Cabin

Waterfalls in your Backyard on Watauga River with Hot Tub

Photo gallery for Waterfalls in your Backyard on Watauga River with Hot Tub

Enjoy the serene sounds of Mountain bliss, as you relax in our basket swings!!
Enjoy the beautiful landscape and flowers on level land and lots of parking!
Fire pit with wood usually provided!
Backyard image.
Gas grill with gas provided.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
7 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 18

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool on site
  • Garage parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Banner Elk, NC
  • Place, Watauga River
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Grandfather Mountain State Park
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Grandfather Mountain
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

7 bedrooms (sleeps 18)

Downstairs: Bedroom #5

3 Single Beds

Downstairs Basement Futon

1 Double Futon

Downstairs Bedroom #4

1 Queen Bed

Guest House: Bedroom #6

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Guest House: Bedroom #7

1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

Guest House Pull-out

1 Double Futon

Main Level: Bedroom #1 Master

1 King Bed

Main Level: Bedroom #2

1 King Bed

Main Level: Bedroom #3

1 Queen Bed

4 bathrooms

Downstairs: Bathroom #3

Toilet · Shower only

Guest House: Bathroom #4

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Main level: Bathroom #2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Main Level Master: Bathroom #1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Waterfalls in your Backyard on Watauga River with Hot Tub

Wake up to the sound of private, backyard waterfalls and later unwind in your Hot Tub or at your custom fire pit under the stars. This rare riverfront retreat between Boone & Banner Elk is designed for large families and multi-generational groups to spread out, reconnect, and actually enjoy time together.

Multi-Generational | Family-Friendly | Group Rental

7-Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | Guest House | Sleeps 18

Hot Tub | Fire Pit | Watauga River

Dog Friendly ($75/dog) | 3 Kitchens

ADDITIONAL AMENITIES:
WiFi, Big Satellite TV & Fireplaces ... ✔
DVDs, A/C, W/D & Gas Grill ... ✔
Keurig + Drip Coffee Makers ... ✔
Two Decks, Hanging Chairs, Outdoor Dining ... ✔
Location, Location, Location ... ✔

- Prime Location
5 minutes to Grocery Stores, Restaurants, Gravity Roller Coaster & High Ropes Course
5 miles to Sugar Mountain, Snow Tubing & Ziplines
15 minutes to both Boone & Banner Elk
Central, close to all outdoor activities!

- Room to Spread Out (Sleeps Up to 18)
Unlike most cabins, this property is designed for multi-generational comfort, not just capacity.
✔ Main Level (easy access, minimal stairs)
– 3 Bedrooms: King + King + Queen
✔ Lower Level (separated living space)
– 2 Bedrooms: 3 Twin beds + Queen + futon
✔ Private Guest House (connected via breezeway)
– 2 Bedrooms: Queen + Twin & Double + Twin & Futon

- The Experience

Tucked along the Watauga River with your own backyard waterfalls and pond, this one-of-a-kind cabin blends natural beauty with space to truly gather.

Start your mornings with coffee on the deck with plenty of outdoor seating listening to the water, spend your days exploring Boone, Banner Elk, Blowing Rock or Sugar Mountain, and wind down around the fire pit or in the hot tub under the stars.

Whether it’s a family reunion, multiple families traveling together, or a ski trip with friends—this place was built for it:

✔ 3 Kitchens (yes, really) → perfect for multiple families (18 guests and only 1 fridge? No thanks!)
✔ Multi-Generational Layout (3 closed off areas to be loud and stay up late)

- WHAT MAKES RIVER FALLS DIFFERENT:
Private waterfalls + pond in your backyard (rare)
Direct riverfront access on the Watauga River
Separate spaces for kids, parents & grandparents
Acreage + room to roam (not a tight cabin lot)
Hot tub + Fire Pit for nightly hangouts

- PERFECT FOR:
Multi-generational families
Elders (minimal steps in and main floor bedrooms)
2–4 families traveling together
Ski trips (5 miles to Sugar Mountain)
Groups that want space + privacy, not just beds
Families seeking a prime, central location

- AMENITIES THAT MATTER:
Hot tub overlooking nature
Fire pit for evening gatherings
Fast WiFi + streaming
Multiple living areas
Game table for kids & adults
Gas Grill + Fireplaces + Hanging Chairs
Easy access + parking

- WHY GUESTS LOVE & RETURN TO RIVER FALLS!
This isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a place where:
Kids can play while adults relax
Grandparents have easy access spaces
Everyone can gather… and still have privacy

So many reasons to book and why groups rebook.

Welcome to River Falls Lodge, a fully renovated Watauga River Mountain Lodge located in the upscale Glens of Grandfather community in Banner Elk, North Carolina. With Grandfather Mountain as your backdrop (seasonal views), you will be just 10 minutes to downtown Banner Elk NC and 15 minutes to downtown Boone NC. Just a short drive to Blowing Rock right up the Blue Ridge Parkway! Located on the Watauga River, with waterfalls directly outside your back door, almost an arm's reach from your private hot tub, this group rental lodge could not be a better location or have a better scripted setting for your family and friends.

Your vacation home features a full 7 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms. There will be plenty of space for your family to spread out, but also enjoy each other's company with over 3700+ square feet of living space indoors and even more space outdoors! Watauga River frontage (it's a hike down to the river through brush) whose sounds will tickle your ears and make lasting mountain memories and core family memories.

If the core multi-generational layout doesn't sell this cabin, the outdoor space will - the breezeway separating the main house from the guest house, multi-level decks, covered and uncovered, enjoy the outdoor dining spaces, hanging chairs, a gas grill, plenty of outdoor seating, a family-friendly firepit, and the family-size hot tub.

ACCESSIBILITY:
Inside: There are a few steps into the cabin with bedrooms on the main floor.
Driving: As good as you will find year-round as the community takes very good care of the roads, and we are located off a state-maintained road, but we will always recommend 4x4 during the peak winter months and recommend parking at the top of the driveway if major snow is coming.

For a limited time, families will be allowed to rent Waterfall Lodge for only 3 nights!

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A PARTY HOUSE. WE SIT IN A DESIRABLE, LUXURY MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY WITH A 9PM CURFEW. THIS IS THE ONLY SHORT TERM RENTAL ALLOWED IN THE COMMUNITY! PLEASE KEEP QUIET OUTSIDE AFTER 9PM OR SIMPLY TAKE THE FUN INSIDE :)

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

About the area

Banner Elk

Located in Banner Elk, this cabin is near theme parks and on the waterfront. Sugar Mountain Resort and Grandfather Vineyard & Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Grandfather Mountain and Grandfather Mountain State Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Kidd Brewer Stadium or Holmes Convocation Center. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledging and ice skating.
Map
Banner Elk, NC

What's nearby

  • Watauga River - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Grandfather Mountain State Park - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Sugar Mountain Resort - 5 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Grandfather Mountain - 17 min drive - 17.2 km
  • Appalachian State University - 24 min drive - 21.0 km

Getting around

  • Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional) - 85 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Banner Elk Cafe - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Blink Elk Tap Room - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Town Tavern of Banner Elk - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Kettell Beerworks - ‬12 min drive

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. 101 out of 122 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 122 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 122 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 122 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 122 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was beautiful and location was good
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2026
So happy we met expectations and you enjoyed your stay in Banner Elk! The location is "excellent" in our humble opinion, you are literally in between both Boone and Banner Elk, near all the High Country has to offer :)
Verified

8/10 Good

Denise B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The surroundings were beautiful.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2026
So happy you all enjoyed your Christmas stay and had a White Christmas! We know all the snow can make activities difficult! For anyone reading this, be prepared to get potentially snowed in!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family had a wonderful time!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2026
So happy you guys had such a good time! We know having the guest house and the lower level living area was a big bonus for your big group! We love sharing our group rental near Banner Elk!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kalee t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location was great! The kids had places to explore on the property. Definetly plenty of room for large families. Very happy with the host and home.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Dec 2025
We love being the #1 option for multi-generational stays, it is really what sets us apart! Let the kids stay up late (or the parents for that matter!) So happy you were happy and had such a great stay at our Banner Elk vacation rental!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent property that allowed the entire family to stay in one place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept 2025
We love being such a multi-generational space for families. Multiple sleeping arrangements, multiple gathering areas, inside AND outside! We just work so well for extended families to all be under one roof! Thanks for pointing that out :)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family and I truly had a wonderful and comfortable stay! It was such a heartfelt experience, and we can't wait to book again in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept 2025
So happy you had such a heart-felt stay in the mountains, it really is a magical spot with plenty of space - we do hope to see you guys again in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic location, and hearing the waterfall was so relaxing. We had 4 families, and with 8 adults and 9 kids it worked very well for us. The hot tub was clean and worked well, which was very fun for the kids!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our second time staying here. We love this property. I love sitting on the deck and watching/listening to the stream. The hot tub area is great also. There is plenty of room for our large family. The house is very clean and well stocked.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Oct 2025
Love seeing the same faces, its such a testament to this Watauga River Cabin Rental and its location! Less than 15 minutes to both Boone and Banner Elk, 5 minutes to two grocery stores, etc. Its just a super-easy, multi-generational banner Elk vacation rental! And we do try to keep her stocked well for guests and especially clean!!!
Verified

6/10 Okay

Vanice C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Check in was easy. We eat out a lot but kitchen was very adequate for our needs. Everyone enjoyed weekend.
Enjoying local outing.
Fallings and yard near back deck.
Gold mining.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Oct 2025
Vanice, we are confused why you would tell us what a great stay you had, that you are anxious to return with the family again, upload photos of your family and the property and then score us a 6 out of 10, which is pretty much an F-rating. An F-rating should be reserved for cabins with cleanliness issues or broken amenities or check-in issues or neighbor issues or mis-advertisements. None of which you had? No issue, no complaints, no calls or emails or requests? Do you just not know how ratings work or was this score just an accident because it is literally damaging to our business. This is so incredibly frustrating and hurtful. If I were to accidently leave a bad review, I would do everything in my power to reverse it and you have not responded with any explanation to try to make this make any sense.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Corrie B.

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

Great Home & Great Location

Home worked out perfectly for our family and was in a great location close to all the winter activities! Host was very helpful with any questions we had. Looking to hopefully rent again once we get dates aligned!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 June 2025
So happy we were a perfect fit for your family, we truly are the best for multi-generational families with spaces to gather and be quiet and be loud all over :)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dan B.

Great location !

Great family vacation home! Plenty of room, good amenities!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nathan L.

Great stay

Amazing views, wonderfully kept property, and great accommodations!! Thanks for a relaxing weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wedna S.

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

Very good property and so close to the sugar mountain ski resort

Very good experience on this property me and my family enjoyed every single moment.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin C.

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

Perfect Stay

House holds a lot of people very well and is surrounded by great views and beauty. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jan 2024
We hope to see you again, and love that you felt like you had so much space inside AND outside River Falls!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandy G.

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

Great weekend getaway

Great location with beautiful views! Love waking up to the sound of the water.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda G.

Property was clean & house well laid out for family needs

Excellent location for day trips & the house was great for our family. We had a wonderful time.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David D.

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

Great Snowtubing Weekend

Had a group of family and friends from Raleigh, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem to all go snowtubing at Hawksnest. The place was very clean and plenty of room for all of us! Beautiful lot and close to so much in this area. Definitely recommend this rental!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 June 2025
So happy you all had a great weekend of snow tubing! I am sure the kids all had a blast (adults too!)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

olivia a.

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

Was peaceful beautiful and tranquil

House great For large Families, Plenty of space, lots to do.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jan 2024
We ARE great for large parties, multiple families and/or multi-generational visits! So happy you had plenty of space and kept busy making mountain memories!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy H.

Beautiful location and wonderful house

Well equipped, beautiful views of waterfall! Great house, big enough for everyone.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courteney R.

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

Great family get away

We had a large group and were all comfortable. The house was close to everything we wanted to do and the amenities at the house were great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
Courteney, so happy that River Falls exceeded your expectations! Do plan your next trip soon :)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Caroline G.

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

Great Family Trip!

Our family had a wonderful time in Banner Elk! The home was convenient to area attractions, provided us with plenty of space and the kids had a blast in the hot tub. The home was clean and we hope to be back again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Oct 2022
Location, location, location and cleanliness, cleanliness, cleanliness for the win!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tonya D.

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

Family Vacation

It was a great experience. The property was beautiful and accommodated our family number of 16 well. Ages 70-2. Would highly recommend as a place to stay. Very clean and conveniently located to shops and attractions.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jan 2025
Ages 70 to 2 and everyone had a good time! Thats why we love wide age groups, something for everyone and everyone srtill together.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynn A.

Family getaway

We needed a place to stay for our family to stay for our son’s graduation. The place was perfect! It had a lot of space both inside and out for our family to enjoy.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

genia l.

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

Awesome!!

Loved our stay!! Plenty of room and any questions or issues were addressed promptly!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christy P.

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

Excellent

Our stay was excellent! The house was perfect for families with kids, the setting is gorgeous and April was easy to communicate with. We definitely hope to rent again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

Go further with the Stayz app

  • Easily message your host
  • Access, share and manage your trip
  • Earn OneKeyCash on holiday rentals
Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app
QR code to download the app