Itching to get out of town this fall, Chattanoogans? Skip those pesky airport security lines and jump in your car for a road trip to the Historic Tapoco Lodge in Robbinsville, NC — part of the Great Smoky Mountains’ foothills — instead. From hiking around the Cheoah River to sampling mead at Wehrloom Honey in town — we’re spilling all the details on how to have an unforgettable experience.
📍 Essential info
Drive time: ~3 hours
Year the lodge was established: 1930
Open: Year-round
🎟️ Experience
Mountain Spa
Relax in the lodge’s upstairs spa offering a variety of massages with add-ons like hot Cheoah River stones. The spa exclusively uses Malie products, which is an organic, plant-based beauty line made in Hawaii.
Tail of the Dragon
Formally known as US Route 129, this 11-mile span of road has 318 curves, making it one of the country’s top motorcycle + sport car destinations. Plus, it conveniently leads directly to the Tapoco Lodge.
Cheoah River Release
Several times throughout the year, a 9.25-mile stretch of the Cheoah River is released to create Class IV-V whitewater rapids for seasoned kayakers + rafters. The river runs directly in front of the lodge, so even if you’re not paddling the waters, you can watch others take on the Cheoah from the safety of the shore. The last release of the year is Saturday, Nov. 23.
Hiking
There are 14 trails on the property and surrounding Nantahala National Forest that range from short 1.5-mile loops to more extensive 7-mile hikes.
Daily activities + special events
The lodge offers free yoga + special events throughout the year, including festivities around holidays. There are also tennis courts and fire pits — with wood provided — on the property.
Fontana Dam
Even when you’re not in Chattanooga, you can still see the work of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Travel ~20 minutes off-site to this reservoir that was built during World War II, providing power to a town that was formed for the war effort. The visiting center is open seasonally.
Explore the history
Take a walk around the 120-acre campus to see the 1900s Tin Can Theater, a World War II bomb siren, and an antique gas station.
Wehrloom Honey
Located 20 minutes off the property, this local honey shop has a mead taproom, honey tastings, a bee observatory, and a gift shop.
🍔 Eat
The Cheoah Dining Room
Begin your morning with breakfast onsite, served daily from 8 to 11 a.m. This spot has classics from a country-style breakfast to pancakes. Pro tip: As they say, “The early bird gets the worm” — get there early for a seat on the terrace to gaze at the river while you eat.
Tapoco Tavern
Located on the bottom level of the lodge, the tavern is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., serving wood-fired pizzas and pub-style food — make sure to check out the bar menu.
🏨 Stay
Lodge rooms
There are six rooms and five suites (more on those below) inside the lodge. The rooms stay true to the historic nature by featuring original design elements — they don’t include TVs and utilize old-school door keys — no keycards here. Daily housekeeping is included. Note: Due to the historical state of the rooms, kids 12 and under are not permitted to stay in a lodge room.
Lodge suites
Choose between five luxury suites: The Evergreen, Laurel, Rhododendron, Roosevelt, or The Mellon. Each offers views of the river, mountains, and surrounding landscape.
Cabins
Outside of lodge rooms, Tapoco has seven cabins available to book. Each one includes daily housekeeping, a firepit, porches, and 24-hour guest services. Bonus: Bring your furry friends along and stay in the Mountain View + Overlook cabins.
Wait a minute, Chattanoogans. Before you head out the door, find the cheapest places to fill up your gas tank + stock up on road trip snacks from Kanku’s.
🚗 Cruise
No matter where the highway takes you, our road trip must-haves will ease your journey as you make your way to your destination.
- With more than 23,000 location-based audio stories, Autio’s Unlimited Plan: Lifetime Subscription is your perfect companion offering mini podcasts about the history, culture, and geology of areas you drive through.
- You’ll stay fully charged up and connected with this 4-in-1 retractable car charger that has iPhone compatibility and secure plug-in capability.
- Rock a comfortable sweatshirt and pants set for the road featuring a cozy elastic waistband and side-seamed pockets to store your valuables.
- Keep your tailbone supported during lengthy drives with a thick memory foam cushion that is machine washable and gives complete postural support.
- Avoid getting stranded with a dead battery by packing this portable car jump starter that gives up to 50 jumps in a single charge — no flagging down a stranger needed.
- Easy to clean and leak-proof, this collapsible car trash can gives you two gallons of storage capacity to keep your vehicle free from clutter.
