Best Hotels in Gatlinburg, TN on the River

The Little Pigeon River flowing over rocks and boulders

Here’s your list of the best hotels in Gatlinburg, TN, on the river – the Little Pigeon River, that is!

There is no better way to begin your day than by taking a big cup of coffee out on your balcony and watching the river roll by. Water has a way of calming the soul. The sound of the water flowing over the river rocks is restful and peaceful. Your heart rate slows, as does your breathing, and your mind and body relax.

So if you can find a hotel room that allows you to do this, your vacation just got a little better!

We’re here to help…

By Jeff Powell | Published June 14, 2025

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So What, Exactly, Does it Mean to be “On the River”?

The Little Pigeon River winds through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge. Many properties in the towns are built along the river, creating some wonderful views for guests.

But not all views are created equal. Being “on the river” means different things at different hotels. For instance…

  • Some hotels back up right to the riverbank. This means you may be able to walk right up to the river and sit down for a picnic while watching the water flow by.
  • Some hotels back up to the river, but there is no riverbank. These hotels are usually situated above the river, behind a retaining wall and fence. You will be able to see the river from your balcony, but you will not be able to approach it.
  • At some other hotels, the river flows along in front of the hotel. While the hotel is “on the river”, you may not have a view of it from your balcony, depending on where your room is located in the hotel.
  • And at some others, your balcony looks out over the river, but a street runs between the hotel and the river, which may obscure your view somewhat.

So, when deciding on a hotel, if a river view is important to you, make sure you’re getting what you want.

The Little Pigeon River flowing between two hotels

The Best Hotels in Gatlinburg, TN on the River

Several of the riverside hotels in Gatlinburg are on River Road, which runs parallel to Parkway, just one block away.

River Road is a great spot to stay. You get to be on the river, but you avoid the crowds and noise of staying on Parkway…and you’re still on a one-block walk away from the center of Gatlinburg.

Hotels on River Road

Riverhouse at the Park

Riverhouse at the Park Inn is a highly rated (4.7 stars on Google) 2-star hotel situated approximately one block from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can almost see the Gatlinburg Trail trailhead from the front of the inn! And…

The nice thing is that there are only two trails in the national park where you can take your dog hiking, and the Gatlinburg Trail is one of them! WooHoo!

And yes, Riverhouse is dog-friendly.

The Riverhouse at the Park Inn. A large flower bed is in front of the inn, along with the sign and a statue of a black bear and cubs

As a 2-star hotel, Riverhouse has the basics – TV, fridge, Wi-fi, a pool – but it also has a couple of surprises. The rooms boast stone fireplaces, and they serve an in-room continental breakfast.

The river runs behind the inn and continues into the national park. In fact, it runs next to much of the Gatlinburg Trail.

The Little Pigeon River behind the Riverhouse at the Park Inn. The balconies are visible behind the tree-lined banks of the river

Bearskin Lodge on the River

Bearskin Lodge on the River is a highly rated 3-star hotel that backs up to the Little Pigeon River. It sits at the corner of River Road and Ski Mountain Road, just across the road from Riverhouse at the Park Inn. That makes it conveniently located to the shopping and dining on Parkway, Gatlinburg Trail, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Amenities include Wifi, in-room microwave and refrigerator, and an outdoor pool.

Entrance sign for Bearskin Lodge on the River. The sign is made of large, red poles, with a very large arrowhead hanging on them. Bear paw prints appear on the arrowhead

The Bearskin Lodge features balcony views of the Little Pigeon River, though some may be obscured by trees growing on the riverbank.

The back of the Bearskin Lodge on the River hotel, next to the Little Pigeon River

The Old Creek Lodge

The Old Creek Lodge, like all of the River Road properties, is within easy walking distance of the restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, and attractions that line Parkway, which saves you money on public parking (typically $20/day).

Don’t be fooled by the rustic look – it is a very popular 3-star hotel, highly rated by guests (4.6 stars).

Sign at the entrance to Old Creek Lodge. The sign includes carvings of trees, animals, lanterns, and drawings of the moon and stars

The Old Creek Lodge sits just across the river from the Econo Lodge mentioned above. The river is not accessible, but there is a nice view of it from the lodge balconies and even the covered parking spaces.

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on the River

The Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on the River is just off River Road, behind the Old Creek Lodge. It is a 2-star hotel, offering the essentials at a budget price.

If you’re hungry or in the mood for shopping, it is only a short walk to the Parkway. It’s also within easy walking distance to Gatlinburg Trail. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about a one-minute drive away.

Entrance sign at Econo Lodge Inn and Suites on the River. The marquee reads, "Thank you for staying with us"

There is a beautiful view of the river, plus a walkway along the riverside with protective fencing to keep you from tumbling over the edge.

Great view at a great price!

The Econo Lodge backing up to the river. There is a high stone retaining wall to protect the hotel

Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center

The Little Pigeon River runs in front of the Edgewater Hotel, not behind it. (Make sure you reserve a riverside room for the view.)

The Edgewater Hotel is also located on River Road, but it is situated at the east end of the road. Staying here will put you near Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Anakeesta, popular area attractions. It also puts you almost directly across the street from the back door to Tom & Earl’s Back Ally Grill, home to one of the best burgers in Gatlinburg.

A pedestrian bridge crosses the river from the hotel to River Road. On our last visit there, you could see people fishing in the river. I’m not surprised, because from the bridge, we could see some large trout!

The Little Pigeon River flowing in front of the Edgewater Hotel

Hotels on Parkway

Greystone Lodge on the River

When a hotel is named “The Greystone Lodge on the River“, it’s sort of obvious that this is a riverside hotel.

The Greystone has been hosting guests in Gatlinburg for around 70+ years. It’s a 4-star hotel that has received a 4.4-star rating from its guests.

The Greystone Lodge is located just off Parkway, right across the street from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. It’s also one block from Anakeesta, and just around the corner from Blue Moose Burgers and Wings – one of our “Best Burgers in Gatlinburg” picks. Plus, it’s right behind No Way Jose’s Mexican Cantina. (Try the fish tacos!)

The entrance to The Greystone Lodge on the River. A large bed of red and pink flowers decorate the space
A couple enjoying coffee on their balcony overlooking the Little Pigeon River

The Greystone Lodge on the River is, as advertised, right on the river. Great views from the riverside balconies. (BTW, that is NOT me or Mary Ellen, my wife, in the photo above. I am NOT that handsome…)

Margaritaville Resort in Gatlinburg

A 4-star hotel, Margaritaville Resort brings an island vibe to the mountains. Guests love it here – it boasts 4.7 stars

Amenities include an amazing pool, onsite restaurants, and large, comfortable rooms. Plus, the hotel is situated across the street from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Anakeesta Theme Park. Plus, our recommendation for the best breakfast in Gatlinburg, The Pancake Pantry, is just a couple of blocks up Parkway.

The entrance to Margaritaville Island Hotel. The blue parrot logo hangs on the front of the building
The Little Pigeon River flowing past the entrance sign for Margaritaville Island Hotel

While Margaritaville is certainly on the river (the river wraps around the front and side of the hotel), none of the rooms directly face the river. The balconies on the front face the Parkway (and the river), but they are some distance away, and the river is difficult to see.

The balconies on the back of the hotel face the pool, not the river. To see the river, you may have to stretch your neck a bit and look past the pool and parking lot.

Hotels on Highway 321

Highway 321 connects Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It’s really just an extension of Parkway, which continues through Pigeon Forge and into Sevierville.

On the Gatlinburg end of Highway 321, just before entering Gatlinburg, the road follows a stretch of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, and several hotels have been built along this section, sometimes known as the “Rocky Waters” section of the river.

Historic Rocky Waters Inn

The Historic Rocky Waters Inn is indeed historic, having been established in 1935, one year after the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was formed.

It is a 4-star hotel with a 4.2-star rating on Google Reviews. It literally sits right on the river – the only way it could be closer would be to sit in the river!

Rocky Waters Motor Inn beside the Little Pigeon River

Rocky Waters is a small, luxury inn. Amenities include the Heirloom Room, the inn’s onsite restaurant, free Wifi, and an espresso maker in every room.

And, of course, every room at the inn has a breathtaking waterfront view of the Little Pigeon River.

A man watching the river below from his balcony

Gatlinburg River Inn

Here’s a great way to stay on the river and save some money! The Gatlinburg River Inn is a 2-star inn that sits across the Little Pigeon River from the Historic Rocky Waters Inn.

It comes with all the basics – TV, coffee maker, Wi-Fi, refrigerator, and microwave – at a budget-friendly price.

The Gatlinburg River Inn sign

Best of all, every room has a river view from the balcony!

The balconies of the Gatlinburg River Inn overlooking the Little Pigeon River

Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg on the River

That’s a long name for a long hotel. It stretches for quite a way along the Little Pigeon River. In fact, the Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg on the River is “wedged in” between the road and the river. The sign is not very large, but it is bright blue, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it!

The Baymont is another 2-star hotel, but guests enjoy staying there. (It has a 4.1-star rating on Google from almost 2100 guests!)

The blue Baymont by Wyndham sign above the hotel entrance
The Little Pigeon River flowing behind the Baymont Inn

Just like the Gatlinburg River Inn, it comes with all the basic amenities, plus some unexpected ones, like an onsite fitness room.

And, of course, every room has a fantastic balcony view overlooking the river.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can my kids play in the river? Since the Gatlinburg Sewage Treatment Plant is located on the river, we recommend that they don’t. However, the river in the national park is safe, and there are numerous spots where you may get in and play!

To Summarize…

We’ve given you a lot of options for the best hotels in Gatlinburg, TN on the river…

  • 2-star, 3-star, and 4-star hotels
  • Locations on Parkway, River Road, and Highway 321
  • Pet-friendly and No Pets Allowed

All of these hotels boast at least a 4.0-star customer review on Google, so you really can’t go wrong.

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Jeff Powell

Jeff Powell is the Creator/CEO of two blogs - National Park Ventures and Smoky Mountains Ventures. He and his wife Mary Ellen are on a venture to visit every national park in the United States and share what they experience with their readers. Their goal is to help their readers "supersize" their own national park ventures.

Jeff and Mary Ellen have been married for 35 years. They have two sons, two grandkids, and two dogs. They live in a cabin in the mountains outside of Blue Ridge, GA.