Welcome to Iola Farms! This is a small RUSTIC cabin located on the North Fork Holston River on a 106 acres! If you’re looking for perfection, this is not the place for you. We charge half per night in comparison to nicer cabins in the area. The price per night reflects the dated cabin, difficult access, and it being an active cattle farm. To us, and many others, the property and cabin are amazing and unforgettable. However, it may not be for everyone. Please read description carefully. Go exploring, hiking, fishing, swimming and tubing. The cabin has a partially covered front porch where you can sit and listen to the river while grilling your favorite foods. When your not enjoying the river, you can visit the cattle from a safe distance, hike the property, or hike the Mendota trail less than a mile away. One bedroom has a bunk bed with a full size bottom bunk and twin size top bunk. Suitable to sleep three. The other bedroom has a queen size bed suitable for 2. A livingroom with one couch and a chair. Full kitchen with refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, sink, dishware, and cooking utensils. There is a store about 15 minutes away to stock up on supplies but Id recommend bringing some food, coffee, water and drinks to get you through the first day or night so you dont have to go right back out. Kitchen table will seat 4 with a picnic table on the front porch. We have Direct TV with some pay channels as well as Satellite High Speed Wireless Internet. The internet can be slow and cell service is spotty here. Verizon users tend to have the best luck. There is no land line currently but we are working on getting a landline established. So, if you come, you are coming to RELAX! You are truly here to get away.
You can sit on the front porch and enjoy the sounds of the river or open a window in the living room and listen to the river. You can explore the property or break out your swim gear and tubes and float down the river from one side of the property to the other. Please bring your own inflatables. There is a Dollar General close if you forget inflatables.
The property is hidden over a ridge. So, after you crest the driveway, you will be pleasantly surprised by the amazing views. Total privacy and right on the river. There is another rental on the property that you will see while driving to the cabin but you will not see it while you are at the cabin. There are two 'beach' areas that you can drive to on the east side of the property. Total privacy here unless a canoe, kayak, or raft floats by on the river. Please note the river can be high after periods of heavy rain. Also, debris can float down the river after heavy storms. Water shoes are recommended to be safe. There is a path to the beach area and is typically mowed regularly. If we have consistent rain it’s difficult to maintain and can be overgrown but it is still accessible.
This is an active cattle farm and you have access to the entire 106 acres. Just be careful. We have a farmer and a caretaker that come to the farm regularly. You will probably never see them. During the spring, summer, and fall, you can enjoy most of the riverfrontage without being disturbed by the wondering cattle. The river is fenced off along the entire property except at the cabin and access points. There are a few areas where the cattle roam free. You will want to drive through those areas. With the right vehicle, you can drive from one end of the propery to the other. Picnic, swim, hike, watch birds, or take in the views of the mountains.
The cabin also has a fire ring in the yard for roasting marshmellows and hotdogs. A grill is also provided. The fireflies lighting up the river and mountains in the summer provide just the right touch. If you like astronomy, you will have amazing views when clear skies prevail. Certain times of the year, several planets will adorn the southern sky. Bring your telescope and see what you can find.
The property is 45 minutes from Bristol Motor Speedway and 40 minutes to Abingdon. Downtown Bristol and the closest mall is about 35 minutes away. The nearest convienence store is a 15 minute drive. Again, try to bring some food in case you get in late and stores are closed or if you are tired after your drive and want to stay in.
The cabin is small and best suited for 4 to 5 people. The shower has a removeable head to help wash small children as there is no tub. Linens, towels, sheets, and blankets are provided. A deck of cards are also provided along with some board games. There is a small washer and dryer as well for small loads.
The driveway is dirt/gravel. I dont recommend sports cars low to the ground to attempt to make it to the cabin. We have a Kia Sedona mini van and have made it to the cabin several times with no problem but we prefer to take our truck. Our family members bring their Rav 4s and Subaru Outbacks with ease. Smaller sedans can make it if you are used to driving on dirt roads and in the mountains. If you have any doubts, park at the turn off at the peak of the driveway and walk the rest to see.
If adventure, relaxation, or both is what you're looking for, this is the place for you! Iola Farms welcomes you! Check us out on Instagram and Facebook for more pictures, videos, and info! @iolafarmsthe
