Cabin

A few Nov/Dec dates are open-Riverfront-Watauga River-Trophy Section.

Waterfront cabin with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for A few Nov/Dec dates are open-Riverfront-Watauga River-Trophy Section.

Located directly on the Watauga River - A fly fisherman's dream location.
Soaring pine ceilings throughout.
Walkway to the river - notice the large flat rock to the right you can walk on
A view to the river from the easy chair
Sitting on the back porch watching the kayakers go by.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 7204.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, East Tennessee State University
  • Place, Johnson City Mall
  • Place, Freedom Hall Civic Center
  • Airport, Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Master Suite

1 King Bed

Mini Master

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Master Bath

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Mini master bath

Toilet · Shower only

Powder Room

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Garden
Dining area

About this property

A few Nov/Dec dates are open-Riverfront-Watauga River-Trophy Section.

The view is pure magic! Just 20 minutes from Bristol and the TriCities Regional Airport. With 2 bedrooms, a loft with a full size bed and a sofa bed and 2.5 bathrooms - the cabin has been thoughtfully positioned to achieve a downriver view of the Watauga River. The view is visible from the front doors to the massive 16 foot stretch of sliding glass back doors. The house is tastefully furnished in an upscale mountain house fashion with custom log and stone accents throughout the interior and exterior of the home. The kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a huge island that seats 4, plus another 6 at the dining room table. This home follows the open concept plan with kitchen, living, and dining open to one another all with comfortable well maintained furnishings. The master bedroom suite is also located downstairs with king-size bed, walk-in closet and full master bath with both jacuzzi and walk-in shower. The upstairs features a large loft living room with full size bed tucked away in the dormer area and sofa bed. There is a 2nd bedroom with adjoining 3 piece bathroom and a small office tucked away in the back of the loft when you just need to get a little work done. There is a full size bed in the loft as mentioned as well as 2 power home theater chairs. There is a large projector screen and projector Roku (Netflix) in the loft. There is a 42 inch TV in the upstairs second bedroom with Roku (Netflix) and a 46" TV in the Living Room equipped with a Roku device. The large 40' x 16' porch is equipped with rocking chairs, outdoor dining table and chairs and a hammock plus the incredible view of the river. Watch the fly fisherman and kayakers navigate their way over the shoals. There is a walkway to the river plus a room size flat rock to fish from on this beautiful trophy section of the river. This cabin has lots of steps and stairs and is NOT recommended for you or those in your party that are not steady on their feet. This cabin serves the guest looking for a more quiet retreat. This house is not recommended for children or pets due to the depth and swiftness of the river at this location but pets are considered and older children are ok - just contact owner. This cabin is within walking distance of the Watauga River Cabins and directly across the river from the Watauga River Lodge and Outfitter. The caretaker lives on the property in a separate dwelling near the road and will verify number and ages of guests for safety concerns as well as the terms of the rental agreement. Free wifi is provided. The cabin is located about 5 miles from I-26 off the HIghway 91 exit. The cabin rests halfway between Johnson City and Elizabethton in the Central Community.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
Due to the depth and swiftness of the river
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
Adult fixed Dogs only. Dogs cannot be left alone.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Older children considered due to the long inside staircase and the swiftness of the river outside. Children must at all times have adult supervision.
Adult altered Dogs only. Dogs must be non - chewers to protect our furnishings. Dogs must always have adult supervision.

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Johnson City

Located in Johnson City, this cabin is on the waterfront. Tipton-Haynes Historic Site and Carter Mansion are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Yee-Haw Brewing Company and Austin Springs Spa & Salon. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Bristol Motor Speedway or Northeast Community Credit Union Ballpark. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Johnson City, TN

What's nearby

  • East Tennessee State University - 14 min drive - 10.7 km
  • Johnson City Mall - 15 min drive - 12.1 km
  • Freedom Hall Civic Center - 15 min drive - 11.2 km
  • Johnson City Medical Center - 17 min drive - 13.7 km
  • Winged Deer Park - 21 min drive - 14.1 km

Getting around

  • Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪By-Lo Market - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Jersey Mike's Subs - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Papa John's Pizza - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A few Nov/Dec dates are open-Riverfront-Watauga River-Trophy Section. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at A few Nov/Dec dates are open-Riverfront-Watauga River-Trophy Section.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A few Nov/Dec dates are open-Riverfront-Watauga River-Trophy Section.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A few Nov/Dec dates are open-Riverfront-Watauga River-Trophy Section. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is steps from Watauga River and within 6 mi (10 km) of Sycamore Shoals State Park and Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Tweetsie Trail Trailhead and Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park are also within 6 miles (10 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. 145 out of 152 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 152 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 152 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 152 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 152 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alec B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property, excellent kitchen, the perfect long weekend getaway
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

mark c.

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

Awesome cabin!

The property is amazing!this was our 4th stay and we will return again
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carl C.

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

Perfect place

Easily the best place we have stayed at out of any vacation rentals. The location was perfect.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

brad h.

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

Beautiful cabin

Cabin was in a great location clean and charming. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher B.

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

Great River Cabin

Enjoyed our stay. Quiet and relaxing. Recommend for anyone wanting a cabin on the river.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Teresa T.

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

Peaceful

We have stayed at a lot of cabins before but I think this is the best. It was a very nice cabin and the location was awesome. We plan to go back again for a family vacation
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Pat S.

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

Our Favorite Spot

We spent another week enjoying the beautiful scenery, the birds, and the sound of the river. The spacious cabin is a perfect gathering place for our family. This will always be our spot in Johnson City. 😊
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher D.

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

Affordable and amazing

We went to TN for Thanksgiving with family (from MD). We came across this place on VRBO. Truly amazing. High end ammenities, spectaular view from the full length back deck, and well appointed interrior made this short stay hard to leave.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul W.

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

Trout fishing with my sons

Absolutely perfect spot for a couple days of fishing and fellowship!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Theresa B.

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

Relax by the River

Beautiful cabin with a wonderful porch that overlooks the river. Fully stocked kitchen made it easy to prepare meals. Great place to unplug and get some much needed rest!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Deborah S.

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

Great vacation!! Strong recommend!

This was a lovely weekend vacation! The house was very nice and clean and Linda was very helpful and communicative. There is no view of the river like this one! We loved the feel of the house, the large kitchen, the fire pit, and the seclusion. We highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Clifford B.

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

Wonderful Get away

The cabin was no less than first class. Very peaceful and relaxing location. I had two young teenagers that wore life jackets every time they when down fishing and appreciate the heads up regarding the swift water. Thanks for sharing your place.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

LuJean B.

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

Beautiful property!

Always a great experience... The view from the large back porch of the Watauga River is lovely and so peaceful! We had a little trouble this time with the stove while cooking, but everything else was picture prefect!😊
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Ruth W.

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

Lovely view

Really nice cabin on a beautiful bend of the Watagua river with a amazing back porch view. Not real private with people within earshot of the home. The lovely view of the river definitely was the best part of the home and I would definitely recommend it.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Megan M.

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

Beautiful Cabin!

Absolutely beautiful cabin with wonderful views and scenery! Pictures honestly do not do it justice. The shower, back porch, and the river view were my favorite. Everything was nearly perfect! Only suggestion I have is adding a TV to the master! Hope to stay again in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jon F.

Move from Alaska

The cabin was the perfect place to stay after our move from Alaska! We enjoyed the peaceful location on the river with convenient access to downtown Johnson City. The master bed was so comfortable!! We spent a lot of time rocking on the porch, sitting by the fire, and watching boats float down the river everyday! The cabin and surrounding area exceeded our expectations. Linda is wonderful to work with! I would highly recommend this place !
Stayed 30 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Tonya H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very well stocked and beautifully decorated cabin. The theme of this vacation was relaxation and that is exactly what we got :)
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda T.

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

Great retreat

The property is beautiful and the host communicates well before the stay with little tips. The river view is amazing and you can see lots of wild life.
River view
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
One of the best places we have stayed. The view and sounds of the river were a joy throughout the day. The beds were very comfortable.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda F.

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

Fishing cabin

The cabin was fantastically done. From the actual building design to the host thinking of everything you may need. It was a lot of steps to the upstairs loft but very nice. We could have used a hand rail on the front steps. The back porch facing the river was wonderful. We would have liked a wire type fencing around the porch for our dog or even for a guests small children.The host was right about the strong current in the river. My husband found he really couldn't fish well.We did enjoy the sound of the water from the porch.The host really did think of anything you may need while in her home.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joe M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, very peaceful!! Located in the country away from the city but not too far away. Hard to describe and express in words what a beautiful place and cabin this is!!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel S.

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

Watauga River Cabin

Amazing stay! Everything was better than expected. The location was ideal and the minute you walk in the front door and see the river rushing through the back yard we knew we were going to enjoy the stay. Everything you can image was available! They even had some drinks/food and firewood to get us started on our stay! Wonderful communication from Laurie as well!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth W.

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

Christmas holiday

Fourth stay at Magic River and the magic lives! No damage from the hurricane here. On a winding huge river but the house sits high and dry on a wooded, windy road in a country setting with a picturesque log cabin perfectly appointed with all the comforts of home. No VRBO kitchen compares!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stefanie W.

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

Great place to relax

This house is so beautiful and relaxing. The beds are very comfortable, and the jacuzzi was a huge plus for me.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Jamie M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful setting

Peaceful setting but, still close enough to town. Sitting on the porch listening to the water soothes the soul. Large kitchen and seating areas enough for groups.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

About the host

Hosted by Linda Davis

Host profile image
We are citrus growers and I am also a college professor who enjoys our occasional stint to come up here and cool off from our hot Florida summers. We also really enjoy the leaf season, and Christmas when it chooses to snow.

Why they chose this property

This unique property has been in the Smalling/Davis family for over 150 years. Our great-grandfather had a sand mine operation (rare for the mountains) in the area and used some of those funds to invest in Florida Orange Groves back in the 1920's. Several generations later, we sold a small bit of our groves in Florida to build this cabin for our future retirement house. We love Florida but we really love Tennessee and this special place on the river. We hope you enjoy it and treasure it as much as we do.

What makes this property unique

From a fly fisherman's perspective - you can walk down the walkway to a huge flat rock - almost 20 ft. in length (room size) that creates the perfect perch in which to fly fish from plus the river is tremendously calming - just watch out for the trees with your fishing line. If you are not a fisherman - just know that sitting on the porch is a fine hobby and you will be so content to watch the river go by.

Languages:

English

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