100+ five-star reviews and counting. Families return to Beauty and the Bear for the private hot tub, resort pool, 60-game arcade, and fully-stocked kitchen — all in a quiet cabin where each bedroom has its own private bathroom. Don't let the map fool you — downtown Gatlinburg is a straight, flat 15-minute drive down East Parkway. No mountain roads.
The space
Tucked into the back of White Oak Resort with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as your backyard, Beauty and the Bear is a warm, well-appointed log cabin built for families who want it all — a peaceful home base, plenty of entertainment, and easy access to everything Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have to offer.
With over 100 five-star reviews, guests consistently tell us it looks even better in person than in the photos.
Getting Here is the Easy Part
One of the things guests love most — and something you won't find at most Smoky Mountain cabins — is how effortless it is to get here and get around. Beauty and the Bear sits just off Highway 321 on fully paved roads with no steep inclines and no white-knuckle mountain driving. Downtown Gatlinburg is a straight, flat 15-minute drive down East Parkway.
Don't let the map fool you. Some cabins that appear closer on a map can take longer to reach because of winding mountain roads. Ours doesn't have that problem — ever.
Your Home Base
The cabin is a single-level log home with an open-concept layout that makes it easy for families to spread out without feeling separated. Walk through the front door and you're greeted by a spacious living and dining area with warm pine walls, leather furnishings, and a welcoming feel that guests consistently describe as cozy, clean, and exactly as pictured.
A few things worth knowing:
- All roads into the resort are paved with no steep inclines
- Two dedicated parking spots in front of the cabin, with additional overflow near the clubhouse
- Self check-in with an electronic door code sent prior to arrival
- The cabin backs directly up to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Sleeping Arrangements
Beauty and the Bear comfortably sleeps six guests across two private bedrooms, each with its own bathroom — a feature that's harder to find than you'd think in this price range.
Primary Bedroom
- King bed with custom log bed frame
- En-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and double vanity sinks
- Private access to the back porch and hot tub
Second Bedroom
- One queen bed plus a twin-over-queen bunk bed — perfect for families with kids
- Private bathroom with shower/tub combo
- Stocked with children's books, games, and kids' dinnerware so you can pack lighter
- Second access point to the back porch
Both bedrooms have Roku TVs with cable so everyone can wind down on their own schedule.
Entertainment (There's No Shortage)
Rainy afternoon? Too tired to drive? Staying in is genuinely fun at Beauty and the Bear.
- Cocktail-style arcade console with over 60 classic games, playable solo or head-to-head — a guest favorite for kids and adults alike
- Gas fireplace (available October 1 through March 31) for cozy evenings in
- Board games, card games, and puzzles for all ages
- Roku TVs in every room — log into your own streaming services or use the included cable package
- Resort community pool (Joon's Lagoon) — open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10am–10pm daily. - A beautifully maintained outdoor pool that kids absolutely love
And when you're ready to go out, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, Anakeesta, CLIMB Works zipline, Ripley's Aquarium, and dozens of hiking trailheads are all within 10–40 minutes.
The Hot Tub
The private hot tub sits on a screened back porch with wooden privacy walls on either side — you won't see your neighbors and they won't see you. The back of the cabin borders the national park, so you're soaking in complete quiet with nothing but trees and the occasional wildlife sighting beyond the railing.
The hot tub is drained, cleaned, and refilled with fresh water between every single guest stay.
The Kitchen
The fully-equipped kitchen is stocked well beyond the basics. Whether you're feeding a family of six every morning or just need coffee before heading out, you'll have what you need.
Appliances and extras include:
- Full-size refrigerator, stove, oven, and microwave
George Foreman grill, Crock-Pot, griddle, blender, and tea kettle
- Coffee maker with starter coffee and filters provided
- Full set of cookware, bakeware, dishes, and utensils
- Community gas grills available throughout the resort (grilling tools in the cabinet above the microwave)
Trish's Mountain Diner is a half-mile away and is one of our most-recommended spots for breakfast. Cobbly Nob Pizza & Café is practically next door — less than a third of a mile — for a quick, casual bite without getting in the car.
Practical Comforts
The details guests notice and appreciate:
- Full-size washer and dryer — not a stackable unit, a real washer and dryer. Pack lighter and do laundry mid-stay
- Starter laundry detergent and dish soap provided
- Travel-size toiletries in each bathroom
- High-speed WiFi throughout the cabin
- Fire extinguisher and first aid kit under the kitchen sink
A Note on Location and Local Wildlife
The cabin's position at the back of the resort means you'll occasionally spot wildlife from the porch — deer and even black bears have been seen nearby. This is part of the magic of being directly adjacent to the national park, and something guests often mention as a highlight. If you're planning to hike into the park, bear safety guidelines are covered in the guidebook provided at the cabin and available digitally before your arrival.
What Guests Say
"It is located in the best part of the resort, with the most beautiful view of the mountains. The cabin was everything we could have asked for."
"The best rental we've ever stayed in. We loved everything about it."
"Looks better in person than in the pictures. Better than advertised."
"Rachel was an excellent host — the best I've seen at an Airbnb."
Guest access
The cabin is easily accessible without steep or winding roads. You’ll receive an electronic door code prior to your arrival for convenient self check-in.
Other things to note
- No smoking or vaping inside.
- Pets not permitted.
- Owner/host is not responsible for accidents or injuries.
- Travel insurance highly recommended.
- Ring floodlight camera facing driveway.
