Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, The Elf’s Secret Hideaway offers a cozy retreat with large windows and views of Wayah Bald. Enjoy a relaxing escape room mystery, unwind by the electric fireplace or play foosball and pool while taking in breathtaking mountain vistas.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire cabin
1 bedroom1 bathroom832 sq ft
Popular amenities
Parking available
Dryer
Washer
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Kitchen
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.
Run away to this original 1950s mountain love shack- now reimagined as a couple’s retreat in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Designed exclusively for two, this oversized one-bedroom, one-bath getaway blends retro charm with modern comforts for a stay that’s equal parts cozy, playful, and unforgettable.
Step onto the porch swing and soak in vibrant sunsets, watch fireflies light up the summer night, or gaze up at the endless stars from your private perch in the hills. Inside, spark some friendly competition with a round of pool, foosball, or dive into 300 classic games on the full-sized retro arcade machine.
The king-size poster bed offers a front-row seat to Wyah Bald and the Appalachian Trail, visible through a triple sliding glass door that floods the space with natural light and unbeatable views. Cabin windows showcase sweeping forest and mountain vistas, while the kitchen’s picture windows frame a whimsical vine dangling from the balcony—a little wink from nature herself.
Share meals at the high-top table in front of large windows spilling mountain magic, then curl up in the massaging recliner loveseats by the electric fireplace for a movie marathon. Outside, swing together beneath the balcony, laugh as the breeze rustles the trees, or explore the terraced slopes hand-in-hand.
This cabin’s rustic tongue-and-groove walls, new flooring, and fully remodeled kitchen and bathroom make it warm and stylish, while the spa-like rain shower brings a splash of decadence to your mountain hideaway.
Whether you're smooching on the back balcony, wandering the property, or simply soaking in the stillness, this quirky, romantic nook is your personal Smoky Mountain mischief HQ.
Conveniently located near gem mining, waterfalls, hiking trails, and fishing spots, adventure is never far away.
Other property notes:
HOUSING. This cabin is set for TWO adults only and is not childproof.
PETS. Unfortunately, no pets are welcome at this location. If you have a pet that travels with you, please rent our other cabin at the bottom of the road. You can search for it here: www.vrbo.com/3096325.
ENTRANCE. A ramp makes getting in and out of the house a breeze. Please be careful, stairs can be slippery in rain or snow.
SMOKING. It's okay with us as long as it's outside. Please clean up butts and cigar butts. We will be forced to charge for burn marks/damage if items are left on the balcony wood or the balcony itself. Please protect our home as if it were your own.
STOCKED KITCHEN: We've tried to cover all your cooking needs: Cookware, basic oil, salt, pepper, and some spices. Other guests may leave food items, and we will continue to add those to the stock. Please leave any items you wish us to add to the inventory by leaving them out or in the refrigerator with a note.
TOILETRIES: You'll find paper products and toilet paper in good supply. Please be prepared to provide your items.
LINENS: You'll find pillows, blankets, and linens.
WIFI: You'll want to turn on Wi-Fi calling on your phone as you approach the house, and the WIFI code will be provided before arrival. Mountain life does include some outages, with storms or without. Be prepared and be patient with country living.
TELEVISION: The TV has a WIFI ROKU firestick. Log in to your favorite streaming services or press ROKU for free stations. Some days, the WIFI is spotty. A DVD player with a variety of movies is also provided for your entertainment.
OUR TOWN: Franklin is home to several Gem Mines, countless waterfalls, easy to challenge hiking, local tubing on the Little Tennessee River, local wineries and breweries, antique shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and world-class Fly-Fishing and Ruby Gem Mining, for which Franklin is known.
LOCAL EVENTS: Downtown Franklin hosts many events. The downtown stores post flyers on their windows of all the current and upcoming things to do and see. Also downtown, stroll the Saturday morning market and weekend music on the square.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:
Franklin is the heart of outdoor activities! Only 10 minutes from downtown Franklin, 5 minutes to tubing, 15 minutes to the riverwalk/dog park, 25 minutes to Dillsboro/Sylva's tubing and train depot, 30 minutes to Bryson City's tubing and train depot, 40 minutes to NOC's world-class whitewater rafting, 40 minutes to Cherokee's Casinos and entrance to the Great Smokey Mountains, 45 minutes to Maggie Valley's or Rabun Gap's skiing, 60 mins to Asheville's Biltmore Estate, 90 mins to Knoxville, Chattanooga, Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge & 2 hours to Atlanta.
GEM MINES: Find RUBIES and other gems! Old Cardinal Gem Mine (on our road!), Cowie Gift Shop and Mason Mountain Mine (1.5 miles) Rose Creek Mine (3 miles), Sheffield Mine (4.7 miles), Rocky Face Mine (4.5 miles) Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine (6 miles), Mason's Ruby & Sapphire Mine (12 miles) gem & Mineral Museum (6 miles)
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:
Great Smoky Mountain Fish Camp and Safaris (1.5 miles), Trout fishing in the Little Tennessee River (2 miles), Nikwasi Native American Mound (6 miles), The Factory family entertainment center (8 miles), Dillsboro River Company (18 miles), Wildwater Nantahala Rafting & Canopy Tours (21 miles), Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (23 miles), Cherokee Casino and Spa (27 miles), Scaly Mountain Ski Area (27 miles), Oconaluftee Indian Village (28 miles), Cataloochee Ski Area (50 miles)
DISCOVER NATURE: Lake Emory (5 miles), Little Tennessee River Greenway Trailhead (5 miles), Bartram Trail: Wallace Branch to William's Pulpit (9 miles), Rufus Morgan Trailer & Falls (17 miles), Appalachian Trail (25 miles), Nantahala Gorge (25 miles), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (30 miles), Whiteside Mountain (30 miles)
AIRPORT: Asheville Regional Airport (67 miles), Atlanta International Airport (145 miles)
All in all, there is so much to do around the area, but only if you want to!
Property amenities
Ski
Close to skiing
Snowboarding nearby
Internet
Available in the cabin: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Ice maker
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Hair dryer
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Smart TV
Video games
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
12 steps to reach entrance
Area rugs in public areas
Hardwood flooring in public areas
No lift
Single level property
Designated smoking areas
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping (on request)
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
In the mountains
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
On a river
Things to do
Bicycles
Billiards/pool table
Foosball table
Kayak
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Casino nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sledding nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Swimming nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
This property does not allow children
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
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 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 and a deadlock
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
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Franklin, NC
What's nearby
Mason Mountain Mine - 5 min drive - 2.7 km
Rose Creek Mine - 6 min drive - 3.6 km
Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine - 9 min drive - 5.1 km
Sheffield Mine - 10 min drive - 7.7 km
Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine - 15 min drive - 7.1 km
Restaurants
Caffe REL - 11 min drive
Slanted Window - 10 min drive
El Charro Mexican Grill - 12 min drive
McDonald's - 12 min drive
Bojangles - 13 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Nantahala Nookie Nook: A playful retreat w/stunning long-range mt sunset views pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
Where is Nantahala Nookie Nook: A playful retreat w/stunning long-range mt sunset views located?
Situated on a river, this cabin is within 1 mile (2 km) of Nantahala National Forest and Old Cardinal Gem Mine. Mason Mountain Mine and Rose Creek Mine are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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