vacation ideas? KY, OH, TN cabins...

[SR500]

In the Gatlinburg area, we've had great experience with:
http://www.mountainlaurelchalets.com/
The problem is that Gatlinburg is touristy and traffic is bad. However, to avoid this, you can seek out the Townsend,Tn area.

A 'sleeper' in Tennessee is Big South Fork:
http://www.bigsouthforkinfo.com/

Also, as makbike suggests, the Land Between the Lakes is beautiful, the water is nice, and the hills are wicked! There are state parks in Tennessee and Kentucky, but I don't recommend the one in Tennessee unless it's been renovated.

Living in Tennessee, we've been both. BSF is better for MTB's etc... Gatlinburg is nice, but lots of people, even through the Mountains. Not sure where you are coming from but you might try Hueston Woods, near Oxford, Ohio and just North of Cincinnati. Very nice cabins, lake, and some good mountain and road biking. MTB rentals are available as well.

[sundial]

You might want to check out Fall Creek Falls State Park in TN.

[Kathi]

I thought of Houston Woods also and I know there is good cycling around there but also take a look at Chain of Lakes in Northern Indiana. It's quite a surprising area, didn't seem touristy, had lots of lakes and good cycling.

Brown County, Indiana is a good area for cycling although hilly. Not sure about lakes although there is a nice one near Bloomington. The town of Nashville is near Brown County state park. It's touristy but kinda cute. Brown County State Park has a nice lodge and cabins. I've also been to Spring Mill SP, lodge, and have ridden in that area.

[FlyingScot]

Try Hocking Hills in southeastern Ohio. Lake Hope state park has a beautiful lake and nice cabins. Tons of hiking and biking trails through pretty much pristine forest(Zaleski National Forest) and rock formations (Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls to name a couple). Other options would be the numerous B&B's in the area. Very popular part of the state for vacationing so accommodations may be tough to come by but definitely worth a look. I've spent many happy times there since I was little.