GATLINBURG

2. Greenbrier Realty and Rentals: www.welovegatlinburg.com or 1-800-546-1144
• Highlights: Reasonable prices and a pleasant, off-the-beaten-path location. Near Bent Creek Golf Course, an 18-hole course designed by Gary Player. Tennis court, three outdoor pools, 24-hour security. Close to two entrances to the national park. Family-owned company in 21st year. Wireless Internet access in most homes.
• Individual cabins: 68 cabins, with 1 to 11 bedrooms (sleeps 34 people). Many have a bit more acreage and privacy. Ask about streamside cabins.
• Location: In the Village of Cobbly Nob, a quiet community near Pittman Center and Bent Creek Golf Course off U.S. 321 north of Gatlinburg.
• Price of one-bedroom: $90-$125. Reservation fee: $33; no hot tub or cleaning fee.

3. Hickory Mist: www.hickorymist.com or 1-877-462-6478
• Highlights: Luxury services and amenities. Some properties feature pools, wireless Internet, or movie theaters. Special services include concierge, doorstep deliveries, fridge stocking, and in-house chef. It's best to call ahead for some of the luxury services. Some units are pet friendly.
• Individual cabins: 80-100 rentals from 1 to 9 bedrooms, scattered throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
• Location: Gatlinburg, The Spur, Cobbly Nob, Wears Valley, Pigeon Forge.
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $140-$275, plus a $45 cleaning fee (varies by size) and $35 processing fee. Ask about specials when you call or visit the Web site.

4. Jackson Mountain Homes (Editor's Choice—romantic retreat): www.jacksonmountain.com or 1-800-473-3163
• Highlights: Wide range of attractive, well-appointed cabins with one to eight bedrooms (sleeps up to 30) that appeals to both couples and big groups. Professional service from a respected company. Emphasis on cleanliness. High decor standards. Some homes with free long distance calling and high-speed internet.
• Individual cabins: Around 167 scattered throughout Gatlinburg and outside the city limits. Tip: Ask about cabins in Pinnacle Vista, a secluded area off U.S. 321 with spectacular views and spacious lots. In Gatlinburg, Appalachian Lodge is a stunner.
• Location: Gatlinburg, Cobbly Nob, Pittman Center, Pinnacle Vista, Arts & Crafts Community.
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $100-$180, plus $55 reservation fee and $150 credit card hold; no cleaning or hot tub fees

5. Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg (Editor's Choice—budget resort): www.mountainchalets.com or 1-800-446-9205
• Highlights: Super prices and flat rates—no hidden fees or extra costs. Charming individualized properties with lot of character. Great off-season specials (January-April)—fourth night free, two free nights with seven-day stay.
• Individual cabins: 285 individually owned cabins (and some chalets) scattered throughout Gatlinburg. Range from one to eight bedrooms.
• Location: Many on Ski Mountain, others in downtown Gatlinburg, Pittman Center, Wiley, Okley, and Arts & Crafts Community
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $95-$135, plus $35 registration fee. No cleaning fee.

6. Sugar Maple Cabins: 1-877-237-9055; www.sugarmaplecabins.com
• Highlights: Luxury cabins with contemporary decor. A few select cabins offer stunning 270-degree views of Mount LeConte and the national park. Very nice variety of homes and locations. cabins. Pet-friendly options. Online discounts and seasonal specials.
• Individual cabins: 121 cabins scattered throughout with up to 8 bedrooms (biggest sleeps 32). Some more secluded than others.
• Location: Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and outlying areas.
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $135-$330, plus a cleaning fee (varies by size), $45 reservation fee, $20 hot tub fee

7. Timber Tops: www.yourcabin.com or 1-800-266-1066
• Highlights: Huge selection of cabins in various price ranges. Free long distance and local phone calls. Luxury amenities including Xbox, PS2, home theaters, Internet access. Specials for AAA, repeat guests. High level of service, with one staffer for every three cabins. In-room massages by appointment.
• Individual cabins: 400-plus units scattered throughout Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley, with a few in Gatlinburg. Some located in resort developments, others more secluded. Some narrow roads. Cabins range from one to eight bedrooms (biggest sleeps 26).
• Location: Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and Arts & Crafts Community
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $120-$165, plus $35 registration fee

PIGEON FORGE

1. American Patriot Getaways: www.patriotgetaways.com or 1-800-204-5169
• Highlights: Probably the biggest selection in the area. Great budget options. Front desk service 24-7. Remote check-in made easy. Some pet friendly options. Military discounts.
• Cabins: 350 individual cabins ranging from secluded individual units to homes located in various resort communities.
• Location: Everywhere—Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and outside city limits
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $69-$190, plus $35 cleaning fee (varies by size). $30 processing fee, no hot tub fee

2. Big Cabins: www.bigcabins.com or 1-866-305-8739
• Highlights: Caters to big groups—family reunions, church groups, corporate retreats, and weddings. Supersized cabins sleep up to 58, and this company can accommodate groups of up to 300 by booking adjacent cabins. They'll cater meals, arrange group excursions, and book side-trips and tickets for the group.
• Cabins: More than 40 extra-large luxury properties (plus more than 100 smaller properties available through sister companies Majestic Mountain Vacations, Legacy Mountain Resort, and Sherwood Forest). Big Cabins offer up to 12 bedrooms, and properties are fully loaded with amenities and open spaces for gathering. Some feature TVs, DVD players, and satellite TV in every bedroom. Some units are pet friendly.
• Location: scattered throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $138-$275, plus $45 reservation fee and $20 hot tub fee

3. Fireside Chalets: www.firesidechalets.com or 1-877-774-4121
• Highlights: Dynamic views of ridgelines from centrally located cabins. Range of units available, including one handicap-accessible cabin and hillside cabins with a view. Able to accommodate renters seeking mountainous views without navigating mountain-side roads.
• Cabins: 130 individually owned units. Some are pet friendly.
• Location: Pigeon Forge area
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $85-$170, plus $40-$125 cleaning fee (varies by size), $20 reservation fee, and $50 nonrefundable pet fee for pet-friendly rentals. No hot tub fee.

4. Heritage Mountain Rentals: 1-888-711-8981; www.heritagerentals.com
• Highlights: All cabins and chalets offer wood-burning and gas fireplaces, jetted tubs, hot tubs, and privacy. Pet friendly units available. Heart-shaped jet tubs in many units. Wireless Internet access in some units.
• Cabins: 107 cabins, some individually located, some in resort communities. Sizes range from one to five bedrooms.
• Location: Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Arts & Crafts Community
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $100-$120, plus $40 processing fee; no cleaning or hot tub fees.

5. Sunset Cottage: www.sunsetcottage.com or 1-800-211-4599
• Highlights: Mountain views, indoor pools, pet friendly units available. Luxury cabins with upscale amenities. Economy cabins are also available.
• Cabins: 275 cabins scattered throughout Pigeon Forge. Ample variety, from secluded cabins to individual units in resort communities. Cabins have from one to eight bedrooms.
• Location: Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Wears Valley, Smoky Mountains area
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $80-$195, plus $100 refundable damage deposit, $35 cleaning fee, $50 nonrefundable pet cleaning fee, and $100 refundable pet damage fee.

TOWNSEND, WEARS VALLEY, MARYVILLE

1. Cove Mountain Realty & Resorts (Editor's Choice—Budget): www.covemountain.com or 1-800-245-2683
• Highlights: Reasonable prices, excellent variety, commitment to service. Great small gems, including a 1-bedroom with sauna and mountain views starting at $125. Online booking with live chat feature.
• Cabins: 187 individually owned cabins
• Location: most on side roads in quiet Wears Valley
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $110-$165. Reservation fee: $35; no cleaning fee or hot tub fee.

2. Dancing Bear Lodge: www.dancingbearlodge.com or 1-800-369-0111
• Highlights: The sister resort to Blackberry Farm, Dancing Bear Lodge (formerly known as Maple Leaf Lodge) features walking trails, bike rentals, and a concierge that will help arrange other activities. A new restaurant (one of a few here with a license to sell beer, wine, or liquor by the glass) serves continental breakfasts and three-course dinners. Front desk staff on site 24-7.
• Resort community: In addition to the main lodge (12 rooms), this resort offers 17 cabins on property, with flat roads and proximity to Townsend's quiet community. All clustered near the parking area, you won't get lost trying to find these cabins. Wheelchair-friendly.
• Location: Townsend (close to Cades Cove, The Wye, a famous local swimming hole, the ghost town of Elkmont, tubing and fly fishing on the Little River)
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $150-$375, plus $50 nonrefundable deposit and $250 refundable damage deposit

3. Tanasi Lodge (Editor's Choice—Best Views): www.summitcabins.com or (865) 207-4961
• Highlights: One-of-a-kind lodge on the summit of Hatcher Mountain, with sunrise or sunset views from 10 of its 11 bedrooms. Ample decks and lots of windows maximize the 360-degree vistas. Leather sectionals, granite countertops, contemporary decor. Pet friendly ($50 fee per pet, with prior approval).
• Cabins: Just two cabins built and owned by a Knoxville couple. Tanasi sleeps 26 to 28. Dreamcatcher, next door, sleeps 12 to 14. Road to summit has sketchy, steep gravel section for last a quarter mile.
• Location: Wears Valley, halfway between Pigeon Forge and Townsend. Close to a less-traveled entrance to the national park.
• Price: Tanasi Lodge rents for $750-$1,200 per night. Dreamcatcher rents for $225-$325 per night (depending on occupancy and season), plus $100-$150 cleaning/supply fee

LAKE DOUGLAS

1. Smoky Mountain Lake Vacations: www.smokymountainlake.com or 1-800-839-5253
• Highlights: Lakefront cabins, some with private docks and/or boat ramps. Some pet-friendly units. Some rentals have private pools.
• Cabins: 30 individually owned cabins scattered around Lake Douglas. Some cabins lack key amenities (hot tubs, game rooms) but make up for it with lakefront access.
• Location: on Lake Douglas, east of Knoxville
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $135-$295