Summary:
Cozy cabin vibes, wild mountain air, and a stargazing shower to top it all off.
Welcome to Whippoorwill Cabin, a colorful, comfy hiker's homebase nestled atop Suck Creek Mountain just 20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Whether you're here to hike, hammock, cook over a fire, or just listen the whippoorwills sing, this is where the magic kicks in.
Step out your door and into adventure: hike the trails of Prentice Cooper State Forest, paddle the Tennessee River, or dip in the blue holes of Suck Creek. Whether you're here to roam or rest, Mother Nature has something magical in store.
The Space:
Whippoorwill Cabin at Talking Water Nature Retreat
Simple pleasures. Sweet sounds. Soulful surroundings.
Whippoorwill is one of four cozy cabins in the Songbird Neighborhood at Talking Water Nature Retreat. Talking Water is a family-built haven tucked into 82 acres atop Suck Creek Mountain & just a scenic 20-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga.
Whippoorwill offers cozy charm, nature-immersed simplicity, colorful whimsy, and a touch of mountain magic.
Inside, you'll find warm, funky design and all the essentials for a peaceful stay: a full kitchen, comfy sleeping space for 6–7 guests, and both indoor and outdoor showers—including one perfect for stargazing.
Just outside, simple mountain fun awaits:
- Swing, slide, and tetherball right nearby
- Trails winding through the woods for morning or sunset hikes
- Firepits for late-night stories and s’mores
- Campsite grills for picnic dining
- Charming chicken coop about 100 feet away (say hello to our feathered friends!)
- Access to the community Songbird Pavilion with an outdoor kitchen and seating for group meals or relaxing
Whippoorwill offers the kind of joy that doesn’t require screens or schedules - just a little time, fresh air, and space to connect. Whether you’re here solo, as a couple, or part of a larger group gathering (you can sleep up to 26 guests across all four cabins), Talking Water is your base for unplugging and reconnecting.
Guest Access:
When you book Whippoorwill Cabin, you’ll enjoy:
- Full private use of the cabin
- Your own stone patio and small deck
- A private outdoor shower under the stars
- Two dedicated parking spaces in front of the cabin
(Please message us in advance if you need more parking)
You’ll also have shared access to:
- The Songbird Pavilion – a welcoming community space with an outdoor kitchen, firepit, and plenty of seating
- The guest laundry room and extra supplies, located in the nearby garage
The Neighborhood:
Talking Water is a dream-turned-reality created by the Sonner-Such family (John & Karen Sonner, Ken Sonner, and James & Bobbie Such). Together, we’re transforming an 82-acre mud-pit atop Suck Creek Mountain into an evolving sanctuary of living earth, eclecic creativity, and human connection.
We’re nestled in the rural Suck Creek Mountain community surrounded by nature’s best:
🌲 Prentice Cooper State Forest borders our southern end
💧 One mile of Suck Creek flows through our land to the east
🌊 The Tennessee River runs along our road at the base of the mountain
We’re doing our best to honor this powerful land with restoration, quirky charm, and a deep love for people and place.
Getting Around:
You will want a car - or at least a bicycle! It is a 10-12 minute car ride down the mountain to get groceries.
Other Things to Note:
🛏 Sleeping Arrangements
- King bed in the loft (sleeps 2)
- Full-sized sleeper couch (sleeps 2-3)
- Eno hammock hooks for 2 hammocks — hammocks and straps provided (sleeping in them is a guest favorite!)
🚗 Parking
- Whippoorwill includes 2 labeled parking spaces directly in front of the cabin.
- Need more? Just message us to arrange additional parking.
🐾 Pets
- Pets are welcome with prior approval from the hosts. A pet fee applies.
- Guests are responsible for any damage and must crate pets when unattended (crates available upon request).
- Please keep pets under control at all times and clean up all waste.
Interaction with Guests:
We, the Sonner-Such family members, work out of the garage office during the day and do most of the cabin cleanings (or, more realistically, we are around the property working on another project). Feel free to say hi or to keep to yourself!
