Rating
Type
Accessibility
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Third Bedroom
Willow Pond is located less than one mile from the Deep Creek entrance into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hidden in the quiet woods of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Deep Creek entrance into the park features great hiking trails, including 3 beautiful waterfalls, and during the Spring and Summer months, excellent tubing down the creek! This cabin is also conveniently located less than 10 minutes from downtown Bryson City. Enjoy the local shops, restaurants, and breweries of this charming mountain town, or stop by and check out the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad train depot, all located in Bryson City. The Harrah’s Casino, Oconaluftee River hiking trails & tubing, the popular Mingo & Soco waterfalls, and the Sequoyah National Golf Course are all located about 15 minutes away in Cherokee, NC. You can also reach the Almond Boat Dock on Fontana Lake for some great swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing options in about 20-25 minutes, Or you can experience the exhilaration of white-water rafting, zip lining, and other adventurous excursions out in the Nantahala Gorge located 30 minutes away.
The views at this cabin are straight out of a Monet painting! Get ready to enjoy the long-range mountain views and a picturesque pond from the comforts of the covered back porch, furnished with tranquil rocking chairs perched dreamily overlooking the scenic masterpiece below you. The yard features an excellent stone firepit surrounded by adirondack chairs perfect for roasting marshmallows under the stars as you sit next to the charming pond and mountain landscape. Take a soak in the relaxing hot tub that is conveniently placed under the cover of a canopy, perfect to enjoy in all weather conditions. The cabin also provides a charcoal grill with an outdoor dining table on the deck.
The Willow Pond is a multilevel cabin that provides plenty of space for everyone. The entry level has a light and airy open floor plan with high vaulted ceilings in the kitchen and living room. The kitchen is equipped with all the cookware and appliances you will need for an enjoyable dining experience. Adjacent to the kitchen is a dining room table with seating for 6. The living room features a beautiful stone fireplace with comfortable seating surrounding a flat screen tv. There are two bedrooms located on the entry level, one being the king-size master bedroom with an en-suite bath, and the other furnished with two twin size beds.
The lower level houses the third bedroom and bath, along with a game room prefect for entertaining the kids.
Deep Creek is a popular vacation destination just outside the Bryson City limits for locals and vacationers alike. The best whitewater tubing in the Smokies, 3 beautiful and easily accessible waterfalls , natural swimming holes, hiking and biking trails lined with wildflowers,rippling trout runs of the upper creek and large picnic grounds with restrooms makes this a very affordable family friendly attraction. One that just about everybody should experience during their next visit to the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. With so much to see and do in Deep Creek many of our guest spend a large amount their vacation time in this area. Though all of our NC vacation rental cabins are a short drive from Deep Creek in the GSMNP, our vacation rentals just outside the park are very popular with guest who want to make this area base camp for their smoky mountain vacation experience.
Listed below the activity information tabs are all of our cabins that are just outside the Deep Creek entrance of the GSMNP.
Map courtesy Swain County Chamber of Congress.
Map is intended as a generalized guide.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts some the most beautiful scenery of the southern Appalachians and tubing down Deep Creek is a great way to immerse yourself in this scenic natural environment. For years, generations of fun-loving vacationers have been coming back to Deep Creek to experience the thrill of riding an inner tube down the rapids of this Smoky Mountain stream. The chilly high mountain spring fed water of Deep Creek is a refreshing retreat from the hot summer sun for locals and vacationers alike. In order to experience the thrill of tubing down a natural Smoky Mountain creek you will need a tube. Fortunately Tube rental companies are located on West Deep Creek Road, which leads directly into the National Park. Right before entering the park local tube rental companies line the road providing the option of renting a tube for the day and loading it on or in your vehicle. You can choose from different sizes and types of tubes , with seats and without. These are not your average tubes, and purchasing your own of the same quality would be expensive. The tubes you rent are heavy duty, and designed to take the rocky conditions in the creek. For those that are driving a car they will find a way to load them on top so no matter what you are driving they have seen it all. You’ll follow the main entrance road of the National Park past the picnic area, and to the end, where the Deep Creek trail head begins. There is a parking lot just to the left that is often full during the summer and a "drop-off only" loop. Missing this area will be difficult, as you’ll see lots of vehicles plied high with brightly colored inner tubs and people in bathing suits setting off up the trail. Additional parking is available in the picnic area. From the parking lot at the Deep Creek trail head, you will have to carry your inner tube upstream about a mile on the Deep Creek trail. The path along side the creek is an old national park gravel/ dirt road that is wide and flat. You will pass by Thomas Branch Falls on the right as you make your way along the creek. Tubing on the one-mile stretch of Deep Creek in the National Park is divided into two sections that each offer a unique experience.
•Try to stay in the main current, and pay attention to the strongest current areas and target them with your tube. This will keep you from getting stuck on rocks and also keep you from getting caught up in calmer areas of water which can be relaxing but are a bit difficult to get out of sometimes due to them swirling.
•The rocks are sometimes difficult to see, but when you do see them and can’t avoid going over them, lean back a little or try to pull up the edge of the tube that will hit the rock first. This will allow water to go in-between your tube and the rock and often let you flow right over it.
•Water shoes – Pick up some good water shoes with a closed toe. You won’t want to carry your shoes in the tube, and you won’t want to walk up the gravel Deep Creek Trail barefoot. Flip flops are almost always lost. This is a naturally formed mountain creek with lots of rocks big and small. No beach sand found here . Also, the bottom of Deep Creek is rocky, and slick. Water shoes make all the difference.
•Beach towels and a dry change of clothes - After spending hours getting repeatedly splashed by cold water, warm dry clothes feel pretty comforting even in the summer. There are restrooms/ changing rooms in the picnic area.
•Waterproof Cell Phone Case – Or leave cells in the car out of sight. If you want your cell phone with you (for video or pictures), make sure it is in a waterproof case and has a method to attach it to yourself. Don’t think you’ll be able to keep your cell phone dry, you won’t and if dropped, locating it in the swift moving water is unlikely.
•Lanyard Key chain Holder - Many big box department stores and camping/ kayaking equipment suppliers sell waterproof lanyard style bags. These are a great choice for those electronic Key fobs. Just make sure they are sealed tight and secured to you before launching your self down the rapids.
•Sunscreen and Hat - Though most of the creek is shaded by trees, most people still manage to get a decent amount of sun exposure.
•Pack a Picnic Lunch - You will build up an apatite trying to steer or dislodge your tube and hiking back up the trail. A short break to warm up, grab a drink and bite to eat will help to extend the day's adventure even longer. There are no food or drink stands available in the park. There is an ice-cream / concession stand just out side the park entrance; but, giving up your parking space is the biggest expense.
The Deep Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park features 3 beautiful waterfalls - Juney Whank, Thomas Branch, and Indian Creek. All 3 are family friendly and are short easy to moderate hikes, along well established and marked trails. These trails all begin at the deep creek parking area. . The trail head is right off the loop turnaround, and follows along side Deep Creek. You'll have several choices for hikes to see these 3 waterfalls. If you do all 3, it's about a 2.5 mile hike.
Juney Whank Falls - Look for the sign to the waterfall at the upper end of the parking lot near the drop off loop. Juney Whank Falls is located only a quarter-of-a-mile from the parking lot. The trail is a little steep at first, then soon connects with the Deep Creek Horse Trail. Head to the right and up, then look for a side trail to the waterfall a few hundred yards up. The waterfall is visible from here and just a short distance down this trail. Juney Whank Falls is divided into an upper and lower section. Both can be viewed from the footbridge which crosses Juney Whank Branch at the falls. Together they drop 90 feet from top to bottom. Hikers will also have the option of continuing on this same trail, which will create a loop that visits all three falls in this area. From here, you can either backtrack to the parking lot, or you can do a loop hike and only add a short distance to the hike. To complete the loop, continue on the trail over the bridge at the waterfall and connect back on to the Deep Creek Horse Trail. Turn right, then take the right fork down to the Deep Creek Trail. Turn right ( down stream) to return to the parking lot or left ( up stream) and continue along Deep Creek trail to Thomas Branch Falls.
Thomas Branch Falls - The trail begins as a wide path as it follows along Deep Creek upstream. The 80-foot Toms Branch Falls is located only three-tenths of a mile from the trail head. The park service has provided several benches for visitors to admire these beautiful falls, which spill down into the creek from the opposite bank.
Indian Creek Falls - To reach Indian Creek Falls, continue beyond Toms Branch Falls along Deep Creek Trail. After crossing the first bridge you’ll begin a gradual half-mile uphill climb to the right of Deep Creek until you reach another bridge, and a trail junction just in front. Deep creek trail continues straight, and Indian Creek Trail goes to the right. Turn right onto Indian Creek Trail. Turning off onto Indian Creek Trail gets you out of the hustle and bustle of the tubing crowd. Shortly after turning onto Indian Creek Trail (1/10th of a mile), you’ll see a sign to the left and a small trail down to the base of Indian Creek Falls and a picturesque cove.
Deep Creek offers many day hiking options for the beginner and multi-day hikes for the hard core enthusiast. The Deep Creek Trail was one of the first trails constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the newly legislated park in the early 1930s and was originally a road. This wide flat trial offers the beginner easy hiking to 2 beautiful waterfalls and connects to a loop trail to Juney Whank Falls. For a moderately challenging hike, guest can hike the 4.6 mile round trip Deep Creek Loop Trail; which connects a few trails together to form a loop that takes you past Thomas Branch falls and Indian Creek Falls, over Sunkota Ridge, through about 1.5 miles of peaceful back country forest to end back at the parking area.
For the overnight hiking and fishing enthusiast, Deep Creek Trail continues far into the back country along Deep Creek. Over night primitive campsites are located along the trail and available with backcountry permits and reservations from the National Park Service.
Hiking tips from the 
National Parks Service
Be sure to allow plenty of time to complete your hike before dark. As a rule of thumb, hikers in the Smokies travel about 1.5 miles per hour. Many people travel slower. Sunset times vary from just after 5:00 p.m. in December to almost 9:00 p.m. in June.
Safety is always a concern when hiking with children. While you won't need any specialized equipment to enjoy these hikes, it is always smart to take enough water and snacks for everyone. Wear sturdy footwear to make the hike more enjoyable and dress in warm layers on colder days. Please remember to be respectful and do your part to preserve these areas because they are wonderful pieces of Smoky Mountain history. Please do not move any objects you find, and leave all plants undisturbed.
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Difficulty: Easy
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
Deep Creek is one of the better brown trout streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Brown and Rainbow trout are both present in the lower portions of Deep Creek and native brook trout in the uppermost portions. Fishing is permitted year-round in the park, but a Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required. Either state license is valid throughout the park. Deep Creek is a relatively large stream that flows from deep with in the national park and immediately through Bryson City where it enters the Tuskegee River. As with most of the larger streams in the park, Deep Creek is mostly fished in its lower section that is easy to access. In warm weather, this section is usually crowded, with people floating by in inner tubes. Surprisingly, the fish have become so accustomed to the tube traffic that you can catch a trout or two between runs of tubing enthusiasts. On prime weekends the tub traffic can be nearly jammed and tying to drop a fly in is nearly impossible and not worth the trouble. Head upstream to Deep Creek’s junction with Indian Creek. Beyond that point, no tubing is permitted, and this is where the real fishing begins. From the campground you can follow the Deep Creek Road Trail for just over two miles. From there upstream, you can only access the stream by hiking the Deep Creek Trail. Spring is an ideal time to fish the creek. It’s still too cold for tubing, and mayfly, caddis and stonefly hatches are abundant. Spring is also an ideal time to view the spectacular displays of wildflowers that color the trail sides. Indian Creek is a good side trip, if you have plenty of fishing time. A trail runs alongside the creek, providing easy access to the stream, which is populated mostly by rainbow trout, with a few browns thrown in for good measure. Fishing can be tight in places, but it has plenty of open space for fly casting.
For up to date licensing and additional fishing info visit
CAROLINA MOUNTAIN VACATIONS
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Click Here to Print or View Complete V.R.A. as pdf
If you have questions about this Vacation Rental Agreement, we would love to answer them for you.
Our toll free number for questions about this agreement is: 877-488-8500.
To view required payment at Booking,
Click on the "Get Quote" button.
Reservation balance due at check-in.
Military Discounts can only be applied by
Reservationist after confirmation of eligibility.
(full descriptions and details provided in VRA)
- To Secure (Book) Your Reservation: A deposit of 50% of total reservation must be made on a major credit or debit card (Master Card, Visa, Discover or American Express). Upon the successful charge to your card, you will receive a Reservation Confirmation email with invoice and this VRA, either in full or hyperlinked for download.
- BALANCE DUE 30 Days before Check-In: All guests are required to make payment in full of remaining balance before they are given directions to and lock box codes for property entry. Due date of final payment is determined by booking method and listed on invoice.
- All reservations incur the following Fees:
- Rent set at a per night rate and unique to each property
- Security Deposit or LDW guest must choose one option:
- Departure Cleaning Fee, the amount of this fee will be set on a cabin by cabin basis.
- Processing fee of 3% to cover merchant credit processing expense.
- Applicable Taxes including State and Local
- Pet Fee, if property is pet friendly and a pet is accompanying you on vacation, a non-refundable Pet Fee is required.
We understand that accidents do happen after all we are all human. Though as unintentional as accidents are, there is a cost to rectify their results. We believe the Limited Damage Waiver is the most practical method for both our Guest and Property Owners alike to provide for those expenses.
- Purchase Limited Damage Waiver (LDW) is a one-time non-refundable fee waiving your financial responsibility for up to $1,000 of accidental, unintentional damage. For full details, read Complete VRA linked above. The amount of the fee is specific to each property.
- Provide Security Deposit: (As an option to purchasing LDW) Guest may choose to provide a refundable (less damages) security deposit of $600.00 on credit or debit card. Security deposit will be refunded once the property has been fully inspected upon guest’s departure and cleared of all damages. North Carolina Law allows 30 days from departure date to inspect for damages and billed to Guest’s account. If damages exceed the Security Deposit amount, tenant will be responsible for the entire amount and the remaining cost will be charged to the tenant’s card on file. Carolina Mountain Vacations will refund security deposit (minus before mentioned expenses if necessary) within 45 days of tenant departure in accordance with NC law.
Cancellations with short notice are unfair to both Carolina Mountain Vacations as well as the Cabin owner.
If you must cancel be sure to do so at least 31 days in advance of your arrival date.
If you elected to purchase trip insurance, the travel insurance company should be contacted with the claim by tenant.
- All cancellations made less than 31 days of arrival are non-refundable.
- Cancellations made more than 31 day from arrival, initial payment will be refunded less a 75$ cancellation fee plus processing fee paid at booking and any Travel Insurance Premiums purchased.
- No-Shows are considered a last-minute cancellation and tenant forfeits full rental payment and voids lease agreement.
- Tenant may switch reservation to a different cabin more than 31 days prior to your arrival by payment of $30 transfer fee and difference of rates of new cabin.
Reservations CAN NOT be transferred to different cabin within 31 days of arrival.
NO RENTALS will be permitted to ANYONE UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE.
Detailed information regarding check-in and checkout procedures will be emailed the day before your scheduled arrival. Check-in is to occur at property leased as described in instructions emailed prior to arrival. Guest acknowledges that authorization to occupy property is only granted during dates and times listed on reservation. Attempting to or occupying property before or after the date and time indicated on reservation is a breach of this Lease Agreement and constitutes an illegal Trespass.
CHECK-IN is AFTER 4 P.M.
At check-in:
A.)
balance must be paid in full a minimum of 30 days before scheduled arrival date for access is permitted.
B.)
Detailed check-in instructions, full property address, directions and checkout info will be emailed 1 day before scheduled arrival to email address on file.
Internet mapping devises and navigation systems are NOT recommended for use in the Western NC Mountains ( GPS signal reception is spotty in the mountains).
C.) On date of scheduled arrival guest may travel directly to property but may not arrive before check-in time listed on reservation. Our Staff needs time to properly prepare a cabin for your stay and cannot start until the previous guest has checked out at 11am
CHECK-OUT is by 11 A.M.
To check-out you do not need to come by our office. Simply, Call our office to let us know you are leaving.
Before leaving the cabin Please:
* Just leave the linens and towels where they are, laundry services are part of the Departure Cleaning (not part of your Vacation)
*No need to run to the dump with your trash, we got that too. Just make sure the lids are on Tight.
*Remove all perishable food from cabinets and refrigerator.
*Start the dishwasher, if cabin is equipped. Dish soap is provided under sink
*
Check for all personal belongings. Items left behind can be sent back with a $20 retrieval fee, plus shipping, will be charged
*Lock all doors and place keys back in the lock box
*Don't forget to give us a call as you head out.
Early Check-In and Late Check-Out:
If you are planning a late arrival time to your North Carolina vacation cabin rental, please contact our cabin rental office during business hours to make arrangements. Our office hours are 9 am to 9 pm, 7 days a week. Requests for early check-in or late check-out will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact our office no less than 24 hours in advance with requests for an early arrival or late departure. Consideration is given based upon the property’s “status” immediately prior to or following your reservation.
Failure to disclose an accurate Guest count or the presence of unregistered Guests could result in immediate eviction, forfeiture of any remaining rent and an additional charge of $250 deducted from card on file.
Children 12 and under stay free.
Maximum occupancy refers to all persons over the age of one year old. Violations of maximum occupancy can cause property damage as well as violate local laws and regulations. (Most mountain cabins and homes run on private septic and well systems. Overtaxing these systems can cause serious problems.) Any maximum occupancy violation constitutes a breach of contract and Guest agrees that any such violation, in addition to any other remedies herein, will result in immediate eviction of Guests, forfeiture of any remaining rent and an additional charge of $250 representing liquidated damages.
Policies for Carolina Mountain Vacations Pet-Friendly Cabins
A property is only deemed pet-friendly when prior approval has been arranged and non-refundable pet fee has been paid. Should prior approval not have been obtained or if the requisite pet fee remains outstanding, the cabin will adhere to our Non-Pet Friendly policies, and corresponding penalties may be enforced!
There are potential consequences for bringing an unauthorized pet onto any CMV property.
Policy for Pet-Friendly Cabins
Even though we love all pets, we regret that we are unable to allow any animals other than dogs in our rental cabins. CMV only accepts well-behaved, housebroken dogs into our cabins designated as pet friendly. Absolutely no cats are permitted in CMV rental cabins. For the purpose of this agreement, the term “pet” is always used in reference to a dog.
- To bring a pet to a cabin listed as pet friendly, Guest must make arrangement to include pet(s) on reservation by indicating number of pets and pay a onetime non-refundable pet fee at time of booking or guest may contact office to include a pet on a reservation. Arrangement to bring pet must be made before date of scheduled arrival on reservation to activate pet friendly status of property.
- If prior approval has not been authorized or pet fee has not been paid, the Not Pet Friendly Policy will apply to the property. If an unauthorized pet is found to be, reported to be or there is evidence of a pet having been at property, penalties will be enforced as described in the Not Pet Friendly policy.
- Each property has a maximum number of pets permitted which is determined by the property owner but is never more than 2 pets. Having more than the authorized maximum number of pets at a cabin voids the Pet Friendly agreement and Not Pet friendly policy is enforced.
- Any damages to the cabin or cabin property or another person by or because of a pet will be the sole responsibility of the registered Guest. Guests are held financially responsible for all physical damage to the Cabin (i.e. chewing, scratching, flea infestation, etc.) inflicted on the Cabin by the presence of a pet. If extra cleaning is deemed reasonable due to the presence of a pet (i.e. soiled furniture and/or flooring, hair on furnishings or bedding, fleas), the Guest will be held financially responsible and the credit card on file will be charged for the amount of the repair/recovery. The limited damage waiver (if purchased) does not include damage from pets.
General rules for pets when visiting.
- In the interest of protecting your dog, a leash should always be used when your dog is outside. While North Carolina does not have a state leash law, please note that cities and counties may have stricter regulations. No dog shall be tied outside the Cabin unless supervised by a responsible adult.
- Dogs should not be left unattended in cabins (they are on vacation to). In an unfamiliar environment dogs may act uncharacteristically and unpredictably. They may get nervous and bark, causing a disturbance to neighbors. Or they may harm the cabin by chewing, scratching, or making messes that they would not typically make at home. Please remember to be respectful of nearby neighbors. Always use a crate in the rare event that a dog must be left alone.
- Pets are not permitted on furniture or Bedding.
Please review the Road Scale info for this cabin before booking.
Cars & most All Vehicles access:
Most all standard vehicle types can confidently traverse the roads leading up the mountain. Lowered suspension, front wheel drive Mini-Vans and Motorcycles are not recommended. Paved and hard packed gravel sections on a well-maintained mountain road, Switchbacks and moderate to steep incline sections possible, no washed-out section. Bryson City is in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, where no mountain road is flat its full length. As you travel to and from your cabin, the local roads may be very curvy, narrow, steep, paved, gravel or dirt. Please be prepared to drive on these mountain roads when you are here. CMV will not give refund or be held liable if guest does not adhere to minimum recommended vehicle type and is not able to or elects not to drive up road to cabin.
For full explanation of Road Scale and NC Mountain driving tips.
- Hot tubs. Showering before and after using the hot tub is recommended.
- Our hot tubs are cleaned and maintained by certified techs before and after each tenant occupancy or every 5 days. This means a tech will be required to inspect hot tub during stays of 7 days or longer.
- Guest is responsible for damages to hot tub from misuse or negligence.
- Do NOT sit or stand on hot tub covers, they are not designed to handle weight. This type of damage is not covered by LDW.
- Guest will be responsible for cover replacement if Damage to cover is discovered. Amount starting at $500.
- Failure to re-secure cover with supplied equipment after use, resulting in loss of cover down the mountain side, will incur a $100 retrieval fee or replacement fee if damaged.
- Do Not exceed posted Guest Capacity or engage in activities that result in excessive water loss from tub. Guest will be responsible for repairs, including but not limited to pump replacement.
- An additional Hot Tub Service charge may be applied for introduction of foreign substances (i.e. soap, oils, bath bubbles or beer), broken glass or discarded items left in Hot Tub, including swim-wear.
SMOKING or Vaping is PROHIBITED:
All cabins are NON-SMOKING and NO VAPING allowed indoors. If this regulation is violated and smoking is detected in the cabin, a $500 fine will be charged to the credit card on file for specialty cleaning and laundering services to remove odor from all soft surfaces within property. The tenant is liable for the expense to repair burns to furniture, bedding, carpet or other flooring. Tenant is liable for any lost revenue to property if next tenant must be transferred to a different property while odor mitigation and repairs are completed.
All indoor fireplaces (gas log and wood burning) are closed/ shut off during the dates of May 16 thru September 30. Tampering with a gas supply or burning wood indoors during these dates is Prohibited. Tenant assumes financial responsibility for damage to AC systems caused by excessive strain on system to compete with fireplace.
Wood Burning Fireplace fee:
If cabin has a wood burning fireplace a mandatory $30 wood fee will be included on your reservation during the months of October 1st - May 15th to cover an initial supply of wood and cleaning of the fireplace after your departure. This supply is estimated to last about 3 nights and is intended for Fireplace use only. If your stay is longer or you run out of wood, please contact our office to purchase an additional delivery of wood for $30. Burning of unapproved wood types or overloading the fireplace can damage the fireplace and lead to liability for repair expense.
