Entire cabin

A River Runs Through It Quaint cabin on Watauga River with Hot Tub Perfect quiet getaway

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Exterior
Terrace/patio
A compact kitchen with wooden walls, a stainless steel refrigerator, a dishwasher, and a window with shutters.
A rustic cabin interior with a dining area, kitchen, and living room.
A cozy log cabin interior with a leather sofa, a stone fireplace, and a dining area with a table and chairs.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire cabin

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View in a map
Boone, NC
  • Place, Watauga River
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Appalachian State University
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Grandfather Mountain
    ‪27 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

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

A River Runs Through It Quaint cabin on Watauga River with Hot Tub Perfect quiet getaway

"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it."
- Norman Maclean

New gap special prices for ski season!

With the Watauga River just outside the home, you'll be continuously enveloped by the grounding drum of flowing waters. Please be advised that a long-term road widening project is currently underway nearby. As a result, construction activity may also be audible during your stay.

The Watauga River begins its 60 mile journey on the northern slopes of Grandfather Mountain and flows generally north and west into Watauga Lake on the North Carolina/ Tennessee border. The word "Watauga" is derived from the Cherokee word "Watagi" meaning "beautiful waters" or "whispering waters." This dynamic riparian zone is actually a migration corridor for many varieties of fish, birds and animals and plays a significant role in preserving biodiversity.

During good weather you can explore the river or try your luck at catching a variety of trout such as brook, brown or rainbow. This section of the Watauga River is now privately stocked and is exceptional for fly fishing! ALL fishing is single artificial lure, catch & release only (no live or scented baits or corn please). Fly fishing guide services are available upon request. When it rains, the river rises and the kayakers come out to shoot the rapids.

A River Runs Through It is situated on 2.75 acres with the Watauga River running through the center of the property. The cabin was built of hand-hewn hemlock from Washington State and pine paneling from Watauga County. Access to the property is a tree-lined gravel road that was once a portion of the railroad bed of the Western North Carolina- East Tennessee Railroad.

A circular driveway winds around Rhododendron and welcomes you to A River Runs Through It. On the covered entrance deck you will find plenty of rocking chairs and a limited stack of firewood.

This cabin provides a cozy feeling with hand-hewn hemlock logs and beams, leather furniture, oak floors, area rugs and a stone fireplace with firewood provided. Original artwork and pottery along with track lighting with dimmers accent the main level. A surround sound TV/DVD/CD system with streaming services and SlingTV for regular programming and high speed wireless internet provide entertainment. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. One bedroom with a king size bed, flat screen TV and a full bath with a granite top double sink vanity and Jacuzzi tub complete this floor inside.

Upstairs you will find a large bedroom furnished with antiques, quilts and a flat screen TV, along with another full bath, and the air hockey game room with a Queen sized air mattress tucked in the closet. A cell booster has been added to the home for enhanced cell reception.

Step from the kitchen onto the new deck and use the grill, table and chairs to dine on the river; or enjoy the six-person Hot Springs spa with moto-massage and a fountain. Stairs lead from the deck to the river. Outside is a fire pit for guests to enjoy, as well.

A River Runs Through It is conveniently located near a main artery that connects the ski slopes of Avery County with the exceptional antique shops of Foscoe with the rich history of Valle Crucis with the great dining and entertainment of Boone and Blowing Rock. Several whitewater and fishing guide services are also located nearby.

****** NOTE ******
With the Watauga River just outside the home, you'll be continuously enveloped by the grounding drum of flowing waters. Please be advised that a long-term road widening project is currently underway nearby. As a result, construction activity may also be audible & visible during your stay.

-Guests returning to A River Runs Through It may have a 10% discount, not to be combined with other discounts to the rent.
- All BRMR homes offer well stocked kitchens with all utensils needed to cook meals. There is also a "starter set" of paper products at the house: a roll of toilet paper per bath, several garbage bags, a small vial of dishwashing liquid, a few tablets of dishwasher detergent, some laundry pods, a roll of paper towels, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and some makeup remover cloths. There are enough of these items for one night, or maybe two. We do not provide hair dryers. Towels and linens will be provided.
- Check in is after 4pm and Checkout is by 10am
- Must be at least 25 years old to reserve. This person is required to be the person signing the agreement and must be one of the persons staying in the property for the reserved dates.
- No smoking inside the home. No trace of smoking left outside the home.
- Do not leave food or trash outside as it could attract animals. All trash must be bagged and placed in the trash receptacle indicated in the Welcome Book inside the house or your digital guidebook.
- Please note that the distances shown on VRBO's map feature are measured in a straight line rather than actual road travel distances and times. We cannot change their setting for this, and encourage all guests to independently verify distances to desired destinations
- No parties or gatherings above the posted occupancy allowed at any time. Keep outside noise respectable.
- 4WD/AWD and/or chains recommended during winter (Nov-March) for all homes. Travelers visiting during the winter months where inclement weather may be possible should come prepared with an AWD or 4WD vehicle, and chains may also be required if it snows. No refunds, allowances, or date changes will be given to travelers who are not prepared with the proper vehicle, as outlined in the Rental Agreement.
- This home allows up to 4 mature, well-trained dogs with an additional pet rent of $25.00 per pet per night plus tax. Pets other than dogs are not permitted.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Bookings canceled within 24 hours of their creation will receive a full refund of payments.
Bookings canceled more than 24 hours after their creation are not entitled to a refund unless the reservation dates are rebooked to another guest.
All bookings are subject to a $50 cancellation fee

NCREC Broker Name: Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals
NCREC License Number: 298198
During your stay at this cabin, you're just a quick walk from Watauga River. Enjoy features like a hot tub, laundry facilities, and an arcade/game room. The cabin includes amenities such as free WiFi and a jetted tub.
  • Air-conditioned cabin with kitchen, washing machine, and 2 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • 11 minutes by car from Appalachian State University and 11 minutes from Pisgah National Forest
As a guest of this cabin, you'll find a hot tub, barbecue grills, and an arcade/game room. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Vilas cabin is smoke free.


Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Free toiletries
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Area rug in room
  • Gravel flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Limited housekeeping
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park 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 not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

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 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

Property is also known as

193342

A River Runs Through It Quaint cabin on Watauga River with Hot Tub Perfect quiet getaway Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 39 out of 52 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 52 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 52 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 52 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paula L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Responsive host, conveniently located to Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk. Cabin was cozy with wood burning fireplace and hot tub!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Amber Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin was cozy and I appreciated the open living room/dining room/kitchen concept so we could all gather together.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jamey W.

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Listing accuracy
The cabin was dark and smokey. Some of the lamps didn't work. Pictures are deceiving due to a very noisy highway just across the river.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bill M.

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

Everything was great!

Loved the cabin as well as the location. Great location!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cool cabin. Great location. Could use a thorough dusting and cleaning
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan I.

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

Amazing stay!

Beautiful home! Would love to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tyler E.

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

A River Runs Through It

Great location on the Watauga River, perfect cabin for my family of four.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeffery S.

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

Beautiful view

Awesome rental, loved the authentic cabin feel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Renee D.

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

Family vacation

Awesome experience- great view with fishing!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan D.

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

Perfect

Beautifully built cabin with everything you need!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Larry H.

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

River cabin!

We loved our stay. The cabin was perfect. Best of both worlds - remote and private, but quick access to many things to do. Our favorite part was morning coffee on the back deck with the sounds of the rushing river!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

angela g.

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

A memorable trip

We loved our stay at the cabin !!! It was so relaxing 😊 our favorite part was the river. We enjoyed it everyday, spending most of our time gazing at it. Would love to visit again someday.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mendoza F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed in this cabin for a special family getaway and to celebrate Thanksgiving 2025. The cabin is spacious, lovely and cozy. The beds are comfortable. The living room and kitchen are large. My kids enjoyed the hot tub. The views from the back porch are amazing. The river is beautiful, but we couldn't enjoy it because it was freezing cold during our stay. We hope to return during the summer to enjoy the river. The cabin is basically close to everything: Blowing Rock, Boone, and Grandfather Mountain, etc. It's a great location. Our favorite restaurant was "Mexican Rock," and it is located in Blowing Rock. Thank you for having us; we had a wonderful time. -Mendozas.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelley K.

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

Wonderful cozy getaway

Perfect size for my husband and I and two little boys under 6. Loved the roaring sound of the River in the backyard and the proximity to App Mtn.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

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

River Runs Through It Vaco

We absolutely loved our stay. The view and the sound of the river was mesmerizing and relaxing. Two king size bedrooms with their own bathrooms was excellent.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rex D.

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

Great Cabin and Location

Cabin was great and so was the river setting. Only disappointment was the kitchen appliances were not equal to the cabin.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tanya T.

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

Great Getaway

Great Getaway! The cabin was just like it was advertised. It was very clean and the view was amazing. We enjoyed siting on the deck relaxing and fishing in the river. We would definitely recommend this cabin.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Trish R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
The cabin was a bit dark. Very thick dust under the downstairs bed but management came and cleaned it right away. (We didn’t want our dog getting into that.) Would recommend new living room couch. But overall, enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shannon B.

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

This was a great cabin for us and our two boys 8 and 10 years.

We had a great time hiking at nearby places. While at the cabin the boys loved jumping rocks on the river, playing air hockey and making a fire. The hot tub was great too! Cabin was clean and had many amenities. We would stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly D. D.

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

Absolutely Wonderful

Cabin is just as it appears. It’s cozy and beautifully decorated. The hot tub is phenomenal! Definitely will return!!! Worth the stay all around.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike I.

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

Nice quite spot.

Great spot right on the river. Very relaxing. Close to Boone. May options of fun things to do close by.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

shawn y.

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

Another great week at A River Runs Through It

We love this cabin. Absolutely enjoyed our stay again this year. We were able to disconnect and relax while listening to the river flowing over the rocks. We'll be back next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Skips Truck & Trailer R.

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

RELAXING

LOVE THE RIVER
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James L.

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

Awesome

Great family vacation. Loved the home. Quaint. Comfortable. Close to good restaurants and activities.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heidi R.

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

Perfect place for a weekend away!

We had a fantastic time! The cabin was cozy with a fire in the fireplace each morning and night. The hot tub was wonderfully relaxing. The owners have a nice supply of items in the kitchen to make any meal easy to prepare. We will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020