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Higher Ground ...the rock that is higher than I.

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your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for Higher Ground ...the rock that is higher than I.

Outdoor dining
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library
Property grounds
Exterior
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Franklin, NC
  • Fontana Lake
    18 min drive
  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
    25 min drive
  • Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine
    27 min drive

Room options

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Alarka Cabin Guest House With Great Mountain Sunsets And WiFi Included

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
4.9 out of 5, Exceptional, (280)
The price is €173
for 1 home
includes taxes & fees
6 Jan - 7 Jan
Alarka Cabin Guest House With Great Mountain Sunsets And WiFi Included

About this property

Entire place

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

Higher Ground ...the rock that is higher than I.

Our cabin is located 12 miles out of Franklin, NC near the Little Tennessee River. We are in easy traveling distance to whitewater rafting, kayaking both flat water and whitewater, fly fishing rivers, gem mining, zip lining, horseback riding, Deep Creek tubing, river tubing , The Appalachian Trail, hiking trails, waterfalls, Smoky Mountain Train excursions, Cherokee attractions/casino, Dollywood, Smoky Mountain National Forest, Blue Ridge Parkway, Elk viewings and Biltmore Estate in Asheville.
The space
Our cabin is on a quiet mountain 12 miles NW of Franklin, NC. Elevation about 2,000 ft. It has 2 bedrooms with queen beds to sleep 4 with 1 bath. There is also a queen sized Lazy-boy sofa bed to sleep 2 more guests. Our favorite feature is our covered back deck with table and chairs for quiet meals while being entertained by the Hummingbirds vying over our two feeders. Plus, it’s so nice to relax on the bench swing or nestled in the hammock swing while reading or just watching the sunset. And nothing beats the coziness of the wood-burning stove for those chilly evenings or mornings. We have lots of family and children’s games and puzzles in the armoire in the dining room and also children and adult books and dvd videos on the living room bookshelves. We also have Dish network satellite tv with DVR and satellite WiFi.
Guest access
Guests have sole access to the whole house with hiking sticks for walks on our mountain or other nearby trails. We also have a picnic basket with reusable dishes, cups and utensils for those outings near our many beautiful rivers and waterfalls. Our favorite place to picnic is at Deep Creek near Bryson City where there are tube rentals for tubing and picnic tables with grills, changing rooms and bathrooms. Bryson City is also where train excursions originate and a must see train museum with a huge working multiple model train layout. Be sure to check our Guidebook for plenty of things to see and do.
Other things to note
We don’t allow pets for the comfort and peace of mind for other guests who have pet allergies. We are also a non-smoking listing.

Because we are 12 miles from Franklin, NC, we message our confirmed guests complete information about local grocery stores so they can pick up groceries before arriving at “Higher Ground”.

Additional note: As further precautions during the pandemic we block off dates between guests to be able to clean more thoroughly. We use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer additive for all towels and washables. We also wash all bed linens including quilts, blankets, and even the mattress covers. We leave a container of alcohol wipes for our guests and liquid hand sanitizer. Of course we wipe down remotes, switches, door knobs and keypads with alcohol wipes too. We spray non-washable fabrics with Lysol disinfectant spray.
Just trying to keep our guests and us safe from infection.
During your stay at this holiday home, you're just a quick walk from Nantahala National Forest. The holiday home offers free WiFi and a kitchen.
  • Air-conditioned home with kitchen, washing machine and patio
  • Free WiFi
  • Steps from Nantahala National Forest and 9 minutes by car from Mason Mountain Mine
Higher Ground ...the rock that is higher than I. offers its guests barbecue grills. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property manager

Graham & Linda Shaw

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • DVR
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains

Things to do

  • Hiking 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)

General

  • Reusable tableware

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 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.

Higher Ground ...the rock that is higher than I. Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rijil J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect stay for away from all the noise
Very good location and property
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

susan n.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to relax
Beautiful property, the host is very attentive and the house had plenty of amenities.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bruce S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend Getaway
Graham is a great host. He is very friendly and willing to help in any way possible. We really liked the back covered deck.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teresa D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mountain Get Away
Graham and Linda’s place was perfect for us after my mother had passed away a few weeks ago. It was quiet, clean and relaxing. The home provided everything that we needed. Graham even called and checked on us, so very friendly and accommodating. We would highly recommend this mountain cabin.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly host and cozy place to stay
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jon A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Enjoyed our stay
My wife and I enjoyed our stay at Higher Ground very much. Our host was very attentive to anything we needed. The house location was quiet and peacefull. We enjoyed watching the birds at the feeders. It was a great place to escape the July heat of north Florida.
Stayed 30 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Most gracious hosts
Graham and Linda Shaw are probably the most gracious hosts we've ever had in a VRBO rental. They are simply wonderful hosts. The cabin had everything we needed. The Shaws have gone out of their way, it seems, to provide for their guests. The cabin does not have some of the newer amenities, such as a hot tub or whirlpool bath, that some renters expect. What it does have is a fabulous porch, birds, squirrels, and seclusion. We definitely recommend and would rent again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carrie M., Raymond IL

Liked: Cleanliness
Hiking Adventure
We chose this property because it was centrally located for the trails we wanted to hike. This was a great place to stay, perfect size for the 2 of us. Peaceful and quiet. Exactly what we were looking for.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shay F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Delightfully quaint and quiet mountain cabin
Wonderful stay at the Shaw's cabin. A lot of thought and care has been put into this little vacation home. We loved the patio and location and the hosts were very attentive to our questions regarding finding linens for the pull out couch. The only surprise was that there was only one bed in each room instead of 2 in one as the listing described. Probably a typo and the girls had one sleeping all together in one bed anyway! We would go again though and stay in the larger cabin! Very warm and cozy for our winter trip to Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Thank you, Shaws!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Cabin
This cabin was perfect for our family and has a great view. We enjoy hiking and visiting fire towers so this cabins location is perfect for trips to Franklin and Bryson City. Cabin was very clean and cozy.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniela R.

Liked: Cleanliness
And they were roommates
The owners were very nice and had everything we could need during our stay! The cabin was clean and matched the photos provided exactly!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea I.

Liked: Cleanliness
My children's favorite part of our road trip!
We spent 3 beautiful days at this cabin and we all agreed it was the best part of our 2 week road trip. We felt so at home. I appreciate how kind and thoughtful the hosts were and how perfectly set up the home was. Anytime I had a thought about something I needed, I found it immediately. We have stay at many VRBOs and this was the most welcoming and well-appointed one we have ever stayed at. The location was beyond amazing. We loved the back porch! We also were under 1 hour drive away from the Appalacian Trail, waterfall hikes, and ruby mining (the kids loved this!). Thank you Shaw family for our magical time in your beautiful cabin!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mountain getaway
Location was perfect to take in the beautiful leaf season. The owners were wonderful!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mini Getaway
We had a lovely time on our short getaway to celebrate my husband's birthday. We enjoyed our stay so much. The home had everything we needed and was very clean. Location was great. We definitely will stay again and next time do some fishing. Thank you so very much!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

nathaniel s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Getaway Weekend
We had a perfect stay for a long weekend. We plan on coming again ASAP
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Stephanie W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just what we needed.
We came to the mountains to escape the Florida heat. This cabin is up off the road and in the trees. Spent most mornings on the back porch, eating breakfast and watching the birds come to the feeders. The cabin was clean and had everything we would need to sleep, bathe, do laundry, prepare meals, table to eat and family room to relax and watch TV/movies. Close proximity to North Georgia, Highlands, Smokey Mountain National Park, Gatlinburg, Cherokee and Bryson City. We even drove the nearly 3hr drive to Chatanooga to go to Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain. We even spent an afternoon wading in the river 5min from the cabin. Very peaceful, beautiful, relaxing and cooling. The hosts were very nice and attentive, keeping contact with us to make sure we did not need anything.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrea G., Bath

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful area and owners
The owners were very helpful and thoughtful they may sure we had everything we needed and checked on us as well, the house was nice and clean had everything we needed for our stay they had informational items for things to do in that area and surrounding areas as well, it was also close to everything as well. We really enjoyed our stay thank you again for letting us stay at your cabin we enjoyed it so much
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenny I.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Little Cabin
We very much enjoyed staying at this little cabin. It was cozy and like others have said, reminds you of going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Graham and Linda were wonderful hosts and Graham came to the cabin to check to see if we needed anything shortly after we arrived. The cabin was clean and well stocked with most of the comforts of home. We would love to return someday. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Connie P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peace and quiet ❤
We stayed the first week of June at Higher Ground and let me say that the cabin was fantastic. If peace and quiet is what you're looking for then this is the perfect place. The Shaws are fantastic hosts. We would definitely love to stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brandy H., Kings Mountain, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy cabin in the woods!
Super cute & cozy little cabin!! Nestled at the end of a drive, has a wonderful porch! My hubby and I spent our 23rd anniversary here. We especially loved sitting on the porch with our morning coffee watching the woodpeckers, hummingbirds, and squirrels eat from the feeders. The owners are super friendly and are only 2 cabins down so if you need anything, they’re close by!! Cabin was well appointed with everything you need and only a 20 minute drive to Franklin and Bryson City! Definitely recommend!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Oxana M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great time spent in a cozy house.
Many thanks to Graham and Linda for creating the conditions. Everything was great. Clean, comfortable. The house has everything you need for a holiday. We enjoyed the birds singing, watched the squirrels, and one morning a woodpecker woke us up. We will definitely come back here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Garrison C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Second trip
It was comfortable, convenient, and our stay was entirely too short, that's on me though.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lorra T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved the porch!
The owner Graham was so nice and extremely helpful. What a sweet couple! My best friend and I fell in love with the porch! So peaceful and lots of nature to observe from the birds, squirrels, and even deer! Watching the sunset on the mountains was just breathtaking. The hammock and rocking chairs was a personal fav! Please keep in mind that this a perfect place to escape civilization! They offer wifi but can not support Netflix or fast internet. I went to escape so I appreciated no cell service and slow wifi! This is not a luxury cabin but an adorable place that was homey and reminded me of visiting my grandparents. It can use some updating of some things but this didn’t bother me a bit. I would definitely stay again! I have stayed at several cabins of all styles and costs, but never had owners communication and hospitality like Grahams…it was exceptional. Even accidentally left my boots and he offered to send them back! Recommendations to check out if you go exploring. Visit the Lazy Hiker in downtown Franklin. Check out Wayah Bald Lookout Tower…top of the mountain with 360 degree unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains. Tallulah Gorge, GA is only an hour away and a gorgeous hike to falls and a swaying suspension bridge over the gorge (get there early to avoid the crowds).
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Home away from home
I don't think thereare enough adjectives to describe how wonderful and helpful Graham was. From my question before booking to even after we left, he was helpful, sweet and made us feel like family. And if we needed anything as we were there he answered immediately. The home is warm and welcoming and the view is beautiful. We loved how secluded it felt but still in the middle of all of the sights you'd want to see. I'd give this 10 stars if I could.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erin B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely people, lovely place
We had such a great experience, and interactions with the owners were a huge part of why! Graham and Linda were are the perfect hosts, providing plenty of detailed information without being overbearing. They were proactive and also extremely accommodating when we needed to make a last minute adjustment to our plans. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022