Escape to nature with this pet-friendly, family retreat just 15 minutes from Highlands! Perfect for hiking, relaxing, and playtime with the kids. Utilize the outdoor fire pit, indoor fireplace and the playhouse in the side yard full of games!
Scaly Mountain
Escape to nature with this pet-friendly, family retreat just 15 minutes from Highlands! Perfect for hiking, relaxing, and playtime with the kids. Utilize the outdoor fire pit, indoor fireplace and the playhouse in the side yard full of games!
With a stay at this vacation home in Franklin, you'll be on the waterfront, just steps from Nantahala National Forest and a 4-minute drive from Cullasaja Falls. .This vacation home is 25.8 mi (41.6 km) from Western Carolina University and 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Jackson Hole Gem Mine.
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts - 12 min drive - 9.6 miles
Getting around
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) - 82 min drive
Restaurants
Caffe REL - 11 min drive
McDonald's - 11 min drive
Starbucks - 13 min drive
El Charro Mexican Grill - 10 min drive
Bojangles - 10 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Cindy's Island Riverfront
If it's river frontage you want - you've found it! You can literally drop a line in and fish while standing on the deck. The views up and down the river are tremendous and onsite you'll find tubes for a lazy afternoon float down the river. This cozy two-bedroom cottage is perfect for 2-4 guests. There's a nice woodstove for chilly mornings and evenings, Internet (wireless) and Satellite TV. Well located between Highlands and Franklin so a quick jaunt up or down the mountain is easy and direct.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a fireplace. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transportation
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Entertainment
TV
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
On the waterfront
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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
Property is also known as
411104
Cindy's Island Riverfront Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 72 out of 88 reviews
10 - Excellent
72
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 88 reviews
8 - Good
13
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 88 reviews
6 - Okay
3
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 88 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 88 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.8/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
John F.
Nov 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Cabin was amazing! Great views and relaxing vibe. Plenty of amenities to help enjoy the stay!
John F.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kirk M.
Oct 20, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Our stay at Cindy's Island was fantastic! Very clean and comfortable. Love the outdoor fire pit area and being right on the river! Highly recommend!
Kirk M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sarah C.
Oct 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We enjoyed our weekend stay at the cabin! It was relaxing and the S’more’s were such a nice gesture.
Sarah C.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
scott T.
Jul 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Anniversary at Cindy's Island
We had a great stay! Place was clean and had all the amenities that we needed. Being right on the water was appealing to the eye and hearing the sound of the water going over the rocks brought peacefulness. We will stay here again. Also, Franklin is a great town! One of our now favorites!
scott T.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Timothy G., Tunnel Hill, GA USA
Jun 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
40th Anniversary Celebration
Cindy’s Island was the perfect setting for a quiet getaway to celebrate being married for 40 years to my college sweetheart. The setting could not have been more perfect. The cabin was well furnished and very clean. We greatly appreciated the easy check-in check-out process. The owner made it so easy and stress free. The temperature was very hot outside, but the cabin was very cool. The power went out around 2:30 am on our last day, but was unrelated to the cabin; the whole area experienced a power outage. It made it difficult getting out on time as we had no power or water until 9:00. We were able to meet the 10:00 departure within 15 minutes, but were not charged. The owner was accommodating. If you are looking for a beautiful outdoor setting in the mountains close to town, but away from the hustle and bustle of the world this is your place.
Timothy G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
8/10 Good
Marsha W.
Jun 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Cindy's Island was a cute place - the porches and outside sitting areas were very relaxing. The beds were comfortable and the kitchen/bathrooms were updated. The house was exceptionally clean but is an older home with some tile ceilings and a creaky/leaning floor. There was a lot of road noise because of where it is located which took a little away from the spot being perfect. Also, it is a little tricky pulling out of the driveway onto the busy road. Overall, it is in a good location for what we were looking for which was checking out waterfalls in the area.
Marsha W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
George R.
May 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic!
A little slice of heaven. The river is amazing; the home is immaculate and very well equipped. Sara, our hostess, was unbelievably prompt and helpful. We rate it 10 stars out of 10 begrudgingly only because we don't want to add to competitiion for our return visit(s)!
George R.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jan H., Villa Rica, USA
Nov 27, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Getaway
This property is great! Beautiful home with everything you and more. The extras made us feel so welcome, the perfect home away from home. The sound of the water was so peaceful and relaxing. My husband enjoyed fishing both in the water and off the deck. I can't say enough about this lovely home.
Jan H.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Cindy H.
Nov 17, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Anniversary Trip
All communication was quick and informative. Check in was simple. The home was exactly as described. Everything was clean and well kept. Only downside, but if you don’t live in country it probably would not be an issue, but property is close to road and you will hear traffic at all times. Again if you are used to hearing traffic it will not be an issue but we live on a farm and not used to traffic. Other than that the home is located in a great area to drive and hike to many different waterfalls. We enjoyed our stay.
Cindy H.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Janet N.
Oct 31, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Cindy's Island
We loved the house, the amenities and the view was phenomenal ... the level and flow of the river was perfect for flyfishing as the water was so clear you could see the fish swimming by teasing you to try and hook them.
The location of the house was perfect for venturing out to visit the towns of Franklin and Highlands, the Blue Ridge Parkway and most anywhere else that is a fun place to check out!
Cindy's Island would be a PERFECT mountain getaway EXCEPT for finding and maneuvering the driveway and the proximity of the busy road and the noise from the vehicles speeding by! The quiet of the lack of traffic is quite noticeable when sitting outside by the firepit which we did as much as possible!
Janet N.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sally O.
Oct 13, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Better Than Ever
This was our third visit to Cindy's Island in 3 years. It really just gets better each time with the added roofing on the back balcony and out the sliding glass doors. The new recliners on the porch became our favorite sitting spot watching the river flow by. The traffic on Hiway 64 is not heard at all from inside. They have thought of everything for a great getaway but convenient location.
Sally O.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Claire C.
Oct 13, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing
Love the location.
Claire C.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Brenda T.
Oct 7, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Getaway!
Really enjoyed our stay. Lovely, comfortable cabin. Had all we needed and more. Enjoyed the deck and river! Relaxing. Close to antiques, shopping, etc. Great family time!
Brenda T.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
VIRGINIA C.
Sep 8, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Highlands get-a-way
Came up to visit family in Highlands. Ate some good food and great family time. Hope to be back next year!
VIRGINIA C.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sharon C.
Sep 4, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful River Front Home
The house was on the Callasuga River. You could fish off the deck of the house
Beautiful home. Only thing lacking. A dishwater. Great location between Franklin and Highlands, North Carolina.
Sharon C.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
6/10 Okay
Ken H.
Aug 11, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Riverside
The property is right on the Cullasaja River. Good swimming and fishing. The traffic and road noise is disturbing while setting outside. Be careful of the uneven floors and exposed stone hearth, dangerous.
Ken H.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Aug 5, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect family getaway!
We had a wonderful stay — very clean, excellent location near town and central to get to other towns. We loved hanging out in the river and making s’mores in the fire pit. Highly recommend!
Verified traveler
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Rachel L.
Jul 12, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing Riverfront Home
We fell in love with Cindy’s Island right away. The home has a fantastic view and you can hear the river from the back deck. The home is beautiful and nicely decorated. Lots of special touches made us feel welcome and super comfortable. The location is great because it is close to hikes and downtown Highlands. It was perfect for our family.
Rachel L.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jodie H.
Jun 8, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Rock hunters
This place was very nice clean and quiet right on the water we loved it and would to come again in the future
Jodie H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Nancy C.
Jun 6, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay!
We had a great weekend! Wonderful cabin and setting. Loved being on the river!
Nancy C.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Judy B., COCOA
May 12, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
A Very Special Place
We have rented over 20 VRBO homes and this was the best! Very clean, dreamy beds, best kitchen café table over looking the river and both porches to listen to the river and have a cocktail. My husband fly fishes and they had just stocked the Cullasaja river. All he had to do was get his waders on and walk over to the island and down the river to fish. He had good luck catching nice rainbows and brown trout over the 6 days we were in Franklin/Highlands area. We also rented a pontoon boat on Lake Glenville for a few hours and took a ride and did some lake fishing. The road to Highlands can be very challenging so we only drove there to have dinner at the Lakeside restaurant which was very good and to walk through the town. Franklin has a cute downtown area with some good restaurants for lunch.
A very relaxing home and would be great in the summer too. Great stay!!
Judy B.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
8/10 Good
Margaret W.
Dec 6, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Get Away
Relaxing and beautiful. A little hard to find, especially at night because the entrance is right outside a curve in the road but overall, we would go again!
Margaret W.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
vlad z., North Port Florida
Dec 5, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Relaxation
If you are looking for a river home to do a short vacation, this is the place. 10 minutes from restaurants and shopping, 10 minutes from mountain peaks, 10 steps from a scenic river. Fly fish or just sit back and enjoy the river sounds.
vlad z.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
10/10 Excellent
Cara W.
Nov 28, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great small rental
We had a great experience with renting this property. Thank you for that😀. The cabin was very clean and cozy. We had family staying in Highlands, 30min. , so we were able to do the river at our rental and the town at their cabin. Thursday we did the mountain coaster which was fun and We drove to an amazing zip line, the Gorges, on Friday. Not to disappoint! There is so much to do! Shopping in town on Saturday before the football games. Roll Tide! We were very pleased with the cabin and all of the adventures surrounding it😃
Cara W.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022
10/10 Excellent
Linda M.
Nov 1, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful
The house was very clean and had everything you would need. The host stayed in touch before our stay and was detailed. The view from the deck was beautiful. Highly recommend you stay here. Perfect location to Franklin and Highlands