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Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise!

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

Shady River Retreat
Exterior
Legion gate--important that all guest names are added for entry.
You will need to look for these somewhat hard to see signs for turning.
Private road, great for daily walks

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 62085 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View in a map
Ellijay, GA
  • Place, Riverside Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Gilmer County Fairgrounds
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Talona Lake
    ‪9 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!


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.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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

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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Ellijay, GA

What's nearby

  • Riverside Park - 4 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Gilmer County Fairgrounds - 9 min drive - 6.0 km
  • Piedmont Hospital - 9 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Talona Lake - 9 min drive - 7.5 km
  • Cartecay River - 11 min drive - 8.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Buffalo Luke’s - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Zaxby's Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Cartecay River Brewing Co. - ‬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.

How much does it cost to stay at Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise!?

As of 6 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise! on 16 May 2026 start from £135, 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.

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. 170 out of 197 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 197 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 197 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 197 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 197 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Connie M.

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Ashley J.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

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!

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Jessica G.

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

River Rekaxation

The river sounds were so relaxing. Great weather. Perfect secluded getaway
Stayed 4 nights in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

Christine L.

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

Perfect Getaway

The location right in front of the Coosawattee River was absolutely perfect. The rental was clean, comfortable, and provided everything we needed for a relaxing stay. When we noticed the living room lights were out, Jennifer was incredibly helpful and kind, and quick to respond, resolving the issue promptly. We enjoyed our stay tremendously and will definitely be coming back
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Stacey G.

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

Long Weekend Getaway

We had a great time renting this property. The large screened in porch overlooking the river was nice to sit on while having our morning coffee. The property had everything we needed for a relaxing long weekend with our family. Fire pit by the river for s’mores and the hot tub in the evening were great to enjoy. Also the beds are super comfortable!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Casey F.

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

Amazing stay

We had the best time. If you’re looking for a place to get away, this is the spot. The house had everything we needed for the long weekend. It is very secluded yet only a short drive into town for dinner or supplies. The location is one of the best I’ve ever stayed - and I’ve stayed many places around the world. We can’t wait to book the property again!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jaime S.

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

Another amazing visit

This is our second year in a row visiting here. The cabin is fantastically located right on the river for endless fun. The owner is very friendly and helpful. If any problem or situation arise, she is there to assist. We look forward to staying again next year!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Beautiful cabin in the mountains

This was our second stay in this cabin and we loved it. We will probably stay with them again. We had a horrible car accident in Ellijay and the owner was so understanding and willing to work with us! Thank you for a wonderful vacation!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

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

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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