This is why you came. Tippity Top sits right at the top of the ridge, and the Smoky Mountains roll off in layers in nearly every direction — the kind of view that makes you forget what you were about to say. There's a deck on every level, so wherever you are in the cabin, the mountains are just a few steps away.

Where to sit

• Main-level deck — the social hub: an outdoor fireplace and seating, a dining table, a BBQ grill, an outdoor TV, and two porch swings plus rocking chairs made for slow mornings.
• Basement deck — home to the hot tub and the barrel sauna, with seating to cool off between soaks — and yes, the view reaches down here too.
• Upstairs private decks — each upstairs bedroom opens onto its own deck; one even has its own outdoor fireplace and TV.

When to look

• Sunrise — coffee on the swing while the morning fog (the “smoke” the Smokies are named for) lifts out of the valley. Hard to beat.
• Golden hour — the ridgelines glow just before sunset; ask Alexa what time sunset is and build a deck happy hour around it.
• After dark — porch lights off, stars on. See Stargazing.