There’s something about fall in the Smoky Mountains that stirs the soul — that golden light through the trees, the scent of pine and woodsmoke, and the cool whisper of mountain air that feels like a long exhale. For women craving a getaway that’s equal parts restorative and adventurous, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is calling. This is where rustic charm meets elevated comfort, where Appalachian authenticity pairs with spa-worthy calm — and where girlfriends, sisters, and solo travelers alike can rediscover their wild side.
“Experience fall in the Smoky Mountains with hikes, yoga by the stream, and the charm of Gatlinburg’s newest treasures.”
STAY
Our journey began at the brand-new Embassy Suites in Gatlinburg, a stunning property that embodies the perfect balance of mountain warmth and modern comfort. With its stone fireplaces, timber beams, and curated local art, the hotel feels both luxurious and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Step into the lobby and you’re greeted with that unmistakable Smoky Mountain coziness — rich woods, soft lighting, and a color palette pulled straight from the forest outside. Suites are spacious and stylish, and there’s even an indoor pool and gathering space for guests to unwind.
Best of all, the hotel is home to Smoky Mountain Guides, an expert team ready to take you beyond the hotel walls and into the wilderness — whether it’s a serene hike, a guided nature walk, or a tailored adventure.
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort has been named New Hotel of the Year by Hilton’s Embassy Suites brand — a remarkable achievement during one of the company’s most dynamic years of growth in its century-long history.
Already, the Gatlinburg resort ranks fifth in guest satisfaction among all Hilton properties worldwide — a testament to its impeccable service, design, and dedication to creating memorable stays.
But beyond the accolades, the win holds a deeper meaning for the Smokies. The resort represents the fulfillment of a vision to elevate Tennessee’s most beloved mountain destination to world-class status.
“For our locally developed property to lead Hilton’s all-suites hotels is a proud moment,” said Logan Coykendall, President and CEO of Hospitality Solutions. “We’re not just part of the Smokies — we want to be the Great Smoky Mountains National Park resort. It’s one thing to see the park, but it’s another to be in it.”
Hospitality Solutions, the local developer behind the resort, was also honored with Hilton America’s All-Suites Developer of the Year Award for 2024 — a milestone that celebrates both innovation and deep community roots.
EXPLORE
Our first stop: Anakeesta, Gatlinburg’s mountaintop wonderland that feels part theme park, part botanical garden, and entirely magical. The ride up alone — a scenic chairlift gliding over lush valleys — sets the tone for what’s to come. Once at the top, you’re surrounded by treetop walks, charming shops, ziplines, and those endless Smoky Mountain views that steal your breath away.
As the sun began to dip behind the ridges, we settled in for dinner at Clifftop Restaurant, an elevated dining experience perched high above the Smokies. With floor-to-ceiling windows framing the sunset and a menu that turns Southern comfort food into culinary art, every bite felt like a celebration
As the sun dipped behind the ridges, we stayed for the dazzling after-dark experience, Astra Lumina — a cosmic light and sound show woven through the forest. This illuminated trail transforms the trees into glowing constellations, bathing the mountainside in shimmering blues and silvers. It’s immersive, imaginative, and downright spellbinding. Walking through it felt like drifting through a dream — laughter, gasps, and a few joyful squeals included.
Our morning began with a refreshing hike through the Great Smoky Mountains, guided by the amazing team at Smoky Mountain Guides and the ever-inspiring Kindal Page. We trekked along misty trails beneath towering pines, the air alive with birdsong and the soft scent of moss and mountain air. Laughter echoed through the forest as we paused to take in sweeping views and the beauty of the wild around us.
Then came yoga — a soulful session beside a gently rushing stream, where we unrolled our mats on smooth river rocks and let nature lead the flow. The sound of water, the whisper of the wind, and the morning sunlight filtering through the trees created pure mountain magic. It was a perfect balance of adventure and peace — the ultimate Smoky Mountain girls’ morning.
DINE
By the time we returned, we were happily hungry — and Split Rail Eats was calling. Tucked away in Gatlinburg, this laid-back local gem delivers the kind of Southern comfort food that makes you sigh with happiness. The menu hits all the cozy notes — from fried green tomatoes to pimento cheese burgers and house-made chips. The vibe is friendly, the portions generous, and everything tastes like a home-cooked hug.
Dinner that night was a more elegant affair at The Park Grill, a Gatlinburg institution that embodies mountain dining at its best. Inside its grand log cabin setting, you’ll find rustic sophistication — flickering firelight, rich wood tones, and the scent of hickory in the air. The menu celebrates Appalachian ingredients: think fresh rainbow trout, smoky pork chops, and wild berry cobbler that practically demands a second helping.
For night owls and cocktail lovers, Alibi was our next discovery — Gatlinburg’s newest speakeasy, hidden behind a freezer door in a cozy coffee shop. It’s the town’s best-kept secret, with moody lighting, vintage decor, and inventive craft cocktails. It felt like stepping into another era — one where every sip comes with a story and the laughter flows freely.
The next morning — our final day — we kicked things off with a hearty breakfast at Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin, a beloved Smoky Mountain staple. It’s impossible not to smile here: the aroma of syrup, sizzling bacon, and buttered pancakes fills the air, and the friendly staff make you feel like a regular even if it’s your first visit. We went all in with stacks of buttermilk pancakes, fluffy omelets, and steaming mugs of coffee. Because after a weekend of hiking and adventuring, a big Southern breakfast is practically mandatory.
UNWIND
No Gatlinburg getaway would be complete without one last breathtaking view — and that’s exactly what we found aboard the Aerial Tramway to Ober Mountain. Suspended high above the trees, the tram glides gently upward, offering a panoramic sweep of the valley below. In autumn, the landscape blazes with color — a tapestry of crimson, amber, and gold stitched across the Smokies.
At the summit, Ober Mountain offers something for every mood: scenic hiking trails, alpine slides, wildlife encounters, and cozy cafés with hot cocoa and mountain views. We stopped at the Wildlife Encounter, where rescued black bears, otters, and birds of prey are cared for by passionate handlers. Watching these animals thrive in such a stunning setting was both humbling and heartwarming.
For those craving a final burst of adventure, Ober offers mountain coasters, chairlifts, and even ski runs when winter rolls in. But for us, it was enough to sit, sip cider, and watch the clouds drift over the peaks — a final quiet moment before heading back to the bustle of life.
THE TAKEAWAY
Gatlinburg is more than a mountain town — it’s a state of mind. A place where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover what fills your cup. For women traveling solo or with friends, it’s a reminder that adventure doesn’t always mean scaling cliffs or chasing thrills. Sometimes, it’s about shared laughter, starlit skies, and that satisfying ache in your legs after a long hike.
It’s the warmth of a new hotel lobby, the joy of a well-earned meal, the serenity of yoga beside a mountain stream. It’s cocktails behind a hidden door, pancakes on a misty morning, and the glow of autumn that feels like both an ending and a beginning.
Because in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the wild isn’t something to conquer — it’s something to join.
And once you’ve answered its call, part of you will never want to leave.
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/gkteses-embassy-suites-gatlinburg-resort
www.anakeesta.com
**Special thanks to Marcie Claude and Clayton LaPrees with Smoky Mountain Guides
