Bedroom 1 · Main level
King primary suite
1 kingSleeps 2En suite
Smart TV and doors out to the screened porch. The en suite bath has a soaking tub, a walk-in shower and a double vanity.
Riverfront on the Cartecay · Ellijay, Georgia
Wake up on the river. Spend the day on your own island.
Coffee on the porch with the river running below. An afternoon on a private island no one else can reach. Evenings by the fire or in the hot tub. This is where you come to slow down and come back to each other.
7 guests3 bedrooms5 beds2 baths
★ 5.0 · 86 reviewsSuperhost
Book direct with Heather and skip the platform service fees.
See your dates →Why guests come
Right on the river, with an island of your own
The Cartecay River runs right along the property, so the sound of moving water stays with you from the first cup of coffee to the last log on the fire. You can see it from the deck, and a short walk through the trees brings you to the water's edge.
Then cross your own footbridge to a private island. There are no other guests and no schedule. Kids explore it like their own secret world, grown-ups find a shady spot and a book, and the phones mostly stay in pockets.
People come here to unplug and reconnect, and our guests tell us they do.
When you want to explore, everything Ellijay is known for is a short drive away: apple orchards, vineyards, river tubing, and the shops and trains of Blue Ridge.
- 3.5 miApple orchards
- 5 miWineries
- 6.5 miRiver tubing
- 8 miDowntown Ellijay
- 20 miBlue Ridge
Your private island
An island that's yours alone
A private footbridge carries you across the Cartecay to an island that belongs to the cabin. No other guests and nowhere you need to be. Wade the shallows, skip stones, read in the shade, or watch the kids turn the woods into an adventure.
At night, string lights lead the way down the path through the trees to the water.
- Private island and footbridge on the Cartecay River
- Lit woodland path down to the water
- Quiet stretch of riverfront for your group
The island and river area is like a magical fairy land for littles.Lynsey, Loomis CA · Sept 2026
Riverfront living
Fall asleep to the river and wake up to it again
The property runs along the Cartecay, and the river is in view from the cabin. From the porch, the hot tub and even the bedroom, you hear the steady sound of moving water, the kind of background that lets your shoulders drop soon after you arrive.
Spend afternoons wading, fishing from the bank, or sitting at the edge with your feet in the water. For a guided float, Cartecay River Experience is about 10 minutes away.
- Riverfront property on the Cartecay River
- Screened porch, a guest favorite for listening to the water
- Bank fishing right from the property
- Hammock swings on the deck
- Tubing outfitter about 10 minutes away
Great house! My son caught two fish in the river.Emily · Oct 2026
Hot tub
A hot tub with the sound of the river all around
Finish the day with a soak under the mountain sky while the river rushes past below. Separate hot tub towels wait in the laundry room.
- Private hot tub overlooking the backyard and river
- Hot tub towels provided
- Steps from the deck and hammock swings
Hot tub 10/10, amenities 10/10, but that river: 100/10!Terri, Raymore MO · Apr 2026
Screened porch
A screened porch that feels like a treehouse
Morning coffee, afternoon naps and late conversations all happen up here, among the treetops and out of the bugs. The primary suite opens right onto it, and a two-level deck wraps the back of the cabin.
- Upper screened porch with lounge seating
- Two-level deck with outdoor dining table
- Whole-home Bluetooth sound system, inside and out
Spent a lot of our time on the screened in porch. It feels like a tree house!Andrea, Burlington VT · June 2026
Fire pit
S'mores and stories around the fire pit
Fire up the propane grill, then gather around the fire pit as the woods go dark. This is where most groups end up every night.
- Fire pit for s'mores and stargazing
- Propane grill and rocking chairs out front
- Starry skies away from town lights
We made s'mores at night and explored the surrounding towns, farms and wineries during the days.Lynsey, Loomis CA · Sept 2026
Two game rooms
Two levels of game rooms for rainy days and family tournaments
The upstairs loft lounge and the new lower-level arcade give kids and grown-ups their own places to play.
- Lower-level arcade: pool and ping-pong table, NBA Jam, Star Wars and Golden Tee arcades, Pop-A-Shot, giant wall checkers, pub table
- Loft lounge: foosball, Infinity Game Table, giant bean bags, board games and puzzles, Smart TV
- Kids' teepee hideaway and galaxy projector
Our 6, 8 and 11 year olds did not touch a tablet the whole trip.Terri, Raymore MO · Apr 2026
Kitchen & living
A fully stocked kitchen and a table for twelve
Cook real meals in a kitchen with granite counters and everything you'd have at home, then gather at the big table and bar. In the living room, soaring ceilings meet a gas-log fireplace and Smart TV.
- Fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops
- Coffee bar: Nespresso, K-Cup and drip
- Seating for 12 at the table and bar
- Gas-log fireplace and Smart TV
- Washer and dryer, fast Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace
Everything from the furnishings to the kitchenware was top-notch.Jeremy, Tampa FL · July 2024
Thoughtful extras
Charge your EV, connect your music, stay as long as you like
A complimentary EV charger sits out front, and a whole-home Bluetooth system plays your music in every room. Freshly renovated top to bottom, the cabin is set up for long weekends and longer stays alike.
- Complimentary EV charger
- Whole-home Bluetooth music system
- Smart TVs in the living room, bedrooms and loft
- Keyless entry with a new code for every stay
Sleeping arrangements
3 bedrooms, 5 beds, sleeps 7
Two private bedrooms on the main level and a loft bedroom upstairs. Both bathrooms are full baths.
Bedroom 2 · Main level
Queen bedroom
1 queenSleeps 2
Smart TV, next to the second full bathroom with a tub and shower combo.
Bedroom 3 · Loft
Loft bedroom & game lounge
2 twins + 1 trundleSleeps 3
Two twin beds plus a twin trundle, or push the twins together to make a king. Kids love the teepee hideaway and galaxy projector.
Good to know: the loft is open to the living room below. It is not a closed-in room.
Bathrooms: 2 full baths. The primary suite's en suite, plus a hall bath with a tub and shower.
Linens & towels: provided, including separate towels for the hot tub.
Guest reviews
Rated 5.0 by 86 guests
Every review is 5 stars. Guest Favorite, top 5% of homes on Airbnb.
5.0
5.0Cleanliness
5.0Accuracy
5.0Check-in
5.0Communication
5.0Location
4.9Value
★★★★★
Heather's place was just what we needed to get away and recharge. We loved its privacy and it felt like a second home. The house was in pristine condition and the kitchen is well stocked. We really loved the screened upper deck and the view from it, the surround sound throughout the house, and the hot tub.
★★★★★
We loved our moms' and kids' weekend. The kids were in heaven in the game rooms and the moms were in heaven on the decks, in the hot tub, and lounging by the river. The island and river area is like a magical fairy land for littles. We made s'mores at night and explored the surrounding towns, farms, and wineries during the days.
Heather replied: We love hearing this! Game rooms and island adventures for the kids, river time and the hot tub for the moms. So happy we could be part of such a fun weekend.
★★★★★
This place is magical! I went with friends to relax at the river for my birthday. The house is spotless, one of the cleanest rentals I've seen in a while. The river access and whimsical forest backyard really set the scene. Truly a highlight of the summer, and we plan to be back.
★★★★★
Heather is a wonderful host! This is the best experience we have ever had with an Airbnb rental. The house and surroundings were just as pictured. She went above and beyond normal expectations. We will definitely be back!
Heather replied: Thank you so much! We love finding ways to make every stay feel extra special. We can't wait to welcome you back by the river.
★★★★★
What a lovely place. We brought our 5 kids (3 to 13) and had a blast. The island, the river, the porch, the path... all wonderful. Super clean. Will recommend it to family and friends.
★★★★★
Totally worth it! Our goal was to unplug, and we got hiking, exploring and fishing. Our 6, 8 and 11 year olds did not touch a tablet the whole trip. Hot tub 10/10, amenities 10/10, but that river: 100/10! The guide emailed before our stay was immensely helpful, and the printed guidebook on the entry table got used daily.
★★★★★
This cabin exceeded my expectations. The listing pictures are amazing, but it's even more amazing in person. We stayed with our four children, three of them under 3, and they all loved it. The river was a favorite for everyone. Clean and fully stocked with everything we needed and more. This is now our family favorite.
★★★★★
We had a great, peaceful stay with four adults and three kids. Spent a lot of our time on the screened in porch. It feels like a tree house!
Heather replied: So glad your family loved the screened porch. It really does feel like a treehouse nestled in the woods.
★★★★★
Being right on the river with our own private island was beyond cool. We had a blast tubing steps away from comfort. The cabin felt like a high-quality home, not just another Airbnb. The whole-house speakers, the safe screened porch for our little ones, and the loft game area that entertained the kids for hours were all highlights.
Your host
Hi, I'm Heather
I own and manage Cartecay Island Cabin myself, along with the rest of The Porter Collection, a small group of vacation homes in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and New York. There is no management company between us. When you message, you reach me.
I set up every home the way I'd want to find it: spotless, fully stocked, and ready for you to settle in and do nothing at all. Before you arrive I'll send a guide to the cabin and the area, and a printed copy waits for you on the entry table.
- Fully stocked kitchen and coffee bar
- Pre-arrival guidebook with local picks
- Unique door code for every stay
- Fast, friendly answers before and during your stay
Things to do near Ellijay
Rivers, trails, orchards and mountain towns
Ellijay is Georgia's apple capital and the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here is what's within an easy drive of the cabin. Drive times are approximate.
On the water Rivers & lakes
6.5 miles · ~10 min
Cartecay River Experience
Float the Cartecay on a lazy summer afternoon. Find the outfitter on Highway 52 East, in the same building as Cartecay River Pizza Company, so lunch is easy before or after your trip.
From the property & ~35 min
Trout fishing
Cast from the bank behind the cabin, or head to the Toccoa River tailwater below Blue Ridge Dam, one of the Southeast's best-known trout streams. Bring a Georgia fishing license.
~35 min
Lake Blue Ridge
Clear mountain water ringed by national forest. Rent a pontoon or kayak, swim, or picnic at Morganton Point.
Trails & waterfalls Hiking
~45 min
Amicalola Falls State Park
Georgia's tallest waterfall drops 729 feet. Climb the staircase beside it or take the easier paved path to the overlook.
~50 min
Toccoa River Swinging Bridge
A suspension footbridge high over the Toccoa River on the Benton MacKaye and Duncan Ridge trails, one of the longest swinging bridges east of the Mississippi.
~40 min
Fort Mountain State Park
Hike to a mysterious 855-foot ancient rock wall and a stone fire tower, then cool off at the mountain lake.
~30 min
Benton MacKaye Trail
Nearly 300 miles of ridgeline trail start in this corner of Georgia. Pick up a day-hike section in Gilmer or Fannin County.
~1 hr
Springer Mountain
Stand at the southern start of the Appalachian Trail and take in the long views over the Blue Ridge.
~30 min
Carters Lake
The deepest reservoir in Georgia, with undeveloped shoreline, boat ramps and quiet coves for paddling.
Orchards, vineyards & mountain towns Eat, drink, explore
3.5 miles
Apple orchards
Ellijay is Georgia's apple capital. Pick your own from late summer into fall, then load up on cider donuts and fried pies. The Georgia Apple Festival fills town every October.
5 miles
Wineries & vineyards
North Georgia wine country starts minutes from the cabin, with tasting rooms and mountain-view patios scattered across Gilmer County.
8 miles
Downtown Ellijay
Restaurants, antique shops and the historic square, where the Cartecay and Ellijay rivers meet to form the Coosawattee.
20 miles
Downtown Blue Ridge
A walkable mountain town of galleries, boutiques, breweries and restaurants, about half an hour north.
20 miles
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Ride vintage rail cars along the Toccoa River to McCaysville, on the Georgia–Tennessee line, and back.
~30 min
Mercier Orchards
A family orchard near Blue Ridge with a big market, bakery, hard cider tasting room and seasonal u-pick.
Photo gallery
Every corner of the cabin
Book direct
Pick your dates on the river
Booking here goes straight to Heather. Same cabin, same 5-star stay, without the platform service fee.
- No platform service fees
- Talk to the owner directly before and during your stay
- Secure online booking and rental agreement
See live rates and open dates
Choose your dates, get an instant quote and book securely through our reservation system.
Check availability & bookQuestions first? Email info@theportercollection.com or call (518) 945-8745.
Maximum 7 guests. Primary renter must be 25 or older.
Before you book
House rules & reservation details
Reservation requirements
- Check-in 4:00 PM · Check-out 10:00 AM
- Signed rental agreement
- Government-issued photo ID matching the reservation name
- $425 security hold (not a charge), authorized 2 days before arrival and released 3 days after departure
- Complete these within 48 hours of booking. Your door code and check-in details follow.
House policies
- Primary renter 25+ and on site for the whole stay
- Maximum 7 guests
- Quiet hours 10 PM to 8 AM
- Parking for 2 to 3 vehicles
- No parties, events or third-party bookings
- 100% smoke-free, including vaping
- No pets ($500 fee for unauthorized pets)
Cancellations, safety & weather
- Hot tub use is at your own risk. Children supervised, no glass, not after drinking or while pregnant.
- Exterior cameras cover the front of the cabin only. None inside or facing private outdoor spaces.
- Cancellation: 100% refund 30+ days out, 75% at 14+ days, 50% at 7+ days, each less a $50 taxable fee. No refunds within 7 days of arrival.
- No refunds for weather, road conditions or power outages. Travel insurance with Cancel For Any Reason coverage is strongly recommended.
FAQ
Questions guests ask
Where is Cartecay Island Cabin?
Cartecay Island Cabin is on the Cartecay River near Ellijay, in Gilmer County in the North Georgia mountains. It's about 8 miles from downtown Ellijay, 20 miles from Blue Ridge, and roughly 90 minutes north of Atlanta.
How many people does the cabin sleep?
Up to 7 guests. There are 3 bedrooms, 5 beds and 2 full bathrooms.
What are the bed sizes?
Bedroom 1 (main level) has a king bed and an en suite bath. Bedroom 2 (main level) has a queen bed. The loft bedroom has two twin beds plus a twin trundle; the twins can be pushed together to make a king. The loft is open to the living room below rather than a closed room.
Is the cabin really on a private island?
The cabin sits on the bank of the Cartecay River, and a private footbridge crosses the river to an island that is part of the property. Guests have the island to themselves.
Does the cabin have a hot tub?
Yes, a private hot tub with a view of the backyard and river. Hot tub towels are provided. Children must be supervised, glass isn't allowed in or around the tub, and it shouldn't be used after drinking alcohol or during pregnancy.
Is Cartecay Island Cabin good for families with kids?
Yes. It has two game rooms (a loft lounge with foosball, an Infinity Game Table and bean bags, and a lower-level arcade with pool/ping-pong, arcade games and Pop-A-Shot), a kids' teepee hideaway, a screened porch, a fire pit, and the island and river to explore. Most of our reviews come from families.
Can we go tubing, fishing or hiking nearby?
Yes. Cartecay River Experience, a tubing outfitter on Highway 52 East, is about 10 minutes away, you can fish from the bank on the property, the Toccoa River trout tailwater is about 35 minutes away, and Amicalola Falls, Fort Mountain State Park and the Benton MacKaye Trail are all within an hour.
Are pets allowed?
No. Pets aren't permitted, and unauthorized pets result in a $500 fee.
Is there an EV charger?
Yes, there's a complimentary EV charger in front of the cabin.
Is there Wi-Fi and a place to work?
Yes. The cabin has fast Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 10:00 AM. Entry is keyless, with a unique door code sent before arrival.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 30 days before arrival for a 100% refund, at least 14 days before for 75%, or at least 7 days before for 50%. Each refund is less a $50 taxable cancellation fee. There are no refunds within 7 days of arrival. We recommend travel insurance with Cancel For Any Reason coverage.
How much parking is there?
There's room for 2 to 3 vehicles.
What do I need to complete after booking?
Within 48 hours of booking, sign the rental agreement and provide a government-issued photo ID that matches the reservation name. A $425 security hold (not a charge) is authorized 2 days before arrival and released 3 days after departure if there's no damage. Your door code and check-in instructions are sent once everything is complete.
What is the minimum age to book?
The primary renter must be at least 25 and stay at the property for the whole reservation.
Are parties or events allowed?
No parties, events or third-party bookings. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM.
Is smoking allowed?
No. The cabin is 100% smoke-free, including cigarettes, cigars, vaping and e-cigarettes.
Are there security cameras?
Exterior cameras monitor the front of the cabin only. There are no cameras inside the home or overlooking private outdoor spaces.
Why book direct instead of on Airbnb?
You stay in the same cabin with the same host, without paying a platform service fee, and you deal directly with Heather from booking through checkout.
When is the best time to visit Ellijay?
Every season works. Late spring brings mountain laurel and river days, summer is peak tubing season, October brings fall color and the Georgia Apple Festival, and winter is quiet and cozy with the fireplace and hot tub.