Everything you need to know about staying at The Getaway on Ranger Creek in Coalmont, Tennessee.
The Getaway on Ranger Creek is approximately 30 minutes from The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee. That makes us one of the closest lodging options that isn't on-site camping.
We offer five distinct accommodations on 18 private wooded acres: a geodesic glamping dome (ranked #7 in the 2024 Glampy Awards), a Scandinavian cabin, a glamping tent with covered deck, a Porch House cabin, and a Nordic Spruce cabin. After a show at The Caverns, you're back at The Getaway in about half an hour with a fire pit, a quiet creek, and a real bed waiting. Read our full guide to seeing a show at The Caverns for tips on what to wear, what to expect, and how the acoustics work underground.
The Getaway on Ranger Creek is approximately 30 minutes from The Caverns. It's a scenic mountain road drive through rural Tennessee.
The cave stays 59 degrees year-round, so bring a jacket to the show. After a summer night underground, you'll be back at The Getaway in half an hour with AC in the dome and cabins and a memory foam mattress in every unit. In the colder months, the dome and cabins have heat, and there's nothing like crawling into a warm bed after a chilly walk back from the fire pit.
Yes. The Getaway on Ranger Creek is approximately 12 minutes from the Greeter Falls trailhead, closer than almost any other lodging option.
Greeter Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes on the Cumberland Plateau. The trail is a manageable loop with two falls and a swimming hole at the bottom. Like all waterfalls on the plateau, flow varies with recent rainfall. Even when the falls aren't at full force, it's a beautiful walk through the gorge and worth the short drive from The Getaway.
More than most people expect. The Getaway on Ranger Creek is centrally located to some of the best hiking, waterfalls, and outdoor attractions in the Southeast, with most within a 30-minute drive.
Here are the highlights with approximate drive times from The Getaway:
The South Cumberland State Park system ties most of these together. Waterfalls, sandstone bluffs, miles of trail through old-growth forest. If you like being outdoors, you won't run out of things to do in a long weekend. Start with our guide to South Cumberland State Park for trail-by-trail details.
The Getaway on Ranger Creek is approximately 1 hour from Chattanooga, making it an easy day trip during your stay.
Chattanooga has plenty to fill a day: the Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain (including Ruby Falls and Rock City), a Lookouts baseball game, and a growing restaurant scene. Head out after breakfast and you'll be back at The Getaway in time for the fire pit.
The Getaway on Ranger Creek is approximately one hour from Chattanooga, up on the Cumberland Plateau near Coalmont, Tennessee.
The property sits on 18 wooded acres with five different accommodations, from an award-winning geodesic dome to cabins and a glamping tent. You get the quiet and the woods without a long drive from the city. The South Cumberland State Park system is right in our backyard, with waterfalls, gorge overlooks, and trail networks within 10 to 30 minutes of the property. Visit thegetawayon.com to check availability.
Chattanooga is approximately one hour from The Getaway on Ranger Creek, making it an easy and full day trip.
The Tennessee Aquarium and its surrounding downtown are the usual starting point. From there, you can ride the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain, visit Rock City, explore Ruby Falls underground, or walk across the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge to the North Shore for restaurants and coffee. Catch a Chattanooga Lookouts game at Erlanger Park, their brand-new stadium with views of Lookout Mountain right from your seat. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum runs vintage train rides on a historic rail line and is worth a half day on its own, especially with kids. Most guests leave The Getaway after breakfast, spend the day in Chattanooga, and are back in time for the fire pit. For a full itinerary, see our Chattanooga weekend getaway guide.
The Getaway on Ranger Creek is surrounded by South Cumberland State Park trailheads, most within 10 to 30 minutes.
South Cumberland is one of the largest state park systems in Tennessee, and its various access points are scattered across the plateau rather than concentrated at one entrance. From The Getaway, you can reach Greeter Falls in about 12 minutes, Stone Door in about 19 minutes, Grundy Forest in about 22 minutes, and Foster Falls in about 28 minutes. You could hike a different trailhead every day of a long weekend and barely scratch the surface. Our South Cumberland trail guide breaks down what to expect at each one.
The Getaway on Ranger Creek is approximately 28 minutes from Foster Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the South Cumberland State Park system.
Foster Falls drops 60 feet into a clear pool at the base of a sandstone bluff. The main overlook is a short walk from the parking area, and a steeper trail loops down to the base where there's a popular swimming hole on warm days. It's also one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in Tennessee, so you'll likely see climbers on the walls. Water flow varies with recent rainfall, but the gorge scenery and the bluff trail make it a worthwhile hike even on a drier day. See our full Foster Falls guide for trail options and what to know before you go.
The Stone Door entrance to Savage Gulf is approximately 19 minutes from The Getaway on Ranger Creek.
Stone Door is a narrow gap in the sandstone bluff line with a view straight down into the gulf. The overlook is about a mile from the parking area on a mostly flat trail, making it one of the more accessible hikes in the system. From Stone Door, you can connect to longer trails along the bluff line or down into Savage Gulf itself. The Greeter Falls trailhead and its swimming holes are also accessed from this same general area of the park. For the full trail breakdown, see our Savage Gulf State Park guide.
The Getaway on Ranger Creek is approximately 1 hour from Fall Creek Falls State Park, one of Tennessee's most visited parks.
Fall Creek Falls is anchored by a 256-foot waterfall, one of the tallest in the eastern United States. The park covers nearly 30,000 acres with 56 miles of trail, a nature center, a restaurant, a golf course, and a lake. It's a full-day destination. The Scenic Loop Road is worth driving even if you don't plan to hike; several overlooks give good gorge views from the car. Like all local waterfalls, the falls can slow during dry stretches, but the park has enough trail and scenery to fill a day regardless of water flow. Read our Fall Creek Falls planning guide for the full breakdown of trails, waterfalls, and what to prioritize.
Yes. The Getaway on Ranger Creek is approximately 40 minutes from the Bonnaroo festival grounds in Manchester, Tennessee.
That makes us one of the closer lodging options with a real bed, climate control in the dome and cabins, and a shower. The drive from The Getaway comes in from the back side of the festival area, so you skip most of the heavy traffic that builds up on the main routes. After a long day at Bonnaroo, you're back at The Getaway quickly with a fire pit and a quiet creek waiting. We have five separate units, so a group of friends can book multiple accommodations and have a home base together. If you're planning around Bonnaroo, book early; our dates fill fast during festival season. Visit thegetawayon.com to check availability.
The Getaway on Ranger Creek is approximately 36 minutes from Sewanee, home to the University of the South.
Sewanee has a charming small-town feel with a walkable campus and good food. LUNCH, the restaurant on the square, recently received a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation, making it worth the drive on its own. The Sewanee Perimeter Trail offers additional hiking if you want to stretch your legs. If you're visiting for a University of the South event or graduation, The Getaway is close enough to attend and far enough away to avoid the Monteagle hotel rush. Our Sewanee day trip guide covers the architecture, overlooks, restaurants, and trail options.
The Getaway on Ranger Creek is approximately 22 minutes from Grundy Forest State Natural Area, part of the South Cumberland State Park system.
The day loop is about 2.5 miles and follows a creek through old-growth hemlock forest past three waterfalls, including Blue Hole Falls, which has a pool deep enough for swimming on warm days. This trailhead also serves as the northern end of the Fiery Gizzard Trail, one of the most celebrated long-distance hikes in Tennessee. Grundy Forest is one of the few South Cumberland trailheads with restrooms, which is worth knowing if you're hiking with kids.
Five units, each completely different, each in its own private wooded setting on 18 acres at The Getaway on Ranger Creek.
Over 700 square feet with a 17-foot ceiling at the center. It's the largest unit at The Getaway on Ranger Creek.
The first thing most guests notice is the 8x20-foot window. Step up close and you get a nearly 180-degree view of the pond and woods with no other structures in sight. Beyond the view, the dome is a full apartment: kitchen with full-size appliances, a living area, a private bedroom behind a custom barn door, and a bathroom with a large tiled walk-in shower. Sleeps up to four (queen bed plus pull-out sofa).
The dome and all three cabins at The Getaway on Ranger Creek have mini-split systems for heating and cooling and stay comfortable year-round. The glamping tent is not climate controlled.
The dome's structure is tent material with limited insulation, so temperatures won't match a fully insulated home. Expect the interior to stay around 76 degrees in peak summer heat and around 65 degrees in cold weather. The bedroom has insulated walls and holds temperature better. The cabins are more conventional construction and maintain temperature more consistently.
Yes. Free high-speed WiFi (usually over 75 Mbps) covers most of The Getaway on Ranger Creek.
Verizon and AT&T also have good cell reception in most areas of the property. The WiFi is fast enough for streaming, video calls, or working remotely. That said, The Getaway is in the Tennessee woods, not downtown Nashville. The connection is historically reliable, but periodic outages can happen, and we wouldn't recommend relying on it for anything mission-critical.
No. Pets are not allowed anywhere at The Getaway on Ranger Creek, including in or around any units, parking areas, or common spaces.
The property is home to 100% cage-free chickens and ducks that roam the entire property, and keeping it pet-free protects both them and guests with allergies.
Yes. Every unit at The Getaway on Ranger Creek has its own private fire pit with firewood and fire starters included.
You'll find fire starters and a lighter inside your unit. If you need more firewood, just text us or grab your own from the woodpile near the chicken coop. When you head inside for the night, make sure the fire is contained in the pit. You don't need to extinguish it.
Yes. Every unit at The Getaway on Ranger Creek has its own propane grill.
We do our best to make sure each grill has a full propane tank before your stay. If you run out, extra tanks are at the front of the bathhouse near the pond. Just text us if you need help swapping one out. After grilling, please turn the propane off at the top of the tank.
Yes. The Getaway on Ranger Creek has two short hiking trails on its 18-acre property.
The Red Trail is about a 12-to-15-minute walk each way and takes you back to Ranger Creek, with a natural sitting area along the way surrounded by meadow, ferns, and woods. The Blue Trail is a shorter 10-minute loop through the woods. Both trails were cleared to be about four to six feet wide. For more serious hiking, the South Cumberland trail system starts about 12 minutes away.
The Getaway on Ranger Creek is home to cage-free chickens and Muscovy ducks. Deer and wild turkeys are regular visitors across the 18-acre property.
The chickens were hand-raised on the property and many will eat right out of your hand. They also do a surprisingly good job keeping the tick and mosquito population down. The Muscovy ducks are quiet (they don't quack), docile, and fun to watch, especially during their "group meetings" by the pond. If you're patient and head out to the trails at sunrise or sunset, the wildlife viewing can be really good. Your hosts also have four friendly Border Collies. They stay in the house or kennel unless the hosts are outside with them, and none have ever been inside any guest unit. If you're afraid of dogs or have allergies, let us know before your stay and we'll keep them contained.
The easiest way is directly through thegetawayon.com. Booking direct comes with the best rate.
You can go straight to the unit you're interested in: Geodesic Glamping Dome, Scandinavian Cabin, or Glamping Tent with Deck. Porch House Cabin and Nordic Spruce Cabin are also available on the main site. If you have questions before booking or need help with a group reservation, reach out at manager@thegetawayon.com or call 931-288-4567.
Verizon and AT&T both get good signal in most areas of The Getaway on Ranger Creek. Guests have also reported good T-Mobile reception, though we haven't tested it ourselves.
If you're heading out to hike, be aware that cell coverage can be spotty in some parts of the South Cumberland trail system, especially in the gorges and gulfs. Download any trail maps before you leave The Getaway.
The closest grocery stores are about 7 to 11 minutes from The Getaway on Ranger Creek in Altamont and Gruetli-Laager. They're fine for staples and necessities, but we recommend stocking up on produce and meats before heading up the mountain.
For a full grocery run, towns like McMinnville, Manchester, Dunlap, and Kimball/Jasper all have larger stores within about 45 minutes and make good stops on the way in. The dome and Porch House Cabin both have full kitchens plus a propane grill, and all other units have a propane grill and basic cooking gear. There are also a few local restaurants within 10 to 25 minutes, including Small Town Junction BBQ in Coalmont and Mountain Goat Market in Monteagle.
Yes. Groups are welcome at The Getaway on Ranger Creek, which has five separate units, each in its own private area of the 18-acre property.
A group of friends or a family reunion can book multiple units and share the experience of being on the same property while still having private space. The recessed patio area in front of the Geodesic Glamping Dome, right next to the pond, is a natural gathering spot for larger groups. The fire pits, trails, and pond are all shared spaces where groups come together without being on top of each other. If your group books all five units, quiet hours are relaxed since the whole property is yours. We can also arrange space for additional personal tents on the property for a small nightly fee per tent. For group availability and details, contact us directly at manager@thegetawayon.com.
Check-in is at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 10:00 AM at The Getaway on Ranger Creek.
All units are self-check-in with detailed instructions emailed before your stay. If you need to arrive early or leave late, contact us at least 12 hours in advance and we'll do our best to accommodate. We can typically flex about an hour in either direction when the schedule allows.
For direct bookings: full refund 14+ days before arrival, 50% refund 7 to 13 days out, no refund within 7 days. If you booked through another platform, that platform's cancellation policy may apply.
The Getaway on Ranger Creek strongly recommends purchasing trip insurance to protect your reservation. If you have questions about a specific cancellation, contact us at manager@thegetawayon.com.
Yes. The Getaway on Ranger Creek is in rural Coalmont, Tennessee, with no public transportation or walkable amenities nearby.
You'll need your own vehicle for getting to the property and for reaching any trailheads, restaurants, or attractions in the area. The one exception is The Caverns, which sometimes offers shuttle service for events. The closest grocery store is about 7 minutes away; most waterfalls and hiking are 12 to 30 minutes by car. The roads up here are well-maintained but winding, so just take it easy if you're driving at night. We can accommodate up to three truck-and-trailer combinations in our parking area if you're towing.
Yes. The Getaway on Ranger Creek has free J1772 EV charging with both Level 1 (1.9 kW) and Level 2 (9.4 kW) available.
Contact us before your stay at manager@thegetawayon.com so we can guarantee the charger is set up and accessible for your arrival. We do our best to accommodate last-minute requests, but advance notice is the only way to be sure it's ready when you get here. There are very few public charging stations on the Cumberland Plateau, so planning ahead is important if you're driving an EV.
Yes. The Getaway on Ranger Creek is on 18 wooded acres in rural Tennessee, and insects are part of the environment.
We use natural pest treatments and clean every unit thoroughly between guests, but a bug-free experience isn't realistic in a forest setting. The good news: our cage-free chickens and Muscovy ducks roam the entire property and do a surprisingly effective job keeping the tick and mosquito population low. Most guests are genuinely surprised by how few mosquitoes they see. Bring bug spray if you're planning to hike, especially in the warmer months, but around the property itself it's better than you'd expect.
The closest emergency room is approximately 35 minutes from The Getaway on Ranger Creek. This is a rural area of the Cumberland Plateau; there are no hospitals within 30 minutes.
Our recommended ER is Erlanger Sequatchie Valley in Dunlap, Tennessee. It's a full-service, 24/7 emergency facility with an easy drive and very little traffic. Erlanger is part of the Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, which includes the region's only Level I Trauma Center, so transfers to a higher level of care are straightforward if needed. In any emergency, call 911 first. Detailed hospital information with driving directions is included in the digital guidebook sent before your stay.
Yes. The Getaway on Ranger Creek hosts intimate weddings for up to about 30 guests in a natural outdoor setting.
The property has a creekside meadow surrounded by ferns, wildflowers, and woods that works well for a small ceremony. Your wedding party can stay on-site in separate units, so everyone is together for the weekend without being on top of each other. We have contacts for tent rentals for a small reception and can connect you with local catering options. Reach out to us at manager@thegetawayon.com to talk through the details.
Every season is worth it. The Getaway on Ranger Creek is open year-round, and each season on the Cumberland Plateau brings something different.
Spring (March through May) brings wildflowers, full waterfalls, and mild temperatures. Summer is warm and green, with the longest days for hiking and the busiest concert season at The Caverns. The plateau's elevation keeps it noticeably cooler than the cities below. Fall brings spectacular foliage and crisp air. Winter is the quietest season, great for solitude and lower rates at The Getaway. Like all waterfalls on the plateau, flow varies with recent rainfall, so if waterfalls are the main reason for your trip, check conditions before you finalize your dates. If your schedule allows midweek travel, here's why a weekday glamping trip beats the weekend.
It depends on which unit you book. The Geodesic Glamping Dome and Porch House Cabin both have full kitchens and everything you'd find in a hotel. The other units are simpler, so plan accordingly.
The dome and Porch House have you covered on linens, towels, coffee, toiletries, and a fully stocked kitchen. The Scandinavian Cabin, Nordic Spruce Cabin, and Glamping Tent provide linens, towels, and basic cooking gear. For all units, you'll want to bring your own groceries, drinks, and snacks. All units have fire pits with firewood included and a propane grill.
A few things worth throwing in the car regardless of which unit you book at The Getaway on Ranger Creek: hiking shoes (the trails here are rocky and rooted), layers (plateau evenings cool off fast, even in summer), a headlamp or flashlight for nighttime walks, and bug spray if you're planning to hike in the warmer months. Our cage-free chickens and Muscovy ducks do a surprisingly good job keeping the tick and mosquito population low around the property itself.
Yes. Children are welcome at The Getaway on Ranger Creek, and families stay with us regularly.
The property has 18 acres of woods, two hiking trails, a pond with Muscovy ducks, and cage-free chickens that many kids love hand-feeding. That said, this is a rural property in the Tennessee woods, not a resort with childproofed spaces. The pond is unfenced, the terrain is uneven in places, and the nearest hospital is approximately 35 minutes away. Children need to be supervised at all times. We also have four friendly Border Collies on the property. They're inside most of the time and always closely supervised when they're outside. If dogs are a concern for your family, let us know ahead of time and we'll keep them contained during your stay.
Yes. The Getaway on Ranger Creek has free high-speed WiFi, usually over 75 Mbps, which is fast enough for video calls, streaming, and most remote work.
Verizon and AT&T both get good cell signal on the property, and guests have reported solid T-Mobile reception as well. The Geodesic Glamping Dome and cabins all have indoor workspace and power outlets. The WiFi handles everyday remote work well, including email, file transfers, and video calls. The only caveat is that this is a rural property in the Tennessee woods, so for anything truly mission-critical like a live broadcast, Zoom presentation, or trading platform, just know that rare hiccups are possible. Many of our guests combine remote work with a midweek stay; here's how that works in practice.
There's plenty to do at and around The Getaway on Ranger Creek. Rain doesn't shut down the Cumberland Plateau; it just changes the plan.
The Caverns is approximately 30 minutes from The Getaway and is completely underground, so weather doesn't matter. Check their schedule for shows and cave tours. Ruby Falls and the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga are both about an hour away and fully indoors. Closer to the property, the town of Sewanee (approximately 36 minutes) has shops, restaurants, and the University of the South campus, which is worth a walk even in light rain. On the property itself, the dome has two Smart TVs, a full kitchen, and that big window over the pond; rain actually makes the view better. The cabins have Smart TVs, covered decks, and are comfortable year-round with heat and AC. The Glamping Tent's covered deck is a good spot to sit and watch the rain come through the woods.
Yes. Returning guests receive a discount on their next stay at The Getaway on Ranger Creek.
Instructions for getting your repeat-guest discount code are posted inside your unit during your stay. The code works on the same platform you used for your original booking, so it's quick and easy to use. If you've already stayed with us and didn't grab the code, just reach out at manager@thegetawayon.com and we'll set you up.