Secluded Retreat Panoramic Views, Low Rates, Hot Tub, Fire Pit

Cherokee, North Carolina
$350 avg/night Minimum Stay 2 Nights
Bed 4

Bed

Bath 2

Bath

Home Private Vacation Home

Property Type

Sleep 8

Max Sleeps

Night 2 nights

Min Stay

Water Rock Garden Retreat was designed specifically to showcase the incredible natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Water Rock Garden Retreat is located on a 15-acre knoll just outside of Cherokee, North Carolina. At an elevation of 4500 feet, there are breathtaking 360-degree views with a 30-mile view of Tennessee and the great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is located at a high elevation in a rare location. From the 4500 elevation knoll and to the West you can see most of the entire length of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Clingman's Dome the center of the view. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To the south you face directly up to the 5800 peaks of the Plott Balsam Range. To the East is our namesake Waterrock Knob. It is the highest peak in the Plott Balsams and is the 16th-highest mountain in the Eastern United States.
Within a short hike is a private trail to a stunning series of waterfalls on Black Rock Creek culminating in 100 feet plus Kobe Falls.
Extremely private, there are no other homes within site or sound. The retreat has large terraced grounds covered with an abundance of gorgeous flowers for the enjoyment of our guests. There is lots of flat yard space for the kids to run around and a great firepit area for nights around the campfire.
Located within easy driving distance of the finest outdoor recreation areas in Western North Carolina for both hiking and rafting, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Nantahala wilderness area, Cataloochee Ski Area , and Cherokee Indian Reservation.

Water Rock Garden Retreat is ideal for people who love solitude, unspoiled views, spectacular gardens, wildlife, starry nights and full moons, and the sound of rushing mountain streams in the distance. It is beautiful any time of year!

The Retreat's ground floor is open and spacious with ten-foot ceilings and a fireplace. The house has four bedrooms (three upstairs, one downstairs), including a large master bedroom. The rooms are equipped with two queen-sized beds, one full-sized bed, two twin beds, one twin-sized futon, and two twin-sized bunkies. The house has two full baths, an antique claw foot tub and a wood-fired hot tub! We will provide one set of sheets and blankets for each bed as well as plenty of towels.

The large custom kitchen is well equipped with utensils, dinnerware, pots, pans, and an outdoor grill. The house also has a 500-square-foot, partially covered, cedar deck and an enclosed crow's nest atop for all-weather viewing of the incredible, panoramic view.

Waterrock Garden Retreat may not be for everyone! This is a very remote location. You will feel like you are the only ones in the world! It is best enjoyed by those looking to get away from it all and unplugging in the cathedral of nature. While you are located at the heart of outdoor recreation many guests report they get there and don't want to leave for the duration of their stay! The Retreat is located three-point-seven miles up a well-maintained (but bumpy in spots) gravel road. Water Rock Garden Retreat is easily accessible by car, SUV and even trucks with trailers. The road dead ends at the retreat. The road is passable by almost any car except under snowy or icy conditions when a four-wheel drive would be necessary. Four wheel drive is required November 15- April 1. It takes approximately 15 minutes to travel the road. Cars that ride extra low (such as some luxury or sport cars) may not be appropriate. Ask us if you are not sure about yours.

Located 10 miles from Harrah's Casino in Cherokee and the Blue Ridge Parkway, central to the Smoky Mountains Country Club Golf Course and the Great Smoky Mountain Railway Station in Historic Dillsboro where you will find unique shops, galleries, collectables, and crafts.

Centrally located to Maggie Valley, Cherokee, Bryson City and to Rafting and Tubing in the Nantahala Gorge with numerous hiking and biking trails throughout the area. Enjoy outdoor recreation along nearby waterfalls, hike and commune with nature, float the many rivers and streams on tubes or rafts, or visit local area flea markets.

No hunting or shooting permitted at the retreat. We encourage wildlife to stay in the area.
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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Rates & Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • SKI

    Close To Skiing
  • PETS

    2 Total Pets Pet Friendly Welcoming Dogs Only
  • SAFETY

    Fire Extinguisher No Carbon Monoxide Detector (host Has Indicated There Is No Carbon monoxide detector On The Property But There Are Gas Appliances; Consider Bringing A Portable Detector With You On The Trip) Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    4 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Unit Size: 2200 Sq Ft (204 Sq M)
  • KITCHEN

    Blender Cookware/dishes/utensils Electric Kettle Ice Maker Microwave Oven Refrigerator Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Laundry Facilities Washing Machine And Dryer
  • PARKING

    Car Required Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    WiFi Available
  • OUTDOORS

    Barbecue Grill Firepit Garden Patio
  • POOL/SPA

    Hot Tub Sauna
  • BATHROOMS

    2 Bathrooms Shower Soap Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • THINGS TO DO

    Fishing Nearby Golf Nearby Hiking Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Horse Riding Nearby Kayaking Nearby Mountain Biking Nearby Rock Climbing Nearby Wildlife And Game Walks Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Books DVD Player Music Library Stereo Video Library TV With Cable/satellite Service
  • LIVING SPACES

    Fireplace Living Room
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Heating
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In The Mountains
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Phone
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Smoke-free Property

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 10:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 8

Map Map

School District Rates & Availability

Review Review

  • Malesa M.

    Submitted Jan 9, 2026

    Stayed Dec 26, 2025

    The host is very welcoming, has great communication, and made us feel at home!

  • Roxanne A.

    Submitted Nov 2, 2025

    Stayed Oct 15, 2025

    The view and the location are unbeatable!

  • T F.

    Submitted Sep 16, 2025

    Stayed Aug 28, 2025

    Secluded, exceptional views. Fair warni g the last 3.5 miles is a bit rugged gravel road that gains 5000 feet. It is a commitment to go up and down. But once there, its a bit of heaven on the top of a mountain.

  • Blake D.

    Submitted Sep 9, 2025

    Stayed Sep 5, 2025

    Visited family in cherokee and stayed for an extended weekend. Beautiful view from every angle. Very private. Would definitely stay again.

  • Cindy S.

    Submitted Aug 18, 2025

    Stayed Aug 7, 2025

    This is a beautiful property with mountain views usually only seen in the Parks. Water fall on road as you're going up is wonderful. Home is mostly comfortable with all amenities needed available. Upstairs beds very comfortable, downstairs bed not at all comfortable. I think the mattress is just worn out. The road going up to retreat is pretty rough , I'm thinking recent rains have caused many rust. But, property itself is amazing.

  • Jeff D.

    Submitted May 14, 2025

    Stayed May 2, 2025

    Waterrock is a special place. The view, seclusion, and the property grounds are unmatched. There is no better place to relax and recenter.

  • tim d.

    Submitted Oct 28, 2024

    Stayed Oct 20, 2024

    This is a great place to unwind surrounded by nature. We brought everything we needed only went down the mountain 3 times. It accommodated my large family and their pets. Thank you for letting us use your place. It was amazing.

  • Delaina H.

    Submitted Aug 19, 2024

    Stayed Aug 15, 2024

    The experience was amazing. Thank You.

  • James C.

    Submitted Aug 12, 2024

    Stayed Aug 5, 2024

    We spent five days here, and the best days were when we never left the house. It's such a great property, with hikes, views, etc. We will be back!

  • Jason J.

    Submitted Jul 31, 2024

    Stayed Jul 25, 2024

    Revetting

  • Melissa E.

    Submitted Jul 6, 2024

    Stayed Jun 29, 2024

    The views from this property are absolutely breathtaking! Be prepared for a long drive up, 15 minutes on gravel Road, but it is well worth it! This is our third trip here, we will be back! Thank you so much for everything.

  • Holly P.

    Submitted Jun 23, 2024

    Stayed Jun 14, 2024

    Lovely, secluded and quiet mountain top stay with sweeping views of the mountains. The hot tub was a real highlight, particularly as we approached the full moon. Highly recommend.

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Total

Includes taxes and fees
$350+
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