FAQ

Lodging is available on Tremont’s campus on the second floor of Nancy Caylor Lodge, where both wings are reserved solely for writing conference guests. Wings are bunkroom-style with an open floor plan, are separated by gender, and have shower rooms/restrooms. While each wing can accommodate 45 people maximum, the number of occupants during the conference will be far lower and thus there will be plenty of space. Additionally, several walk-in tents with bunks and mattresses are available by reservation on a first-come, first-served basis. Linens are provided.

Meals are served family-style in a dining hall shared with school students whenever they are present on campus. Meals are occasionally served outdoors, including a cookout on the first night of the conference. Coffee and tea are almost always available. Storage containers and a refrigerator are available for your personal food and beverages. Food is not allowed in the lodge or tents.

We encourage you to stay on-site for a variety of reasons, not least of which is forming bonds with other writers and building community. The residential aspect of the program also means you will not have to drive an automobile to and from our campus on winding roads each morning and evening.

However, we recognize that some conference participants may decide to lodge off-site for personal reasons. If you choose to do this, we recommend finding accommodations in nearby Townsend, Tennessee. Please note that we are unable to provide discounts for anyone lodging off-site.

A shuttle service is available for a modest fee from the McGhee Tyson Airport and Knoxville bus terminal solely on arrival and departure days.

Our street address is:
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
9275 Tremont Road
Townsend, Tennessee 37882

For those driving, note that cell service is nonexistent once you enter the mountains. Parking is available on campus.

We will adjust as necessary to the forecast and daily conditions. However, expect to spend most of each day outdoors regardless of the temperature, and dress accordingly. Covered outdoor spaces will help keep us dry in the event of rain.

Visit this page to learn about our current policies.

Cancellations received up to two weeks prior to the program start date will be refunded in full, minus a $50 processing fee per person.

Tremont Writers Conference is small by design, with a maximum of 25 attendees.

Tremont Writers Conference is a joint creation of Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and Great Smoky Mountains Association, educational nonprofit partners of the National Park Service. Tremont Institute is a residential environmental learning center located inside the national park. Its mission is to deliver experiential learning for youth, educators, and adults through programs that promote self-discovery, critical thinking, and effective teaching and leadership. The primary purpose of Great Smoky Mountains Association is to support the scientific, historical, and interpretive activities of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by providing educational products and services to park visitors.

The official website for Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers myriad details about this gem of the national park system, including background information, hiking opportunities, road conditions, and much more. 

Townsend, Tennessee, known as “the peaceful side of the Smokies,” is the town nearest us and has numerous options regarding lodging, restaurants, and local activities. Smoky Mountain Tourism and Explore Townsend both provide excellent resources for planning your trip.