an amazing line up of vintage colorful cars in front of the facade of Historic Tapoco Lodge

Our History

While Tapoco Lodge had humble beginnings, the rich history of this location is easy to feel in the design and craftsmanship of the lodge, which has remained nearly unchanged since its building in 1930. Originally built by the Tallassee Power Company to house workers near the Cheoah dams and other hydroelectric power projects in the area, its spacious and cozy design was inviting and warm.

A TRADITION SINCE 1930

The original structure consisted only of the main lodge but was gradually expanded over the next several decades to include the surrounding cabins as well. In the 1950s, the property was expanded to include such amenities as a theater and guardhouse. In the 1990s, the property gained a tennis court and gazebos. Now, the various buildings that comprise the property make it an ideal place to live, work, rest, and play. The amenities are still true to their historic roots while also being modernized for your convenience. In 2004, our resort in North Carolina was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring that the memories made here will only continue to grow.

a black and white photograph of the staff of our resort posing towards the camera - Historic Tapoco Lodge
NOT USED

Nestled in the midst of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Nantahala National Forest, the Historic Tapoco Lodge encompasses 120+/- acres running along the Cheoah River. This property has everything you will need on-site for a relaxing vacation retreat.

front view image of a bedroom with vibrant interiors and wooden flooring featuring a double bed with a vintage tall lamp besides it -Historic Tapoco Lodge

Nestled in the midst of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Nantahala National Forest, the Historic Tapoco Lodge encompasses 120+/- acres running along the Cheoah River. This property has everything you will need on-site for a relaxing vacation retreat. Equipped with nine elegantly furnished rooms/suites in the main lodge and 18 cabin rooms, the Historic Tapoco Lodge features two on-site restaurants. The Tapoco Tavern is the perfect place to gather a group of friends for game day parties. The Tavern includes a bar and a wood-stone pizza oven.

The Historic Tapoco Lodge has an incredible storied past, much of which has been maintained through its recent renovations. The property was home to the town of Tapoco, founded in 1913, to provide housing for the hundreds of workers constructing the hydroelectric dams. The Tapoco Tin Can Theater has been restored to its glory days when it was also used as a community center, dance hall, and for going away parties for the many local soldiers during World War II.

an old black and whit image of the facade of our resort featuring a mountain range behind the resort - Historic Tapoco Lodge
a bright facade image of the Historic Tapoco Lodge taken from a lower angle with a bright clear blue sky in the background - Historic Tapoco Lodge

When you do feel the need to venture out, the nation’s most popular playground is at your fingertips in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Historic Tapoco Lodge is minutes from The Tail of the Dragon, an 11-mile mountain road famous for its staggering 318 curves. This, of course, makes both The Tail of the Dragon and the Historic Tapoco Lodge an obvious choice for motorcyclists, sports car drivers, and two-lane tourists from all over the world.

With hiking, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, fishing, birding, mountain biking, and so much more just at your doorstep, the Historic Tapoco Lodge is truly a piece of history amidst nature’s playground.

Adventuary—Where adventure and sanctuary meet!

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