Where to stay during the Smoky Mountain Relay
Something different every night
Thursday night Lodging
Many teams opt to stay in Brevard on Thursday night and drive out to the start in the morning. Some teams opt to camp at Davidson Campground, which is just outside of Brevard on the way to Pisgah Ranger Station/Visitor Center.
After the race, many teams spend the night in Bryson City before driving home the next day.
Friday Night Lodging
If your team wants hotel rooms for a hot shower and some sleep, Franklin, NC is a good bet. The town is located about 15 minutes from Exchange 18. You’ll find inexpensive hotels and plenty of food options. Many teams opt to have Van #2 check-in after finishing leg 12, and then have Van #1 take over the rooms after the exchange at #18. The drive to Ex #24 is approximately 45 minutes from Franklin.
**Van 2 we suggest you not sleep immediately at exchange 24. If you can stay alert on the road, go to either Cowee School or Tellico Christian camp to sleep.
Cowee School: You may sleep inside the gym at Cowee School. Wake up before your next set of legs and enjoy hot breakfast. Or catch a few zzzz’s after finishing your breakfast and before heading to the finish.
Tellico Christian Camp: While van 1 is running legs 24-30, van 2 can sleep and take showers at the Tellico Christian Camp. The runner from van 1 will run through this area while running leg 28 and can alert you to go to exchange 30 to start van 2’s legs.
Saturday Night Lodging
Bryson City is located about 20 minutes from the finish at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. You’ll find hotel options there. Ten minutes up the road from Bryson City is Cherokee, where you can stay at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. You’ll be about 30 minutes from the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you stay in Bryson City, a wonderful place to visit after your Smoky Mountain Relay adventure.
Cabins, Motels, and Hotels Near the Start or Finish
Racers, family and friends of Smoky Mountain Relay will receive 10% off lodging, whitewater rafting, ziplining, and mountain biking at our Nantahala Campus Friday-Sunday of race weekend.
- 13077 U.S. 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713
- Use Code: NOCRELAY10 at noc.com
- Valid: April 29 – May 1, 2022
A boutique glamping retreat two miles from the NOC. Only 10 units so don’t delay if you want to stay at this super cute location. Visit Gorgeous Stays.
- 11044 W Hwy 19, Bryson City, NC
Looking for a convenient hotel within Brevard, NC and the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Holiday Inn Express is your perfect location for adventure! They are conveniently located off HWY 64 and Old Hendersonville HWY.
- 185 Old Hendersonville Hwy, Brevard, NC 28712
The Hampton Inn is located off the Hwy 280/64/276 intersection, on the edge of Pisgah National Forest. Quick bites and shopping are steps away. Free hot breakfast is fuel for running the Smoky Mountain Relay, exploring Sliding Rock, Slick Rock Falls, and DuPont State Forest, all within 20 minutes. They also have free WiFi, outdoor pool, and fitness center.
- 275 Forest Gate Dr. Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, 28768
The Sunset Motel celebrates the best of the classic roadside motel and hotel experience. They are the real deal: clean, comfortable rooms, friendly hometown staff, chairs outside your door so you can visit with neighbors. And yes, for all you city folks, they do have free wi-fi, cable, fridge, microwave and coffee makers.
- 523 S. Broad St. Brevard. NC 28712
