A River Runs Through It Quaint cabin on Watauga River with Hot Tub Perfect quiet getaway
"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it." - Norman Maclean
New gap special prices for ski season!
With the Watauga River just outside the home, you'll be continuously enveloped by the grounding drum of flowing waters. Please be advised that a long-term road widening project is currently underway nearby. As a result, construction activity may also be audible during your stay.
The Watauga River begins its 60 mile journey on the northern slopes of Grandfather Mountain and flows generally north and west into Watauga Lake on the North Carolina/ Tennessee border. The word "Watauga" is derived from the Cherokee word "Watagi" meaning "beautiful waters" or "whispering waters." This dynamic riparian zone is actually a migration corridor for many varieties of fish, birds and animals and plays a significant role in preserving biodiversity.
During good weather you can explore the river or try your luck at catching a variety of trout such as brook, brown or rainbow. This section of the Watauga River is now privately stocked and is exceptional for fly fishing! ALL fishing is single artificial lure, catch & release only (no live or scented baits or corn please). Fly fishing guide services are available upon request. When it rains, the river rises and the kayakers come out to shoot the rapids.
A River Runs Through It is situated on 2.75 acres with the Watauga River running through the center of the property. The cabin was built of hand-hewn hemlock from Washington State and pine paneling from Watauga County. Access to the property is a tree-lined gravel road that was once a portion of the railroad bed of the Western North Carolina- East Tennessee Railroad.
A circular driveway winds around Rhododendron and welcomes you to A River Runs Through It. On the covered entrance deck you will find plenty of rocking chairs and a limited stack of firewood.
This cabin provides a cozy feeling with hand-hewn hemlock logs and beams, leather furniture, oak floors, area rugs and a stone fireplace with firewood provided. Original artwork and pottery along with track lighting with dimmers accent the main level. A surround sound TV/DVD/CD system with streaming services and SlingTV for regular programming and high speed wireless internet provide entertainment. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. One bedroom with a king size bed, flat screen TV and a full bath with a granite top double sink vanity and Jacuzzi tub complete this floor inside.
Upstairs you will find a large bedroom furnished with antiques, quilts and a flat screen TV, along with another full bath, and the air hockey game room with a Queen sized air mattress tucked in the closet. A cell booster has been added to the home for enhanced cell reception.
Step from the kitchen onto the new deck and use the grill, table and chairs to dine on the river; or enjoy the six-person Hot Springs spa with moto-massage and a fountain. Stairs lead from the deck to the river. Outside is a fire pit for guests to enjoy, as well.
A River Runs Through It is conveniently located near a main artery that connects the ski slopes of Avery County with the exceptional antique shops of Foscoe with the rich history of Valle Crucis with the great dining and entertainment of Boone and Blowing Rock. Several whitewater and fishing guide services are also located nearby.
****** NOTE ****** With the Watauga River just outside the home, you'll be continuously enveloped by the grounding drum of flowing waters. Please be advised that a long-term road widening project is currently underway nearby. As a result, construction activity may also be audible & visible during your stay.
-Guests returning to A River Runs Through It may have a 10% discount, not to be combined with other discounts to the rent. - All BRMR homes offer well stocked kitchens with all utensils needed to cook meals. There is also a "starter set" of paper products at the house: a roll of toilet paper per bath, several garbage bags, a small vial of dishwashing liquid, a few tablets of dishwasher detergent, some laundry pods, a roll of paper towels, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and some makeup remover cloths. There are enough of these items for one night, or maybe two. We do not provide hair dryers. Towels and linens will be provided. - Check in is after 4pm and Checkout is by 10am - Must be at least 25 years old to reserve. This person is required to be the person signing the agreement and must be one of the persons staying in the property for the reserved dates. - No smoking inside the home. No trace of smoking left outside the home. - Do not leave food or trash outside as it could attract animals. All trash must be bagged and placed in the trash receptacle indicated in the Welcome Book inside the house or your digital guidebook. - Please note that the distances shown on VRBO's map feature are measured in a straight line rather than actual road travel distances and times. We cannot change their setting for this, and encourage all guests to independently verify distances to desired destinations - No parties or gatherings above the posted occupancy allowed at any time. Keep outside noise respectable. - 4WD/AWD and/or chains recommended during winter (Nov-March) for all homes. Travelers visiting during the winter months where inclement weather may be possible should come prepared with an AWD or 4WD vehicle, and chains may also be required if it snows. No refunds, allowances, or date changes will be given to travelers who are not prepared with the proper vehicle, as outlined in the Rental Agreement. - This home allows up to 4 mature, well-trained dogs with an additional pet rent of $25.00 per pet per night plus tax. Pets other than dogs are not permitted.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Bookings canceled within 24 hours of their creation will receive a full refund of payments. Bookings canceled more than 24 hours after their creation are not entitled to a refund unless the reservation dates are rebooked to another guest. All bookings are subject to a $50 cancellation fee
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Vilas
Located in Vilas, this cabin is near theme parks and on the waterfront. Sugar Mountain Resort and Foggy Mountain Gem Mine 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 ice skating and sledging.
Appalachian State University - 10 min drive - 9.1 km
Sugar Mountain Resort - 20 min drive - 17.3 km
Grandfather Mountain - 26 min drive - 23.6 km
Getting around
Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional) - 95 min drive
Restaurants
Rivers Street Ale House - 9 min drive
The Social - 10 min drive
South End Brewing - Boone - 10 min drive
Circle K - 6 min drive
Appalachia Cookie Company - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is A River Runs Through It Quaint cabin on Watauga River with Hot Tub Perfect quiet getaway pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at A River Runs Through It Quaint cabin on Watauga River with Hot Tub Perfect quiet getaway?
As of 10 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A River Runs Through It Quaint cabin on Watauga River with Hot Tub Perfect quiet getaway on 15 June 2026 start from AU$308, 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 A River Runs Through It Quaint cabin on Watauga River with Hot Tub Perfect quiet getaway?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at A River Runs Through It Quaint cabin on Watauga River with Hot Tub Perfect quiet getaway?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at A River Runs Through It Quaint cabin on Watauga River with Hot Tub Perfect quiet getaway?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is A River Runs Through It Quaint cabin on Watauga River with Hot Tub Perfect quiet getaway located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is steps from Watauga River and within 3 mi (5 km) of Foggy Mountain Gem Mine and Hound Ears Golf Club. Alta Vista Gallery and B & B and The Greater Foscoe Mining Co. are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The cabin was not cozy smelt like fire place the whole visit very dark and not secluded heard the neighbors the whole time and highway 105 75 Yards away couldn’t hear anything but the traffic
Tammy H.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 May 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry the cabin did not meet your expectations. Mountain cabins with wood-burning fireplaces can occasionally retain a light fireplace scent, especially during colder months, but we understand sensitivities can vary. While the home is surrounded by other mountain properties and located with convenient access to Highway 105, many guests do enjoy the location and atmosphere. We appreciate you sharing your experience and will keep your comments in mind moving forward. - BRMR
The cabin was cozy and I appreciated the open living room/dining room/kitchen concept so we could all gather together.
Amber Y.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Jamey W.
6 Apr 2026
Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Listing accuracy
The cabin was dark and smokey. Some of the lamps didn't work. Pictures are deceiving due to a very noisy highway just across the river.
Jamey W.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Apr 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We have taken steps to ensure the listing more accurately reflects the location across the river from the highway. It is common for a woodburning fireplace to leave a lingering woodsmoke smell in a cabin, and we will check the lighting as well. We hope you will consider staying with us in the future. - BRMR
We stayed in this cabin for a special family getaway and to celebrate Thanksgiving 2025. The cabin is spacious, lovely and cozy. The beds are comfortable. The living room and kitchen are large. My kids enjoyed the hot tub. The views from the back porch are amazing. The river is beautiful, but we couldn't enjoy it because it was freezing cold during our stay. We hope to return during the summer to enjoy the river. The cabin is basically close to everything: Blowing Rock, Boone, and Grandfather Mountain, etc. It's a great location. Our favorite restaurant was "Mexican Rock," and it is located in Blowing Rock. Thank you for having us; we had a wonderful time. -Mendozas.
Mendoza F.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Dec 2025
Thank you so much! We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay, and we love your photos! We'd love to have you visit anytime! - BRMR
The cabin was a bit dark. Very thick dust under the downstairs bed but management came and cleaned it right away. (We didn’t want our dog getting into that.) Would recommend new living room couch. But overall, enjoyed our stay.
Trish R.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Sept 2025
Thank you for your feedback! We hope you enjoyed your stay overall, and we've shared your feedback with our team. Our customer care team will be reaching out to discuss your stay further, and we'd love to have you visit anytime! - BRMR
We loved our stay. The cabin was perfect. Best of both worlds - remote and private, but quick access to many things to do. Our favorite part was morning coffee on the back deck with the sounds of the rushing river!
Larry H.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2022
Thank you so much! We'd love to have you back anytime! - BRMR
We loved our stay at the cabin !!! It was so relaxing 😊 our favorite part was the river. We enjoyed it everyday, spending most of our time gazing at it. Would love to visit again someday.
angela g.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 July 2022
Thank you so much! We'd love to have you back again! - BRMR
We absolutely loved our stay. The view and the sound of the river was mesmerizing and relaxing.
Two king size bedrooms with their own bathrooms was excellent.
Lisa M.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2021
Thank you so much! We are so glad you enjoyed your getaway! We'd love to have you back again! - BRMR
Great Getaway! The cabin was just like it was advertised. It was very clean and the view was amazing. We enjoyed siting on the deck relaxing and fishing in the river. We would definitely recommend this cabin.
Tanya T.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Apr 2021
Thank you! We are so glad you had a relaxing getaway! We'd love to have you back again! - BRMR
This was a great cabin for us and our two boys 8 and 10 years.
We had a great time hiking at nearby places. While at the cabin the boys loved jumping rocks on the river, playing air hockey and making a fire. The hot tub was great too! Cabin was clean and had many amenities. We would stay there again!
Shannon B.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar 2021
Thank you! We are so glad that everyone had a great vacation! We'd love to have you back again! - BRMR
We love this cabin. Absolutely enjoyed our stay again this year. We were able to disconnect and relax while listening to the river flowing over the rocks. We'll be back next year.
shawn y.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 July 2023
Thank you so much! We love having returning guests, and we are so glad you have had great experiences! We'd love to have you back anytime! - BRMR
Great family vacation. Loved the home. Quaint. Comfortable. Close to good restaurants and activities.
James L.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Nov 2022
Thank you! Please come back anytime! - BRMR
About the host
Hosted by Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals
This home is managed by Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals is the High Country's leading vacation rental company. Our mission is to be a respite for thousands of guests each year from their hectic lives. Founded in 2002, we have succeeded with a singular mission: We strive to treat all homeowners, guests, and co-workers with the utmost care and respect. We truly care about all guests because we know that most endure stressful lives back home, and they cherish the times that they can escape to a restful haven in these beautiful North Carolina mountains. Let our team help you find the perfect vacation getaway!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests