Pet Friendly Cabins

Most of the Gatlinburg cabin rentals already discussed provide some cabins for guests where pets are welcomed, but keep other cabins strictly "no pets." Please respect their rules. Most places reserve the right to ask you to leave if you check in with a pet without telling them -- and they will keep your money. Even if a place says it is "pet-friendly," you should read the company's policies before making a reservation. They may say "pet-friendly" but only if the dog is 15 pounds or less. If you have a Golden Retriever, that's another matter! It may be America's most popular dog breed, but some cabin owners don't seem to be impressed.

With that said, it's still possible to take your pet on vacation with you to the Smokies AND stay in a cabin. We've tried to find the best places to stay with your pet in the Gatlinburg area, regardless of size or breed. (There are a lot of dogs out there over 15 pounds. and they like to go on vacation, too.) Here's our list of the top five pet-friendly cabins and chalets.

1. Hidden Springs Resort

Among resorts and cabin rental companies, Hidden Springs Resort has one of the more generous pet policies. Dogs are welcome (in approved cabins) and they are not limited by weight. In addition, you can bring more than one. You can bring two dogs -- unless you have approval from management for more. There is a $45 (plus tax) one-time non-refundable pet fee required, along with a $100 refundable cash deposit per pet. Learn more

Types of Rooms: 1 BDRM - 8 BDRM

Amenities: Hot Tubs, Indoor Jacuzzis, Full Kitchens, Fireplaces, Grills, Pet Friendly

Phone Number: 1-888-477-8366

Website: http://www.hiddenspringsresort.com/

2. Greenbrier Valley Resorts

Greenbrier Valley Resorts features 1-12 bedroom log cabins and chalets, located 10-15 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg. Many of their rentals are pet-friendly. Arrangements about your pet should be made prior to arrival. Greenbrier Valley charges $10 per night per pet (limit two), and a $100 Pet Security Deposit (refundable). Learn more

Types of Rooms: 1 BDRM - 12 BDRM

Amenities: Tennis Court, Swimming Pool, Golf Course, Pet Friendly

Phone Number: 800-546-1144

Website: http://www.welovegatlinburg.com/

3. Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals

Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals offers some beautiful chalets and cabins from four blocks to two miles from Gatlinburg. Pet-friendly, they charge $45 for the first pet and $10 for each additional pet. All of the cabins listed on their web site welcome pets (the condos do not accept pets). You can stay at the Love Sick Blues cabin, built by the wife of the late Hank Williams, Sr. The musical notes of the famous song "Lovesick Blues," written by Hank Williams, Sr. himself elegantly surround the cabin's deck on the railing that wraps three sides of the cabin. Learn more

Types of Rooms: 1 BDRM - 6 BDRM

Amenities: Hot Tubs, Indoor Jacuzzis, Game Rooms, Grills, Country Music History, Pet Friendly

Phone Number: 1-800-307-4790

Website: http://www.gatlinburgcabin.com/

4. The Wright Cabins

The Wright Cabins (Townsend Cabin Rentals) are charming, rustic cabins a little off the beaten path in Townsend, Tennessee, a few miles from Gatlinburg. Furnished in antique style, they still come provided with a fully-equipped kitchen with microwave and dishwasher, queen beds, cable TV/VCR, phones, washer/dryer, fireplaces and heart-shaped jacuzzis. They also have a great pet policy -- pets are permitted in all but one of their cabins with a $25 pet fee. Learn more

Types of Rooms: 1 BDRM - 4 BDRM

Amenities: Hot Tubs, Indoor Jacuzzis, Pet Friendly

Phone Number: (865) 448-9090

Website: http://www.thewrightcabins.com/

If you visit Gatlinburg with your pet, please remember that the town does have a leash law. In the surrounding areas dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, but must be kept on a leash at all times. The leash must not exceed six feet in length. In the Smokies themselves, dogs are only allowed on two short walking paths - the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Pets are not allowed on any other park trails. Pet excrement must be immediately collected by the pet handler and disposed of in a trash receptacle. Please remember that pets should not be left unattended in vehicles or RVs. It's all too easy for a vehicle to overheat and for a pet to die. Remember to offer your dog water frequently when you are out together. Take some sensible precautions when you take your pet on vacation with you and you can both have a great time.

For more information about pet-friendly places to stay in Gatlinburg, check PetFriendly.com web which lists pet-friendly lodging and travel information.