Cabin

Spring dates open! Riverfront - Watauga River - Trophy Section.

Photo gallery for Spring dates 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

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

Explore the area

Map
Johnson City, TN
  • East Tennessee State University
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Johnson City Mall
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Freedom Hall Civic Center
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 3

1 Double Futon and 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

Spring dates 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 sofa 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 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.

Property manager

Linda Davis
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
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. Johnson City Family Skatecenter and Wallabies are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Elk Crossing and Johnson City Mall. Lakeshore Marina and Washington County Fairgrounds are also worth visiting. 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 - 13 min drive - 9.8 km
  • Johnson City Mall - 14 min drive - 10.9 km
  • Freedom Hall Civic Center - 14 min drive - 10.2 km
  • Johnson City Medical Center - 14 min drive - 11.4 km
  • Winged Deer Park - 19 min drive - 17.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Amigo Mexican Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Black Olive - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Taco John's - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Spring dates open! Riverfront - Watauga River - Trophy Section. pet-friendly?

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

What time is check-in at Spring dates open! Riverfront - Watauga River - Trophy Section.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Spring dates open! Riverfront - Watauga River - Trophy Section.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Spring dates 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. 138 out of 145 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 145 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 145 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 145 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 145 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

mark c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The perfect cabin getaway
We have stayed at Linda's cabin several times now and it's as nice of a place that we have ever stayed at. Everything about the cabin is perfect and we will return again next year
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bristol race get away
Great cabin and location. We have always enjoyed staying there and hope to again in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

debbie h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin
You won’t find a nicer more equipped house on the river. Close to everything, yet still private.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ruth W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely log cabin by the river
Third time guests at this really well appointed cabin perfectly placed by a rushing river next to a woods yet only minutes to a small town or a larger city…your choice! Watauga Lake less than 30 minutes and dozens of great hiking areas with waterfalls and gorgeous views. Beautiful well taken care of home.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynne K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent as Always!
We've stayed at this cabin numerous times and it never gets old! We love it! There are many nice amenities, but the main draw for us is the back porch. The view of the river, the sound of the river and the chirping birds, the summer locusts...it's incredible! We love all the songbirds and have fun trying to identify them. One year there was a rare bird. This year we had hummingbirds! Enjoyed the fire ring one evening, perfect weather. The beds sleep good, the showers are great. Having a set of matching wine glasses for six or eight would be nice. No pictures do this place justice, but I wish VRBO would let me upload a few because you would like it!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

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

Amy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect in every way
The house is beautiful and the unique location on the river is ideal for enjoying the outdoors. This house has EVERYTHING you need for a relaxing mountain vacation.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rick D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and well appropriated cabin
Our 3 20 something sons all met us here from three different states. The rental was perfectly positioned across from our friends fly fishing camp. Thank you for a being attentive and accommodating hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place and Location
Clean and comfortable!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

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

Brandi B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
BRISTOL TRIP
THE PROPERTY AND HOUSE IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL, CAN NOT WAIT TO GET BACK.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ruth W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Christmas!
Best appointed house you will find anywhere! Everything you could possibly want is in the pantry, including wonderful, pots, pans, dishes, etc. The river is spectacular and the views are beautiful off the back porch with spans the whole width of the house. The pictures don’t do it justice.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

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

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

julia and rodney b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great riverfront property
A truly unique location on the river. We had a great time and the home was everything we could have wanted. Very clean with all amenities for a comfortable stay. Communication with the host was excellent and the entire process was easy and smooth. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a riverfront getaway! R&J
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pat S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A peaceful place
We are returning quests. Each time we stay we are planning our next visit. Beautiful location. Perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

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

Andrew Shropshire Sr S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Johnson City
The property was amazing. The river views were gorgeous. Very nice, very well equipped ! We will be returning again next year. Great place great host !
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ginger B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing and Beautiful
We loved our stay. Home, river, and property were all so beautiful. Waking up and watching the river was much needed to decompress from everyday life. Thank you, Linda!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

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. 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

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests