Entire home

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

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

View from back porch in December.
Back porch view at sunset. Guests enjoy watching birds feed from feeders.
Parking for two cars beside the cabin.
Aerial view of cabin with two parking spaces.
Parking for two vehicles.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View map
Franklin, NC
  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Smokey Mountain Trains Museum
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Bryson City Gem Mine
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

2 Queen Beds

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Single Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen

About this property

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.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Franklin

Located in Franklin, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Mason Mountain Mine and Whistle Stop Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Ruby City Gems & Minerals are also worth visiting. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking.
Map
Franklin, NC

What's nearby

  • Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - 26 min drive - 27.8 km
  • Smokey Mountain Trains Museum - 26 min drive - 27.8 km
  • Nantahala Brewing Company - 26 min drive - 27.8 km
  • Bryson City Gem Mine - 28 min drive - 30.1 km
  • Harrahs Cherokee Casino - 42 min drive - 50.3 km

Getting around

  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 85 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wild Rose Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Big Wesser Riverside Pub - ‬39 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Higher Ground ...the rock that is higher than I. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Higher Ground ...the rock that is higher than I.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Higher Ground ...the rock that is higher than I.?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Higher Ground ...the rock that is higher than I. located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is steps from Nantahala National Forest and within 9 mi (15 km) of Mason Mountain Mine and Sheffield Mine. Old Cardinal Gem Mine and Rose Creek Mine are also within 9 miles (15 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. 33 out of 35 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 35 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Marissa D.

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

Wonderful stay

We had a great experience at this place. Graham and Linda were the kindest and most accommodating hosts. We look forward to staying here again!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rijil J.

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

Perfect stay for away from all the noise

Very good location and property
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tony

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

10/10 Excellent

susan n.

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

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

Courtney H.

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

Great Stay

The owners were fabulous, welcoming and very helpful!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

nathaniel s.

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

Perfect Getaway Weekend

We had a perfect stay for a long weekend. We plan on coming again ASAP
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

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

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

Jon A.

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

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

Jonathan D.

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

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Carrie M.

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

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

Andrea G., Bath

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

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

Garrison C.

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

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

Elizabeth M.

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

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

Connie P.

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

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

Denise M C.

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

Relaxing getaway

Working with the owners was awesome! They provided a great guide of things to do and places to shop in the area. The cabin felt homey and the back deck was the absolute best to either bird watch or just relax, play cards and listen to the rain. Will definitely be back when we come to the area again!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

George S.

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

Fathers Day get away

My wife and I had a great time at Higher Ground. The cabin was clean and comfortable, with everything you need so you don’t have to bring a lot stuff for your stay. Graham and Linda were great hosts and made sure we had everything we needed for a great stay. We would definitely recommend this place to our friends and look forward to staying there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angela R.

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

Cabin stay

I had a lovely stay. The owners were wonderful, they even went and bought a Keurig for me because I said I had one at home. The squirrel and birds were a wonderful form of entertainment, if you like wildlife. The cabin was very clean and cozy. I had the best time and got the rest and relaxation that i was wanting.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jenny I.

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

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

Erin B.

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Angela C.

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

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

Oxana M.

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

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

Brandy H.

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

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

Josie A.

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

A Peaceful slice of Heaven

Our visit for our 10 year wedding anniversary was absolutely perfect. The rental had everything we needed from a walking stick for our hick, picnic basket for our lunch, and all the necessities to prepare our own meals. The owners went over the top to make sure we had everything we needed and were prepared for our stay. Went out of their way to help with our Anniversary lunch reservations. The drive is a bit windy but our Corolla did just fine. Looking forward to out next visit. Highly recommended for a peaceful getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea I.

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

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

About the host

Hosted by Graham & Linda Shaw

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests