The Appalachians are home to the US’s most-visited national park.
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Shocking, right?
With parks like Yellowstone, Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and Zion all on the docket for American travelers, many are surprised to learn that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park comes out ahead… as in, far ahead.
In 2023, the Great Smoky Mountains welcomed over 13 million travelers, which was seconded by the Grand Canyon with only 4.7 million visitors.
There are a few factors that make the Appalachians so popular.
First and foremost, they’re most accessible in terms of distance from major cities and road quality. Second, they’re also more family-friendly, making them ideal for larger group vacations.
Lastly, and more importantly, the Appalachians feel safer and slightly less ‘wild’.
Try to name a cozier mountain range. I’ll wait.
The Appalachian range offers misty, romantic views, along with thousands of miles of mellow hiking trails. It’s not about steep climbs but relaxing strolls that take you into the heart of the US’s loveliest range.
And what bodes better for calming forest stays than cottages? (Go on. I’ll wait again.)
If you’re looking for a cozy cottage countdown in this atmospheric mountain range, then look no further. Here are the best cottages in Appalachia for hunkering down this autumn.
Best rustic cottages in Appalachia
Cozy Cabin, Green Mountain NC
Located around 50 miles from Mount Mitchell and Asheville, you get the best of both worlds at this cozy cabin.
Want to visit a major Appalachian national park? It’s just a short drive away. The same for the quaint town of Green Mountain.
Want to disappear into the rolling hills? That’s also easy to do. This log cabin has all the woodwork you’d expect in a cottage stay—along with newer features like renovated floors.
What I love is that it’s integrated into the surrounding forest, offering a highly immersive Appalachian experience.
Cozy Lake Cabin, Monroe NY
In Monroe, visitors get all the best cabin amenities with one added plus: Lakefront access. The grounds include a short dock and an outdoor firepit so you can soak up the lake, forest, and rolling hills that disappear on the horizon.
Though it’s not totally off the beaten path (there are neighbors), the mature tree coverage curates a very secluded cottage vibe. No matter the season, it offers a fantastic escape into the Appalachians.
Best of all, it’s located only an hour or so away from New York City.
A Warm Hearth, Fairfield, VA
This cottage isn’t quite like the others. As in, this is a semi-earthen home modeled after the hobbit houses of Middle Earth in the Lord of the Rings series.
The plus side? Hobbit houses are super cozy cottages.
The trade-off? The interior decor is also modeled after Middle Earth.
But that might not be a downside if you enjoy fantasy worlds. And even if you don’t, the cabin’s fantasy-driven accents are earthy and bespoke.
In other words, I’d stay here even though I don’t care about hobbits. (I’m more of a vampire girly.) From the stone hearth to the circular doors, this cabin is delightfully Appalachian—just with a Middle Earth twist.
Modern cottages in Appalachia
The Cottage at Marsh Creek, Downingtown, PA
With a modern interior and a more suburban location, this cottage isn’t ideal for those who want to stay smack in the middle of the Appalachian range.
That being said, there’s plenty of room to enjoy the fresh air and lovely scenery—and an outdoor hot tub for late-night nightcaps.
Plus, guests are only a short drive from Marsh Creek State Park, a hidden Appalachian gem. The park is one of the most unspoiled choices for exploring the Appalachian hills. While it’s usually full in summer, the park slows down in autumn.
Cozy Mountain Cottage, Afton, VA
Looking for views straight from the patio? This cozy mountain cottage has absolutely everything you’ll need for an immersive and relaxing Appalachian trip.
Though the cabin is small, it has plenty of outdoor areas, including a fire pit and furniture. That’s an ideal spot to enjoy the rolling mountains that surround the property.
On the outside, it’s pure rustic and country Appalachian joy. On the inside, guests get a sleek and modern hotel-caliber rental. (Drop me off here in October. Come back in March. I’ll be fine alone.)
Innisfree Farms Cabin, Triadelphia, WV
Wood-paneled walls, a wood-burning stove, and a cobbled-stone fireplace—need I say more? I’m in love with the rustic-yet-modern design of this rental, along with its cozier autumn and winter features.
But it’s the outdoors that count, too. The patio offers a perfect place to soak up the surrounding forest. It’s only a short walk from Oglebay Park, along with hiking trails that criss-cross the property.
There’s even a bass-filled pond for those who want to do a little fishing in the middle of the Appalachians. Best of all, there’s room for friends and family with three bedrooms that sleep a total of six guests.
Luxury cottages in Appalachia
Luxury Cottage, Greenwood Lake, NY
It’s quirky, it’s modern, and its patio is designed for soaking in the great outdoors. Seriously, the porch wraps around this brand-new property, offering a great view of the private Greenwood Lake below.
The rental is ideal for winter stays, as it’s near the Mountain Creek Ski Resort and the Mt. Peter Ski destination. Thanks to its higher elevation, you can also enjoy the view of some of the Appalachian’s tallest northern peaks from this property.
The Maury River Treehouse, Rockbridge Baths, Virginia
This cottage is one of the most unique I’ve ever seen.
Its label of ‘treehouse’ is thanks to its interior design, which includes plenty of timber framework. Even the inlaid lighting is designed to frame and highlight the excellent wood features.
The large windows are also ideal for soaking up views of the surrounding forest. Located on the Maury River, guests also get a peak into the rushing river—and, of course, an outdoor fire pit area located only feet from the shore.
My favorite feature has to be the elevated and covered patio, which includes a large flatscreen television.
