Where to land after a day in the Smokies
A Field Guide to Abram's Loft
After a lifetime in cities, a 2015 family trip to Pigeon Forge was the reset they didn’t know they needed. By 2016, Tobin and his family had packed up their life in Texas and moved to East Tennessee for good. The pace of life changed almost immediately, and every friend or family member who came to visit left saying some version of “I have to come back — this place is special.” What started as a dream to create meaningful experiences for others, has grown into one of the area’s most unique hospitality projects. The vision of Shiloh Glamping was inspired by combining the beauty of rural Tennessee with elevated accommodations—what makes Shiloh Glamping different? A stay that is both luxurious and personal. The first unit, Abram’s Loft, was built to be an extension of their home. One A-frame, a hot tub, and trees in every direction—Abram’s Loft is the kind of place where the hardest decision of the day is whether to leave the property at all. Named after one of the hosts’ own favorite hikes, the cabin serves as an escape or home base for exploring one of the most-visited stretches of nature in the country. Here's how to make the most of both.
About Seymour
Seymour, where the cabin sits, is a charming gateway town nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Located just a short drive from Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport and neighboring the vibrant towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Seymour is both a peaceful retreat and an adventure hub. The culture is a friendly blend of Appalachian traditions, country music roots, and a love for the outdoors. Locals take pride in their small-town heritage, close-knit community, and their connection to the Smokies. Weekends mean family outings to the mountains, church gatherings, or browsing the farmers’ market for fresh produce and crafts.
Local Rituals
Many locals start their mornings with a sunrise stroll or jog along the Riverwalk Greenway, soaking in peaceful mountain views.
Fridays often mean catching high school football games—a beloved tradition that draws the whole town together.
Saturdays are for browsing Sevierville’s farmers’ markets, where neighbors catch up and shop for homemade jams and fresh veggies.
Sunday afternoons are reserved for family picnics in local parks or leisurely drives through the foothills, especially during peak leaf season.
What to do on the property
Don’t feel like leaving the property? There’s plenty to do straight from the cabin. Start your morning with a coffee on the deck before wandering the trails that wind through the farm. Tennessee is known for its summertime fireflies, in fact, the Elkmont area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park became so popular for its synchronous fireflies that a lottery system had to be implemented. Skip the lottery and enjoy the phenomenon instead right from the comfort of the cabin’s deck or hot tub. Speaking of the hot tub, take a soak under the stars and then end the evening with s’mores at the fire pit.
What to do off the property
Abram’s Loft sits close enough to Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg that you can pick your own adventure level for the day, then come home to relax. These are the hosts’ own picks, plus a few favorites from the Nature’s Playbook community.
Abrams Falls (Townsend) — the hike Abram’s Loft is named after, and the obvious first stop.
Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail (Gatlinburg) — an easy, paved half-mile loop along the river, good for a low-key walk.
Charlie’s Bunion — for a bigger day: a strenuous out-and-back on the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap, ending at a dramatic cliffside viewpoint.
Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) Guided Tour — Take a hike through the Great Smoky Mountains to Kuwohi, hiking through the highest section of the Appalachian Trail. On this half-day guided hike your guide will teach you about the local flora and fauna and take you to observation tower at the top to see views of the surrounding area.
Zipline — Take in the beauty of Sevierville Nature Park with a private zipline tour. You’ll travel along the 2,500 foot-long course with the Smoky Mountains as a backdrop and travel up to 50mph.
Jeep Tours — Book a guided jeep tour of the Smoky Mountains. Take about a half day to explore all the woodlands and water features that make up the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and explore the American Frontier with nearly 200 years of history.
ATV Tours — Ride up to a high bluff with valley views and down to a mudhole (immersion optional), and down backcountry trails from Pigeon Forge.
Scenic helicopter tours — See the Smoky Mountains in their full, rise above historic downtown Sevierville, and catch a glimpse of Pigeon Forge and Tennessee Valley from the air before swooping over the majestic Chilhowee Mountain Range. Get a bird’s-eye view of vast, undeveloped swaths of Smoky Mountain National Park, soaring just above the treetops and cresting over the sheer cliffs of Bluff Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of one of America’s great mountain ranges.
Good to know
Abram’s Loft sleeps two - perfect for a couple’s getaway.
Shiloh Glamping sits between Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Knoxville, so you’re never more than about 40 minutes from any of the three.
A portion of every booking supports Lifesong for Orphans, a cause the host family has backed since 2020.
Whether you spend the whole trip in the hot tub or fill every hour with hikes and host-recommended pizza, Abram’s Loft is built to make the drive home the hardest part. Learn more and book your stay at shilohglamping.com.
About Nature’s Playbook
Nature’s Playbook is the link between wellness and outdoor travel. We share stories to build community, get people outside, and support local businesses. Through our sister company Alli-Gate, we get to build travel playbooks with incredible hosts like Tobin and Jennifer at Shiloh Glamping, who focus on creating the best possible guest experience.