What to bring when renting a cabin in the Smokies

Although American Mountain Rentals strives to have everything you need on your Smoky Mountains Vacation waiting for your arrival, there are a few things you must bring on your own.

Personal Care Items
Personal care items other than bathroom tissue and travel size bars of soap are not stocked in your cabin so you must bring your own toiletries as well as a hair dryer or curling iron if you wish to use one on your trip.

If you plan on being outdoors a lot in the warmer months it is a good idea to bring sun screen and bug spray. Sun screen should also be used if you are going to be in the snow especially along ridge lines as even if it is cold outside, the reflected sunlight can give you a sunburn.

Around the Kitchen
Kitchens are stocked with basic cookware, cooking utensils, plates and cups, paper towels, coffee makers, microwaves, toasters and manual can openers.

If you want to cook something requiring a special utensil such as a basting bulb or brush you should bring your own. If you need very large cookware or storage containers for leftovers, tin foil or zip loc bags you should bring your own.

Food and condiments are not stocked in the cabin. Ice makers or ice cube trays are supposed to be in the cabin but if for some reason you must have ice right away it is advised you bring your own.

Grilling outdoors
Cabins with gas grills will have gas supplied by American Mountain Rentals but you must bring charcoal and lighter fluid for charcoal grills.

Towels and Linens
Plenty of bath towels and wash towels are supplied in each cabin as well as pillows, linens and blankets for all regular beds. This starter supply should be more than enough for 3 or 4 day stays. Linens are not supplied for pull out beds and futons so if you will have guests staying in one of these beds you must bring your own.

You can bring dirty linens and towels and exchange them for clean ones between 10 am and 4 pm at the American Mountain Rentals office.

Suggestion: Bring your bathrobe - you will be happy you did especially when using the hot tub in the cooler months!

Laundry
Cabins and Chalets that have washing machines do not have laundry detergent so you must bring your own. We suggest buying a small travel size which you can refill at home for your next trip to the Smokies!

Many cabins that have washing machines also may have irons and ironing boards but not all of them do so if you must have an iron it is advised to bring your own.

Movies
Most cabins have DVD players and/or VCRs but movies are not supplied. There is a blockbuster located at 699 Parkway, Suite 1 in Sevierville.

Telephones
All cabins and chalets have a telephone where you can receive phone calls or call 911. Bring a calling card for outgoing calls you wish to make. Some cabins do have free long distance which will be listed in the cabins description and although most cabins have local calling service this can change without notice.

Cell Phones
Cell phone service is spotty and can vary by season and weather conditions - the same for cellular internet service. Verizon and US Cellular service work best in the area but if you must make any phone calls you should bring a phone calling card.

Internet Service
Some cabins now have internet service available and if they do, it will be listed in the cabins descriptions. These cabins do not have computers for your use so you must bring your own - preferably a laptop.

For dial up or wired high speed internet service bring your own cords and for cabins with wireless internet access, your computer must have a wireless card.

There is a radio shack in Gatlinburg on 321 and a Wal-mart on the Parkway by the Sevierville - Pigeon Forge border.

Clothing
Although the Smoky Mountains have very moderate temperatures, as with any mountain environment it can get very cool in the high altitudes even in summer so be sure to bring rain gear and warm clothing.

Layering is the most effective way to stay warm without overheating so it is better to have 2 medium layers than one heavy layer. It is a good idea if you plan on hiking or walking around town in cooler weather bring an empty back pack so you can remove or put on a layer when you need to.

If you are planing on hiking on the more rugged trails, bring hiking boots that are broken in before you get here and wear them in the week or so preceding your trip so they will be comfortable on the trail. Sandals, open toes shoes and crocks and not appropriate footwear except on the paved trails.

Snow in the Smokies
While snow in the very high attitudes of the national park can be found from October to May, mid and lower altitudes generally do not get much snow and accumulations usually do not last long. There is never a guarantee that it will or will not snow so be prepared.

Driving in the snow on mountain roads is not advised. While having 4 wheel or all wheel drive will help, it is best to stay off the road.

Last but not least!
Don't forget to bring your camera to capture all of those Great Smoky Mountains Memories!

American Mountain Rentals want you to have a safe and enjoyable vacation and we welcome your comments and suggestions about your stay with us.