About Bear Necessities
Some cabins are comfortable. Bear Necessities is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever stay anywhere else. Tucked into the hills between Cherokee and Dillsboro, this two-bedroom retreat sits in a setting that’s genuinely private — forested, quiet, and unhurried — while putting you within easy reach of everything Western North Carolina has to offer.
The cabin has been owned since 2002 by the Williams family, who also own the beloved Dillsboro Chocolate Factory & Espresso Bar just down the road. That same attention to quality and hospitality shows throughout the property. Recent upgrades in 2022 and 2023 brought a new Trex deck, a Hot Springs saltwater hot tub, 4K smart TVs, and Serta iComfort mattresses in every bedroom — the kind of improvements that make you feel the owners actually stay here themselves.
Inside, the rooms are thoughtfully arranged to frame the surrounding mountain landscape. The living area opens to a deck with sunset views, and the kitchen is stocked well beyond the basics. Outside, the stone fire pit and saltwater hot tub make it easy to spend an entire evening without going anywhere at all — which, if you’ve ever watched the sun drop behind these ridgelines, you’ll understand completely.
Sleeping Arrangements
Bedroom 1 — King bed with Serta iComfort mattress · Sleeps 2
Bedroom 2 — Queen bed with Serta iComfort mattress · Sleeps 2
Living Room — Sofabed · Sleeps up to 2
Total: Sleeps up to 6
The Space at a Glance
- 2 Bedrooms · 2 Full Bathrooms · Sleeps up to 6
- Forested, private setting between Cherokee and Dillsboro, NC
- Serta iComfort mattresses in all bedrooms
- 4K smart TVs throughout
- Hot Springs saltwater hot tub (6-person, new Feb 2023)
- Stone fire pit with seating area
- New Trex deck with mountain and sunset views
- Gas grill
- Washer and dryer
- High-speed WiFi
- Privacy surrounded by forest
Kitchen & Dining
- Fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances
- Dishwasher, full-size refrigerator, oven/range, microwave
- Cookware, bakeware, dishes, glassware, and utensils provided
- Coffee maker with starter supply of coffee included
- Dining area inside; deck dining available outside
What’s Provided
We stock the cabin with essentials to get you settled. Depending on your group size and length of stay, you may need to supplement. The nearest full grocery options are in Sylva or Cherokee — we recommend stocking up before heading to the cabin.
- Trash bags
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwasher pods
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Basic toiletries
- Coffee (starter supply)
- Firewood and starter kindling for stone fire pit
- Propane for gas grill, plus a spare tank
Please note these are starter supplies and may not be sufficient for your entire stay. Groceries, beverages, and specialty items are not provided.
Outdoor Features & Recreation
On the Property
- New Trex deck with mountain and sunset views
- Hot Springs 6-person saltwater hot tub
- Stone fire pit with seating area
- Gas grill
- Forested private surroundings
Location & Nearby Attractions
Bear Necessities is located between Cherokee and Dillsboro, NC — a central position that puts you within easy reach of the best the North Carolina Smokies have to offer. Exact directions provided after booking.
And while you’re in the area, don’t miss the Dillsboro Chocolate Factory & Espresso Bar — owned by the same family as Bear Necessities and just a short drive away.
| Destination |
Approx. Distance / Time |
| Dillsboro Chocolate Factory & Espresso Bar |
Short drive |
| Sylva, NC (dining & grocery) |
~10–15 min |
| Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (Dillsboro depot) |
~10–15 min |
| Cherokee, NC & Harrah’s Casino Resort |
~20–25 min |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance |
~25–30 min |
| Bryson City downtown |
~20–25 min |
| Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) |
~35–40 min |
| Nantahala River |
~35–40 min |
| Fontana Lake / Fontana Dam |
~40–45 min |
Good to Know
Getting Here: Bear Necessities is accessed via a mountain road. Please drive attentively, especially after dark or in wet conditions. Exact directions will be provided after booking.
Pets: This property is not pet-friendly. No exceptions.
Free Activities Included Every Day! Every stay comes with complimentary daily admission to some of the area's most popular attractions — think the Biltmore, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and more. That's up to a $250 daily value, included at no extra cost. See what's included ?
What Our Guests Are Saying
Karen · August 2026
“Beautiful place with a beautiful view”
Payton · July 2026
“Enjoyed our stay! Loved that it was so close to everything!”
