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THE HEAD REST at Deals Gap, Tail of the Dragon Mountain Retreat!

Photo gallery for THE HEAD REST at Deals Gap, Tail of the Dragon Mountain Retreat!

Beautiful Mountain Sunrise!
Covered Patio and Dinning Area on Main Level Deck
Incredible Views of Lake Cheoah from the Deck
Cozy Living Room Area with Fantastic Views All Around
Mountain and Lake Views from Both Decks

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 82000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen

About this property

THE HEAD REST at Deals Gap, Tail of the Dragon Mountain Retreat!

"The Head Rest" overlooking Cheoah Lake is a picture perfect spot no matter your reason for visiting. Amazing views lend to all day relaxation or a cozy unwind after hiking, fishing, sight-seeing, or taming the Legendary Tail of the Dragon. Mornings offer gorgeous sunrise hues while taking in the surrounding sounds of nature. Evenings host a reflection of Eastern sunset glow and rising moon views. Easy proximity to many exciting adventures including rafting, boating, exploring, parkways, nature, and more!

The Head Rest has been a destination for repeat visitors for many years and we are extremely excited to now be the hosts! The home is a 4 bedroom 2 bath home with two decks, a comfortable living room on 2 levels, including a fireplace on each level and great views no matter where you are. The kitchen is fully equipped and spacious for a group of people to be cooking after a day of adventure! You will have the entire home to yourself to relax and enjoy the amazing Smoky Mountains.

WiFi for the home is provided via Starlink! Typically service is reliable with few interruptions. If there is a WiFi or TV interruption during your stay, we recommend playing one of the fun board games, cards, reading or planning your adventure for the next day!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
The 2 Decks will require supervision of young kids
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No Pets, No Shoes on Carpeted Areas, No Smoking Indoors, No Burning Candles indoors or in Carport, Please Respect Quiet Hours - 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
No Garbage Outside. We are in the Mountains and there is Wildlife all around. Garbage WILL Attract Animals!, No Open Fires on Property.
Fireplaces are available to use with a Signed Waiver. $50 Charger Per Lost or Misplaced Entry Keys to Include Owner Representative Fees.

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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Robbinsville

Located in Robbinsville, this cabin is in the mountains and on a river. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and Deals Gap reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include 411 Biker Depot and River Rage Go-Kart Track. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and cycling.
View more Cabin rentals in RobbinsvilleOpens in a new window
Map
Robbinsville, NC

What's nearby

  • Deals Gap - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Tail of the Dragon Dragon Statue - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Santeetlah Lake - 16 min drive - 21.0 km
  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - 56 min drive - 76.8 km
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 60 min drive - 81.2 km

Getting around

  • Alcoa - Knoxville Airport (TYS) - 78 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tapoco Tavern - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Wildwood Grill at Fontana Village - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Quill's Canteen - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Fontana Village Rec Hall - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Mountview Bistro - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is THE HEAD REST at Deals Gap, Tail of the Dragon Mountain Retreat! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at THE HEAD REST at Deals Gap, Tail of the Dragon Mountain Retreat!?

As of 25 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at THE HEAD REST at Deals Gap, Tail of the Dragon Mountain Retreat! on 19 Apr 2026 start from £178, 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 at THE HEAD REST at Deals Gap, Tail of the Dragon Mountain Retreat!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at THE HEAD REST at Deals Gap, Tail of the Dragon Mountain Retreat!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at THE HEAD REST at Deals Gap, Tail of the Dragon Mountain Retreat!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is THE HEAD REST at Deals Gap, Tail of the Dragon Mountain Retreat! located?

Situated on a river, this cabin is within 1 mile (2 km) of Deals Gap and Nantahala National Forest. Fontana Village Resort Marina and Fontana Lake are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

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. 16 out of 16 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lana P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family and I came up Thanksgiving day and stayed till the weekend. It was great, the view is beyond amazing I will say that. We did leave the night before check out due to them calling for icy conditions and we are from alabama and was not taking any chances haha. Overall trip was great I would definitely recommend anyone to stay here.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chase B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cabin was nice and in a great location. It’s an older cabin but has a rustic charm. Internet was spotty but mostly fine. Everyone enjoyed the stay. We had low sports cars and were able to make it through the gravel road and driveway without issue , just go slow.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trevor D.

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

Perfect location

Came for the tail of the dragon, this was a perfect spot to stay with the boys to get runs in night or day. Literally 1 minute from the dragon shops and gas station. Will stay here anytime I can!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

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

Weekend with friends

Wanted a nice and quiet weekend with friends and it was perfect place!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No cell phone service up there , but everyone was helpful. I would definitely be booking again soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lauren L.

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

Great for our family

Had everything we needed. Can’t complain
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vince S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing view! Location was great. If you are on a motorcycle the drive into the property could be a little challenging; the last 80-100 yards in is crushed shale. I had no problems at all but if you are a relatively new rider it could be a bit stressful. I would stay there again without a second thought.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location if you're primarily going to run Tail of the Dragon. Driveway is a little daunting, but most cabin driveways are. Low cars will struggle but be ok. This should be expected. House was clean, well prepared and felt like home for the 5 days we were there. Plenty of room on 3 levels. Enjoyed the stay. Host was easy to communicate with and replied to every message in a timely manner.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn N.

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

We will stay again

Excellent
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gerald Y.

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

Miatas at the Gap

Stay was awesome. Home is clean and beautiful. Views are awesome.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dallas E.

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

Great family trip to ride the tail to the dragon!

From the very beginning the host was incredibly responsive and inviting. The view from the porch was truly better than the pictures. The house was conveniently located just a few minutes from a couple of very nice restaurants while still offering a mountain getaway feel. Can’t wait for my next trip back to the head rest!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Therese W.

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

Bucket List Trip

This place was in a perfect location for our motorcycle trip to the Tail of the Dragon. It was a fantastic experience with a wonderful, friendly and extremely accommodating host. The view, the comfort of the home, even down to a kitchen stocked with the essential tools, pots, pans and cooking sheets made everything an effortless visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David A.

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

What a view

Awesome view from the living room. Very clean and loved the black stone.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dylan M.

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

What an absolute great view! Perfect destination for our motorcycle trip.

Best thing about our stay was the view on the upper porch. We spent most of the time out there. Including dinners with the string lights on. House had split units and ceiling fans which was very nice for sleeping. Covered parking for our motorcycles and literally right on top of deals gap. Very easy getting the motorcycles to the place. The gravel drive was smooth enough where there wasn’t an issue. I have this saved for our next trip coming up. Thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

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

Great View and Perfect Motorcycle Location

The first thing you'll notice upon arrival is the amazing view from the deck. We spent every evening on the deck enjoying the view. The were 4 of us down on our annual dragon trip (a tradition started as the Triumph Dragon Raid over a decade ago).. covered parking easily houses our 4 bikes and my jeep wrangler. We each had a private bedroom. Could have easily slept a few more between main floor and basement common areas. Kitchen was week equipped and the new Blackstone griddle on deck was amazing. We cooked some great dinners with what was provided. The best part is the location, you are in the sweet spot where when you go down the private road to the entrance of the neighborhood you have the dragon to the right, and hellbender to the left. The Tapoco Lodge is just a few minutes away, great food and beer. The warning about a trailer are on point. My tiny Kendon folding trailer was not an issue, but anything larger and there's no room and the private road is only one lane.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Darlene P.

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

Great Location

House was beautiful and all we could ask for. Host was extremely communicative and even provided food recommendations. Would stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by Dan Johnson

Host profile image
Hi I’m Dan! I’m a husband, father, fan of any sport in action, and will take every chance I get to be outside as much as possible! Having the chance to travel with family and friends when time allows is one of my favorite things to do. Having the opportunity to stay in some beautiful VRBO's gave me the inspiration to open our own. The Smoky Mountains are hands-down one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been able to visit. Now being able to offer our home to you so you can enjoy it as much as we do is truly a privilege! If you’re looking for a home away from home with all of the amenities for a comfortable stay The Head Rest is the place to be. Whether you are coming to ride the Tail of the Dragon, hike a new trail or just taking in the amazing views, I’m here to help you have the best stay possible!

Why they chose this property

The Head Rest is the perfect location for anyone headed to the legendary Tail of the Dragon, families coming to enjoy any of the incredible experiences in the area or the outdoor enthusiast. With truly some of the most stunning views in the area of both the Smoky Mountains and Lake Cheoah. It's a fantastic place enjoy the morning sunrise or a great meal on the deck after a day of adventure! The gated community is quiet with very few vehicles. Occasionally you might hear someone taking off on Hwy 129 trying to slay the Dragon. But other than that it is very peaceful. The paved road to the house is a single lane including a couple of tight turns with multiple places to move off to the side to allow another vehicle to pass. There is crushed shale driveway for about 150 yds off of the paved road which leads to the blacktop driveway and up to the house. **The home unfortunately does not have room for trailers or campers. Once you arrive, we recommend going out on the deck immediately and start taking in the view!

What makes this property unique

The breathtaking views are visible from everyone location in the living room, dining room and kitchen area on the main floor. The living room has comfortable furniture to relax during your stay and a nice TV to enjoy. Along with a fireplace to use on each level that makes the cabin even more cozy! The dining room table has plenty of space for a large group to be together or a couple just looking to have a quiet stay in a beautiful location. Each bedroom is equipped with comfortable beds, pillows and linens. As well as a dresser and night stands to have a peaceful nights rest. The lower level living room has plenty of space to play games and spread out. There are games, books and magazines at the house to use as you'd like during your stay.
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