If you're looking for a peaceful escape nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, let me introduce you to one of North Carolina’s hidden gems — the Historic Tapoco Lodge in Robbinsville.
My husband and I just returned from a wonderful trip here, and I cannot wait to share with you about it. For more fun Smoky Mountain adventures, check out my complete guide to Gatlinburg, TN, or my complete guide to Pigeon Forge, TN.
This charming mountain retreat is the perfect blend of rustic elegance, outdoor adventure, and cozy comfort, making it one of my favorite places to stay when I need a little nature therapy.
A Step Back in Time with Modern Comforts
Built in 1930, the Tapoco Lodge was originally a haven for hydroelectric workers. Over the years, it has transformed into a beautiful boutique lodge where guests can enjoy mountain views, warm hospitality, and the peaceful sounds of the Cheoah River. When I tell you peaceful, I mean it. One of my absolute favorite parts was walking my dog every day down to the river and enjoying the beautiful prayer garden.
The property is immaculately maintained, with historic touches in every corner that make you feel like you’re stepping back in time — in the best way possible. Not only that, but everywhere you look, there are beautiful flowers that have the most tropical feel. It smells like walking the Islands of Hawaii.
Should I Stay in the Lodge or One of the Cabin Rooms?
The rooms and cabins are cozy, tastefully decorated, and equipped with modern conveniences while still honoring the lodge's storied past.
Since we took our dog with us, we opted to stay in one of the cabin rooms, Overlook 1. The room had the perfect rustic feel, and we all felt right at home.
And yes — The Historic Tapoco Lodge is pet-friendly! They will even provide a dog bed and other amenities for your pooch if needed.
The Overlook 1 cabin comes equipped with a king-size bed, crisp, cool air, a beautifully decorated bathroom with all the amenities, a fridge, a desk, and a couple of chairs. I will tell you that the seating is a little uncomfortable, but we brought a chair from home and it worked just fine.
One thing to note about the cabin we stayed in. It is not handicap accessible. If you need this, I would suggest staying in the lodge. The Overlook cabins have a ton of steps to get to and from the cabin, so make note of that when making plans to stay here.
Adventure is Just Steps Away
Tapoco Lodge is perfect for outdoor lovers. You’ll find endless opportunities to explore the scenic beauty of Western North Carolina:
- Hike the nearby trails like the Yellow Creek Falls Trail or Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest (a personal favorite for a quiet, magical walk among ancient trees). Right on the property, they have 11 hiking trails you can walk.
- Take on the Tail of the Dragon, an 11-mile stretch of highway with 318 curves, beloved by motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts. Just a little FYI for all my friends who get motion sickness easily. You will have to drive the Tail of the Dragon to get to the lodge. It will cause you to feel queasy, so take your Dramamine before trekking up the drive or put on your motion sickness patches on your ears. You will need them – trust me, but it's worth it!
- Go fly fishing right from the property or paddle on nearby Santeetlah Lake.
- Or relax in one of the lodge’s Adirondack chairs overlooking the river and let nature do the talking.
Delicious Dining at the Tapoco Tavern
You don’t have to go far for a great meal — the on-site Tapoco Tavern and the Cheoah Dining Room serve up wood-fired pizzas, juicy burgers, delicious breakfasts, and hearty Southern fare that hits the spot after a day of exploring.
The best part? The riverside patio, where you can dine with the soothing soundtrack of rushing water in the background. This patio is also pet-friendly. We had a wonderful steak dinner one night, and then on another night, I chose to have the tacos, and they were phenomenal!
Make sure to grab a slice of their homemade pie — trust me, it’s worth the splurge!
Another thing that I think is great to mention is that if you are not big into alcohol, they do offer mocktails here and they are so refreshing and delicious. I had both the Mojito Mocktail and the Margarita Mocktail.
A Year-Round Destination
Whether you're visiting in the summer for waterfall hikes, during fall to catch the vibrant foliage, or even in the winter when the mountains feel extra peaceful, Tapoco Lodge has something special to offer year-round. They also host seasonal events and live music, which adds a festive touch to your stay. And, if you are celebrating a wedding or getting married, they have it all for you!
On-Site Activities
One thing that got my attention with the Tapoco Lodge is the fact that they have SO much for you to do right on the property that you don't have to leave to head to town.
They offer things like S'mores packs for a fee from the gift shop to have a campfire roast. Play pickleball or tennis on the courts. Go fishing, or if shopping is your thing, you can shop the gift store and find a TON of beautiful things for your home.
Plan Your Visit
Here are a few tips to make the most of your getaway:
- Book early — this place fills up fast, especially in peak seasons.
- Bring layers — the mountain weather can change quickly.
- Unplug — cell service is spotty (and that’s part of the charm!). Use it as a chance to really unwind. The internet seemed to work fine, but calling out or receiving calls did not work for us. We were able to use our Snapchat app to call home or check on the family so make note of that when visiting.
The Historic Tapoco Lodge is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a solo retreat, or a family getaway, this mountain hideaway offers a little slice of Appalachian heaven.
So go ahead — add Robbinsville, NC to your travel list, and treat yourself to the tranquility of Tapoco. You won’t regret it.
🧳 Have you stayed at Tapoco Lodge or explored this beautiful area of North Carolina? I'd love to hear your experience in the comments below!