★Families + Groups ★6 Private Bedrooms ★Hot Tub + River Views ★Game Room ★Golf Groups ★Harrah’s Casino Nearby ★Convenient to Tubing, Hiking, Scenic Train ★Prime location between Bryson City and Cherokee
Welcome to the Ocona Ridge Lodge, an expansive three-story log cabin designed for families and groups to spend meaningful time together while still enjoying plenty of space and privacy. Perched on a peaceful mountain ridge, the lodge offers beautiful views of the Oconaluftee River below. Rocking chairs on the wraparound deck invite you to take in the sights and sounds of nature.
Ideally located between Bryson City and Cherokee, this lodge offers easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance, hiking, waterfalls, golfing, and the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. It’s the perfect home base for outdoor adventure and laid back mountain living.
Where you'll sleep: - Bedroom #1: 1 King - Bedroom #2: 1 King - Bedroom #3: 1 Queen - Bedroom #4: 1 Queen - Bedroom #5: 1 Queen - Bedroom #6: 6 twin beds, arranged as two triple bunk beds - Loft Area: 1 Futon, ladder access, open to below
Home Layout: 6 Bedroom | 4.5 Bath The Lodge offers six private bedrooms across three levels, giving everyone room to gather and space to unwind.
Main Level - Bedroom #1: 1 King w/ private en-suite bathroom with walk in shower - Shared Full Bathroom with sink and tub/shower combo - Full Kitchen - fully equipped for cooking and dining in home - Dining room - table can seat 10-12 plus 4 more at the counter. Extra folding chairs & 2 high chairs available. - Family Room – Smart TV and a gas fireplace (avail Oct-Apr) - Wraparound covered deck with rocking chairs, hot tub, and grill - Laundry Room with washer/dryer
Lower Level - Bedroom #2: 1 King - Full Bathroom with 2 sinks and shower - Secondary Kitchenette - sink, full size fridge, microwave, and a drip coffee maker - Second Living Area – Smart TV and a gas fireplace (avail Oct-Apr) - Game Room – Smart TV plus selection of classic table games
Upper Level - Bedroom #3: 1 Queen - Bedroom #4: 1 Queen - Bedroom #5: 1 Queen - Bedroom #6: Bunk Room - 6 twin beds, arranged as two triple bunk beds - Loft - ladder entrance to loft area open to below, with futon - Shared Full Bathroom with sink and tub/shower combo, including stability bars for support - Shared Half Bathroom with sink and toilet *note: each bedroom on this floor has its own private sink/vanity, making it easy for everyone to get ready even when bathrooms are in use
Location Location Location! Located in the quiet Ocona Lake Estates community, just off Highway 19 between Bryson City and Cherokee, the lodge is accessed by a one-lane, 2WD friendly gravel mountain road with occasional pull-outs for passing. The drive is manageable for standard vehicles, though guests should expect a few tight turns and steeper sections. AWD/4WD is recommended in winter travel months if snow or ice is present. Please note that the property does not have direct river access.
Convenience: Bed linens and towels provided Starter supplies including toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, hand soap. There is a nearby Dollar General store (8 minutes away) for additional needs. Washer and dryer for your laundry needs.
Security: For safety reasons, there is a ring style exterior security camera that is not monitored but records video and sound 24/7. The camera is motion-activated and overlooks the entrance and driveway to the lodge.
Nearby Attractions & Driving Distances * 7 miles to Bryson City (restaurants, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, tubing, fishing, Ingles grocery store) * 5 miles to Cherokee (restaurants, riverfront park, elk viewing, fly fishing, Harrah’s Casino, waterfalls, museum, Oconaluftee Indian Village) * 8 miles to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center (entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park) * 6 miles to golf at Sequoyah National Golf Club or Smoky Mountain Country Club * 20 miles to Nantahala Outdoor Center (whitewater rafting and outdoor adventures) * 1–2 hour scenic drives to Asheville, Maggie Valley, Gatlinburg, Dollywood, and Pigeon Forge (traffic dependent)
Information to Note Please review the house rules and cancellation policy to ensure they work for your group. Rental agreement to be completed and signed prior to receiving check in information. You must be 25 to book a stay with us. We do not allow 3rd party booking. The person booking must be present during the stay. Please do not smoke or vape in the house, smoking/vaping indoors forfeits security deposit. After 10pm please keep noise levels low. No pets, furry friends must stay at home. Unauthorized pets will result in the loss of security deposit. We highly recommend you purchase traveler's insurance. Refunds not provided for weather/travel related incidents.
-Guest concerns and/or complaints should be in writing via the platform AND within 24 hours of discovery, and prior to departure, allowing the owners sufficient time to document and undertake reasonable corrections.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Unauthorized pets will result in the loss of secur
default
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking/vaping indoors forfeits security deposit
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Guest is required to sign a Renter Agreement. Security Deposit Required of up to $500. Minimum age to rent is 25
Renter Agreement must be signed within 48 hours after booking. For last-minute reservations, agrmnt must be signed before check-in info will be sent.
NO Smoking. NO pets. NO parties/events. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM - 08:00 AM
Important information
You need to know
Property # 512523
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Whittier
Located in Whittier, this cabin is in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama and Great Smoky Mountains Railroad are cultural highlights. Traveling with kids? Consider Cherokee Botanical Garden and Nature Trail and Smokey Mountain Trains Museum. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and water tubing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and hiking.
Museum of the Cherokee Indian - 7 min drive - 9.0 km
Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama - 8 min drive - 9.0 km
Getting around
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) - 131 min drive
Restaurants
Guy Fieri's Cherokee Kitchen + Bar - 12 min drive
Wicked Weed Pub at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino - 12 min drive
Noodle Bar - 13 min drive
Soundbytes - 12 min drive
Osaka Sushi Bar and Asian Cuisine - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Mountain Cabin • Btwn Bryson City & Cherokee • Tubing, Golf, Train Nearby pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Mountain Cabin • Btwn Bryson City & Cherokee • Tubing, Golf, Train Nearby?
As of Jun 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mountain Cabin • Btwn Bryson City & Cherokee • Tubing, Golf, Train Nearby on Sep 1, 2026 start from $959, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Mountain Cabin • Btwn Bryson City & Cherokee • Tubing, Golf, Train Nearby?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Mountain Cabin • Btwn Bryson City & Cherokee • Tubing, Golf, Train Nearby?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Mountain Cabin • Btwn Bryson City & Cherokee • Tubing, Golf, Train Nearby located?
This family-friendly Whittier cabin is located in the mountains, within 3 mi (5 km) of Nantahala National Forest and Tuckasegee River. Cherokee Botanical Garden and Nature Trail and Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Thank you so much! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the house and really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. We’d love to host you again anytime!
This home was absolutely beautiful! There were more than enough rooms for all of our family, and we have a bunch! We loved the open floor plan for the kitchen and living room! And spent many nights playing family card games at the dining room table! Definitely recommend!
Erin M.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 3, 2026
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a great review! We’re so happy the lodge had plenty of space for your family and that you were able to enjoy your time together. Family card games sound like the perfect way to spend evenings at the lodge! We appreciate your recommendation and would love to host you all again anytime.
Beautiful setting high above a river/lake. Quiet and private, but only 12-15 minutes away from groceries, restaurants, and the Cherokee Casino. Hot tub and game rooms were very nice additions. Furniture was very comfortable, and the kitchen was well-appointed. Excellent weekend all around.
Daniel K.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 19, 2026
Thank you for the kind review! We're so glad you had a great stay at the lodge and enjoyed everything that the property and area have to offer. Thanks again for staying with us!
This is an awesome property for any groups that want to head to the casino (very close) or just relax at the house by the river. Kristen was an excellent communicator who quickly responded and resolved a small issue we had with the hot tub (breaker had flipped). I highly recommend!!
Jerry H.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 15, 2026
Thanks so much for staying with us and for the great review! We're so glad you enjoyed the location and had a great stay. Happy we could get the hot tub sorted quickly so you could get back to relaxing. You're welcome back anytime!
Great home. Had plenty of baby items. Two of the full baths are in shared places just fyi, but wasn’t an issue. Beautiful place to look out over the river.
Holly M.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 15, 2026
Thank you so much for the kind words! We're so glad the baby items made your stay more comfortable and that you enjoyed the river views. We appreciate you noting the shared bath locations so future guests know what to expect. Hope to welcome you back again soon!
5 stars doesn't really seem like enough! Communication from the host was way beyond what we expected. Great location, short drive to the casino. Quiet and private. Would definitely recommend the place for groups of any kind. Would go back tomorrow!!
Darren M.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 30, 2026
Thank you for such a wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the lodge and location. It was a pleasure hosting your group and we would love to have you back anytime.
Had a wonderful time here with our extended family! Plenty of space for our group of 16 and close to lots of activities. Hoping to come back next year!
Amazing host and owner! Communication was wonderful prior to our travels and during our stay. Perfect for our group and truly enough space for everyone. The amenities are great as well! The men on our trip spent HOURS at a time in the game room. Enjoyed coffee and breakfast each morning on the porch! Would recommend!
The cabin is beautiful. Very spacious. Lots of room for big families. We very much enjoyed spending the week with all our kids and grandkids in this cabin!
A great home and a great host! 8 adults stayed and we had plenty of room to spread out or get some quite time. Very clean, well stocked kitchen, extra linens/TP etc. throughout the house, and the labeling/instructions of lots of things is helpful. Primary bed, very comfortable (felt new) and our guests indicated the other beds were also great. Road is curvy, not hard to drive, just go slow. Host is communicative and ensured we had everything we needed. 12 minutes to Harrah's, approx. 1hr to Asheville.Quiet and great view of the river. Absolutely will stay again if we need a large house.