Plan Your Mountain Getaway at the Historic Tapoco Lodge

on Jan 16, 2025

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If you drive down enough winding roads in the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll quickly realize treasure can be found just around the corner. The historic Tapoco Lodge is one such treasure waiting to delight and restore the weariest traveler.

Located in Robbinsville, NC, Tapoco Lodge is perched on the Cheoah River, providing relaxation, good food, and a warm atmosphere. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic weekend getaway, retreat, or family reunion.

Sign for Historic Tapoco Lodge in a wooded area near a river, with lodge buildings in the background. Overcast sky.

On my recent hosted visit, I explored the tranquility of the resort and left refreshed despite (or even due to) the unexpected rainy weather.

I felt at home right away and immediately started to imagine the friends and family I would return with.

Tapoco Lodge Amenities

Once you arrive on the property, Tapoco Lodge is set up to host your stay from start to finish.

There is a restaurant for breakfast, and Tapoco Tavern is open for lunch and dinner.

A brick building and a wooden structure stand beside a rocky creek, surrounded by trees under a cloudy sky.

You’ll also find a well-appointed gift shop with a sitting area, fireplace, and several small bars to enjoy coffee or an evening nightcap.

Walk along the river, sit at a firepit, or enjoy one of the 11 on-property hiking trails on a nice day. In the summer months, you’ll find kayakers enjoying the river.

A cozy indoor shop with patterned couches, an ornate rug, a central fireplace, wooden shelves filled with various items, and large windows lining the wall.

Riverside outdoor dining area with empty tables and umbrellas. A peaceful river flows alongside, flanked by a forested hillside. A bridge crosses the river in the background under a blue sky.

If you need anything, take a drive to Robbinsville and enjoy the scenery of the river and nearby Lake Santeelah along the way.

Fun fact: Robbinsville is the birthplace of American country music star Ronnie Milsap, and you’ll see evidence of his story throughout the town.

A tranquil lake surrounded by bare trees and evergreen forests, with mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

If a bourbon and a nice cigar is your idea of a good time, head into the freestanding Cigar Lounge and stay a while.

A small brick building with a green roof, flanked by vintage Texaco gas pumps, one green and one red. It has a wreath on the door and a sign in the window.

Cabins and Rooms

You can choose between rooms in the lodge or a freestanding cabin. There are a variety of rooms to meet guests’ needs.

I stayed in Chilhowee Cabin 1, which offered two bedrooms and a hot tub on the deck.

A rustic bedroom with a wooden bed, blue and white striped bedding, wooden bench at the foot, nightstands with lamps, and wooden flooring.

A cozy bedroom with two neatly made beds, striped blue and white bed runners, a shared bedside table with a lamp, and a window covered by a shade.

I found the space to be clean, incredibly comfortable, and inviting. Parking is available in front of the cabin, which is within walking distance of the lodge.

There is a small kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator, and Keurig coffee maker in the room as well.

A small kitchenette with a mirror above, featuring a coffee maker, cups, bottles of water, a mini fridge, and a microwave on a granite countertop.

While not a full kitchen, it was perfectly sufficient for reheating leftovers from the tavern and morning coffee.

If you want to bring your furry friends, pet-friendly cabins are available. Currently, however, the pet cabins do not have hot tubs so keep that in mind.

Regardless of where you stay, be sure to enjoy a local brew with a view!

A can of beer is held up in front of a hot tub on a wooden deck overlooking a forested area with bare trees.

Eat at Tapoco Tavern

Taking my seat at the Tavern was a nightly event and something I truly enjoyed. The food was tasty, and the staff were friendly and helpful.

A person holds a Tapoco Tavern menu inside the restaurant. The interior features wood accents and wall signs.

The pizzas are large, and the draft beer is cold. Aside from the pies, there are a variety of entrees (try the trout!) and sides. Who could ask for more?

I can’t wait to return to enjoy the deck overlooking the river when the weather is nicer. I can see myself staying in one spot for quite a while!

For breakfast, head to the Cheoah Dining Room for complimentary coffee. You can also order a variety of made-to-order breakfast items like omelets, chicken and waffles, or french toast.

Breakfast of avocado toast, a fried egg, yogurt with granola, and a cup of coffee on a wooden table.

Getting There

Located in the mountains of Western North Carolina, you may reach the Tapoco Lodge in just a few hours from several southern cities.

Raleigh, NC: 6 hours
Atlanta, GA: 4.5 hours
Chatanooga, TN: 2 hours 45 minutes

Adventure-seekers from across the country come to the area to try their luck driving the Tail of the Dragon, an 11-mile stretch of road with a jaw-dropping 318 curves to maneuver.

However you enjoy the area, Tapoco Lodge is the perfect home base for your Western NC mountain adventure. I loved it, and I think you will too!

To learn more and book, visit Tapoco Lodge online.