A day's drive from 60% of the U.S. population, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the country's most visited national park.

Families flock here for kid-friendly fun at Dollywood, go-kart tracks, and dinner theaters along "The Parkway," the main drag through town (HW 321). Cabins north of Dollywood boast stunning views but also steep roads. Elsewhere in town the roads are flatter and wider. Many cabin resorts are based here.

4. Eagle's Ridge Resort: www.eaglesridge.com or 1-866-369-2946
• Highlights: Convenient location, inventive package deals, good seasonal specials, solid management company. Sister resorts include Heritage Mountain Rentals, Hideaway Hills Resort, Country Oaks Cabins, and Summit Real Estate.
• Resort community: 300 cabins, one to nine bedrooms (largest sleeps 30 people). Fairly closely spaced, all log style.
• Location: Main resort sits five minutes off the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Newer Eagle's Ridge North development, off Wears Valley Road, offers recently built cabins with more interesting floor plans.
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $114-$169, plus $40 processing fee

6. Heritage Mountain Rentals: 1-888-711-8981; www.heritagerentals.com
• Highlights: All cabins and chalets offer wood-burning and gas fireplaces, jetted tubs, hot tubs, and privacy. Pet friendly units available. Heart-shaped jet tubs in many units. Wireless Internet access in some units.
• Cabins: 107 cabins, some individually located, some in resort communities. Sizes range from one to five bedrooms.
• Location: Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Arts & Crafts Community
• Price of one-bedroom cabin: $100-$120, plus $40 processing fee; no cleaning or hot tub fees