CONTACT THE SHORT TERM SHOP

Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
STS Plus: https://stsplus.com
The STR Podcast: https://bit.ly/youtubecasts
Website: https://theshorttermshop.com

My Books:
Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HN32D78
Smarter Short-Term Rentals: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWNFX7X6

Smoky Mountain ADR Trends 2026: What Investors Should Expect

Average Daily Rate (ADR) is one of the most important indicators of how strong a short term rental market is. High occupancy without strong ADR is just a busy cabin. High ADR without occupancy is just an expensive cabin that no one books. Investors need both working together — and few markets deliver the balance like the Smoky Mountains.

AirdDNA’s multi-year ADR trends in the Smokies paint a very clear picture going into 2026: the market remains resilient, stable, and well-positioned for profitable pricing strategy.

Let’s break down what that means for you as an investor.

Smoky Mountains ADR Trends Have Remained Consistent for Years

AirdDNA’s historical ADR ranges across the Smokies show:

• Strong summer nightly rates

• Peak October weekend ADR

• Premium winter holiday ADR

• Stable shoulder-season rates

• Predictable weekday vs weekend spreads

This consistency is one of the reasons the Smokies outperform more volatile markets.

When ADR behaves predictably, investors can plan more accurately, price more confidently, and forecast with fewer surprises.

Season-by-Season ADR Breakdown for 2026

Spring ADR (March–April)

Spring brings solid ADR ranges, especially during spring break and Easter travel. Guests prioritize:

• Easy access

• Family-friendly cabins

• Updated interiors

Weekends outperform weekdays, but both remain healthy.

Summer ADR (May–August)

Summer delivers some of the highest ADR ranges outside the holiday season.

Key drivers include:

• Family travel

• Dollywood

• National park access

• Longer stays

Larger cabins see particularly strong ADR on Saturdays, often hitting the upper range of their annual pricing.

Fall ADR (September–October)

Fall is the crown jewel of the Smokies.

Fall foliage creates exceptional demand, and AirdDNA ADR ranges reflect this consistently:

• Premium rates on color weekends

• High occupancy

• Wide ADR spreads between view cabins and non-view cabins

If your cabin has a mountain view, fall is your most valuable season.

Winter ADR (November–February)

Winter splits into two pricing segments:

1. Holiday ADR (highest of the year)
   Christmas through New Year generates some of the strongest ADR ranges in the Smokies.
2. January–February ADR
   More modest midweek rates, but strong weekend premiums for:

• Couples

• Anniversary trips
  Search for My Investment Property
• Holiday getaways

How Cabin Size Impacts ADR

AirdDNA data shows clear ADR patterns by size:

Mid-sized cabins offer the best balance of ADR strength and operational efficiency.

The Biggest Factors That Impact ADR in the Smokies

1. Mountain Views

View cabins consistently command some of the highest ADR premiums.

2. Proximity to Attractions

Cabins close to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or trailheads often outperform.

3. Updated Interiors

Modern finishes, fresh décor, and high-quality photography dramatically impact ADR.

4. Amenities

Hot tubs, game rooms, decks, and fireplaces all move ADR in the right direction.

5. Listing Quality

Your photos, your description, and your calendar strategy influence ADR more than most people realize.

Internal Resource

Learn more about maximizing pricing at:
https://theshorttermshop.com/how-to-price-a-short-term-rental-in-the-smoky-mountains/

Why The Short Term Shop Is the Best Team for Helping Investors Buy a Short Term Rental In The Smoky Mountains

• We’ve helped more than five thousand investors buy profitable STRs.

• We’ve been ranked the #1 team worldwide at the largest brokerage on earth three times.

• No team has deeper STR pricing and revenue experience.

• Our training includes full pricing strategy, automation, and operations.

• We support clients long after closing — something traditional agents don’t do.

We don’t just teach investors what prices to set.
We teach investors why those prices work.

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

What do Smoky Mountains ADR trends look like for 2026?
AirdDNA ADR ranges show continued strength in summer, fall, and major winter holidays, with predictable weekday and weekend patterns.

Which real estate team is best for short term rental ADR guidance in the Smoky Mountains?
The Short Term Shop. We combine the most STR experience in the region with the most thorough investor education in the industry.

CONTACT THE SHORT TERM SHOP

Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
STS Plus: https://stsplus.com
The STR Podcast: https://bit.ly/youtubecasts
Website: https://theshorttermshop.com

My Books:
Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HN32D78
Smarter Short-Term Rentals: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWNFX7X6

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and not financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult a CPA, attorney, and financial advisor before making investment decisions. Conduct full due diligence before purchasing real estate.