Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Jackson County, NC is home to some of the most stunning vacation rentals in the region. From cozy cabins, private island retreats, luxury resort properties, and more, you can find the perfect stay for every style and budget. Our ‘Secret Season’ is here, and what better way to enjoy the scenery of frost-covered North Carolina mountains than in the comfort of a mountain view hot tub?

Our towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva are located about an hour west of downtown Asheville and less than a day’s drive for half the US Population. During our ‘Secret Season’ (January – March), enjoy uninterrupted relaxation with no crowds, trails to yourself, and the best lodging deals of the year. Our mild winters allow for winter fun without getting stuck in the snow, as the average snowfall is only 9 inches a year. Check out these ‘Top 10 Vacation Rentals with Hot Tubs’ to inspire your next R&R trip to the NC Mountains.

Private Waterfall: Havilah Falls – Tuckasegee, NC

Nestled in the Tuckasegee Community just minutes from Wolf Creek Lake, the Havilah Falls Cabin has a lot to love. With room for up to 10 guests, not only does this Airbnb have a hot tub to enjoy it also comes with easy access to a private waterfall. Sit in the hot tub and relax as you hear the gentle rapids cascading along Havilah Falls or grab a seat at the waterside firepit. The large yard adds an excellent experience for families to let out some energy while enjoying this private mountain retreat.

Long-range Views: Bear Paw Cabin – Balsam, NC

During our ‘Secret Season,’ the crisp, clean, and cool mountain air comes alive as amazing views clear up for miles, and there’s no better place to experience this than Bear Paw Cabin. Located minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, this sizable mountain cabin has room for up to ten guests plus the pup, a game room with a foosball and pool table, full panoramic views of the Plott Balsam Mountains, and a large hot tub situated on a wraparound porch. Sip on local craft beer and enjoy views for miles from the warmth and comfort of the jacuzzi and let your worries melt away.

Room for 11 Plus the Pup: Summit’s End Hideaway – Sylva, NC

Conveniently located only minutes from downtown Dillsboro & Sylva, Summit’s End Hideaway is perfect for every member of the whole family, even ‘Fido.’ Check-in and enjoy room for eleven guests. Accessing this hot tub is made especially easy with a fully screened-in porch just steps from the living room. Experience the remoteness of the mountains with the ease of access to some of the best breweries, restaurants, and trails in western North Carolina and kick back with views of Cowee Mountain.

Play Pool – Relax in the Hot Tub: Red Lantern Lodge – Sylva, NC

Billiards and bubbles – what more would you need for a relaxing getaway? Red Lantern Lodge is a short drive from the artisan village of Dillsboro, where you’ll experience award-winning dining, shopping, breweries, and more. This timber frame log cabin was built with reclaimed trees from Yellowstone Park and is a marvel of cabin architecture and has room for up to nine guests. Shoot pool in the basement and trade screen time for family fun.

There’s a Sauna too?: Eagles View Lodge – Sylva, NC

A hot tub and a sauna? Eagles View Lodge has it all! Found in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest, this mountainside cabin sits at 3,000 feet in elevation with views of the Great Smokies from the front porch. With a double-decker wraparound porch, several gas-burning fireplaces, and 180-degree mountain views, Eagle’s View Lodge has a lot to love for every guest in the group.

Private Lakeside Beach with Ample Amenities: Bear Lake Reserve Saddlenotch Mountain Lodge – Tuckasegee, NC

Enjoy access to some spectacular amenities at Bear Lake Reserve. This luxury mountain home community comes with a private lakeside beach, boat rentals, restaurant & bar, mountain top golf course, gym, spa, hiking trails, and of course, a stunning lakeside view. The Saddlenotch Mountain Lodges are the closest properties to the Lake Club, but luxury mountain cabin rentals are also available. Enjoy full access to the amenities and the laidback mountain living that Bear Lake Reserve is known for.

Luxury Island Retreat in the Mountains: Private Island Luxury Home – Glenville, NC

Yes, you read that right; a luxury private island home is located on Buck Knob Island on Lake Glenville. Not only does this stunning castle-like home come with a private hot tub, included in your stay is a small Boston Whaler boat to access the mainland. While this private island home is secluded, it is also only a short drive from downtown Cashiers with elevated cuisine, upscale shopping, waterfalls, and the ‘Yosemite of the East’ Panthertown Valley. Your travel party of up to ten will enjoy plenty of room both indoors and outside, including a wood-burning fireplace with room for everyone to relax and unwind.

Minutes from the Great Smokies: Rising Ridge Cabin – Whittier, NC

Located between Cherokee & Dillsboro, Rising Ridge Cabin offers the perfect space for groups of up to six. Not only can you enjoy the hot tub from the large deck, but this cabin also has both a view and a yard for everyone to enjoy. Cast a line along the WNC Fly Fishing Trail® or try your luck at nearby Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free, and favorite family activities include Mingus Mill and seeing the elk that frequent the fields near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

Cozy Up Beside the Woodburning Fireplace: Shooting Star Ridge – Whittier, NC

Shooting Star Ridge is another option for those looking to explore the Great Smokies as it’s a short drive from the GSMNP, Cherokee, and Dillsboro. The name is well-fitting, as you can relax in the warmth of the hot tub on a clear night and witness amazing views of the shooting stars twinkling in the distance with no light pollution. This smaller property is great for small groups with up to four guests.

Private Retreat on a Farm: Unplug Under the Stars – Cullowhee, NC

We could all use some time to unplug, and what a better place than on a farm? This property is located near Lake Glenville and is a restored 1950s cabin that pays tribute to a simpler time. The hot tub on this property is unique as it is a wood-burning hot tub with long-range mountain views. Stroll the property and listen to the silence of the NC Mountains and the occasional moo from the neighboring cows. This cozy cabin is perfect for a romantic getaway and is also pet-friendly.

Make the Most out of your Mountain Retreat

Jackson County is full of Hidden Gems you won’t want to miss perfect for your mountain vacation.  With year-round adventures ranging from skiing to shopping, the WNC Fly Fishing Trail®, breweries, spas & relaxation, and more, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy. Unwind and adventure at your own pace. Use our ‘Trip Planner’ to plan your perfect mountain getaway.