The Best Cabins to Book in North Carolina

Founded in the 1900s as a country retreat for the gentleman elite, this 26-acre (11ha) estate with a large lake at its heart blends old-world charm with outdoor pursuits. Whether you’re boating, fishing or swimming, the grounds provide entertainment year-round. Hike the nature trails or canoe across the lake. Choose snug, comfortable private suites, cabin rooms and historic cottages blending period charm and outdoor space hugged by soothingly leafy grounds. Tuck into stoneground grits with cheddar at the homey Season’s restaurant.

A proper log cabin should be rustic, it should be in the woods and it should be snug. The 11 Nantahala cabins, tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains, scratch all those itches. The cabins are located in the Nantahala Gorge, and you’ll truly feel as if you’re surrounded by nature, wrapped by the forest canopy, with the roar of the Nantahala nearby. Cabins range from studios to three-beds for up to eight guests. Use them as your base for hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, zip line tours, trout or bass fishing, horseback riding, jeep tours, boating on the lake or even gem mining.

In 1884, the discovery of a spring said to possess healing properties at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains led to the creation of a small rustic health resort. Many of the cabins built for early-1900s visitors still stand today, updated with modern conveniences such as private baths and kitchenettes, yet retaining many of their original charms. Choose from budget (the smallest) to treehouses and family cabins. At the farm shop, stock up on grass-fed beef, cage-free eggs and soaps made with spring water.

With over 400 secluded acres (162ha), this retreat close to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Spruce Pine offers cabins and camping. Pick from all-wood retreats with anything from one to five bedrooms, made homely and charming with Americana and rustic timber; you won’t find any games rooms or hot tubs here. Instead, it’s all about nature – viewing the forest from the water bobbing downstream on a tubing trip on the North Toe River, or hiking up the waterfall trail.

Keen to find out how the village of Chimney Rock got its name? Climb the 535-million-year-old granite monolith in the state park for panoramic views across Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Set on a wooded hillside overlooking the Rocky Broad River, the views from these riverside cabins aren’t bad either. Drink coffee on your private balcony or cozy up beside the outdoor fireplace. Make sure you sample the shrimp corn fritters at the forest-view restaurant.

Serenity and action meet in Asheville, where zip lining, white-water rafting, river kayaking & SUP blend well with exploring the best food and craft beer in the area. The region is home to countless small breweries and independent restaurants; seek out the best barbecue joints for pulled pork, ribs, turkey and chicken smoked over hardwood. Kick back in one of two luxurious self-catering cabins, both sleeping six, complete with gas fires and hot tubs.

Take to the water at the marina at this rural resort, where you can rent a boat, fish or paddleboard on Fontana Lake. Book into a homey cabin, all stone and wood with vaulted ceilings, and make the most of facilities such as a minigolf course, swimming pool and lazy river, and a relaxed bistro that sources local produce, including grilled meats.