Cabin
Closest Cabin to Old Rag & Steps to White Oak Canyon; 2 ponds w/ private creek
Photo gallery for Closest Cabin to Old Rag & Steps to White Oak Canyon; 2 ponds w/ private creek





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 41289 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Syria, VA
- Place, Old Rag Mountain11 min walk
- Place, Luray Caverns
- Place, Shenandoah National Park49 min drive
- Airport, Charlottesville, VA (CHO-Charlottesville-Albemarle)63 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
2 Single Beds
Living Room 1
1 Single Futon
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Closest Cabin to Old Rag & Steps to White Oak Canyon; 2 ponds w/ private creek
Incredible location!! With numerous water features, and a rich and charming history, this special property is the closest you can rent to the Old Rag Berry Hollow trailhead and a close walk to the White Oak Canyon/Cedar Run trailhead. Forget fighting for a parking spot, walk out the front door to the trailheads. “Berry Hollow Retreat” is the perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts. The land consists of 5+ acres bordering Shenandoah National Park and has 2 ponds and a bold private mountain creek. Enjoy the famous waterfalls and panoramic summit views of the Shenandoah National Park. Watch the sun set from the patio, fly fish the nearby famous Robinson, Hughes and Rose trout streams. Gather with friends for drink and food at nearby Ducard Vineyard, Blue Quartz/Shotwell Run Brewery, and Graves Mountain Lodge. The property is rustic - expect to encounter lots of wildlife!
There are two cabins on the property. This listing is for the cabin called "Birch's Library." The cabin is perfect for nature lovers -- an amazing location if you like hiking fishing, birding, or just unplugging and going off grid. There is one ample sized bedroom with custom twin “captain” beds. A previous owner had them made extra high so he could wake up to views of his beloved ponds. There's also a comfortable futon in the great room. You'll also find plenty of interesting things in the cabin, such as an antique phonograph that still works.
The private mountain creek that runs through the entire property is a tributary to the Robison River. You can hear its soothing sounds from inside Birch's Library when the windows are open. The stream feeds two ponds which have a history of being stocked with trout. You can still see fish in the pond -- and we plan to stock it with rainbow trout for catch and release fishing (will update listing when stocked).
The other cabin on the property is solely for use by the owners. It was originally built in 1864/65 by a Union solider from the 16th Maine Regiment. It came to affectionately be known as "Potlikker House." You can see the hand-hewing marks on the logs made with an adze to roughly square up the logs.
Also, lore has it that a previous owner acquired Herbert Hoover’s dilapidated piano during a renovation of Camp Hoover and embedded its metal frame in the walkway between Potlikker House and Birch’s Library - you will still find it there!
There are two cabins on the property. This listing is for the cabin called "Birch's Library." The cabin is perfect for nature lovers -- an amazing location if you like hiking fishing, birding, or just unplugging and going off grid. There is one ample sized bedroom with custom twin “captain” beds. A previous owner had them made extra high so he could wake up to views of his beloved ponds. There's also a comfortable futon in the great room. You'll also find plenty of interesting things in the cabin, such as an antique phonograph that still works.
The private mountain creek that runs through the entire property is a tributary to the Robison River. You can hear its soothing sounds from inside Birch's Library when the windows are open. The stream feeds two ponds which have a history of being stocked with trout. You can still see fish in the pond -- and we plan to stock it with rainbow trout for catch and release fishing (will update listing when stocked).
The other cabin on the property is solely for use by the owners. It was originally built in 1864/65 by a Union solider from the 16th Maine Regiment. It came to affectionately be known as "Potlikker House." You can see the hand-hewing marks on the logs made with an adze to roughly square up the logs.
Also, lore has it that a previous owner acquired Herbert Hoover’s dilapidated piano during a renovation of Camp Hoover and embedded its metal frame in the walkway between Potlikker House and Birch’s Library - you will still find it there!
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Small children should always be supervised.
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: limit 1 total
Nott allowed on furniture or beds.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
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 first aid kit
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Syria
Located in Syria, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Old Rag Mountain and Rapidan River reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Jordan Hollow Stables and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. Travelling with kids? Consider BB&T Center for the Performing Arts and The Garden Maze at Luray Caverns. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Syria, VA
What's nearby
- Old Rag Mountain - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
- Shenandoah National Park - 49 min drive - 43.1 km
- Thorton Gap Entrance Shenandoah - 55 min drive - 49.6 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Big Meadows Wayside - 92 min drive
- Pollock Dining Room @ Skyland Resort - 75 min drive
- Big Meadows Lodge - 94 min drive
- Shotwell Run Brew Co L - 26 min drive
- Spottswood Dining Room - 94 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.8/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Verified
11 Dec, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ralph G.
7 Jul, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful mountain getaway
Ralph G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Scott B.
26 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Scott B.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tom Z.
11 Apr, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
White Oak Canyon
Tom Z.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Therese S.
15 Jan, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for a Winter Get-A-Way
Therese S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Brian B.
7 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Serenity defined
Brian B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
28 May, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun for Small Family!
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
David B.
25 Sept, 2025
David B.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Zsolt
3 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Zsolt
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Melody W.
20 Jul, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Melody W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
About the host
Hosted by Jim
I hope that my property will get people excited about the beauty of Shenandoah National Park and all the wildlife within.
Why they chose this property
It's peaceful and truly feels like you're escaping into the wilderness.
What makes this property unique
It's the closest rental available next to the Berry Hollow trailhead to Old Rag Mountain, and only a short walk to the White Oak Canyon trailhead. The mountain creek that flows through the property comes right off Old Rag.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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