The Shady River Retreat
Location: Ellijay, Northwest High Country, Georgia, USA View Map
Accommodations: Cabin, 2 Bedrooms + Loft, 3 Baths (Sleeps 7-9)
Reconnect as you enjoy a simpler pace of life at this secluded waterfront destination located within the Coosawattee River Resort!
Listen to the river's concert, gather around the cozy fireplace, sink into Adirondack chairs at the riverside fire ring, or relax in the hot tub. Experience nature's serenity while fly fishing, tubing, playing pool, or losing yourself in a book. This log cabin, with its charming mountain décor and comfortable furnishings, is the perfect escape from your daily routine. Feel worlds away from it all with Chattanooga and Atlanta only a short trip away. Wireless internet access is available. Just bring your laptop!
Upon request, our professional staff is available to simplify your vacation. Concierge services include delivering groceries, gift baskets or flowers, prior to arrival, and scheduling chef services and activities.
Near modern conveniences of Ellijay, this summer camp-like resort encompasses over 8,500 acres. Amenities include a recreation area with an indoor heated pool, volleyball court, tennis courts, miniature golf, exercise room, and game room. Outdoor pools, five parks, a fishing pond, hiking trails and an equestrian center are also on-site. These amenities create the perfect atmosphere for a family vacation.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Wood Fireplace: Firewood is provided with your rental
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Child Bed: A pack & play is located in master bedroom closet
- Convertible Bed: A futon is located in the loft area.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- Video Game Console
- Video Games
- CD Player
- Music Library
- Jetted Tub in Bath
- Private Hot Tub
- Shared Pool: Tubes and inflatable boat provided for having fun in the river.
- Pool Table
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio: The upstairs deck is screened in with a picnic table, glider, and swing. The downstairs patio offers a nice place to sit outside the basement gameroom, where the pool table is located.
- Gazebo
- View/Location
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details
- Communications
- Telephone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly: Several board games are provided to keep the family entertained!
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Swimming
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Amicalola Falls State Park, Fort Mountain State Park, Several wineries (Blackstock Vineyards, Frogtown Cellars, Habersham Winery, Serenity Cellars, Sharp Mountain Vineyards, Wolf Mountain Vineyards), Carter’s Lake, Lake Lanier, The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (in Blue Ridge), Hiking and mountain biking trails in Blue Ridge Aska area
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Regular Season...January-March $150/night ... $ 900/week
Peak Season ..... April-December .. $175/night .. $1050/week
Two night minimum. Three night minimum for Holidays and Festivals.
Fully refundable Security Deposit $150, Full payment due 2 weeks prior to arrival.
$80 cleaning fee and 10% tax added to all rentals.
Pet fee $25 SMALL dogs only (less than 20 pounds) *Must have owner approval
*Stay 7 nights, pay for only 5 OR Stay 4 nights, pay for only 3 (Aug-Sept 2009)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:


Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2007
Why the Owner Chose Ellijay
The Coosawattee River resort has great ammenities for children of all ages. We also like the security of being inside a gated resort, with trucks patrolling the area routinely. Although it is a resort, it is also very private with beautiful large lots. Of course, we were drawn to our particular cabin for the wide river frontage.
The Unique Benefits at this Cabin
We love being able to walk upriver and tube right down to the cabin. No long lines, no time restrictions....go at your own pace. So many things to do in the area, but you can be just as entertained and happy to stay right there and make it your home away from home.
Guests beware! Our cabin is situated on a private road. It does NOT show up on Google Maps or any other fancy GPS gadget. Use our directions! We've pinpointed the closest address that is provided.
Owner's Map of Ellijay
Not long after my husband and I started dating, we had the opportunity to visit the North Georgia mountains and fell in love with the area. For the first several years of our marriage, we would take monthly visits from our metro-Atlanta area home to have breakfast at the Amicolola Falls lodge. Once I even rode on the back of his motorcycle all the way there! When our daughter was old enough to share in this tradition, we would take her with us. Even though we only live an hour away, things become so much different as we approach hwy 515--the air is crisper and the pace is slower. We are now very happy owners of the Shady River Retreat. We think of this cabin as a gift God has allowed us to share with our now two children, our extended family, friends and guests. We hope others make this a yearly tradition--that's how it all got started for us!
Property Photos
- The Shady River Retreat - Ellijay, Georgia Cabin Rental
- Read a book for relaxation by the fireplace. - Ellijay, Georgia Cabin Rental
- This bed was handcrafted by a local Ellijay artist! - Ellijay, Georgia Cabin Rental
- The jetted tub pampers any time of day.
- Escape to a quiet nook in the loft.
- Share stories on the screened in deck overlooking the river.
- The picnic table offers additional eating space for your gatherings.
- Fall Pic
- This fully equipped kitchen includes a microwave, toaster, coffee grinder/maker.
- Indulge yourself in the gazebo hot tub.
- Challenge someone to a game of pool!
- Wildlife abounds!
- Amicalola Falls is a great place for kids of all ages.
- Queen bed on lower level
- Beautiful fall colors at one of the resort parks.
- Doors that open up to screened in deck!
Guest Comments (26)
First (10) of (26). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #116677
There have been 15890 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2007.
This listing was first published here in 2007.
Date last modified - November 01, 2009


Positive Rating
Just a short note to let you know we really enjoyed our vacation at the cabin. The Smores were a nice surprise especially since my granddaughter asked me on the way there if I remembered to bring marshmallows. The water was a very nice surprise. Your pictures do not show how beautiful it really is. Guest Feedback Entered by Homeowner
Positive Rating
Renee Frost , Vero Beach, FL
Positive Rating
We rented your cabin for Labor Day weekend with some friends. We had a wonderful time. Once you get to the cabin, you dont want to leave for anything. It is so peaceful! The owners are very friendly and easy to work with. We will definitely be back! Thanks for sharing your home with us.
Positive Rating
Shannon Spath , Loganville, GA
Positive Rating
Our Girl Scout troop (13 year olds) stayed recently at the Shady River Retreat and had a wonderful time. The cabin was comfortable and clean, with plenty of room to spread out. The kitchen was stocked with all the cooking equipment we needed. Rafts and life jackets were available for floating in the river. It's right on the river, beautiful scenery. The amenities area was a short drive and had a large indoor/outdoor pool - real treat for swimming in February! We had such a great time, we're planning to go back soon. Don't try to use GPS to get there - the directions from the owner are perfect.
Positive Rating
Words cannot describe the amazing time we had in your beautiful cabin in Ellijay! Your photos DO NOT do it justice! Much more modern and less rustic than we expected! We were so blessed to happen on this last minute rental for the long MLK weekend! Clean, cozy, warm, spacious and adorable are just the beginning! Once in the gates of the resort, it was like no resort I had ever experienced. The curvy scenic dive was beautiful, peaceful, and just plain gorgeous. Deer and wildlife abound! Not to mention, we were blessed to be there on the rare occasion on which it snowed. Littering the branches and ground for days, was beautiful dazzling snow and ice sickles. Ellijay is a hidden gem! And the river was so beautiful! What a spectacular view! We hope to come back again when it is warm so we can explore the waters of Coosawattee River and tube down it’s current. The kids loved it and are begging to come back with friends. It was a great sign when they didn’t want to leave the entire weekend! We took a nature walk and happened on our new collection of sparkling petrified wood that now adorns my hearth (arranged by the kids). And the blankets provided were so furry and comfortable, the kids want new ones for lounging at home. The pool table and hot tub deserves recognition as well. Fun! Fun! What a great trip for family or a girl’s weekend. Although they say it sleeps nine, it really is laid out for even more guests. I would (and will) highly recommend it to anyone! The Elwoods were really nice to work with and made me feel so comfortable renting. Make sure you get their directions or you are sure to get lost. The hills and dips and turns kept confusing the GPS system. Be sure to stop at Wal-Mart on your way in – you won’t want to get back out. And don’t forget your sweetener for the coffee. Thank you HomeAway for making it so easy to find them! Cheers until next time in Ellijay!
Positive Rating
"Shady River Retreat was a pleasant surprise to me and my family. Booking over the internet was a bit daunting, as we had never actually been to or seen this cabin other than via internet. However, the owner was just as helpful and pleasant as she could be! When we arrived at the cabin, it was just as the pictures depicted. The view of the river was FABULOUS and my children absolutely loved wading and splashing around in the water. The pool table was another hit with all of us. There were several activities close by that we really enjoyed-picking apples at BJ Reece's (the fried pies are heaven), riding the Blue Ridge Railway, golf, picnicking at Amicolola Falls, but we had just as much fun hanging around the cabin. The hammock was peaceful, and many hours were spent on the porch swing, talking and laughing. We also spotted about 12 deer and 6 turkey. Everything we needed was provided in the cabin, so we never had to made trips to town for anything-other than food. I knew it had been a great vacation when my daughter sobbed the night before we left, "I don't want to go home!" (And she is a home body!) It was hard to pack and leave that last day, but we have memories, photos and video to take us right back-not to mention this website!"
Positive Rating
Positive Rating
This is a really great cabin! It is nicely decorated, extremely clean and well maintained. Beautiful view of the river with a great spot for tubing. Can't wait to go back!
Positive Rating
The Kenny's , Venice Florida