Three Little Bears Retreat in Bryson City, North Carolina – a private, wilderness, expedition retreat with luxury cabins and lodges – is set to debut this summer, introducing the region’s first safari-style, all-inclusive mountain retreat designed for families, groups, and meaningful gatherings. The retreat blends Appalachian heritage with the spirit of exploration, inviting guests to enjoy adventure, wellness, and conservation alongside comfort for a fully immersive Smokies experience.
More than a place to stay, Three Little Bears Retreat was created as a modern basecamp — a private national park lodge experience inspired by the grand tradition of America’s historic national park lodges. The retreat reimagines that legacy for a new generation of explorers seeking renewal, capability, and connection in one of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes.
Renovated Accommodations Rooted in Place
A refreshed collection of five private cabins and lodges, each refined and connected to Appalachian craftsmanship and natural materials, will debut. Accommodations range from intimate creekside cabins for 2-6 guests to multi-bedroom lodges ideal for families and groups with 12-14 guests, all with thoughtful details and premium outdoor amenities, such as a private hot tub, smokeless fire pits, outdoor soaking tubs, expansive decks with ridgeline and creek views, and fully equipped kitchens. The new Three Little Bears Main Lodge will anchor the retreat – conceived not as a hotel lobby, but as a gathering hall — a place for expedition briefings, fireside storytelling, shared meals, and reflection after a day in the high country. Its dedication to Horace Kephart and George Masa reflects the retreat’s deeper mission: to cultivate reverence for the Smokies not simply as scenery, but as a singular landscape worthy of stewardship and return.
Safari-Style, All-Inclusive Programming
Unlike traditional mountain stays, Three Little Bears Retreat operates as an experience-led, all-inclusive mountain escape where adventure, learning, and connection define every stay, reigniting adventurous spirits, building calm confidence, and strong connections through shared experiences. Founded by lifelong adventurer and conservation advocate Matthew McGee, the programming reflects decades of global expedition experience distilled into one intimate mountain proving ground.
Guests will enjoy curated daily programming tailored to skill level and interest, from custom guided hikes throughout the Great Smoky Mountains and animal safari expeditions to multi-day fly fishing outings, e-bike tours, summit & fire tower expeditions, white water rafting & kayaking, horseback riding, hands-on workshops rooted in Cherokee traditions, and on-site cooking classes.
What sets the retreat apart is its safari-style adventures and its vintage Land Rovers, guiding guests through the mountains and wildlife in an immersive and unforgettable way. Multi-day expeditions are offered to connect guests with the landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage that shaped the national park. High-altitude summits, ancient trails, family adventures, fly-fishing safaris, and scenic driving expeditions turn a simple mountain stay into a meaningful journey. Each expedition and achievement is led by expert local guides and recorded in a personalized Wilderness Passport.
Wellness Inspired by Cherokee Tradition
Wellness throughout the property is grounded in restoration, reflection, and connection to the land. Nuwati Spa, named for the Cherokee word meaning “medicine,” is designed as a sacred space for healing the body and spirit. Guests can indulge in indoor and outdoor massages that use locally sourced botanicals and traditional herbal elements while boasting panoramic Smoky Mountain views. Additional amenities include a sauna, cold plunge, and fitness facilities, while guided classes include yoga, Tai Chi, breathwork, and forest bathing.
Elevated Appalachian Dining
Food is central to the retreat experience, with all-inclusive menus inspired by Appalachian traditions, Native American influences, and the writings of Horace Kephart, one of the founding voices behind the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known as Camp Cookery, the culinary program features farm-to-table dishes built around regional ingredients, with both communal dining at the main lodge and intimate in-cabin experiences, all included as a part of the daily rate. Meals are designed as shared rituals with long tables, lantern light, and conversation that stretches into the evening, reinforcing the retreat’s belief that fellowship is as essential to adventure as the trail itself. Guests can also enjoy campfire breakfasts, chef-led dinners, and hands-on cooking classes, paired with locally sourced beer, wine, and seasonal cocktails.
A Commitment to Conservation
Built on a founder-led vision, Three Little Bears Retreat is deeply committed to conservation, education, and regenerative travel. A portion of each stay supports wildlife rehabilitation, habitat restoration, and community-based conservation initiatives in the Smokies, ensuring the land is protected for generations to come.
Re-Opening Special: Family Adventure Summer Camp
To celebrate the re-opening, the team is offering a limited-time 20% savings on its all-inclusive Family Adventure Summer Camp, offering 5-day / 6-night or 12-day / 13-night expeditions featuring guided hikes, river tubing, wildlife encounters, stargazing, wellness immersions, Appalachian cooking, and age-appropriate wilderness programming. Designed for families seeking meaningful connection, outdoor adventure, and elevated comfort, this summer experience invites parents and children to rediscover the joy of exploration together in the heart of the Southern Appalachians.
About Three Little Bears Retreat
Three Little Bears Retreat is a private, all-inclusive mountain lodge experience at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, designed for families, groups, couples, and friends who want adventure, fellowship, and deep connection to place. Guests stay in private, luxurious, standalone cabins and lodges while sharing access to a central expedition lodge offering chef-prepared meals, guided outdoor experiences, wellness programming, and cultural storytelling. Equal parts safari lodge and Appalachian basecamp, the retreat blends seclusion and service, conservation and comfort, creating a rare kind of escape—immersive, unhurried, and meant to be shared.
Press Release