Spectacular Creek-side Mountain Home with Private Trail to Panthertown Valley

We visited the Creek-side Mountain Home with Private Trail to Panthertown Valley during the second week of October, timing our stay with a fall foliage map to catch the peak colors. The drive up started with minimal color, but about 30 minutes from the house, as we began to climb in elevation, the leaves transformed into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. The roads were twisty and exciting, with magic around every corner. We even passed two barns with horses deep into the neighborhood and spotted deer along the way—it felt like entering another world.Our two families (with kids ages 10, 9, 7, and 5) fit perfectly in the home. One family used the double bedrooms, while the other took the master and bunk rooms. The layout was ideal for shared meals, games, and cozy evenings by the creek.We took full advantage of the nearby Sapphire Resort—playing golf and foot golf, panning for gold, enjoying the playground and mini golf, and picnicking in the cool mountain air. The next day, we hiked the private trail straight from the house to see Frolictown and Granny Falls, then headed to Fairfield Lake for paddling and fishing. We also discovered Camp Merrie Woode and its hidden waterfall—an unexpected highlight!The property itself is something special. It’s surrounded by a lush rhododendron forest, and the mosses and lichens create an almost fairy-tale feel. We can only imagine how stunning it must be when the rhododendrons are in full bloom—we’d love to come back for that.

Great cabin on beautiful stream Comfortable, convenient and owners/managers were attentive and responsive. Lovely hiking area.