Three Little Bears Retreat Announces Summer Opening: Reimagined Safari-Style, All-Inclusive Mountain Escape in the Great Smoky Mountains

“Three Little Bears Retreat in Bryson City, North Carolina – a private, wilderness, expedition retreat with luxury cabins and lodges – is set to debut this summer, introducing the region’s first safari-style, all-inclusive mountain retreat designed for families, groups, and meaningful gatherings. The retreat blends Appalachian heritage with the spirit of exploration, inviting guests to enjoy adventure, wellness, and conservation alongside comfort for a fully immersive Smokies experience.

More than a place to stay, Three Little Bears Retreat was created as a modern basecamp — a private national park lodge experience inspired by the grand tradition of America’s historic national park lodges. The retreat reimagines that legacy for a new generation of explorers seeking renewal, capability, and connection in one of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes.

Renovated Accommodations Rooted in Place

A refreshed collection of five private cabins and lodges, each refined and connected to Appalachian craftsmanship and natural materials, will debut. Accommodations range from intimate creekside cabins for 2-6 guests to multi-bedroom lodges ideal for families and groups with 12-14 guests, all with thoughtful details and premium outdoor amenities, such as a private hot tub, smokeless fire pits, outdoor soaking tubs, expansive decks with ridgeline and creek views, and fully equipped kitchens. The new Three Little Bears Main Lodge will anchor the retreat – conceived not as a hotel lobby, but as a gathering hall — a place for expedition briefings, fireside storytelling, shared meals, and reflection after a day in the high country. Its dedication to Horace Kephart and George Masa reflects the retreat’s deeper mission: to cultivate reverence for the Smokies not simply as scenery, but as a singular landscape worthy of stewardship and return”. ~ read more