Located an hour west of Asheville, the western North Carolina mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva offer some of the best outdoor experiences and stays in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Centrally located only a few minutes from attractions in Bryson City and Maggie Valley, a vacation to Jackson County puts you in the middle of the most to explore the NC Mountains. As we dream of enjoying a vacation once more, we’ve created a list of 12 Unique Airbnb’s, VRBO’s, and Cabins to consider while planning for your next mountain getaway. From enjoying a starlit night glamping to upscale luxurious living there’s something everyone can enjoy to inspire your next vacation.

Unique Getaways | Cabin Rentals | Glamping | Luxury Vacation Homes | Ready to Book?

 

Unique Getaways

Private Eco-Retreat – Includes a zipline for the kids

This beautiful lakeside home is situated on 11 private acres in Tuckasegee (north of Cashiers) and offers fun and quirky amenities for the whole family. The kids will enjoy a zipline, swings, and a small rock-climbing wall or taking a dip in the secluded Cedar Cliff Lake. The massive windows provide both a stunning view along with radiant natural light that shines to reveal the home’s simple yet eye-catching architecture.

Loft Apartment Historic Downtown Sylva Main Street – Overlooking downtown Sylva

This cozy and cute flat is located in the old Jackson County Hotel with plenty of rustic charm in the heart of Sylva. Within walking distance, visitors can access four breweries,  a wine and two cocktail lounges, four coffee shops, five antique stores, three bookstores, multiple award-winning restaurants, non-chain shopping, and more! Perfect for a weekend getaway, the view overlooks both Sylva’s Main and Mill Streets.

Crane Lake Cottage in downtown Cashiers – Lakeside in Cashiers

Cashiers has a small lake within walking distance of the crossroads that is a hidden gem! This charming mountain bungalow is located right beside Cashiers Lake with a private dock and a beautiful view of the lake from every angle in the house. Enjoy a sunrise and cup of coffee as you watch the fog rise from the lake. Sit back, relax and enjoy a slower pace in this cottage on a screen romantic getaway.

Hemlock Hideaway Cashiers Cottage/Lake Glenville – Cozy and Quaint

Under the shade of the Hemlock trees awaits a magical mountain top cottage retreat near Cashiers, NC on Lake Glenville, just ten quick minutes from the Crossroads. Hemlock Hideaway is a cozy, well-appointed, conveniently located two bedroom & two bathroom cottage that showcases the very best mountain living on the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau. The postcard views of the lake from the large, elevated deck are exceptional for taking in the sights & sounds of the plateau (3,800 feet) as well as the cool mountain air.

Cabin Rentals 

Unique Waterfall Cabin – Did somebody say waterfall?

Fall asleep to the sound of a waterfall gently cascading outside of your bedroom at the ‘Unique Waterfall Cabin.’ While it’s not a treehouse this charming log cabin was constructed around a 250-foot waterfall in Cashiers, NC and its location is unlike any other. The cascade coupled with the elevation keeps the inside of the cabin cool year-round even in the summer – No air conditioning required.

Tiny Cabin by Lake Glenville – Cozy Cabin on a Large Lake

Tiny houses have become quite the trend as of late, but how about a tiny cabin? ‘Tiny Cabin by Lake Glenville’ is situated by Jackson County’s largest lake. This 350-square-foot cabin includes all the modern conveniences expected by travelers while such as a full kitchen and wifi including some fun perks like two kayaks for paddling the lake year-round.

Cozy Mountain Cabin – Situated on an 80-acre Christmas tree farm!

Located in Glenville, this small, charming cabin comes with plenty of room to spread out – 80 acres to be exact. Visitors can explore the famous Tom Sawyer Christmas Tree Farm while relaxing in the cool shade and private location of this lovable cabin. Enjoy the screened in porch on a warm summer day or snuggle up by the fireplace in the cooler months.

Glamping

Mountain Nest in Toy Cove (Base Glamp Sylva) – Tiny and cute

‘Base Glamp Sylva’ combines the charm of camping with the convenience of a roof. Its central location makes you feel like you’re far away, but you’re not – just minutes from downtown Sylva, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and only 40-minutes from downtown Asheville. Sit on the deck and enjoy the firepit or lay out in one of the provided hammocks to read a book and enjoy some rest and relaxation.

Camp Uptown Backwoods (CUB) – Enjoy camping; no tent or gear required!

For those looking to go off the grid without bringing a backpack full of gear, ‘Camp Uptown Backwoods’ is an excellent alternative. Lake lovers will appreciate that it’s centrally located between five lakes within seven miles of one another! CUB offers the best way to unplug and unwind away from modern distractions and under the beauty of a starlit mountain night. Spread out and enjoy a full acre of mountainous property to yourself without the noisy neighbors typically found at a campground.

Luxury Vacation Homes

Bear Lake Reserve Mountain Resort – Looking for an elevated experience?

Bear Lake Reserve is known as one of Jackson County’s most coveted vacation rental home destinations. This three-level, five-bedroom luxury cabin overlooks sweeping Appalachian mountain views and is situated on five wooded acres in the Nantahala National Forest. Visitors staying at this property will be living large with full to access amenities including the Lake Clubhouse with a restaurant, bar, pool, spa, workout room, and more, boat rentals, tennis courts, golf course, miles of private hiking trails, waterfalls, and streams. Make sure to bring your furry friend along, as this beautiful home is pet friendly!

Logan Creek Lodge – Bring the Entire Extended Family…and their Friends! (Sleeps 26)

With over 9,000 square feet, seven bedrooms, a six-person jacuzzi hot tub, wheelchair accessibility, a pool table, three living rooms, and a movie theater, this Sapphire Valley Luxury Lodge is one-of-a-kind. It can sleep 26 people comfortably and its location is remote yet central in Sapphire Valley Resort. Within walking distance of the lodge, visitors have access to a multitude of offerings. Pick and choose from amenities such as a spa, three swimming pools (one is open year-round), a recreation center with a fitness room and kids activity rooms, miniature golf, Sapphire National Golf Course, Vordach Zip Line, gem mining, the Community Center with meeting rooms and more. To top it off, visitors vacationing in the winter can hit the slopes at the Sapphire Valley Ski Resort (one of six in the state).

The Dock House – Architecture That Makes you Say ‘Wow’

The Dock House has a sleek modern design with a prime spot along the shore of Lake Glenville (no need to hit the Outer Banks for some aquatic adventure!) Visitors can enjoy their very own private dock with two kayaks to explore the lake and discover hidden waterfalls and coves, as well as the islands that can be found on the lake. This home features two master bedrooms, one detached above the carriage house, so it’s ideal for parents who need some space or for multiple families. This home’s location coupled with its architecture makes it, unlike any other home you’re likely to stay in.

Ready to Book a Stay?

Jackson County is full of cozy and charming Airbnb’s, VRBO’s, Cabins, and more to make your stay as fun and comfortable as possible. Centrally located between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of outdoor adventure. If you’re looking for more options, check out all of our lodging listings here. Ready to plan your adventure? From rafting to fly fishing, elevated shopping and more, get started using our ‘Trip Planner’ for more inspiration.