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Escape to nature with this pet-friendly, family retreat just 15 minutes from Highlands! Perfect for hiking, relaxation, and playtime with the kids. Utilize the outdoor firepit, indoor fireplace and the playhouse in the side yard full of games!

Photo gallery for Escape to nature with this pet-friendly, family retreat just 15 minutes from Highlands! Perfect for hiking, relaxation, and playtime with the kids. Utilize the outdoor firepit, indoor fireplace and the playhouse in the side yard full of games!

What is a visit to the mountains without a private firepit
Sit back make some hot chocolate or popcorn and watch some Netflix!
Enjoy those morning with coffee or evenings with wine or beer with these porch views
Did someone say "coffee?" Yes, please!
This bathroom, we love it and hope you love it too.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 61100 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds and 1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Escape to nature with this pet-friendly, family retreat just 15 minutes from Highlands! Perfect for hiking, relaxation, and playtime with the kids. Utilize the outdoor firepit, indoor fireplace and the playhouse in the side yard full of games!

Get away to our peaceful mountain retreat, perfect for families, pets, and nature lovers. Located just minutes from outdoor adventures, our home offers two cozy bedrooms, a full kitchen, an updated bathroom, and a spacious deck with a swing and sitting area. And for the kids, we've added a charming playhouse to make their stay extra special!

Key Features:
5min Mountain Coaster & Tubing at Highlands Outpost
12min from Downtown Highlands
20min from Downtown Clayton
Perfect location for wineries

We’re just a text away and are committed to fast responses. Should you need any assistance, we have local support available for emergencies. Self-check-in is provided for your convenience.

Nestled between Highlands and Clayton, the Scaly Mountain Cottage is minutes from top dining, shopping, and outdoor activities like horseback riding, zip-lining, and hiking. Enjoy country charm with modern amenities, perfect for your mountain getaway.

Guests have full access to the home, including a private entrance with a code provided before your arrival.

Relax in this centrally located retreat, 10-15 minutes from both Highlands and Dillard. Breathe in the fresh mountain air while lounging on the furnished front porch, then gather around the firepit for stargazing. Nearby, explore waterfalls and hiking trails.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE DIRECTIONS BELOW, AS THEY WILL HELP YOU AVOID CONFUSION UPON ARRIVAL.

When you arrive, drive up the BACK DRIVEWAY (this is the SECOND DRIVEWAY on the right). Look for the REFLECTIVE POLE to help guide you.

Once you reach the SPLIT in the road, TAKE A RIGHT. Your destination will be the first house on the RIGHT. There will be clear signs with the house number to direct you.

When leaving, DO NOT USE THE BACK DRIVEWAY that you came in on. Instead, drive down the FRONT DRIVEWAY (directly in front of the house). Please note, the FRONT DRIVEWAY is steeper, but it is a ONE-WAY only.

IMPORTANT: Ensure you have the location PLUGGED INTO YOUR GPS before you arrive. Cell service can be spotty in the area, so it’s important to have your map ready. Once you arrive, CONNECT TO THE WIFI for better service.

We offer Starlink Internet for the best connection available in the mountains, but please note that weather can occasionally cause interruptions. Rest assured, we’ll do our best to get it back up as quickly as possible.

This is the perfect spot to relax after a day of hiking or wine tasting. Please note that cell service can be spotty, so we recommend connecting to the Wi-Fi upon arrival!

The bathroom is stocked with hotel-size essentials, including soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Guests must obey all posted signs
Please bring your own firewood and/or charcoal if applicable
$50 fee per hour for late check-out. Please do not be late to check out, unless discussed and approved by host

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
Parties and events are allowed on site
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Scaly Mountain

Located in Scaly Mountain, this holiday home is in a rural area. The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts and Highlands Playhouse are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Andy's Trout Farm and Highlands Biological Station. Travelling with kids? Consider Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts and Ruby City Gems & Minerals.
View more Holiday homes in Scaly MountainOpens in a new window
Map
Scaly Mountain, NC

What's nearby

  • Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Lake Burton - 35 min drive - 41.4 km
  • Tallulah Gorge State Park - 41 min drive - 49.6 km
  • Lake Jocassee - 56 min drive - 62.9 km
  • Western Carolina University - 59 min drive - 64.3 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 99 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Siam Thai Cuisine - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Blue Hound Barbecue - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪The Dillard House - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Julep Farms - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Valley Cafe - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Escape to nature with this pet-friendly, family retreat just 15 minutes from Highlands! Perfect for hiking, relaxation, and playtime with the kids. Utilize the outdoor firepit, indoor fireplace and the playhouse in the side yard full of games! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Escape to nature with this pet-friendly, family retreat just 15 minutes from Highlands! Perfect for hiking, relaxation, and playtime with the kids. Utilize the outdoor firepit, indoor fireplace and the playhouse in the side yard full of games!?

As of 31 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Escape to nature with this pet-friendly, family retreat just 15 minutes from Highlands! Perfect for hiking, relaxation, and playtime with the kids. Utilize the outdoor firepit, indoor fireplace and the playhouse in the side yard full of games! on 29 May 2026 start from AU$236, 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 Escape to nature with this pet-friendly, family retreat just 15 minutes from Highlands! Perfect for hiking, relaxation, and playtime with the kids. Utilize the outdoor firepit, indoor fireplace and the playhouse in the side yard full of games!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Escape to nature with this pet-friendly, family retreat just 15 minutes from Highlands! Perfect for hiking, relaxation, and playtime with the kids. Utilize the outdoor firepit, indoor fireplace and the playhouse in the side yard full of games!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Escape to nature with this pet-friendly, family retreat just 15 minutes from Highlands! Perfect for hiking, relaxation, and playtime with the kids. Utilize the outdoor firepit, indoor fireplace and the playhouse in the side yard full of games!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Escape to nature with this pet-friendly, family retreat just 15 minutes from Highlands! Perfect for hiking, relaxation, and playtime with the kids. Utilize the outdoor firepit, indoor fireplace and the playhouse in the side yard full of games! located?

This family-friendly Scaly Mountain holiday home is located in a rural location, within 1 mi (2 km) of Nantahala National Forest and Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center. Fisher Lake and Highlands Aerial Park are also within 3 miles (5 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. 17 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Was a good value decent home for the money The 5 stars is the nice touches and communication from the owner. It’s an older home like many in the area but would stay again
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff G.

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

Great spot

Great spot, extra clean and close to Highlands. We’ll definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica H.

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

Sweet getaway spot!

This property was just perfect for our family of 5! It had everything we needed. Beautiful grounds, cozy home, and great location!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allison R.

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

Would love to stay here again!

We not only loved the property and house (perfect outdoor space for our two dogs too), but the host was very kind and responsive. Place is super clean, well equipped and truly a 5-star place. I’d highly recommend this peaceful and cozy getaway.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rita M.

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

Fall Leaf colors ! !

We wanted to be somewhere quiet, and this fits the bill !! We enjoyed our trip and the propertie’s charm !
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert L. W.

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

Scaley Mountain

Absolutely beautiful house and grounds. Very quite and relaxing., the house was fully stocked with all the amenities .Could not of enjoyed our relaxing stay more if i tryed.We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patricia R.

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

Wedding weekend with friends

Perfect location for the weekend celebrating at the winery for our friends wedding… Lovely little cottage in the woods, our host could not have been more accommodating and friendly with his communications. A great experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edward T.

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

Great Time!

What a great spot Kemper has in Scaly Mountain! We attended a wedding at The Vineyard at High Holly and his home is 5 minutes away! Perfect setting for a relaxing stay. We will be back and thanks Kemper for opening your home to us!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teresa A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The best dog friendly rental we have stayed in so far. The house was clean, the beds comfortable, nicely updated and the rustic decor charming. Scaly mountain is between Highlands NC and Dillard Ga, so close enough either way to enjoy shopping and restaurants but rural enough to feel like you live in the country. Lots of dog friendly hiking trails nearby. Loved the front porch with its swing and cool evenings, and the fire pit. Definitely recommend.
Firepit
Glen falls trail
21Spies Winery
Dry Falls
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brittany S.

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

Charming house.

The house was very charming. We had no issues with the cleanliness of the property. The house was decorated beautifully. It was also a nice location. Private & secluded but only a short drive to Highlands!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

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

Peaceful

Great place to relax after running around looking at waterfalls and shopping. Kids loved collecting acorns and wrestling on the grass. Owner was accommodating and responsive to any minor issues. Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ross M.

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

Great stay in Scaly Mountain

The cabin is well appointed with a great porch. We appreciated the hosts flexibility. Having our name on the board out front made it more relaxing coming in after dark and knowing we'd found the right house. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stella V.

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

A slice of heaven

Everything about this reservation was perfect… from the host and his super personable approach, to the meticulously clean and chic cabin… the snacks, coffee and s’mores added to the atmosphere and experience… also, I must say, location, location, location! It doesn’t get better than this.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brett W.

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

Quaint and quiet

This mountain cabin has been updated and was clean and well stocked on our arrival. Very quiet area and close to family that we were visiting. The driveway is a bit steep so the 4x4 came in handy, but it's the mountains so not unusual for the area. Internet service is a bit spotty and not 'high speed' but again - that's normal for the area. We will look to stay here again for our next visit to the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H.

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

Exceptional Retreat!

We stayed at this cozy house the weekend before Valentine’s to attend a wedding in Highlands. Everything as described was to a T! Plenty of kitchen supplies for additional people. Attention to detail such as the basket of goodies to make s’mores (unfortunately it was rainy and cold) and other snacks. We loved the coffee bar, too! The porch is so welcoming as you enter the home. I can’t say enough about our stay other than I wish we could’ve stayed longer and the weather had been more cooperative.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley B.

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

SUPER Clean and welcoming

My family of 5 with three young adult boys and our dog, loved our stay at this property. The place was spotless, I mean CRAZY clean. The host had a ton of coffee, creamers and snacks set out for us. Also, plenty of paper towels, dishwasher detergent, and even toilet paper. The owner was super communicative and responded quickly to my messages. Make sure you hit Mud Creek trail to see the waterfall. This place may not have a scenic view, but we enjoyed playing games at the big dining table and the fire pit outside! Great post Christmas get away!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

About the host

Hosted by Kemper Turner

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

The Scaly Mountain Cottage is located just 15-20 minutes from charming Downtown Highlands and Historic Clayton where you will find the most sought after restaurants, upscale shopping and the popular Dillard House. Horseback riding, zip lining and many other activities can also be found just a few minutes from the cabin. Experience country charm with all of today's modern amenities.

What makes this property unique

This home is centrally located about 10-15 minutes from Highlands and Dillard ensuring that you will always have things to do or just stay and enjoy your relaxing mountain getaway! Enjoy the fresh mountain air from your furnished front porch, and then gather around the firepit out in the yard and watch the stars come out. Plenty of local hiking and waterfalls to see while in the area.

Languages:

English

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