfishing in the morning before the water release from the dam, and then go whitewater rafting later! Home to an Olympic Kayaker and a home base for outdoor enthusiasts, the NOC is a must visit. They also have an incredible zip-line experience and other excursions! They also have a great restaurant on the River and a riverside bar and grill to relax and watch the kayak slalom course.

Optional Itinerary: Ride the Train to Nantahala and then Whitewater Raft 

Trail Riding on Horseback

Trail riding is a fun excursion for everyone, and they have long and short rides! The short ride (1 hour) is good for beginners and kids (over 6) and they get to ride the horse through the creek and tunnel, which is always a child's highlight on a trip. Younger kids can ride on the wagon.

Fontana Lake - Pontoons and Tubing

Pontoon Rental Included for groups staying in the Frontier or Livingstone Lodge (can be added for an additional fee for smaller groups) Take out a pontoon boat on Fontana Lake for the day! Go tubing, fishing, swimming and take in the beauty of the mountains! You can hike to the lake via Nolands Creek Trail near the Retreat and explore with an inflatable paddleboard. 

Fontana Lake Kayak Expeditions

Slip quietly onto the waters of Fontana Lake for a day of exploration few ever experience. Our guided kayak trips lead you to secluded islands and hidden coves, accessible only by water, where the Smokies reveal a rare sense of stillness. Paddle through glassy channels and land on a private shoreline for a wilderness lunch, thoughtfully prepared and enjoyed far from crowds, with nothing but water, forest, and sky as your company.

As evening approaches, our sunset kayak tours offer a different kind of magic. The lake glows with reflected color as the mountains soften into silhouette, wildlife stirs along the shoreline, and the day closes in quiet rhythm. Whether by sunlit afternoon or golden dusk, these Fontana Lake kayak experiences blend solitude, nature, and simple luxury—an unhurried way to experience the wild heart of the Smokies from the water.

Or just sit back in a tube, relax and take it all in for the afternoon! 

Sequoyah National Golf Club

Want to golf instead of one of our wilderness adventures? Not a problem, we can help you with a tee time and at a much reduced rate!  Sequoyah National Golf Course is a championship course set in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, offering sweeping mountain views, rolling fairways, and immaculate conditions. Owned and operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the course blends challenging play with serene natural beauty, featuring water-lined holes, elevated tees, and a layout that rewards both strategy and shot-making. It’s widely regarded as one of the most scenic and memorable golf experiences in Western North Carolina.

Fire Tower Challenge

Dare to take on the iconic Fire Tower Challenge, hiking to the 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.

Smoky Mountain Summit Challenge 16 Peaks! 

It is unlikely that one will do all of these in one trip, but start earning your badges on a multi-day itinerary! 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. 

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.

Bryson Grand Slam Fly Fishing Challenge

Designed for anglers who want to experience the full breadth of fly fishing in the Smokies, the Bryson Grand Slam is a multi-day adventure that showcases all three primary styles of fly fishing in the region—wade, drift, and backcountry—while pursuing the area’s native species across diverse watersheds.

Over the course of several days, guests will wade legendary rivers and freestone streams, reading currents and riffles for native rock bass, redbreast sunfish, and smallmouth bass. Drift-boat days take you through broader river corridors, covering miles of productive water in search of hard-fighting native bass and sunfish species that thrive in the lower reaches of the watershed. The challenge culminates in backcountry excursions into high-elevation creeks, where pristine waters hold the Southern Appalachian brook trout—the Smokies’ only native trout and the crown jewel of the experience.

Each day is carefully sequenced by season, water conditions, and skill level, with expert guides tailoring tactics, flies, and water selection to maximize success while honoring conservation best practices. Completing all three fishing styles and landing the region’s native species earns anglers recognition as having completed the Bryson Grand Slam—an immersive test of skill, endurance, and respect for one of the most biodiverse freshwater ecosystems in the eastern United States.

This is not just a fishing trip—it’s a rite of passage through the rivers, creeks, and high country that make Bryson City the heart of fly fishing in the Smokies.

Mountain Zip Lining! 

Soar through the treetops of the Nantahala Gorge on an unforgettable ziplining adventure high above one of Western North Carolina’s most dramatic landscapes. Suspended in the forest canopy, these guided zipline courses offer sweeping views of the gorge, rushing river below, and the surrounding mountain ridgelines—an exhilarating way to experience the Smokies from above.

Guests can choose from three zipline course options designed for different ages and comfort levels. Two adventure courses are available for ages 8 and up, featuring longer runs, higher platforms, and expansive canopy crossings. For younger adventurers, a dedicated children’s course for ages 4 and up offers a safe, confidence-building introduction to ziplining, allowing the whole family to join the experience.

Whether you’re flying high across the gorge or cheering on a first-time zipliner, the Nantahala Gorge Zipline Adventure blends excitement, accessibility, and incredible scenery—making it a perfect complement to a day of mountain exploration at Three Little Bears Retreat.

Appalachian Cooking Classes with our Acclaimed Chef

Join one of our intimate cooking classes led by our award-winning chef, where the flavors of the Smoky Mountains come to life. Rooted in Appalachian and Native American traditions and inspired by the writings of Horace Kephart, these hands-on experiences explore seasonal ingredients, open-fire techniques, and time-honored recipes drawn from the early days of the national park.

Guests cook, taste, and learn together—gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s foodways while sharing a meal that connects history, culture, and place. It’s more than a class; it’s a celebration of heritage, hearth, and the stories that have nourished these mountains for generations.

Yoga and Tai Chi Classes

Begin the day in quiet harmony with sunrise yoga or tai chi, offered in serene outdoor settings or from the comfort of your private residence. As morning light filters through the trees, these guided sessions focus on gentle movement, breath, and balance—awakening the body while calming the mind.

For a more personalized experience, private instruction is available, tailored to your pace and goals. Whether welcoming the day with the group or practicing one-on-one, these sessions offer a grounding way to connect with the rhythms of the mountains before the adventures ahead.

Nuwati Trail

The Nuwati Trail at the Retreat offers nearly everything you want from a Smoky Mountain trail following a mountain stream from bottom to top. It has little waterfalls, a streamfed pond, places to relax in a hammock, reflection benches by the falls, and a playground hidden in the woods! It's a great morning or afternoon to either relax or explore and look for gems and salamanders in the streams.

Lawn Games

Spend the afternoon laughing, competing, and reconnecting over classic lawn games set against sweeping mountain views. With open skies and an incredible Smoky Mountain backdrop, these unhurried moments invite friendly rivalry, shared stories, and simple joy—turning an ordinary afternoon into lasting memories framed by the beauty of the landscape.

Game Room

Unplug, step away from screens, and rediscover the fun of face-to-face play in our welcoming game room. Challenge family members to a round of pool, shuffleboard, foosball, and other classic games, or strike up a friendly match with fellow guests you’ve just met.

Whether it becomes a lighthearted family tournament or an easy way to make new friends, these shared moments of competition and laughter offer a relaxed, social counterbalance to days spent exploring the mountains—proving that some of the best memories are made simply by playing together.

Creekside Fun & Panning for Gems

Slow down and wander along the clear mountain streams and Lands Creek, where cool water, smooth stones, and ancient rhythms invite discovery. Guests are welcome to explore the creek banks, wade into quiet pools, and try their hand at panning for gems or flakes of gold—a nod to the Smokies’ deep geologic history. These ancient mountains sit within what is often called the Gem Capital of America, and locals who know the streams still uncover gold and native gems hidden in plain sight.

Whether you’re searching the shallows, skipping stones, or simply listening to water move through the hollow, time spent along the creek offers a hands-on connection to the land—part adventure, part meditation, and always a reminder that these mountains still hold their secrets for those willing to look closely.

Fire Pit with S'mores & Fire Cooking 

As dusk settles into the mountains, gather around the fire for simple pleasures—toasting s’mores, sharing stories, and listening to the quiet crackle of wood and flame. On select evenings and mornings, guests are invited to join our open-fire cooking dinners or brunches, inspired by Horace Kephart and his classic work Camp Cookery.

These meals celebrate the art of fine cooking in the backwoods—where technique, patience, and good company transform simple ingredients into something memorable. It’s an unhurried way to end the day, honoring tradition, fellowship, and the timeless joy of gathering around a shared fire.