Entire home

Riverfront Smoky Mountain Retreat between Franklin & Highlands & Waterfalls

Photo gallery for Riverfront Smoky Mountain Retreat between Franklin & Highlands & Waterfalls

A bedroom with a bed, bedside lamps, a ceiling fan, a window with curtains, and a view of greenery.
A living room with a fireplace, a sofa, a dining table with chairs, and a hallway leading to another room.
Three inflatable rings with different designs and colors.
A light blue house with a wooden deck and a small porch.
A person sitting in a chair partially submerged in a river, surrounded by greenery and trees.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Onsite parking available
    Convenient and secure on-site parking, a rare amenity in the area.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Nantahala National Forest

Popular amenities

  • Balcony or patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet
  • Washing machine

Explore the area

View in a map
Franklin, NC
  • Place, Nantahala National Forest
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
    ‪45 min drive‬
  • Place, Harrahs Cherokee Casino
    ‪50 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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About the area

Franklin

Located in Franklin, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the waterfront. Jackson Hole Gem Mine and Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at The Factory and Franklin Golf Course. Ruby City Gems & Minerals and Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts are also worth visiting. Kayaking and water tubing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain climbing and hunting nearby.
View more Holiday homes in FranklinOpens in a new window
Map
Franklin, NC

What's nearby

  • Nantahala National Forest - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine - 11 min drive - 13.8 km
  • Western Carolina University - 31 min drive - 34.6 km
  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - 45 min drive - 59.6 km
  • Harrahs Cherokee Casino - 50 min drive - 66.3 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 82 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Haywood Smokehouse - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Riverfront Smoky Mountain Retreat between Franklin & Highlands & Waterfalls pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Riverfront Smoky Mountain Retreat between Franklin & Highlands & Waterfalls?

As of 30 Oct, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Riverfront Smoky Mountain Retreat between Franklin & Highlands & Waterfalls on 25 Apr, 2027 start from S$489, 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 Riverfront Smoky Mountain Retreat between Franklin & Highlands & Waterfalls?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Riverfront Smoky Mountain Retreat between Franklin & Highlands & Waterfalls?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Riverfront Smoky Mountain Retreat between Franklin & Highlands & Waterfalls?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Riverfront Smoky Mountain Retreat between Franklin & Highlands & Waterfalls located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Nantahala National Forest and within 6 mi (10 km) of Harris Medical Park of Franklin and Ruby City Gems & Minerals. Scottish Tartans Museum and Angel Medical Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 124 out of 157 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 25 out of 157 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 157 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 157 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 157 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent, relaxing stay with all the amenities and MORE.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really well equipped home directly on the river.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place for some much needed R&R. Perfect for small family or couple.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug, 2026
Thank you for leaving us a good review! Although the house is a little older, we always do our best to maintain it with care and keep it comfortable for our guests. We truly appreciate your support and would be very happy to welcome you back again in the future!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place was clean and had an amazing view. Everything you could need for a stay was provided and then some. Easy check-in and checkout process. Easy to get to and close to everything. The river was amazing to play in, kids and adults will love it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul, 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We’re delighted to hear that you and your daughter enjoyed the river behind the house. It’s one of our favorite features too, and we’re so glad it made your stay even more special. It was a pleasure hosting your family, and we truly appreciate how well you took care of the property. We would love to welcome you back anytime for another relaxing getaway by the river!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The home was cozy and inviting, perfect for me and my husband. Very clean, rooms were decently sized. The beds were comfortable. Loved the large deck overcooking the river! We were close to both Franklin and Highlands. We had a nice stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug, 2026
Thank you for such a wonderful review! Welcome back in the future.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very comfortable
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Jul, 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! It was truly a pleasure hosting you. We sincerely appreciate how thoughtful and considerate you were during you stay. You took excellent care of our home and left it beautiful clean, which means so much for us. Your kindness and generous tip were greatly appreciated as well. You are always welcome back, and we would love to host you again in the future.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had the best time resting and recouping as a family! Everything was beautiful and the river was quiet and so fun to play in from ankle deep to knee deep. Great for kids, small kids, big kids. We had a blast! I will say if you struggle with up hill, it is a big hill you are going up and down. Great for wearing kids out, may be a challenge for elderly. We loved every minute and are so thankful
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug, 2026
Thank you for sharing your photos and experience. Welcome back, we look forward to hosting you again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean room. Excellent location.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jun, 2026
Thank you for your stay! Welcome back to stay in the future.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Overall pretty nice spot and not too far from highlands for outdoor activities. The beds were not too comfortable but we managed.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jun, 2026
look forward to host you again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location close to town. Easy to get in and out to places we wanted to go. Unit is just as described with 2 good sized bedrooms and bathrooms comfortable living room and outside porch spaces to relax. The water view behind the home is gorgeous. Everything you need in a kitchen to cook or reheat food while there. Would definitely choose here to stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jun, 2026
You are such good guests, it was my pleasure to host you.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful retreat

Outstanding place to forget it all
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely getaway

The property was lovely and the owners were very accommodating.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug, 2023
Welcome back to stay in the future!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great time at your place.

Enjoyed this location. The beautiful mountains and leaves of autumn were the best. Thank you very much for sharing your home with us.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Another great trip

Love sitting on the back deck and listening to the river. Property is very close to shopping, grocery store, waterfalls and hiking.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug, 2023
You are one of my favorate guests, thank you so much!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Relaxing getaway

This was our 3rd stay. We love that it’s on the water. It has the feel of being secluded with the bonus of being close to town. We plan on renting this property again in October .
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

We had a great time it was really nice having the keys in the world life come in. However it would’v

Great time and be nice to have access to the River city nature raft.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful River setting

Very peaceful and clean. We really enjoyed sitting on the patio in the mornings and having coffee while enjoying the River and the smoky mountain mornings. Will definitely be going back!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

River view

Convenient location. Easy access. Well equipped for our needs.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Older home but well equipped and very clean. River makes a quaint sray.

Very nice place to stay. Well equipped with most everything needed. Would have lived a TV in the bedroom as we like to relax at night and watch the news. Otherwise-lived our stay. Very local to many small towns in the arwa. Beautiful mountains.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug, 2023
The property was built in 1997, with many upgrades. Prime riverfront location, near waterfalls, with sat tv, wifi, climate controlled hvac, surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Franklyn house

We are all seniors and had a great time. The house was clean and had everything we needed. The only thing was it did not list how steep the yard to the water and picnic tables in the yard was. As seniors we were unable to enjoy the yard. Would stay there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Heaven at Riverdance

Centrally located in the town of Franklin,NC. Beautiful second level home with everything you need for a mountain get away. You are within driving distance of many waterfalls, hiking, whitewater rafting, and we tried zip lining in neighboring Highlands this time and this beautiful home is located down the street from an Alpaca farm a must see. We love the upstairs view. Thank you for our third visit to your lovely home.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023
Archival

8/10 Good

Great location on the river

We enjoyed our stay in the upper unit of the house. It had everything we needed and was perfect for our dogs since there was no carpet. The sliding doors going out to the deck was a nice outdoor area to barbecue or sit and enjoy the river at the back of the property. The only negative was the renters downstairs spent their days on the lower deck and talked constantly, so it was impossible to have peace and quiet on our deck with people underneath us.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug, 2023
Guests are aware that they are booking a unit of a duplex from the start. It is unfair to downgrade the property because they hear others talking from the deck below. We must get 5 star reviews to stay competitive in this market. No other property on the river in this prime location, offers so much at such a low rate.
Archival

6/10 Okay

Nice place. Beautiful river.

The house was nice. Had just about anything u needed. Needs to get rid of the one recliner rocker that's broke and the towels and wash rags needs to be replaced. The main thing that was the worst of the stay was how u had to get to river. the stairs outside was steep and coming off onto and already steep yard was not good. Not suitable for elderly at all to go to river. Need to invest in building a walkway to the river. If that was built in would love to come back
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug, 2023
The listing photos clearly show the stairs. Homes built along a river in the mountains must be elevated to be safe, for the river could rise suddenly in heavy rain. We feel this review is unfair, for the great value received.
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Anniversary Trip

We did enjoy it. There is plenty of room and it’s a relaxing location. Beautiful view of the river. We enjoyed using the fireplace. Had some trouble and needed help figuring out the tv, but once we did we enjoyed the many options. When Yaling came to help with the remote, she was extremely helpful, patient, and very concerned that we were settled in properly. I struggled with the fireplace and she helped with that too. A few things we felt could use updates- The love seat was very stiff and uncomfortable. We didn’t use it. With both beds I felt like we needed to choose the better of the two, neither were that comfortable. We both had some back trouble with sleeping. We decided to cook in most of the time we were there. We brought some of our own utensils and a couple of pans. Some of the stuff in the kitchen was fine to use, but there were a few utensils that were in awful shape and needed to be replaced. Overall we did enjoy it. If some of the outdated stuff was replaced we’d return. For other vacationers that would plan to eat out a lot and don’t have bad backs like we do, these problems wouldn’t be a big deal.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug, 2023
We do our best to offer amazing vacations for folks, offering more amenities than most, in a prime location. All reviews for this property were 5 Stars this year except for this guest. Maybe it rained, and they took it out on the host. They messed with the tv settings, we went there to return it to operation. Plus they needed help on two other things. The pots and pans are stainless steel, not sure why they faulted them. Both beds are fairly new queen size, with excellent mattresses, that most compliment us on. It is unfair to ruin our business with a 3 star review, causing dissatisfaction on both sides with nit-picking. They are not welcome back.
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Best Friends Spring Break Redo

My best friend from high school (almost 40 years) and I planned a Spring Break trip to Western NC. She loves waterfalls and photography but had never been to the Smoky Mountains. Both my maternal and paternal families are from Graham County and I wanted to show her the BEST part of the NC mountains. Right from the beginning, Mike was very accommodating with me in making the reservations for our stay. Our original reservations were for April during Spring Break but with COVID-19 closures, Mike allowed us to reschedule our vacation with full credit before VRBO made the recommendations to property owners. And then... once my friend and I realized that we would probably be returning to our schools earlier than usual in August which would interfere with our August reservations, once again, Mike was very accommodating with our request and changed our reservations for June 18-21. We arrived a little early to the property and Yaling was there finishing up with preparations for our arrival. Yaling is so very sweet and made sure we had everything we needed. She even helped us unload our car! The cottage was adorable and clean. The kitchen had all the utensils, dishes, and appliances you would use in your own home, and the beds were very comfortable, especially after a long day of sightseeing. The owners were available and responded quickly to our questions. Staying at River Dance Lodge was very pleasant and peaceful. It's close enough to the necessities and plenty of things to do and see, but away enough to feel private and restful. I would recommend this property to anyone looking for a vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains. Thank you, Mike and Yaling for being wonderful hosts. I am sure I will be back in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020
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