The Lodge Nantahala River

When we saw the welcome sign to the lodge -- a 1960s VW van plastered with hippie art and staged with bear mannequins at the wheel -- we weren’t sure what kind of funky place we were checking into. Situated along the Nantahala River, it turned out to be just wonderful. We never met any staff. We were emailed an access code and a message to unload at the top of the hill near our room but park below to save the top spaces for handicapped – or for people who didn’t want to walk up the hill. Staff had left out s’more supplies in case we wanted to hang out in the barbecue area, equipped with cornhole, firepits and seating. Our room was spacious, nicely furnished in mountain lodge décor, and equipped with kitchenettes, coffee maker, AC and TV. One caveat: the bathroom sink is tiny so there’s no room to set your cosmetics inside the bathroom. The closest restaurant is a mile away at the Nantahala Outdoor center overlooking the river. We had to drive rather than walk, however, as there is no sidewalk or shoulder on the road. Be sure to pick up a few groceries in Bryson for your breakfast.

Avoid Cherokee, STAY HERE. The Lodge is the best lodging in the Nantahala Bryson City area. Spotlessly clean, comfortable and quiet this is the place to stay. Truly a breath of fresh air from the usual fare in this area. The rooms are outfitted with everything you need and everything you could possibly think of. We will be back when it warms up so we cam enjoy the grills and firepit. Relax on the front porch and listen to the creek run........