Trails End Lodge
On 82 beautiful acres, tucked against a national forest, this stunning American West-inspired cabin is the perfect retreat for hosting unforgettable larger gatherings
At a Glance
* Spacious 5-bedroom cabin, sleeps 12
* 2 king beds, 2 queen, 3 bunks
* Outdoor lounge area with sunken XL hot tub, furniture, and fire table
* In Morganton, a small town between Blairsville and Blue Ridge, just two hours north of Atlanta
* Gated community
* Hop-skip-jump away from two lakes (Nottely & Blue Ridge)
* Outdoor fire pit area with a smokeless Solo Stove and 12 rockers
* Coffee nook (with what may be the fanciest Keurig setup I’ve ever seen)
* Dogs welcome (see The Small Print for details)
* Smart TVs, FiberOp internet
* Custom-tiled bathrooms with granite counters
* Blackstone Grill with dual air fryer & griddle feature
* Game room with foosball, shuffleboard, Pacman arcade game
* Game cupboard in living room stocked with all your favorite board games
* Wood-burning fireplace inside, firepit out back, gas grill on porch
* Laundry nook (washer/dryer)
* Screened porch with beautifully made rockers, porch swing, and table
* Spring-fed snake- and turtle pond on property
The Trails End Story...
When I talked to Tracy about her and her husband’s cabin, Trails End Lodge, the soft-spoken Georgian’s voice took on a warm glow — which came as no surprise after she told me that they had just celebrated three family birthdays there (hers, included.) As our conversation meandered pleasantly from the layout of the property and technical details, to what the gorgeous, large cabin meant to her, it became apparent why two words kept coming up for Tracy: “family” and “escape.”
When Lon and Tracy bought the lodge ten years ago, it was in pretty rough shape. An initial renovation and a recent major remodeling later, and Trails End is nothing short of a gorgeous sanctuary amidst the pines.
Inspired by his love of Montana and western architecture, Lon had the vision to transform the spacious cabin into a cozy, lovingly-outfitted haven in the woods. All around the house you’ll see thoughtful design touches (repurposed barnwood and corrugated tin; rustic log furniture) and practical luxuries (a cute-yet-modern coffee bar; granite bathroom countertops). A surprise and delight awaits you around every corner, it seems: a twin mattress-sized rope swing on the porch, a spring-fed turtle and snake pond (“I’d probably not go swimming in there…” – Tracy), a custom games closet, a handmade checkers table, a fire table, and chaise longues on the porch — to name a few (you’ll discover many more, I’m sure of it.)
Tracy wanted a spectacular kitchen, and I’d say that’s a big “mission accomplished.”
“It’s got everything you could possibly need,” she told me, “breakfast to dinner.” She then told me about the blueberry pancakes she makes on the griddle when they’re there, the fancy propane grill, all the new appliances that look more complex than my first MacBook, and the name of that beautiful granite used for the kitchen counter (I instantly forgot it because I was still thinking about the pancakes).
“It’s already booked up for Thanksgiving,” Tracy said (we spoke early November). “In that kitchen, I’m sure they’ll find anything they could think of to make the perfect holiday meal.”
There is also a bunk room/gameroom (“Just throw all the cousins in there and give them some food, occasionally,” was Tracy’s advice) and lots of indoor and outdoor areas to hang out, for kids and adults. In a gated community, on 82 acres of pines and hardwoods, this is the perfect place for you and your family to decompress, enjoy, and safely explore, too. Likely as not, walking the miles and miles of trails, you’ll even spot some wildlife, like deer or the black bear mama and cubs that were hanging around last year.
Are you and your family (or chosen family) ready for a dreamy escape? Come to where the trails end.
Pro Tips & Local Wisdom
Take a picturesque train ride along the Toccoa River on the Blue Ridge Railway, with stops in McCaysville and Copperhill for shopping and dining (extra festive during winter months!)
Lace up your boots and explore the Appalachian Trail, which starts nearby
Enjoy home-cooked meals and desserts at the Hole in The Wall in Blairsville — serving up all day breakfast and world-class pies since 1931.
Go boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding on the pristine waters of Lake Blue Ridge, or catch some rays and r&r at one of the scenic lakeside beaches.
Visit the family-owned Mercier Orchards to pick apples, sip on cider, or grab delicious baked goods.
Live your action movie dreams: drive tanks and crush cars at Tank Town.
Get happy at Grumpy Old Men Brewing in downtown Blue Ridge.
Want to take Georgia off your mind? Take a day trip to Copperhill, TN.
Have a taste, glass, or bottle at one of the local wineries. Our faves? Wolf Mountain, Serenberry Vineyards, and Crane Creek Vineyards.
The Small Print
The Sounds of Silence: please limit outdoor use of speakers and other amplified sound equipment to 8:00 am through 10:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday; and 8:00 am through 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday.
You love your pups, and we’d love to host up to two of your furry friends. We charge a $75 cleaning fee per dog, per stay
. Cats make us sneeze: please leave them with grandma (or let them go feral while you’re away)
We happily prepare a starter kit for your arrival (5 trash bags under kitchen sink, 1 roll of paper towels per kitchen, 3 rolls of t.p. per bathroom, small bars of body soap) — please anticipate any needs beyond that, and stock up in town or bring from home.
Suds and beans can be very personal choices: please bring your own laundry detergent and coffee.
You’ll find an ample supply of dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, and hand soap.
Need us? We got you—24/7! Just give us a buzz anytime, and we’ll be there in a jiff to help with any unforeseen detail.
From our entire team, a big thank-you for choosing SVR — and booking so much more than a rental property. With nearly 10,000 stays and half as many glowing reviews, our guests agree.
Born and bred here in Georgia, we ensure our clients feel the warmth of our southern hospitality and have unforgettable stays in beautiful homes — in one of the prettiest landscapes the country has to offer.
We love North Georgia — and we love sharing her with you. In each of our cabins you’ll find an “Experience the Mountains” manual full of suggestions about local attractions such as hikes and sightseeing, as well as our favorite restaurants in town.
Want to connect with us about anything from the layout of the property to our favorite local IPA? Give us a shout. Someone on our team of locals (possibly me, even) will be happy to chat with you, answer any questions, and help you book your next dream mountain vacation.
We can’t wait to see you soon in our neck of the woods (and mountains, and lakes, and so much more).
License Number STR-024504
