There are mountain cabins, and then there's Lost Cove. This one sits right on the Whitewater River, a cold, crystal-clear wild trout stream that runs along the back of the property in the mountains above Cashiers, NC. The river is private. The trails are private. And a short private trail from the cabin leads to six named waterfalls, including Bedrock Falls, Canyon Falls, and 55 MPH Falls, all within a mile.
Inside, it's warm and real: stone fireplace, hardwood floors, exposed ceiling beams, and a kitchen that's actually stocked for cooking.
Outside is where things get fun: a brand-new hot tub tucked in the trees, a Finnish cedar sauna steps from the river (steam up, then wade in), a fire pit with Adirondack chairs, and a covered carport game area with ping pong, hillbilly golf, outdoor Jenga, and string lights.
There's also a riverfront gazebo, a wood-planked walkway down to the water, and a covered porch with an outdoor dining table and chandelier overhead. This is the kind of place where the mornings feel slow and the evenings feel earned.
★ THE SPACE
The main living area is open and airy, with a wood-burning stone fireplace you'll actually want to use. Turquoise sectional sofa, hardwood floors, exposed beams: it's comfortable without trying too hard. The dining table seats 8. The kitchen has granite countertops, a butcher block island, a French door refrigerator, and everything you need to cook a real meal. Full-size washer and dryer. Record player with a vinyl collection for when the evening slows down.
★ BEDROOMS
Bedroom 1: King bed, leather headboard, green accent wall, ceiling fan, Smart TV. Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower, double vanity, and herringbone tile.
Bedroom 2: Twin-over-queen bunk bed, teal bedding, ceiling fan, Smart TV, Nintendo Switch. Shared full bathroom with tub/shower combo.
Bedroom 3: Queen bed, dedicated workspace with wood desk, ceiling fan, Smart TV. Ensuite bathroom.
Half Bath: Off the main living area.
★ OUTDOOR AMENITIES (The Good Stuff)
Brand-New Hot Tub: Surrounded by forest and string lights, open year-round. There is nothing like soaking under the stars after a day on the trails.
Finnish Cedar Sauna: Heated and ready, right on the riverbank. Steam up, then step into the cold river. Hot/cold therapy at its best.
Covered Carport Game Area: Ping pong, hillbilly golf, outdoor Jenga, bar-height seating, and string lights. This is where the evening competition happens.
Fire Pit: Circular fire pit with Adirondack chairs.
Riverfront Gazebo: Covered deck right on the water with lounge seating and string lights. Best seat in the house.
Covered Main Porch: Outdoor dining table, lounge seating, chandelier under exposed beams.
Wood-Planked River Walkway: A scenic path from the cabin straight to the water, ending at a wide sandy beach area along the river.
★ THE RIVER & WATERFALLS
The Whitewater River is entirely private here, with no public access and no other cabins on the water. It's one of the best wild trout streams in western NC, home to rainbow, brown, and brook trout.
A short private trail leads to six named waterfalls: Bedrock Falls, Canyon Falls, Entrance Falls, Exit Falls, Merge Lane Falls, and 55 MPH Falls, all within a mile.
Bedrock Falls is also a favorite spot for tubing. Guests launch from the top of the falls and ride the current, and some take tubes all the way down to the calm lagoon at Exit Falls. Trout fishing is excellent in and around these spots: the pools above and below Bedrock Falls and the Exit Falls lagoon are go-to stretches on the property. Bedrock Falls has even hosted small private weddings.
Hiking Notes: Bedrock Falls is the easier route, about a 20-minute walk from the cabin, family-friendly and great for kids. Exit Falls is the more adventurous option, with rope-assisted inclines and alternate route choices for those who want more of a challenge.
Note: Cell service cuts out on the trail. Four walkie-talkies are provided and reach from the house to the old school bus area on the trail, then signal drops off. Use them to stay connected with your group.
For guided fishing on surrounding public waters, Brookings Anglers in Cashiers (12 min) is the local favorite for gear, licenses, and guided trips.
★ GREAT YEAR-ROUND
Summer: swimming holes, waterfall hikes, tubing, boating at Lake Glenville (20 min)
Fall: peak foliage, fire pit evenings, world-class trout fishing
Winter: Ski Sapphire Valley (15 min), hot tub in the snow, sauna by the river
Spring: wildflowers, raging waterfalls, fly fishing season
★ GOOD TO KNOW
Cell service on Lost Cove Road and on the trail can be limited, so download offline maps before you head out. The cabin runs on Starlink internet; we recommend enabling Wi-Fi Calling on your phone for better call quality during your stay.
A Generac generator automatically kicks on during power outages so your stay isn't interrupted.
Four walkie-talkies are available for use on the trails. Wi-Fi and electricity work great at the cabin.
A signed rental agreement is required upon booking.
We do not offer refunds for weather, power outages, or other circumstances beyond our control. Travel insurance is highly recommended.