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/dp/B09HN32D78
Smarter Short-Term Rentals: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWNFX7X6
Smoky Mountain Occupancy Trends: What the Last Seven Years Predict for 2026
One of the reasons the Smoky Mountains remain such a powerful short term rental market is the reliability of its occupancy trends. Unlike emerging markets that spike and collapse, the Smokies show multi-year patterns that allow investors to forecast with confidence.
Here is what seven years of AirDNA occupancy ranges reveal — and how to use them moving into 2026.
1. Occupancy Follows a Predictable Annual Cycle
Every year, occupancy patterns in the Smokies follow a consistent arc:
- Strong spring break
- Powerful summer season
- A peak in fall foliage
- Steady winter weekends
This predictability allows investors to forecast more accurately than in markets driven by a single season.
2. Mid-Sized Cabins Show the Most Stable Occupancy
Across two to four bedroom cabins, occupancy ranges have stayed within stable bands year after year. These cabins appeal to:
- Families
- Couples traveling together
- Multi-generational trips
- Repeat guests
One bedroom cabins see strong weekend patterns, while large group cabins spike more dramatically during holidays and summer.
3. Booking Window Behavior Has Not Shifted Dramatically
AirdDNA booking window data shows:
- Far-out bookings for holidays
- Early summer reservations
- Closer-in bookings for spring
- Extremely last-minute bookings for couples
This stability helps investors set pricing strategies without guessing.
4. Location Still Influences Occupancy More Than Cabin Size
Cabins with the following consistently outperform:
- Mountain views
- Proximity to national park access
- Easy road access
- Updated interiors
- Strong photography
Bedroom count matters, but guest appeal matters more.
Internal Resource
Planning your purchase for 2026? Read:
https://theshorttermshop.com/buying-a-short-term-rental-in-the-smoky-mountains/
Why The Short Term Shop Provides the Best Occupancy and Revenue Guidance
No team in the U.S. has more real short term rental experience.
- Over five thousand investors trained and supported
- Named #1 team worldwide at the largest brokerage three times
- The most experienced STR agents in the country
- The most comprehensive investor education in the industry
- Ongoing support for pricing, occupancy management, and operations
We teach investors how to understand seasonality, ADR strategy, and booking windows better than anyone else.
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 occupancy trends show for 2026?
AirdDNA occupancy ranges suggest steady demand with predictable seasonal peaks, especially for mid-sized cabins.
Who is the top short term rental agent in the Smoky Mountains for occupancy strategy?
The Short Term Shop. Our experience, data-backed training, and long-term client support set the standard nationwide.
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/dp/B09HN32D78
Smarter Short-Term Rentals: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWNFX7X6
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and not financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult your CPA, attorney, and financial advisor before investing. Conduct thorough due diligence before purchasing property
