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Great Smoky Mountain Half Marathon

Check Back for complete details with updates on time/place for 2020. 

See the 2019 info below.

Challenge yourself with the Black Bear Double; complete two beautiful races in one amazing weekend! There is no better place to spend the weekend discovering the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park than at Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro. 

book your stay  dining reservations


Lodging

Our Lodging includes rustic villas, cabin rentals, and hotel amenities on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies in Townsend, Tennessee.

Dancing Bear Lodge is located in the heart of Townsend, Tennessee, known as the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. The property has 21 accommodations, with a combination of one and two-bed units. Dancing Bear sits within a 38-acre landscape on top of the hill surrounded by thousands of tall trees. There are approximately two miles of trails on-site for exploration, and we are minutes away from great hiking, biking, and fly fishing amidst Cades Cove and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The cabins are rustic retreats, featuring plush bedding and feather pillow tops, with the comforts of home and amenities to set the stage for a rejuvenating experience amidst the Great Smoky Mountains. Amenities include a wood burning fireplace, hot tub, and kitchen in most cases; all feature a microwave, refrigerator, high definition flat screen TVs, and high-speed WiFi that allows for modern luxuries amidst rustic comforts. A continental breakfast is included with each reservation. House-made and expertly crafted, we take breakfast to a new level.


Dining

While staying with us, make plans to dine on-site at our award-winning restaurant Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro! We are serving a special ‘runner inspired’ menu for the weekend of the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon.

Lodge guests receive priority seating; reservations are highly recommended. Evening cocktails and local craft beers are available at Bar at the Bear, and s’mores are made available to guests of the Bistro nightly, weather permitting.

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro named one of America’s ’25 Most Romantic Restaurants’ by TripAdvisor


Nearby Coffee

The Dancing Bean Coffee House features baked goods, artisanal coffee and delightful lunch items to help fuel your day.


Explore Townsend

Our stunning mountain community is nestled at the front door of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers a unique kind of vacation experience. Come see why we’ve earned our reputation as the “Peaceful Side” of the Smokies.