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Firefly Cottage, Near Bryson City, and Nantahala Outdoor Center

Photo gallery for Firefly Cottage, Near Bryson City, and Nantahala Outdoor Center

Terrace/patio
Room
Exterior
Bathroom
Fire Pit

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Living Room 1

1 Double Murphy Bed

Master

1 Queen Bed

Office 1

1 Double Murphy Bed

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette

About this property

Firefly Cottage, Near Bryson City, and Nantahala Outdoor Center

2BR /1B Cottage with Hotel like Amenities, Pet Friendly! Total Privacy. Master has queen, 2nd BR has twin beds, sleeps up to 6 on foldout couch . Fireplace, Firepit, Hot tub, Large wrap around Deck. Great Views! 5 mins from Nantahala Outdoor Center with dining options, 15 minutes from Bryson City. Convenient to many outdoor activities: River Rafting, Hiking Trails, Lake Fontana Swimming Hole, Gem Mining for the little ones, Appalachian Trail and Tsali Bike Trails. General Store for convenience close by! Location is secluded but entertainment at your reach.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

Events allowed

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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)

$25 per pet per day

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1751713vb
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
Parties and events are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 6
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Bryson City

Located in Bryson City, this cottage is in the mountains and on a river. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Appalachian Rivers Raft Company and Nantahala Brewing Company. Bryson City Gem Mine and Smokey Mountain Trains Museum are also worth visiting. Kayaking and water tubing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and hiking nearby.
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Map
Bryson City, NC

What's nearby

  • Bryson City Gem Mine - 6 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Fontana Lake - 7 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Nantahala River - 7 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area - 14 min drive - 12.9 km
  • Swain County Park - 16 min drive - 9.4 km

Getting around

  • Alcoa - Knoxville Airport (TYS) - 134 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪River's End Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Cardinal Coffee - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Big Wesser BBQ & Brew - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Kallistos - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Slow Joe's - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Firefly Cottage, Near Bryson City, and Nantahala Outdoor Center pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Firefly Cottage, Near Bryson City, and Nantahala Outdoor Center?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Firefly Cottage, Near Bryson City, and Nantahala Outdoor Center?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Firefly Cottage, Near Bryson City, and Nantahala Outdoor Center located?

Situated on a river, this cottage is steps from Nantahala National Forest and within 3 mi (5 km) of Bryson City Gem Mine and Fontana Lake. Nantahala River is 3.1 mi (5 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

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. 58 out of 65 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 65 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 65 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 65 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shavon P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This host was beyond excellent. Everything and more was available. The cabin was clean and very inviting. Our family thoroughly enjoyed the experience. This definitely felt like home away from home. The owner was responsive and even provided necessary details to ensure a successful trip upon arrival. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher K.

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

Amazing View

This cabin is perfect! The view is amazing! The cabin is small and homey and well stocked. We really enjoyed our stay here and will book it again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 10 September 2020
Thank You Chris, We look forward to your return. Please let me know when you might like to return so I can hold dates. It is very popular and we like good guest like yourself.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Drew H.

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

Spring break get away

We've stayed at this cabin multiple times and know what to expect, always clean, great location to Bryson City or Nantahala outdoor center. The outdoor space is great, we can either enjoy a great view from the deck or hang out by the fire pit. Overall we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Thank You Drew!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was an amazing property. I was on a solo trip to rest, recharge, and celebrate my bday and the location had everything I needed. The view from the porch was my favorite, I had several meals out there. The host was very nice and had great communication. I will be back and hopefully bring my family with me. 10/10 would recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 October 2025
Thank you Jennifer, It was a joy to share our property with you. We especially appreciate your communications to extend check out to finish sheets prior to leaving. I hope you can return one day with your family. It is always a nice recharge!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

tracy g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy to get to. Anything we forgot was already there. Clean. Comfortable. Feels like you’re home. Easy communication and easy check-in/check-out instructions. BEAUTIFUL views and close to any activities you might have planned but far enough up and away for quiet mornings or nights.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bobby F.

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

Beautiful Mountain Home

The home was excellent and we enjoyed our stay. The view was breathtaking. The road to the cabin was rough, but worth the climb. We will definitley return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2022
Thank You Bobby, The comforts of the cabin are far from tent camping. Thank you for the kind review. We look forward to your return.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Wonderful

Great location. Cozy and well-equipped, enjoyed using the provided firewood as well. Sad to leave but we will be back with our sweet dog. :)
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 October 2023
Leaving is always the hardest part. Thank you, hope to see you again next fall.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Taura S.

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

Secluded and Awesome

If you are looking for complete seclusion, this is the place. WONDERFUL VIEW of mountains while you sit and soak in the hot tub. My hunny and I loved our time in your cabin. Thank you so much for everything, we will be returning in 6 weeks.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 September 2022
Thank You Taurus, We know we all have limited time to enjoy a get aways. Hope your hunny found cooking chef approved. Love to have you back.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Callie W.

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

Beautiful Views

We picked this for the view and it really delivered! There’s a cute little bar/seating area overlooking the mountains and next to the hot tub - which is perfect. The property was clean and well maintained, and we loved the fire pit. We had a great time getting away, and it’s so close to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (under 5 min), which was great for grabbing a meal or a drink and sitting by the river. We hope to return!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 November 2023
Thank You Callie! We appreciate the kind review. We look forward to your return!
Verified

6/10 Okay

Erica I.

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

Nice spot

This property was well situated for a weekend of hiking and water fun. Right near the NOC. Hot tub and full both worked great! The place could have been a little cleaner but overall it was a good stay and we had everything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Haley L.

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

A perfect mini-moon destination!

My husband and I visited the Firefly to celebrate our marriage and we had a lovely time. It’s the perfect place to cozy up with a good book near the fire. We also brought our dog, and she probably had more fun than we did running around the yard. Overall, a great stay and we would absolutely come back. My only suggestion would be getting some new cooking utensils because the ones provided are a bit melted and chipping.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Jennifer P.

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

Quiet Mountian Escape

Stayed in this cabin for a few days before heading to a wedding in South Carolina to get some R & R. This was definitely the place! Beautiful views, fire pit and hot tub. We did not want to leave. It had everything you needed to cook a meal so we ended up cooking most of our meals there just so we could enjoy the cabin and scenery around us there. We hope to stay again in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 25 November 2020
Thank you Jennifer, It is true, Once you arrive and walk out on the deck and see the view you do not want to leave. Appreciate you staying and being accommodating with our handyman.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick C.

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

Great getaway

Our trip was to get away from city life for a couple days. Plan your trip as far as food, it’s a bit of a run to Bryson City if you need a stick of butter. We were there for the fall colors and it didn’t disappoint. Sitting in the hot tub during a sunset, while watching the bats fly around, just couldn’t be beat. The furniture and bedding was comfortable, the view from the dining room table made breakfast and dinner very enjoyable. I’d definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 October 2024
Thank you Rick, I am glad you could get away from the mess that hurricane Milton left us in. I appreciate the kind review.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew E.

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

Getaway during the pandemic

Firefly was the perfect getaway during the pandemic; but is also a wonderful retreat for anyone that enjoys the peace and quiet in the Smokies. The property is isolated away from close-by neighbors, perched on the knob of a ridge and provides beautiful view to the southern vistas. The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) on the Nantahala River is only a 10-minute drive and downtown Bryson City is approximately 20 minutes away. My wife and I would definitely consider staying at this property in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 25 August 2020
Thank You, We appreciate our guest and hope that you will stay with us again year after year. Our pleasure.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth B.

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

Beautiful property!

Firefly Cottage was just as described. Patrick responded quickly to our questions. Spotless on the inside and out. Road to the cottage was a bit of a challenge but our Honda CRV handled it with just taking it slow. This property is located about 10 minutes from the NOC Natnahala Outdoor Center making it a nice location. And the hot tube was a perfect way to end the day... Thank you for opening your home up for others to enjoy!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 12 November 2020
Thank you Elizabeth, Our pleasure, Y'all come back now!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph C.

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

Mountain geraway

We are from Eastern NC, very different from the mountains. With my parents now retired and getting older, I decided to take them on a mountain getaway for 4 nights. Firefly turned out to be the best stay we could have hoped for! The location was remote enough to give us the scenery and relaxation we wanted, but still only about 10 minutes from downtown Bryson City. Overall, probably the best mountain trip ever! My thanks to Patrick and Shauna for allowing us to stay in their incredible cabin!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 November 2022
Thank you Joseph. We appreciate the kind review. It was our dream to have a cabin in North Carolina and good guest like you make it a joy to share.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheila S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a great place to stay and the hosts were awesome to deal with. The road up to the cabin is intimidating. I'm sure it could be driven by a car, but you might get beat up by the gravel. We had an all wheel drive SUV and it was perfectly fine, although when you get halfway up the road, there's a lot of "No trespassing" signs that may make you think you're on the wrong road, but if you're following Google maps directions and the directions on the website, you're on the right road. Not sure how passable the road would be in wet weather, though. The place was great and the views and privacy are awesome. You are definitely off the grid here. After the first couple days, you get comfortable with the road.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 November 2025
Thank you Sheila, Yes, an excellent assessment of the road. It is a small price to pay for the reward at the end. Magnificent views! I would like to have signs removed. I am working on that.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy T.

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

Didn't want to leave!

This cabin definitely exceeded our expectations. The cabin was clean when when we arrived. The views were breathtaking, especially when the colors were changing! The host was easy to get a hold of and was willing to give opinions on what was good to enjoy in the area. The fireplace was AMAZING! We used the indoor fireplace daily. They supplied plenty of firewood and firestarter items. The beds were comfortable. Overall, our stay was very relaxing and beautiful. It was also a major plus that this place was pet friendly. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 November 2022
Thank you Nancy, The fireplace is the hearth of the home. We appreciate good guest that enjoy just being at Firefly. Hope you can return one day!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth G.

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

Perfection

Everything was perfect. Owner super nice and responsive to questions. The scenery was beautiful. Leaves were at peak color. House was well supplied and clean. We used the fireplace every night. Super place to relax. One thing we liked was the house wasn’t over the top with tacky nicknacks like most of the previous places we’ve stayed at. The porch was the perfect place to relax and take in the mountain views. This cabin just became our favorite and we are looking forward to returning asap.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 November 2023
Thank you Ken, We really appreciate the nice review and thank you for getting me those measurements. Hope to meet you one day. Patrick
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James R.

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

Mountain Top Retreat

A perfect place for restorative rest and complete get-away. It is up a mountain, and I mean up. Secluded and tranquil. Very private setting in the trees with incredible views of the sunset. Really spectacular! This is a simple cabin, very nicely remodeled, and accommodating for a family of six. Nicely furnished and comfy. My adult children chose to spend a day just handing out around the fire pit - in July! It is so peaceful. There is almost a constant breeze through the trees that creates such a relaxing setting. Minutes from the NOC and a general store, even though if feels so remote. It will be on our Return-To list.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 4 August 2021
Thank You James, You are more than welcome to return sometime. We appreciate that you and your family treated our cabin as would we. Hope you found the wennie roasting sticks they are about the most high tech thing at the cabin. Yes, the road up is a bit dauting at first but by second trip it is much easier. All our best, The Francis Family!
Verified

6/10 Okay

Katelyn R.

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

Birthday getaway to go to NOC

I was told upon arrival that there had been a renter there before us for multiple months and had trashed the place. Under those circumstances I think the cleaning crew did a great job cleaning the hot tub and providing linens by the time we got there. The issues that we had during our stay were noted to the owners and I’m sure will be fixed for the future. The location is very convient to NOC and Bryson city. We were not in a 4x4 vehicle but I would recommended one if you stay here as it is way up on a mountain on all gravel roads. The twin beds were not comfortable at all and the bedroom carpet should be replaced as it is not in the best shape. Other than that the view was beautiful, fire pit area very relaxing, and kitchen is spacious.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Thank You Katelyn
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne M.

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

Perfect unplugged getaway

This property is a perfect home-away-from-home getaway in the mountains. The house is on the smaller side and perfectly laid out for an intimate and quiet vacation. I adored the views, the hot tub, and the fireplace in the living room. We had a great few days staying unplugged (our cell phone service - tmo - doesn't have signal up there ) vacation gaming, puzzling, and watching old movies. I could not have asked for a better or more relaxing getaway for the holidays.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 January 2023
Thank you for your review. This is exactly how we hope guests feel. Unplugged, engaged, relaxed, and enjoying surroundings! Come visit again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles P.

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

Peaceful

Such an amazing hidden gem. The host communicated excellent and timely. The property HS everything we needed and the firewood was an amazing touch.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah P.

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

Absolutely perfect getaway!

The views of all the fall colors is prettier than we even imagined. Perfect cabin with a beautiful clearing out back for the fire pit. Very secluded and great for a weekend getaway with views!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 10 November 2021
Thank You Sarah, we are jealous, you hit it at a great time. Glad to hear you loved our magical place. Thank you for the kind review.
Verified

8/10 Good

Maria D.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Beautiful location and cabin

The property was beautiful and stay was great. We did have issues getting in touch with the owner, and there was alot of conflicting information with what was expected at checkout, but we managed to get in touch before checkout and get some stuff sorted, so it wasn't an issue in the end, and the owner seems very kind. The driveway was pretty terrifying and we couldn't believe, looking at it, that it was 2 wheel drive, but we made it in, and it got less frightening throughout the week. Just definitely plan to get there during the day so it's easy to see. There was a good amount of pet hair, but that's expected at a pet friendly cabin. Definitely bring some basics stuff(such as toilet paper) as there wasn't much provided. But all in all, gorgeous view, comfortable stay, and quiet, so we definitely enjoyed our stay and loved the drive to and from town. So few lights makes a gorgeous night sky also!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 November 2021
Thank You Maria, Our sincere apologies especially with your experience with supplies (Toilet Paper). We will see that cleaners leave out ample amounts. The pet hair is unacceptable and the first complaint we have received in over two years of renting. I will discuss with cleaner. Thank you for your feedback.

About the host

Your host

Host profile image

Purchased as retirement home in advance, Fell in love with property,

Why they chose this property

Magical, Right Location

What makes this property unique

Sunsets, Views and Outdoor Lighting. Moss Lawn!

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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