UPDATED: September 3, 2024
Ever dreamt of sleeping in a canopy of trees, nestled amongst the rustling leaves, suspended above the ground in the very heart of nature? At Treetop Hideaways in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this dream becomes an unforgettable reality. Offering a unique blend of luxury and whimsy, these treehouses transport you to a magical world where urban luxury meets childhood fantasy. They're more than just accommodations - they're an experience, an adventure, and a retreat. So, let's embark on this treetop journey together and discover why this elevated stay is a must-add to your travel bucket list!
Be sure to checkout our guide to the best food and drinks in Chattanooga, Tennessee as well as our guide to the best things to see and do in Chattanooga. And, if you're looking for a getaway with your significant other we even have a weekend itinerary to help guide to you the best spots for a fun weekend away with your better half.
They say the journey is the destination. Because there's some truth in this, we always want to highlight how to get to the destination we're writing about. In this case, the destination is Treetop Hideaways in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Chattanooga, often referred to as the 'Scenic City', is nestled along the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. This charming Southern city is a gem in the heart of Tennessee, located just about two hours drive southeast from Nashville, and less than two hours northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. Known for its vibrant arts scene, rich history, outdoor adventures, and spectacular scenery, Chattanooga is a city that entices travelers from near and far. Its location makes it a breeze to get to, yet it's just far enough off the beaten path to provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.
Nashville, TN to Chattanooga, TN: 134 mi | 2 hr 17 min | Google Maps
Atlanta, GA to Chattanooga, TN: 118 mi | 1 hr 54 min | Google Maps
Asheville, NC to Chattanooga, TN: 226 mi | 4 hr 1 min | Google Maps
Birmingham, AL to Chattanooga, TN: 147 mi | 2 hr 13 min | Google Maps
Treetop Hideaways is an extraordinary accommodation experience nestled in the leafy outskirts of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Like something straight out of a storybook, each hideaway is a luxurious treehouse, offering guests an unparalleled blend of nature, comfort, and whimsy. Imagine waking up to birdsong, sipping coffee on a balcony overlooking the forest, or cozying up in a plush bed with a crystal-clear view of the night sky. With modern amenities included, Treetop Hideaways isn't just about staying in a treehouse—it's about creating unforgettable memories in a space that's as unique as it is comfortable. And the best part? You're only a stone's throw away from the vibrant city of Chattanooga, making it the perfect base for your Tennessee adventures.
Keep in mind that Treetop Hideaways has two different locations in the Chattanooga area. Both are ~10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga and the two different properties are only about 5 or 10 minute apart from one another. The original Treetop Hideaways location is in Flintstone, Georgia which is just seconds from Chattanooga's St. Elmo Historic District. At this location there are two treehouse cabins.The newest location of Treetop Hideaways has three treehouse cabins and is located directly behind Ruby Falls on the Tennessee side of Lookout Mountain. Both locations offer the same level of comfort and unique offerings, we'd recommend looking over each cabin on the Treetop Hideaways website to see which one looks most interesting to you. Each cabin is unique in features and decor so the decision of which location you'd rather stay at will be entirely based on personal preference.
While the term "treehouse" might recall memories of playing in the dirt and scrambling up trees as a kid, Treetop Hideaways is anything but grungy. While the decor leans into rustic, "rustic" is most definitely not code for "old." Each treehouse cabin is newly constructed and regularly maintained to keep it up to the standards of other top notch accommodation options in Chattanooga. The biggest difference though? The privacy! These cabins are tucked away amongst the trees giving you the feeling of a cozy cabin. Due to the nature of these cabins and considering the privacy is one of our favorite features of Treetop Hideaways, we'd definitely recommend them for couples looking for a romantic getaway (although families with kids would love them, too).
Ruby Falls location address: 1708 Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37419 | Google Maps
Flintstone, GA location address: 576 Chattanooga Valley Rd, Flintstone, GA 30725 | Google Maps
Check-in/check-out: 3:00 PM check-in, 11:00 AM check-out
Self check-in: Yes
Kid friendly: Yes
Pet friendly: No, service animals only
Handicap accessible: Yes, but not all cabins/treehouses are handicap accessible
Treetop Hideaways isn't a hotel and it isn't an Airbnb. To us, it's the best of both worlds! You get the standards of professionalism like you would a hotel, but the privacy and homey feel of an Airbnb (without the unpredictability though!). Unlike hotels, there isn't a restaurant, bar, or spa onsite, or daily cleaning services. That being said, you don't really need those options and here's why...
Treetop Hideaways is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Chattanooga which is full of restaurants, bars, cafes and entertainment. Maybe it's just us, but even during a romantic getaway we get cabin fever at any hotel or cabin and want to get out and about some. If you're unlike us and would rather never leave, then Treetop Hideaways might not be the best spot for you since the cabins are not equipped with full kitchens to do your own cooking.
If you're looking for a bit of pampering during your getaway and want a spa experience, Treetop Hideaways partners with a local massage therapy company to come and give massages in house. While I love a good spa experience, having the option to stay in the comfy robes that Treetop Hideaways provides and have the message therapist come to you is pretty nice.
I'm sure you're curious what amenities the treehouses do provide, so here you go...
Wifi: Yes
In-room coffee: Yes, the cabin comes stocked with Goodman Coffee (our favorite Chattanooga coffee!) with a pour over coffee maker.
Fridge: Yes, a mini fridge is provided
Microwave: Yes
Heating: Yes
Air conditioning: Yes
Clothes steamer: Yes
TV: No. This one surprised me, although I do appreciate the encouragement to disconnect in nature! If you think you'll want to watch a movie while you're relaxing, don't forget a laptop or iPad.
Fire pit for campfires: Yes, and little s'mores kits!
Grill: No propane grills, but they do provide a grate and coals to put inside the fire pit for you to easily grill.
Pool: No
Hot tub: No, but some of the treehouses have an outdoor shower or tub.
Parking: Yes, free on-site parking is provided.
Laundry: No washer or dryer on site, but a laundry service is available.
Pet friendly: No
Because Treetop Hideaways is locally owned and operated, the owners know where to go for the best services in Chattanooga. They've even gone to the trouble of setting up relationships with certain vendors which will make your ordering process smooth and easy during your stay.
The Masaj is a locally owned and operated professional and certified traveling massage service that has raving reviews and works with other major brands across the Chattanooga area. For a massage while staying at Treetop Hideaways, we'd recommend these folks. They already know where Treetop Hideaways is so there'll be no miscommunication when trying to give the address of your treehouse.
If you decide you need to have laundry cleaned during your stay at Treetop Hideaways, Freedom from Laundry offers a pick-up and drop-off with same day, one day, and two day delivery options.
Want to hit the trail and discover some of Chattanooga's best natural spots but are nervous about heading out there alone? Experience Chattanooga offers guided hiking services with pick-up and drop-off at the treehouses. If you're an inexperienced hiker, or you just want to take the guesswork out of the hiking process, let the pros take you to some of the best spots! They even offer photography services to help you capture the memories without worrying about framing the shot.
If you're like us and you enjoy a good glass of wine at night while relaxing with a good book, then Imbibe has you covered. Sure you can leave the cabin and go get your drinks of choice yourself, but Imbibe will bring their recommendations to you. While this liquor store sells all sorts of beverages (liquor, beer, and wine), wine is their specialty and a passion of the store's owner, John Carter. With a wide selection of wines from all over the world, they'll help you pick the right drink to enjoy around the fire or in the outdoor bathtub.
When you arrive at the treehouses you'll be met with a gravel parking lot (with the exception of the one paved handicap accessible parking spot at the Ruby Falls location) and wagons. Because the treehouses are tucked up into the trees, you'll need to walk just a short distance to them. Don't worry, it's not a far walk and the pathways are lit with pretty string lights that make the forest feel a bit like a dream. Treetop Hideaways provides little red wagons for you to load your luggage into and wheel to your cabin rather than having to make multiple trips back to your car.
To check-in you'll use the door's keypad code that was e-mailed to you prior to arrival. Our code worked right away and we had zero hiccups in the process. It was a smooth process and we loved how the cabins were tucked away from the parking lot which gave us a pretty wooded view instead of a concrete parking lot like you'd get at a hotel.
We opted to stay in the Redbud Treehouse at the Ruby Falls location. Partially because we loved the look of the cabin, but also because we really, really, really wanted to relax in the outdoor bathtub with a good book and a glass of wine. Not all cabins have the same amenities, but the Redbud Treehouse had all the comforts and features that we were looking for.
Maybe it's because Disney's old Swiss Family Robinson movie was one of my absolute favorite movies growing up, or because I love the great outdoors including camping and hiking in the woods, but sleeping in a treehouse was always a dream for me! There's something extra whimsical about waking up amongst the trees under a skylight that looks up to the sky and giant oak trees above.
When we booked our stay at Treetop Hideaways we were feeling pretty stressed and overworked from a very busy season of projects. While we love our work, we needed a break from the hustle and bustle but couldn't really afford the time to go out of town so we opted for a staycation in Chattanooga. We were looking for somewhere that would allow us to disconnect from technology for a bit and that would encourage sitting still for a moment.
Between the outdoor tub (which was our absolute favorite feature!), the comfy couch, reading nook in the bedroom loft, and comfy bed and linens at night, we left feeling rested and rejuvenated, and ready to get back to creating and working once again.
I can't vouch for all of the cabins and their specific features, at the Ruby Falls location we noticed that one of the three cabins onsite (the Dogwood Treehouse) appeared to be wheelchair accessible. There was one handicap parking spot available, a paved path all the way to the cabin door, a ramp instead of steps, and the main bed in the cabin was on the main floor (with an extra bed in the loft). It also appears that this cabin has a walk-in shower.
I cannot confirm the width of doors, height of beds and counters, thresholds throughout the cabins, and more, so for specific questions I would recommend contacting Treetop Hideaways directly.
Pack as you would for any vacation since you will need to go out and about to get food and potentially for entertainment. Here are a few must bring items that you might easily forget at home:
Chattanooga is a vibrant city steeped in Southern charm and surrounded by stunning natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for any nature lover or outdoor enthusiast. The city offers a wide range of activities, from scenic hikes and breathtaking mountain views to quirky museums and a charming downtown area.
If you're an outdoor adventurer, don't miss out on the chance to explore the famous Lookout Mountain. This stunning natural wonder offers opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and even hang gliding for the more adventurous. While you're there, take the Incline Railway to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and surrounding landscape.
For those who prefer a more urban experience, downtown Chattanooga won't disappoint. Its streets are packed with unique shops, art galleries, and a wide array of restaurants serving up everything from mouth-watering Southern BBQ to modern fusion cuisine. If you're a fan of the arts, the Bluff View Art District is a must-visit, with its sculpture garden, art galleries, and artisan bakery. History buffs will also enjoy the city's rich Civil War history, which can be explored through various museums and historical sites.
From vibrant city life to tranquil natural beauty, Chattanooga truly offers something for everyone. And after a day of exploring, there's no better place to unwind than back at your cozy treehouse at Treetop Hideaways.
In short, our stay at Treetop Hideaways in Chattanooga was everything we hoped for. It was the perfect combination of comfort and novelty, offering a unique staycation experience right in our own backyard. The charm of the city combined with the tranquility of nature offered a much-needed escape from the daily grind. So, if you're looking for an extraordinary experience and a chance to unwind, we wholeheartedly recommend Treetop Hideaways. You'll feel right at home in the treetops and leave feeling rested and rejuvinated!
