There is something magical about wandering through the gardens at RT Lodge on a summer morning. Nestled in Maryville, Tennessee, just minutes from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a short drive from Knoxville, RT Lodge offers a peaceful retreat where the beauty of East Tennessee unfolds in every season. Sunlight filters through towering trees, birdsong echoes through the grounds, and colorful blooms welcome butterflies and pollinators at every turn. It's a serene experience that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.

A Garden Rooted in History

The gardens at RT Lodge are more than a beautiful backdrop. They are part of the property's story. When Mrs. Walker designed and built the Lodge in 1932 as her private residence, she envisioned a home that lived in harmony with the surrounding landscape. A renowned naturalist, passionate gardener, and gifted designer, she carefully planned gardens that celebrated the region's native beauty while creating inviting spaces for quiet reflection and exploration. Nearly a century later, her vision continues to flourish. Many of Mrs. Walker's original shrubs, winding garden paths, and handcrafted stonework remain intact, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience the landscape much as she intended.

Native Tennessee Blooms in Full Color

Summer is one of the most rewarding seasons to explore the Lodge grounds. Native Tennessee wildflowers fill the gardens with vibrant color while supporting local wildlife. Black-eyed Susans sway in the breeze, purple coneflowers attract bees and butterflies, and the red blooms of Cardinal Flower draw hummingbirds. These native plants are beautiful, and they are also an important part of Tennessee's natural ecosystem, providing food and habitat for pollinators. The gardens perfectly capture why the Great Smoky Mountains is one of the most celebrated natural landscapes in the country.

Finding Peace in the Smoky Mountain Foothills

As you stroll the garden paths, you'll discover quiet moments around nearly every corner. The gardens invite you to leave behind the pace of everyday life and embrace the calm that comes from simply being outdoors. For travelers exploring East Tennessee for scenic drives, hiking trails, waterfalls, and adventures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Lodge invites you to enjoy the quieter side of the Smokies in the quaint, charming town of Maryville. Here, the landscape encourages you to linger, notice the changing seasons, and appreciate the beauty that has inspired generations of naturalists and gardeners.

“Our gardens offer a whimsical retreat for the soul. The playful and unpredictable colors and textures tickle the senses inviting those who dare to relax, let go, and embrace the restorative nourishment to our energy systems. These gardens are a fantastic option to support and prepare the body, mind, and spirit for the return to “normal” life.” - Tina Norwood, Lodge Gardens & Grounds

Experience the Gardens for Yourself

That sense of serenity has always been part of the RT Lodge experience. Whether you're visiting for a romantic getaway, celebrating a special occasion, or attending a wedding or corporate retreat, the gardens invite you to pause and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Every season offers something unique, but summer is an especially vibrant tribute to the vision Mrs. Walker created nearly a century ago. Her legacy lives on in the historic Lodge, the winding garden paths, the handcrafted stonework, and the native blooms that continue to flourish.

Whether you're exploring Maryville, discovering the Great Smoky Mountains, or seeking a peaceful escape in East Tennessee, we invite you to experience the timeless beauty and quiet connection to nature that make RT Lodge unlike anywhere else.

A Summer Garden Walk at RT Lodge

A Wedding For Every Season at RT Lodge

RT Lodge