Lodge

2300 Swag Rd, Waynesville, NC

Perched 5,000 feet up on a breathtaking mountain ridge, this ultra-luxury retreat shares a direct, private border gate with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Travelers can spend their days on guided naturalists hikes and return to multi-course chef tastings over sweeping cloud-line views. It stands out as an elite national destination for high-end adventure seekers wanting ultimate mountain luxury.

Part of our guide to independent stays in North Carolina.