Entire cabin

Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise!

Photo gallery for Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise!

Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, foosball
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel crib, free WiFi
Interior
Property grounds
Exterior
Welcome to our cozy riverfront cabin, ideal for 1 or 2 families seeking a relaxing getaway. With stairs leading up to the main level, this retreat features comfortable sleeping arrangements for up to 4 adults with kids and teens in tow. Enjoy quality time with loved ones and unplug from the world.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire cabin

2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 6194 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Gym
  • Dryer

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise!


Sleeping arrangements--3 queen beds (2 queens in loft, 1 queen on main level), 2 sets twin bunks sleep 4, + 1 addn. twin lower level)

Our cabin is ideal for 1 or 2 families, and comfortable for up to 4 adults with kids, teens, and tweens. This is our personal property and is a labor of love. We do our best to build relationships with repeat guests who become friends for life. This cabin caters to families seeking time to unplug. We take pride in keeping our property maintained and enjoy recommending activities to help you make special memories. We are often asked about the following--stairs, proximity to the river, and traffic on the road in front of cabin. We do have stairs leading up to the main level. If stairs are a problem for anyone in your party, our cabin may not be the best for your relaxation and enjoyment. We are also not set up for large parties. The best fit is for 1 or two families, or a smaller group of adults looking for a weekend getaway. Our cabin is riverfront, and the river is just a few steps away from the cabin. The road directly in front of our cabin is a private gravel road with very little traffic. The location of our cabin is private, not secluded.

We would be delighted to help you plan your trip. Ask us for suggestions!

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Heated pool
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Foosball table
  • Gym
  • Heated pool
  • Optional golf privileges
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 2,085 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total pets
Note from host: NO cats, small dogs flea and tick up to date

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Onsite 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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Shady River Retreat Your Riverside Paradise Cabin Ellijay
Shady River Retreat Your Riverside Paradise Cabin
Shady River Retreat Your Riverside Paradise Ellijay
Shady River Retreat Your Riverside Paradise
Cabin Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise! Ellijay
Ellijay Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise! Cabin
Cabin Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise!
Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise! Ellijay
Shady River Retreat Your Riverside Paradise!
Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise! Cabin
Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise! Ellijay
Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise! Cabin Ellijay

About the neighborhood

Map
Ellijay, GA

What's nearby

  • Gilmer County Fairgrounds - 10 min drive - 6.0 km
  • Pig Hill of Fame - 12 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Tabor House & Civil War Museum - 13 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Ellijay Marketplace - 14 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Engelheim Vineyards - 17 min drive - 11.2 km

Getting around

  • Atlanta, GA (PDK-DeKalb-Peachtree) - 96 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Buffalo Luke’s - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Zaxby's Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise! have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Riverside Park and within 9 mi (15 km) of Gilmer County Fairgrounds and Cartecay River. Gilmer County Library and Tabor House & Civil War Museum are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Shady River Retreat -- Your Riverside Paradise! Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 161 out of 187 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 187 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 187 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 187 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 187 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Debbie M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Apparently the dishwasher is not working properly , every dish had to be washed before use .

Great location .
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lizsa A M.

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

Peaceful escape

We enjoyed ourselves so much with the peacefulness of the river from our front porch and listening to nature. A wonderful place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan K.

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

Great property!

This was a great rental. Everything was as described, house was very clean and the beds were very comfortable. Loved the location to the river and lots to do on property. Will plan to come again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janice W.

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

Holiday getaway

Rented a mountain cabin for our Christmas celebration. Wonderful river front location. Able to hike right out the door. Downtown Ellijay and golfing not too far away. Hostess was wonderful and great communication during our stay. Comfortable beds. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy K.

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

Amazing location!!!

Such a special place!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

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

We had a great time!

We had a great time!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne R.

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

River retreat

Fantastic trip. My favorite family vacation we have had. Accommodations were perfect and owners thoughtful and kind.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Much needed rest

Original booking was for Spring Break with grandkids. Grandkids decided not to go. First let me say: DO NOT USE GPS TO FIND THIS CABIN! GPS takes you to a completely different location. There is a great need to update the directions given. But after hours of searching and racing an incoming severe storm… we made it!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ana A.

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

One of the best cabins for a family

We loved to be there because it was so peaceful and enjoyable. The view was amazing and my pets loved it. Very clean and spacious.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Great Cabin!

This is a really great cabin! It is nicely decorated, extremely clean and well maintained. Beautiful view of the river with a great spot for tubing. Can't wait to go back!

10/10 Excellent

Christine L.

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

Perfect Getaway

The location right in front of the Coosawattee River was absolutely perfect. The rental was clean, comfortable, and provided everything we needed for a relaxing stay. When we noticed the living room lights were out, Jennifer was incredibly helpful and kind, and quick to respond, resolving the issue promptly. We enjoyed our stay tremendously and will definitely be coming back
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If you’re looking to unplug, unwind, and share your morning coffee with deer that act more like curious neighbors than wild animals—this is your spot. This cabin on the Coosawatee River is a peaceful little pocket of heaven, nestled deep enough into the woods that your stress will have to work really hard to find you.The setting? Absolutely stunning. The river view is serene, and the sound of the water is like nature’s white noise machine—only better and without the monthly subscription. The deck is perfect for early mornings or lazy evenings, and the parade of wildlife is straight out of a Hallmark movie and the river is the main player Now, full disclosure: getting to this slice of paradise is…let’s call it an adventure. The last couple of miles could be straight out of a mountain rally course—tight switchbacks, narrow one-lane roads, and drop-offs that will make you question your life choices (and your tires). But if you take it slow and trust the process (and your brakes), the destination is 100% worth it.This cabin isn’t just a place to stay—it’s an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and maybe even remember what it’s like to just be. Whether you’re reading by the river, watching the deer, or just doing absolutely nothing, this place delivers peace in spades.Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Will H.

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

We enjoyed our stay

We highly recommend this cabin and the location for everyone who loves nature and fresh air. The cabin is very clean and everything you need is there. Just bring enough food(the fridge is big enough).
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maria M., Orlando, Florida. USA

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

Amazing!

We had an amazing stay at this sweet little cabin! It held our family of five with ease and provided the perfect amount of coziness. We relaxed, played board games, watched movies, enjoyed a fire, and snuggled a lot. Thank you for sharing your home!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Beautiful cabin in the mountains

This was our second stay in this cabin and we loved it. We will probably stay with them again. We had a horrible car accident in Ellijay and the owner was so understanding and willing to work with us! Thank you for a wonderful vacation!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kiera W.

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

Christmas stay

The most PERFECT get away! Beautiful house with plenty of room for everyone. Enjoyed reading every morning on the screened in porch while listening to the river. Great firepit set up near the water and having a hot tub was definitely an added treat! Our pup enjoyed going on daily walks, beautiful community.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gina D.

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

A little piece of heaven

This was a perfect spot for the week. We spent lot of time down by the river enjoying the view and watching the deer. The house had more than enough room and had everything we needed. The beds were very comfortable! There are great amenities available for the stay. We enjoyed the hot tub after floating around in the river and spent one afternoon at the community pool. We visited the downtown area several times which was super cute. This has definitely been one of my favorite VRBO stays and will definitely be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jaime S.

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

Another amazing visit

This is our second year in a row visiting here. The cabin is fantastically located right on the river for endless fun. The owner is very friendly and helpful. If any problem or situation arise, she is there to assist. We look forward to staying again next year!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Stacey G.

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

Long Weekend Getaway

We had a great time renting this property. The large screened in porch overlooking the river was nice to sit on while having our morning coffee. The property had everything we needed for a relaxing long weekend with our family. Fire pit by the river for s’mores and the hot tub in the evening were great to enjoy. Also the beds are super comfortable!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Katie S., Fort Myers, FL USA

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

Beautiful location

While the winding mountain road getting to the house is an experience, 😊 the location is beautiful right on the river. Everything was as described, and Jennifer was very responsive and helpful answering our questions. Thank you for sharing your house with us for the week!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sunshine S.

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

Peaceful Getaway

The property was perfect for a weekend getaway. We all enjoyed the river being so close and accessible. The back porch has a perfect river view and it is comfortable for sitting, eating, playing games, and listening to the river. There was a perfect spot entering the river to sit and play in very shallow water. It was too cold for us to float but plenty of floaters going by. The beds are super soft and comfy (if you like soft beds). The main level shower has great pressure and the hot tub is a the best place for a nice soak. Will definitely book again and bring the grandkids with us. We did enjoy Ellijay, Helen, and Amicalola Falls as well.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

robert v.

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

A really nice place to stay.

This was our second time staying and it was just as good as we remember it. The place is spotless and check in/out etc was well documented and easy to follow. If its possible there were even more deer and geese than the last time. Hot tub was beautiful. Too hot for the fire in the fire pit but we sat around it right next to the river every eve. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

robert v.

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

Excellent property!

My wife and I booked this property for a weekend. Right on the river with very few neighbors. Tons of deer and geese. We even had a fox visit us. Firepit right next to the river was so nice. The hot tub was very clean and a nice way to end our days. Ellijay is a 20 minute drive away through beautiful twisting, rolling roads. Loved every minute of it.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elliott R.

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

Scenic New Yeart

Property is well maintained, and equipped. Beautiful view of the river in our backyard. Problem with TV hook up quickly resolved.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bethany D.

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

Perfect Get Away with pups

We were wanting to take our lab and golden to GA to get out of the Florida heat and enjoy the outdoors. I was appreciative when the host approved our boys for the stay! The home is at the back of a huge gated river resort community but the property is super peaceful. Walked the pups on the private road daily. Rarely saw another person. As others mentioned, the drive would be difficult after dark. Follow the hosts directions exactly and turn right when you hit the river. We kept turning left not realizing the narrow gravel road to the right was part of the street the property is located on. The lights and music were on and everything was clean and fresh. The house covers 3 levels. The living area is a little small but the fully screened patio overlooking river was the perfect extension to the living room. We intended to let the pups swim but the river out front was still running pretty swift when we were there in early May. I put their harnesses on and used the extended leash to keep them from getting carried downstream. They loved it! Groceries and charming downtown Ellijay are only a few minutes once you get out of community. Best meal was at Butcher and Bottle, fun drinks at The Roof and wine tasting at Ott Vineyard which had live music. Skip Cartecay-rude and horrible wine. We did the trail hike (not steps) to top of Amicalola Falls and Cowgirl Up stables for horseback. They were amazing for all level riders. awesome trip, plenty to do, beautiful area and great hosts!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023