House Rules & Safety
PEST & THE
ENVIRONMENT
At Elk Springs Resort, we strive to provide the best experience for our guests, and as part of that, we perform regular pest control in all of our rental units. However, given our beautiful location in the heart of wooded and mountainous areas, we cannot fully guarantee that your cabin will be completely free from pests or small creatures. While we do not offer refunds or relocations for such occurrences, we’re here to help! If you encounter any issues, please don’t hesitate to call us at 865-233-2390 (OPTION 6), and we will do our best to address the situation using the most effective local pest control methods.
You may notice some common local insects, such as ladybugs, millipedes, or honeybees. Rest assured, these creatures are harmless and not poisonous. At certain times of the year, they may seek the warmth of our cabins, but they typically do not survive once inside.
The ladybug, in particular, plays a unique role in our environment. Introduced by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to combat harmful non-native insects, ladybugs are a common sight in the area. These small, harmless red beetles with black spots are even considered by some to bring good luck! While you may see them more frequently during warmer months, they tend to reappear in search of warmth in the Fall and early Winter.
We also love the local wildlife around our cabins! It’s not unusual to spot bears, deer, squirrels, or raccoons nearby. If you do encounter any of these animals, please remember that they are wild, and for your safety, do not approach or feed them. Wildlife can be attracted to food left out in the open, so we kindly ask that you store all garbage in the metal trash bins provided and avoid leaving food outside or in your vehicle. We want to make sure you enjoy the natural beauty of the area while staying safe!
Thank you for helping us maintain the cleanliness and safety of our resort, and we hope you enjoy every aspect of your stay with us!
BEAR SAFETY
Warnings: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you!
Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear is illegal in the National Park. We suggest following these same rules at all times, even outside of the park.
Feeding a bear can result in a $5,000 fine and up to 6 months in Jail.
Bear activity is most common from the early evening, dusk and into the night. Please use caution and common sense if you see or encounter a bear as there have been several sightings close to cabins — even during the day. Should you see a bear:
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Never feed or toss any food to a black bear. This is illegal.
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Keep children and pets under strict control and if possible bring them to safety inside a vehicle or indoors.
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Keep the bear at as great a distance as possible. If the bear notices you and changes it behavior such as feeding or the direction in which it is moving, you are too close, back away slowly from the bear and make lots of noise.
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Never back a bear into a corner or surround it. Being to close to or threatening a black bear can cause the bear to exhibit aggressive behavior such as you being rushed towards by the bear or the bear swatting the ground. The black bear may even make popping noises with its jaw or other loud noises which are indications the bear needs more space so you should slowly back away from the bear and remember DO NOT RUN. Running can trigger an attack mechanism in black bears.
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The majority of black bear related attacks to humans are minor and most black bear attacks on humans are a result of the bear attempting to get to peoples food. If it anpears that a bear is interested in food you or anyone in your party has, let go of the food and slowly back away from the food and the bear.
TRASH: Given the food source problems, the bears will attempt to get into trash left in trash cans or within the plastic trash bins. Please keep all trash inside the cabin unless you have a bear proof steel container installed outside your cabin. Please call 866-550-1795 ext 6 and request a trash pickup if needed.
Please scan the QR code below to learn everything you need to know about black bears in Tennessee.
NUISANCES &
DISTURBANCES
At Elk Springs Resort, we are dedicated to providing a peaceful and enjoyable environment for all of our guests. To ensure everyone has a_ pleasant experience, we kindly ask you to follow our guidelines for a disturbance-free stay.
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NUISANCES
We want all our guests to enjoy a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. That’s why we have a zero-tolerance policy for loud music, excessive noise, or disruptive activities on our property or any of the managed rental units. Please help us maintain this peaceful environment. If you experience any disturbances during your stay, please call our office at 865-233-2390 (OPTION 6). For after-hours issues between 11:00 PM and midnight, you can reach the Gatlinburg Police Department at 865-436-5181 and Sevier County Sheriff at 865-774-3919. Guests who violate our nuisance policy may be asked to leave the property without a refund. Local law enforcement may be involved in cases where disturbances violate city ordinance 10-202, which prohibits any activity disturbing the peace.
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FIREWORKS
For your safety and that of other guests, fireworks are Strictly prohibited on Elk Springs Resort property and all managed rental units. This is in line with city ordinance 7- 502, which deems fireworks unlawful within city limits.
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CAMPFIRES
Please note that campfires are not allowed on Elk Springs Resort property or in any of our managed rental units unless — otherwise specified. Special permits from The State of Tennessee are required for campfires, and we want to ensure your safety by following — local regulations.
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FIREARMS/WEAPONS
To maintain a secure and safe environment, firearms or concealed weapons are strictly prohibited inside rental units and on the Elk Springs Resort property. If any firearms or weapons are discovered, they will be collected and held by local law enforcement.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a serene and enjoyable stay for all our guests. Should you have any questions or concerns, our team is here to assist you. We hope your stay is both restful and memorable!
Elk Springs Resort Management
CABIN CARE
To ensure your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, we've outlined a few key details regarding the care of the cabin. By following these simple guidelines, you help us maintain the high standards we're known for, and we greatly appreciate your cooperation.
FIRES
For your safety, we kindly ask that you locate the fire extinguishers and note the nearest exits when you arrive. Your safety is our priority, and we want to ensure you feel secure during your stay.
HVAC (HEATING/COOLING) SYSTEMS
To keep the heating and cooling systems running efficiently, please avoid turning off the heat in cold weather. During warmer months, setting the AC thermostat lower than 70°F may cause the system to freeze, resulting in potential malfunctions. Proper use of these systems helps us avoid unnecessary repair or replacement fees, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for you.
REFRIGERATORS
Our refrigerators are preset to an optimal temperature. Lowering the temperature below the factory setting can cause the unit to shut down. Please note, prior to your arrival, the fridge may have been open for cleaning, so it may take up to six hours to return to the correct temperature. We appreciate your patience!
SEPTIC SYSTEM
To help us maintain our septic system in proper working order, we kindly ask that you only flush toilet paper. Items like flushable wipes and feminine hygiene products do not break down in the system, potentially leading to significant expenses for repair. Should such items cause blockages, guests will be responsible for the costs, which will be charged to the credit card on file.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
TRASH DISPOSAL
If the outside metal trash bins become full during your stay, feel free to contact our office (OPTION 6) for a pick-up. Please do not leave trash outside the bin overnight as this will attract Racoons and Bears — within most areas of the county leaving trash outside not secured in a bear proof container is a violation of a City Ordinance.
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION
For your safety, our property is equipped with a carbon monoxide detector, smoke detector, and security camera. You will also find a first aid kit and fire extinguishers readily accessible. In case of an emergency, please remain calm and assess the situation. If there’s immediate danger, such as a fire, evacuate the property quickly and safely. Dial 911 for emergency services, providing your location and details about the situation. |f someone is injured, use the first aid kit to assist until help arrives. Always follow any emergency alerts or instructions you receive. Your safety is our priority, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need assistance.
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At this time, a daily linen service (towel/linen replenishing) is not provided.
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Remember to lock all doors/windows before leaving for any length of time.
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We kindly inform you that pets are not premitted on our property.
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Please be respectful of neighbours when parking vehicles
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Should you encounter local wildlife, remain alert, keep distance, and never approach a wild animal.
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Elk Springs Resort, LLC can assume no responsibility for dangerous or theft to personal property including valuable, vehicles, and all other personal items.