10 Cozy Cabins for an Appalachian Adventure
The Perfect Rustic Rentals that Both Families and Couples Will Love
Have you been searching for a romantic getaway for two? Looking for the perfect home-away-from-home for an unforgettable family adventure? Or are you desperate for a tech-free vacation at a remote mountain cabin? Find the perfect kind of cozy to meet all your needs in the Appalachian Mountains.
Virginia’s Great Southwest is known for its hospitality. You’ll find plenty of friendly folks eager to make your stay memorable. Guests of the region rave over the down-home welcome and neighborly responsiveness of our hosts. Most locations go out of their way to make sure you’ll have all the comforts and conveniences of home while you enjoy everything the Heart of Appalachia has to offer.
So, take a break from the searching. And check out these 10 cabin getaways in Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains.
Two versatile options that appeal to a wide array of visitors are Breaks Interstate Park and Natural Tunnel State Park. With 850 acres at Natural Tunnel and 4,500 acres at Breaks, you’ll find it’s easy to get that alone time you’ve been craving. Of course, that is if you choose to leave the cabin at all… Families will find a wealth of experiences to be had around every corner. Whether that’s the traditional park fun, like hiking, or unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else!
Relax by the Lake
Five hand-hewn log cabins at Breaks Interstate Park feature two to three bedrooms, overlooking Laurel Lake. Many families love the convenience of the fully equipped kitchen and washer and dryer. If you prefer to avoid playing chef, there’s also the park’s Rhododendron Restaurant. But your favorite feature might be the ability to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee on the back porch. That’s right. These cabins feature covered front and back porches with that heavenly Southern staple, the rocking chair. Eager to get the kids out of your hair? Send them over to the Canyon Rim Zipline or Splash in Park Waterpark. Want to spend quality time together? Book a tour of Elk Country or rent a paddle boat. And don’t forget hiking, biking, fishing, rock climbing, or kayaking! Breaks has a wealth of experiences you won’t find anywhere else! Looking for more? Explore more of “Virginia’s Baby” – Dickenson County.
Get Toasty
You’ll love cozying up by the fire at Natural Tunnel State Park. With 14 2- to 3-bedroom rustic cabins, each one features a gas log fireplace inside and campfire grill outside. Perfect for snuggling close in- or out-of-doors! Looking for a stay fit for a family gathering? Or perhaps, searching for something a little outside the box? Natural Tunnel State Park also has a six-bedroom lodge and four yurts! Ready to explore? Ride the chairlift to the Natural Tunnel – an amazing natural shaft still utilized today as a railroad tunnel. Explore the underground on a guided tour. Head out to the Anderson Blockhouse, originally constructed in 1775. Hike up to Lovers Leap. Or take a drive out to the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center.
Want a little more seclusion? Escape to Appalachian Mountain Cabins. Located adjacent to Natural Tunnel State Park, Appalachian Mountain Cabins provide the perfect, private getaway for both couples and families alike. Enjoy the outdoors – but not the pests – on the screened porch. Take a dip in the jacuzzi. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi. And take in all the fun of Natural Tunnel State Park!
Have an Adventure
Yearning for an off-road thrill? Outdoor adventure begins here on Spearhead Trails! The over 600-mile trail system offers an unsurpassed off-road experience. Take any one of their seven distinctive trails and explore Virginia’s Appalachian region on foot, on horseback, on your ATV or side-by-side, or in your 4×4 or Jeep. Cabins with direct access to the Spearhead Trail System include Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure, Real McCoy Cabins, Trailhead ATV Resort, Knotty Poplar’s Elk Ridge Cabin and Hoot Owl Hideaway, and Country Cottage.
Each has its own exclusive perks. For instance, Real McCoy Cabins will make sure you’re fed! They offer a classic country breakfast at their on-site restaurant and to-go lunches to take with you on the trails. Plus, if you’d rather stay in after being out all day, they’ll prepare a crockpot dinner in your room that’ll be hot and ready when you get back. Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure will have you reaching for the binoculars… or the camera. SGOA offers two elk-sighting opportunities – a guided elk tour and various habitat feeding plots the elk frequent, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
Hit the Road
Ready to ride some Backroads? Foxtail Orchards’ Fox Den and Iron Horse are located along the Back of the Dragon, our premiere Appalachian Backroad. Virginia’s Route 16 offers 32 miles of the most exciting and technical road you’ll ever ride.
And after an exhilarating motorcycle or sports car ride, call and book a visit to Plum Creek Winery or swing by the Back of the Dragon Welcome Center. Savor the flavors of barbecue deliciousness at the Bearded Dragon Food Truck or pour yourself a pint at the Back of the Dragon Brewery – both on-site at the welcome center. If you’re looking for something a little quirky, Foxtail Orchards’ arched cabin in the woods, Hangar 22, is definitely one-of-a-kind.
Want more options? Check out our Travel Guide for itineraries, local restaurants, other lodging ideas, loads of things to do, and more.