Share with your friends!
PinterestLinkedInFlipboardReddit

On some of our most memorable getaways, the journey is just as thrilling as the destination. These no-cars-allowed hidden gems require you to lace up your boots or clip on your helmet — they’re only accessible by hike, bike, or horseback. These four lodging options (and one fabulous coffee shop!) are nestled deep within some of the South’s most stunning landscapes.

Whether you’re seeking a spot to disconnect, camaraderie with fellow hikers, or simply the joy of waking up surrounded by wilderness, these hike-in havens provide an unforgettable escape.

LeConte Lodge | Sevierville, TN

Hiking into LeConte Lodge is like entering a cozy, mountain-top dream tucked away in Smokies. Perched high up on Mount LeConte, it’s the highest guest lodge in the Eastern United States, offering breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. But, there are no roads leading to this lodge. Part of the adventure is the hike that leads there. Trails range from five-and-a-half to eight miles, depending on your chosen path.

Wooden lodge building with a sign reading "LeConte Lodge" and various elevation and location details. A sign beside the stairs points to the dining hall and other amenities. Trees surround the area, which is only accessible by hike.Pin
Located in the middle of the half-million-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park, LeConte Lodge is the only place to sleep overnight in a snug, permanent structure after a hot and hearty meal. Image: LeConte Lodge

What makes LeConte Lodge special is its rustic charm and off-the-grid experience. There are no showers, electricity, Wi-Fi, or even cell service — just you, your fellow hikers, the mountains, and cabins warmed the old-fashioned way. It’s like stepping back in time, but with a few modern-day creature comforts.

You can enjoy wine happy hour, home-cooked Appalachian cuisine served family-style, and cabins with bunks. From March to November, day hikers can visit the lodge for a rest and a sack lunch, too.

A stone pathway, only accessible by hike, leads to a wooden cabin surrounded by tall evergreen trees under a clear blue sky. A wooden railing lines the pathway.Pin
To book your overnight stay, reservations are required well in advance. This is the most-visited National Park in the country, after all. Image: LeConte Lodge

Expect stunning sunrises and sunsets, unparalleled stargazing, and the tranquility of being 6,593 feet above sea level. The property also has a crew of working pack llamas that walk the trails most mornings!

Airship Coffee at Coler | Bentonville, AR

In the middle of Bentonville’s Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is a funky coffee cafe you’d never expect to stumble upon. Airship Coffee’s Coler location is like a secret oasis for adventurers, cyclists, and explorers. Imagine cooling off with an iced latte from an open-air, hangar-like structure hidden within a forest. The only sounds are mountain bikers whizzing by, birds chirping, and the whir of a high-end La Marzocco espresso machine.

A group of people relax on swings and chairs on the porch of a modern, open concrete pavilion surrounded by greenery, only accessible by hike.Pin
Aside from the whole no-car thing, there’s also no Wi-Fi here. No clearing out the email inbox mid-hike! Image: Airship Coffee

This Airship Coffee location is only reachable by a mile-long trail on foot or bike, which makes getting there feel like a mini-adventure. It’s the perfect pit stop for those hitting the trails, whether you’re a hardcore mountain biker or just out for a leisurely hike.

The vibe bridges retro and modern, with two levels of indoor-outdoor seating where you can relax and soak up the natural beauty of the landscape.

Two cyclists stand by their bikes next to a bike rack in front of a modern building surrounded by trees and greenery, which is only accessible by hike.Pin
This coffee stop is a slice of serenity to punctuate a day of adrenaline. Image: Airship Coffee

Expect great coffee, friendly faces, and a community vibe that encourages outdoor enjoyment. It’s a must-visit if you’re in the Bentonville area!

Charit Creek Lodge | Oneida, TN

Charit Creek Lodge is a serene, storied retreat where time slows down. Tucked away in the heart of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Tennessee, this backcountry lodge is literally off the beaten path and only accessible by a 1.3-mile moderate-to-strenuous hike, bike, or horseback ride. (It’s pretty uphill on your way out!)

A cabin in the woods with a stone chimney, only accessible by hike, people sitting around a fire pit, and a person pushing a wheelbarrow nearby.Pin
Expect a back-to-basics experience that’s all about disconnecting from the modern world and reconnecting with nature. Reservations for the five cabins and four-room horse barn are required and can be made here. Image: Charit Creek Lodge

What makes Charit Creek Lodge so unique is its blend of rustic charm and history. It’s one of the oldest operating lodges in the United States, originally built by long hunters following Daniel Boone’s trail in the 1800s, and it still holds on to that old-world feel. Like LeConte Lodge, cabins have no electricity; they’re lit by oil-burning lanterns and heated by wood stoves.

A group of people wearing warm clothing sit at a long table, sharing a meal with various dishes and drinks, in a cozy, dimly lit room with candles. This serene setting is only accessible by hike.Pin
This lodge has shared hot showers and serves delicious meals — two welcome treats after an active day in the wilderness. Image: Charit Creek Lodge

The area around the lodge is a hiking haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of trails leading to stunning overlooks, waterfalls, and rock formations. It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to escape the hustle of daily life and soak in some natural beauty.

Len Foote Hike Inn | Dawsonville, GA

Deep in the North Georgia mountains near Amicalola Falls State Park, Len Foote Hike Inn is a cozy mountain hideaway, but this gem isn’t just any state park lodge. You guessed it — it’s only accessible by hike. The five-mile trail meanders through lush forests, with glimpses of wildlife and breathtaking vistas along the way.

A wood-burning stove with a visible fire inside stands in front of a wooden wall with windows and various backpacks hung above. The area, only accessible by hike, has wooden benches with patterned cushions.Pin
The inn offers simple, rustic accommodations, meals, and a unique experience for hikers looking to take a load off while remaining immersed in nature. Image: Len Foote Hike Inn

What makes Len Foote Hike Inn truly special is its commitment to sustainability and simplicity. It’s all about leaving a minimal footprint while providing maximum comfort. Solar power, composting toilets, vermiculture (using worms!), and rainwater collection are just a few ways they keep things green.

But don’t let the eco-friendly vibe fool you — this place is as cozy as it gets, with warm, inviting rooms, hot showers, a wrap-around porch with Adirondack chairs, and family-style dinner and breakfast included.

A two-story house sits in a snowy, wooded area at sunset, with snow-covered trees and an orange glow illuminating the sky. This serene retreat is only accessible by hike, adding to its enchanting seclusion.Pin
You get to learn even more about the inn’s conservation efforts on the nightly tour. Make sure to book this awarded backcountry lodge well in advance. Click here for more info. Image: Len Foote Hike Inn

Throughout your peaceful, unplugged stay, ditch the sound machine, Wi-Fi, and your favorite shows for the sounds of nature and the crackle of a fireplace in the common room. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy the mountain views, bear peep, and maybe even catch a sunrise over the Appalachian foothills.

Rustic Cabins | Shenandoah National Park, VA

The rustic cabins in Shenandoah National Park, VA, are like your own little woodland escape, perched along the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Nestled within this iconic national park, the well-maintained cabins vary in size and amenities. The park itself is a dream for outdoor lovers, with over 200,000 acres of protected wilderness, countless hiking trails, and some of the most breathtaking views on the East Coast.

A rustic wooden cabin with a stone chimney, located in a forest and only accessible by hike. A picnic table sits under the porch, and a small wooden rack is placed nearby.Pin
Some of the backcountry cabins and shelters in Shenandoah National Park, like Doyles River Cabin (pictured) and Jones Mountain Cabin, are only accessible by hike. For the complete list of 47 cabins and the length of hike required to reach them, click here. Image: Richard Heath | Potomac Appalachian Trail Club via Instagram

These cabins ooze with rustic charm. Some have modern appliances and working bathrooms, while many of the hike-in options are primitive, meaning you pack in everything and make a fire to cook and keep warm. These aren’t luxury lodges; they’re cozy, simple cabins with the essentials like a warm bed, a roaring fire, and the sounds of the forest right outside your door. There’s always a chance to spot deer, black bears, and maybe even a bobcat.

A wooden cabin with a porch stands in the background, only accessible by hike. In the foreground, a cutting board with sliced tomatoes, garlic, and a knife rests on a table.Pin
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains these cabins. Some can be reached by car, but many of the public cabins are only accessible by hike. Image: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club via Instagram

Visitors can expect an authentic back-to-nature experience. By day, explore the park’s scenic trails, visit cascading waterfalls, or drive along Skyline Drive, where every turn offers a postcard-worthy view. By night, relax by the fire, stargaze, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being tucked away in the woods.

Happy trails to these cozy destinations that are only accessible by hike!

**********

Give your inbox the Southern makeover it deserves. Subscribe to our daily emails.

Zoe Yarborough
About the Author
Zoe Yarborough

Zoe is a StyleBlueprint staff writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant of eleven years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.