Smoketree Lodge

The Resort & Its Setting

Smoketree Lodge is an independent timeshare property in Banner Elk, a small High Country town in Avery County, North Carolina. It's affiliated with RCI, so owners aren't limited to their home week — they can also use the RCI exchange network to book stays at other affiliated resorts. Because it's independently run rather than part of a national hotel brand, the feel here tends to be more low-key and community-oriented than at a big-name chain resort, which is part of the draw for owners who prefer a quieter mountain base over a resort-town atmosphere.

Banner Elk and the High Country

Banner Elk sits in the heart of North Carolina's High Country, an area known for cooler summer temperatures, dramatic fall colour, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Within about 25 miles you'll find Grandfather Mountain, with its mile-high swinging bridge and network of hiking trails; Linville Falls, one of the state's best-known waterfalls with short trails to several viewpoints; the Blue Ridge Parkway, with its scenic overlooks and connecting trail access; and Beech Mountain Ski Resort, which handles winter sports and keeps a calendar of outdoor activities the rest of the year. Boone, roughly 45 minutes away, adds more shopping and dining options for owners who want a day out beyond Banner Elk itself.

Selling or Renting a Week Here

If you own a week at Smoketree Lodge and are ready to move on, or simply want to rent it out some years, BidMyTimeshare.com lets you list it directly as a private, owner-to-owner sale or rental. You set your own asking price, write your own listing details, and interested buyers or renters contact you straight through the platform — there's no agent in the middle. We charge a one-time listing fee and take 0% commission on the sale or rental itself, so you keep what you negotiate.

Because Smoketree Lodge is independently managed, resale here typically goes through the resort's own owners' association or on-site management rather than a branded corporate transfer department. Before agreeing on a price with a buyer, it's worth contacting the resort directly to confirm the current transfer fee, whether the association holds any right of first refusal on resales, and the current annual maintenance fee — these details vary by resort and aren't something to guess at. A resale buyer should expect to take on the week itself and the ongoing annual fee, but generally won't inherit any RCI points balance, banked weeks, or loyalty-style perks tied to the previous owner's account; exchange eligibility through RCI typically needs to be re-established once the transfer is complete.

Renters, meanwhile, are usually looking for clear dates, an honest description of the unit (size, view, floor), and confirmation of what's included — so if you're listing a rental, it helps to be specific about the week number and unit type rather than general resort marketing language.

Practical Notes for Visitors

The High Country's elevation keeps things noticeably cooler than the North Carolina lowlands, even in summer, so layers are worth packing whatever the season. Fall (September–October) is peak season for foliage and books up early, while May–June and September offer a quieter shoulder-season alternative with fewer crowds. Sturdy footwear is a good idea if you're planning to tackle the trails at Grandfather Mountain or around Linville Falls.