Blue Mountain Cabins FAQ
Questions about your Smoky Mountains cabin stay? We have answers!
So we can get these out of the way:
- Yes, you may/may not see bears🐻(not guaranteed one way or another). No, you cannot feed them.
- Yes, there can be insects (even inside), especially during warm times of the year, and especially outdoors (cabins are in the woods). Mice happen, too.
- Uber and Lyft🚖are spotty to non-existent (see our transportation links for alternatives)
- Cell reception depends on the provider.
- Many roads are indeed wavy (because they are in the mountains, not in the Great Plains)
- Fireplaces🔥are not turned on from the end of March to mid-October, but especially in July.
- See more below!
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Cabin Stay
Where do I get groceries for my stay at the cabin?
There are several convenient grocery options nearby:
- Food City – Gatlinburg
Across from City Hall
219 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
https://www.foodcity.com/stores/store-details/611/ - Food City – Sevierville (via Dolly Parton Parkway)
741 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37864
https://www.foodcity.com/stores/store-details/667 - Walmart Neighborhood Market – Sevierville
1185 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37862
https://www.walmart.com/store/5908-sevierville-tn/ - Greenbrier Grocery (via Cosby / East Parkway)
2406 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
https://greenbriergroceries.com/ - Smoky Mountain Grocery Delivery
Grocery delivery can be arranged in advance
https://smokymountaingrocery.com
Can we bring an air mattress to accommodate extra persons or kids?
No. Air mattresses are not permitted due to fire safety codes, as they can obstruct exit paths in an emergency.
What games are provided in the cabin?
- 2-player arcade with classic games such as Pac-Man, Centipede, Galaxian, and more
- Roll-n-score game (similar to skee-ball)
- Pool table
- Foosball table or foosball coffee table
- Outdoor games such as cornhole and ladder toss
Why is there a cleaning fee, and what does it cover?
- Cleaning the entire cabin
- Draining, cleaning, sanitizing, and refilling the hot tub
- Supplying fresh linens and towels, remaking beds, and transporting used linens to a commercial laundry facility
- Sanitizing bathrooms and restocking toiletries and paper products
- Removing all trash to the county facility
This process takes several hours and is completed by our local professional cleaning teams. The fee ensures the cabin is fully prepared for incoming guests.
What do we do about trash?
- All trash must be securely bagged and placed in bear-proof containers located outside
- Absolutely NO trash, food, snacks, or wrappers may be left outside at any time
- Even small food items can attract bears, raccoons, and other wildlife
- Trash will be removed by our cleaning team after your departure
- If you need interim trash pickup, please notify us
- We may be able to arrange pickup for an additional fee, but it is not guaranteed
More about trash guidelines and optional trash drop-off centers
Why We Require ID, a Rental Agreement, and a Security Deposit
- Platform-Aligned: Both Airbnb and Vrbo allow and support rental agreements and security deposits for professionally managed properties
- Insurance-Required: Identity verification helps us meet short-term rental insurance requirements and protect all parties
- Industry Standard: These practices are widely used to ensure safe, respectful, and high-quality guest experiences
Where do I get firewood for the fire pit?
- Firewood is not provided
- Guests should purchase firewood locally
- Bundles are commonly available at grocery stores and gas stations
- Guests may use fallen branches found on the cabin property only, at their own risk
- Cutting standing trees or vegetation is prohibited
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Fully extinguish the fire before leaving the area
- Garden hoses are provided at all cabins
- Always observe county fire bans
When will my security deposit be released?
- We have up to 14 days to release the security deposit
- The deposit is a credit card hold, not a charge
- Once cleaners inspect the cabin and report no issues, we release the hold
- Your bank may take an additional 1–2 business days to restore your available credit
- More info: Security deposit details
How far is the Appalachian Escape cabin from Dollywood?
Approximately 10 miles via Boogertown Road.
How far is the Appalachian Escape cabin from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
- Gatlinburg Parkway entrance: approximately 7.7 miles
- Greenbrier Road / East Parkway entrance: approximately 5.5 miles via Powdermill Road
- Porters Creek Scenic Loop: approximately 9 miles
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm
What are the chances of snow when we travel?
While the Smokies are not known for heavy snowfall, snow does occur occasionally during winter months.
https://www.bluemountaincabins.com/blog/winter-travel-in-the-smokies
Do we need charcoal for the outdoor grill?
Yes. Cabins are equipped with charcoal park-style grills, but charcoal is not provided.
- Bring your own charcoal
- Use the metal bucket provided for ashes
- Ensure grill is fully extinguished before leaving
What if there is a power outage during our stay?
- Power outages can occur due to high winds and wooded terrain
- Loss of power also affects water availability (well pumps require electricity)
- Sevier County Electric is automatically notified and typically responds promptly
What about wildlife? Are there bears?
- Wildlife includes deer, raccoons, turkeys, coyotes, foxes, snakes, birds, and black bears
- Never leave food outside
- Do not feed wildlife
- Lock vehicles and never leave food inside
- Place all bagged trash in locked bear-resistant containers
https://www.bluemountaincabins.com/blog/black-bear-safety-tips-for-your-smoky-mountains-vacation
What about critters and insects?
- Cabin is in a wooded mountain setting
- Insects and small wildlife may occasionally be present indoors or outdoors
- Do not leave food in vehicles
- Do not leave food, leftovers, or trash outside
- Secure all bagged trash in bear-resistant containers
Are Uber, Lyft, or taxi services available?
Ride-share services may be limited due to the rural mountain location.
https://www.bluemountaincabins.com/blog/gatlinburg-pigeon-forge-transportation-options
Do you accept pets, ESAs, or support animals?
- We accept trained service dogs only
- Pets, emotional support animals, therapy animals, and assistance animals are not permitted
- Misrepresenting a pet or ESA as a service animal is illegal in Tennessee
https://www.bluemountaincabins.com/blog/service-dogs-vs-pets-and-esa-in-vacation-rental-cabins
Do you accept pets, ESAs, or support animals?
We accept trained service dogs only, as required by Tennessee law and the ADA.
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Pets, emotional support animals, therapy animals, and assistance animals are not permitted
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Misrepresenting a pet or ESA as a service animal is illegal in Tennessee and may result in penalties.
What cookware and small kitchen appliances are provided?
The kitchen is fully stocked and includes:
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Dishes, cups, glasses, bowls, flatware, and cutlery
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Pots, pans, baking sheets, knives
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Mixer, blender, slow cooker
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Waffle maker, griddle, toaster, toaster oven
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Coffee makers (12-cup basket style and K-cup compatible - not Keurig brand)
Do you provide pack-n-plays or high chairs?
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A high chair is provided
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Pack-n-plays and other baby gear are not provided due to insurance restrictions
Rental options with delivery and setup:
How do we access the property?
After:
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Your reservation is confirmed
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The Rental Agreement is signed
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ID is provided
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Balance is paid in full
You will receive detailed check-in instructions, directions, and access codes approximately two weeks and again two days before arrival.
Can we use the garage?
No. The Appalachian Escape garage is reserved for owner storage. Please use the paved parking area, which accommodates up to five standard-sized vehicles.
Can we host a wedding or event at the cabin?
No. Events, weddings, receptions, and gatherings with unregistered guests are not permitted due to insurance restrictions.
What electronics are provided?
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TV in every bedroom
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At least 100 popular cable channels
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All TVs are smart TVs - bring your own streaming passwords
Please do not unplug or alter wiring. Lost remotes or unplugged equipment may result in charges.
Can we book for student, school, or church groups?
No. Our insurance does not permit student, school, or chaperoned group bookings. This restriction is listed on all booking platforms.
How do we pay the balance for a Vrbo booking?
Blue Mountain Cabins processes payments directly.
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Balance payments are automatically charged on the due date
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Reminder emails are sent in advance
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Payment method can be updated via the secure link in the email or upon request
Can we make partial or installment payments?
Yes, for Direct and Vrbo bookings.
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Secure payment links are provided
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Multiple payments are allowed
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Full balance must be paid by the due date
Third-party platforms follow their own payment rules.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept:
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Personal and cashier’s checks (35+ days before check-in)
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Money orders
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Bank transfers
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Most major credit cards
Payment options on Airbnb or Booking.com depend on those platforms.
What about wasps or carpenter bees?
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Wasps may nest under eaves; spray is typically available, and maintenance can assist
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Carpenter bees are large and noisy but harmless to humans; they do not sting, though they may damage wood
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Carpenter bees rarely enter the cabin
How far is Ridge View Lodge from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
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Greenbrier Road entrance: 3 miles
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Gatlinburg Parkway entrance: 9 miles
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Porters Creek Scenic Loop: 7.5 miles
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Ramsey Cascades Trailhead parking: 8.5 miles
Always check park closures:
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm
How far is Ridge View Lodge from Gatlinburg?
Approximately 8.4 miles to downtown Gatlinburg.
How far is Ridge View Lodge from Pigeon Forge?
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Approximately 12 miles to Dollywood Lane / Parkway
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Approximately 14 miles to Dollywood
Do you offer Military/Veteran or other discounts?
We offer a military/veteran discount on any booking, any season, with proper documentation verifying eligibility.
Occasionally, we post discounts that vary by season - check out our Specials page