The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in America — over 12 million visitors per year. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge sit at its gates and host a massive short-term rental market that generates some of the highest rental yields of any STR market in the country. Cabin properties that gross $80,000–$150,000 per year sell at prices that make the math compelling.
The Smokies benefit from geographic constraint — the national park creates a limited supply zone for vacation rentals. Supply growth is constrained while demand grows consistently. The market attracts family vacation, romantic getaway, corporate retreat, and fall foliage seekers in a four-season tourism pattern with no dominant slow season.
Well-positioned Smoky Mountain cabins typically achieve 50–65% occupancy with ADRs of $250–$550 depending on size and amenities. Gross annual revenue of $70,000–$150,000 is achievable on mid-range properties. With acquisition prices for starter cabins in the $350,000–$600,000 range, gross yield (revenue/price) often falls in the 15–25% range — exceptional by most STR market standards.
Second home and investment property mortgages typically require 10–25% down for vacation properties. DSCR loans based on rental income projections are widely available from lenders familiar with the Smoky Mountain market. Some local banks offer portfolio loans with favorable terms for documented STR properties.
Dan White is a licensed Virginia real estate agent at Pearson Smith Realty and founder of FreeDealCalc.com. He has been investing in Northern Virginia real estate for 20+ years.