OPENING JUNE 2026! Three Little Bears Retreat
Your Private Great Smoky Mountain National Park Lodge & Safari-Styled Experience
Situated on secluded mountainsides within the valley where the first land was deeded for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Three Little Bears Retreat is a luxury, wilderness eco-resort—reimagining the modern national park lodge experience as a safari-styled basecamp centered around expertly guided adventures, local authentic farm to table cuisine, exposure to the Cherokee culture, inspirational & conservation storytelling throughout, and complete immersion into the area of the most biodiverse National Park in America centered in Bryson City, North Carolina
Our Private luxury retreat accommodations all include our Appalachian Breakfast and are spread across 65+ acres, anchored by the Three Little Bears Lodge for gathering, our bespoke "Camp Cookery" Appalachian dining experiences, and cultural immersion. From this basecamp, guests set out on guided expeditions, wildlife safaris, and curated mountain experiences.
What sets us apart—beyond the table—is how you move through the mountains..
Our safari-style operation pairs you with expert guides who don’t just lead the way—they shape the experience. You’ll step into the awe of the Smokies with intention, connect more deeply with your group, gain a living understanding of the land and its conservation, and test yourself in ways that leave you carrying something back: renewed confidence, earned perspective, and stories worth telling.
Rooted in the Cherokee ethos of Nuwati—balance and harmony—the Retreat offers regenerative, life-defining, experiential stays in one of the most biodiverse temperate forests and waterfall dense regions on earth, leaving guests restored, awakened, and deeply connected to the Smokies.
Adventure Out. Retreat In.
Unwind with Space & Privacy in Our Explorer & Conservation-Inspired Private Retreat Lodging
Our distinct and luxurious accommodations range from one- to four-bedroom private cabin retreats spread across the retreat which all pay homage to the great explorers and conservationists of the past. Firmly rooted in our local mountain culture and aesthetic, the elements and earthtones of the wilderness are interwoven with richly storied heritage through curated antiques, explorer artifacts, local artwork, custom furniture, private outdoor settings, and deluxe amenities.
ᎤᏬᏢᏍᏗ ᎤᏃᏴᏫ ᏅᏩᏙᎯᏯᏓ (Uwotlvsvdi unoyvwi nvwatohiyada) Cherokee ideal of Beyond Just Right!
North Carolina All-Inclusive Adventure Retreat
We are defined by the journeys we dare to take.
Our all-inclusive mountain safaris and expedition trips invite guests to set aside the ordinary and explore the Smokies’ greatest wonders—summits, fire towers, white water, trout streams and hidden coves—through expertly guided expeditions, cultural immersion, and adventures designed for every generation, all while preserving and restoring the ecosystem we call home.
Our All-Inclusive option allows guests to choose one guided activity per day to be included in their price or choose from one of our preset Expedition Packages for pre-planned trips.
Weddings, Retreats & Events
Three Little Bears Retreat offers a rare setting for meaningful gatherings—where celebrations, reflection, and connection unfold within the living landscape of the Smoky Mountains. Whether hosting an intimate wedding, a corporate or leadership retreat, a wellness-focused gathering, or a family reunion, our all-inclusive approach allows groups to be fully present while we thoughtfully curate every detail.
From scenic ceremony locations and rustic-elegant event spaces to guided adventures, wellness experiences, farm-to-table dining, and creative workshops, each gathering is designed around your purpose and your people. Our team works closely with hosts to blend structured programming with unhurried moments, ensuring space for both celebration and connection.
Guests may also choose to join one of our specially planned events or hosted retreats, thoughtfully scheduled throughout the year and centered on themes such as adventure, conservation, wellness, culinary traditions, or family exploration. However you gather—to celebrate, to reflect, or to renew—Three Little Bears Retreat offers a place where shared experiences become lasting memories.
Nuwati Spa
Wellness and Creative Immersion
ᎣᏍᏓ (Osda) ᎤᏃᏴᏫ (Unolvtanv) "Sacred harmony with all living things."
For those drawn to restoration over exertion, Three Little Bears Retreat offers a quieter path into the Smokies—one rooted in presence, creativity, and care. Our wellness experiences invite guests to slow the pace and reconnect through massage and facials, gentle yoga, and time spent simply breathing in the mountain air.
Expedition Packages
The Bryson Grand Slam Fly-Fishing Challenge
The Bryson Grand Slam Fly-Fishing Challenge is an all-inclusive, multi-day expedition that takes anglers deep into the rivers, creeks, and backcountry of the Smokies in pursuit of native and trophy trout. Over three unforgettable days, you’ll wade legendary waters, float wild mountain rivers by drift boat, and stalk trout in remote high-country streams—paired with cowboy breakfasts, open-fire trout cookouts, and evenings steeped in Appalachian tradition. This is fly fishing as it was meant to be experienced.
Family Adventure Summer Camp
Remember summer camp—the friendships, the freedom, the adventure?
Our Family Adventure Summer Camp brings that magic back—this time for parents and children together. Over immersive days in the Smokies, families explore rivers, forests, and night skies side by side, while also splitting to enjoy age-appropriate adventures designed just for kids or for parents and older children seeking bigger challenges. From tubing rivers and chasing fireflies to bonfires, wilderness skills, summit hikes, and screen-free wonder, this is a summer your family will never forget.
Smoky Mountain Summit Challenge
Sixteen peaks. One legendary challenge.
The Smoky Mountain Summit Challenge invites hikers to stand atop every 6,000-foot peak in the Great Smoky Mountains—home to the largest concentration of high-elevation summits in the Eastern United States. Customized to your schedule and ambition, this multi-day expedition pairs you with expert guides, iconic trails, and a Wilderness Passport to track every summit earned. This is more than hiking—it’s a lifetime accomplishment.