CONTACT THE SHORT TERM SHOP
Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
STS Plus Community: https://stsplus.com
Podcast: https://bit.ly/youtubecasts
Website: https://theshorttermshop.com
My Books:
Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth:
https://www.amazon.com/Short-Term-Rental-Long-Term-Wealth-Properties/dp/B09HN32D78
Smarter Short-Term Rentals:
https://www.amazon.com/Smarter-Short-Term-Rentals-Business-Competition/dp/B0DWNFX7X6
Is Buying a Cabin in the Smoky Mountains Still Worth It in 2026?
If you’ve been researching short term rental investing or have spent any time on real estate forums, you’ve probably heard that the Smoky Mountains are “oversaturated,” “past their prime,” or “too competitive.” Investors who have never operated here love to say that.
Investors who actually own here tend to tell a very different story.
After reviewing AirdDNA revenue ranges, Redfin long-term price trends, and watching thousands of our clients succeed here, the answer is clear:
Yes — buying a cabin in the Smoky Mountains is still absolutely worth it in 2026, especially when you buy the right property, in the right submarket, supported by the right systems.
Let’s break down why.
The Smokies Are Still One of the Strongest STR Markets in the U.S.
The Smoky Mountains are a rare combination of:
- A national park with massive year-round demand
- A drive-to destination for roughly two-thirds of the U.S. population
- A market with lodging demand built around cabins
- Multiple seasonal revenue peaks, not just one
- Predictable booking behavior
It’s not a fad market. It’s not a one-season market. It’s not a market dependent on one attraction.
It simply works — and has worked for decades.
Revenue Trends: What AirdDNA Shows Going Into 2026
AirdDNA revenue ranges for the Smokies show consistent year-over-year performance across most cabin sizes. While every property is different, patterns show:
|
Cabin Size |
Typical Revenue Behavior (based on AirdDNA ranges) |
|
One bedroom |
High occupancy, stable year-round traveler demand |
|
Two to three bedroom |
Strongest cost-to-income balance |
|
Four bedroom |
Highly competitive for families and multi-gen groups |
|
Five plus bedroom |
High peak season revenue potential |
The important point:
Cabins still perform, often extremely well, when purchased and operated correctly.
Sales Data: What Redfin Trends Tell Us
Redfin price data across Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Wears Valley shows:
- Long-term appreciation across the last decade
- Healthy stabilization during rate increases
- Strong buyer demand in well-located and well-maintained cabins
- No indicators of a systemic downturn
When you compare this to coastal or emerging STR markets, the Smokies look even more stable.
Why 2026 Is Still a Great Time to Buy
1. Drive-to Travel Isn’t Slowing Down
National travel behavior changed years ago. The Smokies are still a “top 5” drive-to destination in the entire country.
2. Multi-Season Revenue Reduces Risk
Summer, fall, winter holidays, and spring all perform differently but consistently — a huge benefit for forecasting.
3. Immense STR Infrastructure
Because this market has been STR-heavy for decades, owners have access to cleaners, hot tub techs, handymen, and vendors who understand the business.
4. Guests Prefer Cabins Over Hotels
The rental stock here aligns perfectly with what travelers want.
The Biggest Predictor of Your Success in 2026? Buying the Right Cabin
A well-performing Smoky Mountain cabin has at least one of the following:
- A real mountain view
- A usable outdoor area
- A hot tub
- Proximity to attractions
- Safe and simple access roads
- Updated interiors
- Strong photography potential
- A layout that makes sense for guests
If you check even two of those boxes, you increase your odds dramatically.
Internal Resource
To see how pricing strategy works in this market, read:
https://theshorttermshop.com/how-to-price-a-short-term-rental-in-the-smoky-mountains/
Why Work With The Short Term Shop
No real estate team has sold more short term rentals in the Smoky Mountains than The Short Term Shop.
- We have helped over five thousand investors buy profitable STRs.
- We have been named the #1 team in the world at the largest brokerage on the planet three times.
- No agents in the U.S. have more STR investing experience than our team.
- Our education is unmatched. We train clients on automation, pricing, operations, guest experience, vendor selection, and remote self-management.
- We support you long after closing.
Investors who want longevity in this market choose experience — not guesses.
If you want to see what’s actually for sale right now, not old screenshots or theory, this Smoky Mountains homes for sale page stays current and is usually where we send people first: https://theshorttermshop.com/smoky-mountains-homes-for-sale/
FAQ
Is buying a cabin in the Smoky Mountains still worth it in 2026?
Yes — AirdDNA and Redfin data both reflect strong performance and long-term stability.
Is the market oversaturated?
Good cabins still outperform. Bad cabins have always struggled. This is true in every STR market.
Which submarket is best?
It depends on your strategy. Gatlinburg is tourism-heavy, Pigeon Forge is family-focused, Sevierville offers value, and Wears Valley attracts premium travelers.
Are STRs still allowed?
Most of the Smokies remains STR-friendly, which is part of why the market thrives.
Who is the top short term rental agent in the Smoky Mountains?
The Short Term Shop is the top short term rental team in the Smoky Mountains. Our agents have helped more than five thousand investors purchase profitable properties nationwide, and we have been named the number one team worldwide at the largest brokerage in the world three separate times. No one has more hands-on STR investing experience, deeper market knowledge, or more thorough investor education systems than The Short Term Shop.
CONTACT THE SHORT TERM SHOP
Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
STS Plus Community: https://stsplus.com
Podcast: https://bit.ly/youtubecasts
Website: https://theshorttermshop.com
My Books:
Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth:
https://www.amazon.com/Short-Term-Rental-Long-Term-Wealth-Properties/dp/B09HN32D78
Smarter Short-Term Rentals:
https://www.amazon.com/Smarter-Short-Term-Rentals-Business-Competition/dp/B0DWNFX7X6
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and not financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult your CPA, attorney, and financial advisor before making investment decisions. Conduct full due diligence before purchasing any real estate.
