Shakonohey

▲ Shakonohey Safari Tent – Your Sacred Retreat in the Land of Blue Smoke

Shakonohey (pronounced Sha-Kon-O-Hey) refers to the Cherokee term meaning “Land of Blue Smoke”—a sacred place where guests can explore the Great Smoky Mountains from a prime location near the Deep Creek National Park area.

This tranquil mountain escape is perfect for couples seeking a quiet retreat in the woods with all the amenities of home, featuring elements of nature, Native American décor, and updated rustic touches that blend seamlessly with the peaceful forest environment.

As Dolly Parton sings in her song sharing the same name, “makes no difference where you roam, the land of blue smoke is your home.”

If you’ve never been in a safari tent before, prepare to be charmed by Shakonohey! Everything needed for a restful stay is contained within this peaceful woodland retreat, carefully placed into the forest hillside setting so you’ll feel tucked in the trees in this soothing environment. The massive wrap-around deck platform surrounds the entire tent and is perched up on a hill, providing sweeping elevated forest views with complete privacy.

Pour yourself a glass of wine and take in the panoramic wooded views from the elevated deck, unwind with a soak in the hot tub under the night sky, or enjoy a serene soak in the romantic bathroom suite’s tub while taking in the sprawling mountain views. Come away to this sacred place in the land of blue smoke for a truly unforgettable tranquil mountain escape.

★ Features at a Glance:

• Sacred Cherokee-inspired retreat meaning “Land of Blue Smoke”
• Native American décor with updated rustic touches
• Massive wrap-around deck platform perched on hill with sweeping forest views
• Log-style king-size bed with gorgeous quilt and luxury linens
• Romantic bathroom suite with soaking tub and mountain views
• Walk-in tile shower with bench and rain shower
• Full kitchen with granite countertops and gas range/oven
• Rustic live edge dining table for two
• Plush loveseat and chair in well-appointed living area
• Wall-mounted TV with DirecTV, Wi-Fi, heat, and AC
• Cushioned swivel chairs and table under extended overhang
• String lights creating inviting nighttime glow
• Private hot tub perfect for stargazing
• Fire pit for campfire evenings
• Propane BBQ grill for alfresco dining
• Carefully placed into forest hillside for ultimate seclusion
• Just steps from national forest and minutes from Bryson City

Year Purchased: 2023

Hi, I’m Jeanetta – your host at Elk Hollow Resort!

Thank you for considering one of our Elk Hollow properties for your Western North Carolina getaway!

After 34 years in the vacation rental industry, I decided to sell my properties and consolidate everything into Elk Hollow near Bryson City, NC. I love that its location is so close to the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s so quiet there, just a little piece of paradise waiting to be discovered. With tons of hardwood trees, a little stream, and wildlife like turkeys and deer, I could just soak it up forever.

There’s nothing more important to me than excellent customer service. I want all my guests to have a relaxing time and feel safe and comfortable. I really want them to find more to do than they have time for and have more fun than they expected!

As for me, I love gardening and all things outdoors. I love spending time with my family. I hope that our two children and 6 grandchildren will all enjoy the mountains as much as I and their grandfather do.

It’s probably not a surprise that I enjoy traveling and experiencing new places. But I also love being home with my friends and family, and entertaining. It’s important to have a balance.

I hope to see you soon at Elk Hollow!

★ Why Choose Shakonohey Safari Tent?

Elk Hollow Resort was created to offer guests a serene and peaceful escape in the heart of Deep Creek, designed to blend naturally into its forested surroundings. Every detail—from the layout of the lodging to the preservation of the land—was thoughtfully planned to minimize disruption to the landscape and maintain the integrity of the environment.

Here, you can truly unplug and immerse yourself in the sounds of nature—birds singing, leaves rustling, and the quiet hum of the forest all around you. Though just minutes from the Deep Creek entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its waterfalls, hiking trails, and tubing adventures, Elk Hollow feels like a hidden gem—tucked beneath a canopy of hardwood trees, with a gentle stream and regular visits from turkeys and deer.

At night, the experience becomes magical. Cozy up by the fire pit and gaze at a sky blanketed with brilliant stars—the perfect setting for an intimate evening. As the fire crackles and the mountain air cools, the stillness is breathtaking.

Afterward, retreat to your luxurious Safari Tent, or simply relax by the soothing sounds of the brook. Whether you’re here for romance, reflection, or reconnection, every moment at Elk Hollow is designed to be relaxing, immersive, and unforgettable.

Shakonohey elevates this experience with its sacred Cherokee connection and the most spectacular elevated forest views from its hillside perch.

● Important Policies & Rate Notes

• A $500 security hold is required 2 days before arrival and will be released 3 days after checkout. This helps us maintain a peaceful environment by discouraging pets and parties and ensures our housekeepers have time to properly clean and prepare for your arrival.
• No pets, including Emotional Support Animals.
• No children and no indoor smoking or vaping permitted.
• No parties or events allowed.
• Exterior video cameras are used to monitor the property, parking areas, and access points.
• Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detector, and fire extinguisher on-site for safety.

★ Unique Benefits of Shakonohey Safari Tent

• Sacred Cherokee Heritage – Named for the Cherokee term meaning “Land of Blue Smoke,” connecting you to the spiritual essence of the Smoky Mountains.
• Native American-Inspired Design – Elements of nature and Native American décor with updated rustic touches create an authentic, meaningful atmosphere.
• Ultimate Elevated Privacy – Massive wrap-around deck platform perched on hill providing sweeping elevated forest views with complete seclusion.
• Romantic Bathroom Paradise – Spacious bathroom suite with soaking tub offering serene mountain views plus walk-in tile shower with bench and rain shower.
• Dolly Parton Connection – As referenced in her song “Land of Blue Smoke,” this sacred place truly feels like home in the mountains.
• Forest Hillside Integration – Carefully placed into the forest hillside setting so you feel completely tucked in the trees in a soothing environment.
• Panoramic Wooded Views – Massive deck offers panoramic forest vistas perfect for wine sipping and peaceful contemplation.
• String Light Magic – Extended overhang with cushioned swivel chairs and table surrounded by string lights for enchanting evenings.
• Cultural Significance – Connect with the land’s heritage while enjoying modern luxury amenities in this sweet sanctuary.

Guest Access

• Check-In Made Easy: Guests will access the property via keypad entry.
• Your personal access code will be sent 1–2 days before check-in to ensure a smooth arrival.

The Space

Shakonohey (pronounced Sha-Kon-O-Hey) refers to the Cherokee term meaning “Land of Blue Smoke.” Guests will be at a prime location to explore the Great Smoky Mountains via the Deep Creek National Park area.

This property is perfect for couples seeking a quiet retreat in the woods with all the amenities of a home.

As Dolly Parton sings in her song sharing the same name, “makes no difference where you roam, the land of blue smoke is your home.”

Come away to this sacred place in the land of blue smoke for a tranquil mountain escape.

If you’ve never been in a safari tent before, prepare to be charmed by Shakonohey! Everything needed for a restful stay is contained within this peaceful woodland retreat.

Guests arrive to walk down the steps and onto a large wrap-around deck to enter the front doors. Upon entering, you’re greeted by a relaxed, well-appointed living area all under one big top tent! The seating area contains a plush loveseat and chair, a rustic dining table for two, and a wall-mounted TV.

Plenty of natural light streams through the three large front doors and several windows throughout the tent. There is no limit on modern amenities as Wi-Fi, DirecTV, heat, and AC are all provided.

Rounding out the central area is the full kitchen complete with granite countertops, gas range/oven, microwave, dishwasher, and fridge/freezer.

All the kitchenware needed to prepare a meal is provided. Guests can sit down for dinner at the rustic live edge table for two.

On one side of the tent is the inviting bedroom area with a log-style king-size bed made up with a gorgeous quilt and luxury linens.

Guests can sink deep into bed and gaze out to the woods through the wrap-around windows while the sounds of nature are all around.

The abundant windows provide light and a breeze if desired, but thick curtains can also be drawn for soothing darkness and tranquility. The bedroom is complete with bedside tables with lamps, a ceiling fan, and a desk.

On the other side of the living area is the romantic bathroom suite where guests can enjoy a serene soak in the tub while taking in the sprawling mountain views.

The spacious bathroom area also offers a walk-in tile shower with a bench and rain shower, and a sink vanity with a mirror.

If you seek a place to relax comfortably while being in a romantic and undisturbed setting, Shakonohey is the perfect couples getaway. The massive wrap-around deck platform surrounds the entire tent and is perched up on a hill, providing sweeping elevated forest views with privacy. The tent has been carefully placed into the forest hillside setting so you’ll feel tucked in the trees in this soothing environment.

Pour yourself a glass of wine and take in the panoramic wooded views from the elevated deck. The front doors have an extended overhang under which you’ll find a lounge area with cushioned swivel chairs and a table surrounded by string lights for an inviting nighttime glow. Guests have use of a propane BBQ grill to prepare and enjoy meals alfresco.

After a day of exploring the trails in the national park, unwind with a soak in the hot tub under the night sky, or make a campfire in the nearby fire pit.

◉ Shakonohey Safari Tent – Key Amenities

• Sacred Cherokee-inspired retreat meaning “Land of Blue Smoke”
• Native American décor with updated rustic touches
• Massive wrap-around deck platform perched on hill with elevated forest views
• Log-style king-size bed with gorgeous quilt and luxury linens
• Romantic bathroom suite with soaking tub and mountain views
• Walk-in tile shower with bench and rain shower
• Full kitchen with granite countertops and gas range/oven
• Rustic live edge dining table for two
• Plush loveseat and chair in well-appointed living area
• Wall-mounted TV with DirecTV, Wi-Fi, heat, and AC
• Cushioned swivel chairs under extended overhang with string lights
• Private hot tub for stargazing
• Fire pit for campfire evenings
• Propane BBQ grill for alfresco dining
• Carefully integrated into forest hillside for ultimate seclusion
• Just steps from national forest and minutes from Bryson City

Location Description

Elk Hollow is nestled just a stone’s throw from the Deep Creek entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and a short five-minute drive from the charming streets of downtown Bryson City. Here, you can hike the Waterfall Loop, a 2.4-mile trail that offers three picturesque waterfalls: Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls. In warmer months, you can tube down the creek or enjoy horseback riding.

▲ Things to Do Near Shakonohey Safari Tent

~ Deep Creek Waterfall Loop (5 min away)
Hike to three stunning waterfalls—Juney Whank, Tom Branch, and Indian Creek—on an easy 2.4-mile loop. In warmer months, rent a tube and float down the refreshing creek.

◇ Road to Nowhere
Grab a flashlight and drive six miles on the “Road to Nowhere” that leads to a 1,000-foot tunnel—a perfect outing on even the hottest or rainiest day.

◉ Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Take a ride on one of the few remaining narrow-gauge steam railroads. Seasonal excursions like the Polar Express bring enchantment when the town sparkles with lights.

~ Fly Fishing & Tubing
Bryson City is known as the Fly Fishing Capital of the South. Try your luck in the Tuckasegee River or spend the day tubing through crystal-clear waters.

~ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Whitewater rafting, kayaking, and zip-lining await just a short drive away. Perfect for adrenaline-seekers or first-time adventurers.

● Downtown Bryson City Dining
Enjoy Mountain Layers Brewing on the corner of Everett St. & Island St., perched on the banks of Tuckasegee River where local food trucks serve up dishes to complement craft beer, or take advantage of comfy diner food at Boxcar Cafe and Cones on Depot Square.

◉ Cherokee & Oconaluftee
Enjoy “Unto These Hills” outdoor drama performed on summer nights, visit Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, or spot elk at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

▲ Mountain Adventures
Explore mountain biking at Tsali Recreation Area, boating and fishing at Fontana Lake, or get a taste of the Appalachian Trail.

◇ Tail of the Dragon
For thrill-seekers: 318 curves in 11 miles—a famous drive for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts, just an hour away.

◉ Day Trip Adventures
Visit Cataloochee Ski Resort (45 minutes), tour the Biltmore Estate in Asheville (1 hour), or take Highway 441 through Newfound Gap to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for entertainment, shows, and Dollywood.

Getting Around

• Guests will need a vehicle to access the property and explore the area.
• Asheville Airport (AVL) is the closest airport, about 50 miles away.
• Note: If your chosen dates are not available in the Shakonohey tent, we have other Romantic Safari Tents and Hard Wall Yurts at Elk Hollow. Feel free to ask!