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Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise!

Photo gallery for Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise!

A cozy cabin interior with a wooden staircase, a leather sofa, a rocking chair, and a wooden coffee table.
A covered outdoor area with a hammock, wooden deck, and a view of a lake surrounded by trees.
A wooden cabin bedroom with a bed, a ceiling fan, a nightstand, a lamp, and a window with curtains.
A cozy cabin interior with wooden walls, a kitchen with modern appliances, a dining area with a table and chairs, and a large window with curtains.
A wooden cabin interior with a dining area, a fireplace, a television, and a stone wall.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Outdoor pool
    The outdoor pool is a refreshing retreat under the open sky - a rare gem in this area.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Sleeps 6•2 bedrooms•3 beds

Popular amenities

  • Heated pool
  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine

Explore the area

View in a map
Ellijay, GA
  • Place, Riverside Park
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Place, Gilmer County Fairgrounds
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Place, Cartecay River
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bunkroom

+1
5 Single Beds

Main Level Master Bedroom--Opens to Porch

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom in Loft

2 Queen Beds

3 bathrooms

Basement Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Main Level

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Jetted bathtub

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise!

STR Licence # STR Host License Number: 002440

Sleeping arrangements--3 queen beds (2 queens in loft, 1 queen on main level), 2 sets twin bunks sleep 4, + 1 addn. twin lower level)

Our cabin is ideal for 1 or 2 families and comfortable for up to 4 adults with kids, teens, and tweens. This is our personal property and is a labor of love. We do our best to build relationships with repeat guests who become friends for life. This cabin caters to families seeking time to unplug. We take pride in keeping our property maintained and enjoy recommending activities to help you make special memories. We are often asked about the following--stairs, proximity to the river, and traffic on the road in front of cabin. We do have stairs leading up to the main level. If stairs are a problem for anyone in your party, our cabin may not be the best for your relaxation and enjoyment. We are also not set up for large parties. The best fit is for 1 or two families, or a smaller group of adults looking for a weekend getaway. Our cabin is riverfront, and the river is just a few steps away from the cabin. The road directly in front of our cabin is a private gravel road with very little traffic. The location of our cabin is private, not secluded.

We would be delighted to help you plan your trip. Ask us for suggestions!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
NO cats, small dogs flea and tick up to date
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 153557
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Ellijay

Located in Ellijay, this cabin is on the waterfront. Tabor House & Civil War Museum and Fort Mountain are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Engelheim Vineyards and Ellijay River Vineyards. Gilmer County Fairgrounds and Ellijay Marketplace are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cycling.
View more Cabin rentals in EllijayOpens in a new window
Map
Ellijay, GA

What's nearby

  • Riverside Park - 24 min drive - 4.5 km
  • Gilmer County Fairgrounds - 31 min drive - 8.2 km
  • Cartecay River - 34 min drive - 10.9 km
  • Tabor House & Civil War Museum - 34 min drive - 10.9 km
  • Ellijay Marketplace - 35 min drive - 11.9 km

Getting around

  • Atlanta, GA (PDK-DeKalb-Peachtree) - 96 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Buffalo Luke’s - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Cartecay River Brewing Co. - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

How much is parking at Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Riverside Park and within 9 miles (15 km) of Gilmer County Fairgrounds and Cartecay River. Gilmer County Library and Tabor House & Civil War Museum are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 173 out of 201 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 201 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 201 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 201 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 201 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathi A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our month long stay at this cabin tucked away on the river in Ellijay. There was something for everyone- ages 18-81! Excellent communication and response from our host, Jennifer. Would recommend for active families.
Stayed 28 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Maria R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I enjoyed the view and the peaceful tranquility with the location. The cabin had a rustic charm and a warm homey feeling.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christine C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very relaxing experience. Very cozy home.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

tina h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay!’
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carmen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the perfect place for our weekend getaway! We had a party of 5 and plenty of room for all. This cabin was everything I expected. It was so nice being right on the river. We enjoyed the firepit and some fishing. Very clean. 10/10!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Connie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christopher M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really enjoyed being able to see and hear the river from the front porch and the hot tub. Really enjoyed ourselves and would be willing to go again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Nov 2025
So glad you enjoyed yourselves and look forward to hosting a return trip!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Summer G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home on the river! Enjoyed every minute!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christina W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is beautiful! Perfect location to the river!!! The beds are so comfortable, the couches are great, all the outdoor furniture is great! Love the fire pit right beside the lake. The hosts are very responsive! The toilet paper even was shaped into a flower! We will be back!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jaime C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin is beautiful, the beds are comfy. The road getting there is a little scary, but once you are there, the sound of the water is so worth it! We had a great time! Would love to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ashley J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
FANTASTIC! Will stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sandy A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was wonderful. The only drawback that I have is that the loft bathroom had no curtain on the window and I was very uncomfortable bathing in there since I could see the cabin next door.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Wendy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location!!!

Such a special place!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

River retreat

Fantastic trip. My favorite family vacation we have had. Accommodations were perfect and owners thoughtful and kind.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jul 2023
It was our pleasure to host your family! Hoping you had a safe trip home and have lots of great memories made. Jennifer
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kim T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A beautiful, quiet, and clean home next to the river. Enjoyed sitting next to the river, the screened in porch, and hot tub. Highly recommend that you bring water shoes if you want to get in the river.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Susan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property!

This was a great rental. Everything was as described, house was very clean and the beds were very comfortable. Loved the location to the river and lots to do on property. Will plan to come again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lizsa A M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful escape

We enjoyed ourselves so much with the peacefulness of the river from our front porch and listening to nature. A wonderful place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Great Cabin!

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!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sherry B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This cabin was so peaceful! It is inside a subdivision but is out in the country at the same time. We saw almost 200 deer on our way out of the subdivision one morning going into town, which was incredible. We enjoyed the firepit by the river, too. The house was very pet-friendly and comfortable for all of us. We’d definitely stay again! The only downside was our GPS didn’t recognize the address so we had to identify the property by the photo.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Oct 2025
Thank you for capturing these beautiful images! We truly love sharing our little slice of paradise with others!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ana A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One of the best cabins for a family

We loved to be there because it was so peaceful and enjoyable. The view was amazing and my pets loved it. Very clean and spacious.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Feb 2024
It was wonderful hosting you! Thank you for being amazing guests!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Lisa M.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy
The fireplace obviously has a draw problem and got smoked out! It was eye burning kinda Smokey. Loved to the location. There was trash all around the two trashcans when we arrived and I have pics if you’d like to see.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Dec 2025
Hi Lisa, thank you for sharing the information about the fireplace draw. We have a professional licensed inspector coming the first week of January to do a full inspection and ensure no issues. We love our riverfront cabin and are so happy you loved the location. It sounds like weather blew our trash cans down the hill and I’m glad that our trash service was available to take care of it as soon as possible. So glad you had a wonderful girls trip. Looking forward to hosting you back soon.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Melissa W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing Getaway

We had a great time at the Shady River Retreat! The community is very quiet and the setting was truly beautiful. The home was very clean and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Apr 2021
I am so happy you had a great time this weekend. Come back again soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Blen D.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was wonderful. It was decorated with bears and fish. Three good sized bedrooms. The kitchen was well equipped with silverware, big coffee cups, 2 coffee makers, frying pans, study cooking pots, and great spatulas. There was dish soap, hand soap, and paper towels. The bathrooms are well stocked with soap, shampoo, and toilet paper. The tv had great streaming channels. We loved eating on the porch overlooking the Coosawattee River.
Coosawattee River
River Road
River Road
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Will H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We enjoyed our stay

We highly recommend this cabin and the location for everyone who loves nature and fresh air. The cabin is very clean and everything you need is there. Just bring enough food(the fridge is big enough).
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Janice W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Holiday getaway

Rented a mountain cabin for our Christmas celebration. Wonderful river front location. Able to hike right out the door. Downtown Ellijay and golfing not too far away. Hostess was wonderful and great communication during our stay. Comfortable beds. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

About the host

Hosted by Jennifer Elwood

Host profile image
Our family consists of two Atlanta area professionals with three children who keep us busy. One of our favorite things to do is plan family vacations. One thing we know to be true in raising children is that the days are long, and the years are short. We are doing our best to fully enjoy this season!

Why they chose this property

The North Georgia mountains offers our family the respite we need to recharge. Our riverfront property is ideally suited for both relaxation and recreation. We enjoy spending time at Shady River Retreat and venturing out to Blue Ridge for shopping and entertainment.

What makes this property unique

You will love the swing on the oversized screened porch and the wide river frontage. The fire pit is a wonderful place for delicious s'mores and evening chats!

Languages:

English

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