Welcome to The Upper Lodge at Riverwilde Cottage, your refined river retreat in the North Georgia Mountains.

We are delighted to host you and hope your time here is restful, memorable, and beautifully lived.

Designed as an inviting gathering place for family and friends, The Upper Lodge blends classic comfort with understated luxury. Set along the peaceful Soque River, the property invites you to slow down—whether you are spending your days exploring the mountains, enjoying the natural beauty of the river, fishing, or simply taking in the views.

The Upper Lodge offers a thoughtfully appointed, private retreat with its own entrance and all the comforts of home.

Need more room for family and friends?
Riverwilde Cottage is also available as a five-bedroom, three-bathroom riverfront retreat accommodationg up to 12 guests with our full estate. Send us a message to explore this option!

This guide has been carefully prepared to help you settle in and make the most of your stay.


THE UPPER LODGE

The Upper Lodge at Riverwilde Cottage comfortably accommodates up to six guests and offers:

Three beautifully appointed bedrooms
Two full bathrooms
A comfortable living room, ideal for relaxing and gathering
A fully stocked kitchen designed for effortless entertaining
Private entrance
Independent climate control
Beautiful river and mountain views
Family-friendly amenities, including a Pack ’n Play, high chair, baby monitor, and stroller.
The interiors are best described as American English cottage with classic sporting-lodge influence—warm woods, tailored details, and a sense of quiet elegance throughout.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet weekend away, a family vacation, or a mountain getaway with friends, The Upper Lodge offers an intimate and welcoming home base.

A Note About Your Accommodations

Your reservation includes the private upper-level accommodations of Riverwilde Cottage. The lower level is not included in your rental and will never be occupied separately.

The Upper Lodge has its own private entrance, kitchen, bathrooms, living spaces, and thermostat, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable and independent stay.

Please note that laundry facilities are not included with this accommodation.


LOCATION

The Upper Lodge at Riverwilde Cottage is ideally situated for both adventure and escape:

Approximately 20 minutes from Helen
About 1 hour from Athens
Roughly 90 minutes from Atlanta
Located in Clarkesville, Georgia, the property offers a peaceful mountain setting while remaining convenient to charming towns, outdoor recreation, and local attractions.

A vehicle is recommended for exploring the area comfortably.


THINGS TO DO NEARBY

Riverwilde Cottage is ideally located for exploring Helen, Clarkesville, Sautee Nacoochee, and the beautiful North Georgia mountains.

Helen

Explore charming Downtown Helen
Ride the Georgia Mountain Coaster
Tube the Chattahoochee River
Enjoy German restaurants, shops, and bakeries
Play mini golf or visit the waterpark
Experience Helen Oktoberfest in the fall
Enjoy Helen’s Christmas festivities
Waterfalls & Outdoor Adventures

Anna Ruby Falls
Dukes Creek Falls
Raven Cliff Falls
Unicoi State Park – hiking, kayaking, fishing, and ziplining
Smithgall Woods State Park – hiking and trout fishing
Yonah Mountain – hiking and mountain views
Brasstown Bald – Georgia’s highest point
Drive the beautiful Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway
Wineries

Explore North Georgia wine country, including:

Yonah Mountain Vineyards
Habersham Winery
The Cottage Vineyard & Winery
CeNita Vineyards
Kaya Vineyard & Winery
Wolf Mountain Vineyards
History & Local Favorites

Hardman Farm Historic Site
Nacoochee Indian Mound
Nora Mill Granary
Sautee Nacoochee Center
Uhuburg Castle
BabyLand General Hospital
More Adventures

Horseback riding
Ziplining
Fly fishing and guided trout fishing
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Mountain biking
Golf
Worth the Drive

Take a scenic day trip to Dahlonega, Clayton, Hiawassee, Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, Tallulah Gorge, or Lake Chatuge.

The surrounding area is also known for river tubing, whitewater rafting, scenic floating, and seasonal fishing.

Local outfitters offer experiences suitable for both families and adventure-seekers.


ENJOYING THE RIVER & OUTDOORS

One of the most special features of Riverwilde Cottage is its setting along the beautiful Soque River.

The peaceful sounds of flowing water and the surrounding mountain scenery provide a wonderful backdrop for relaxation. Bring your fishing rods, the trout are biting!

Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee while taking in the views or returning from a day of exploring North Georgia, we hope you’ll find time to appreciate the natural beauty that makes this property so special.

Please be mindful of changing river conditions, supervise children near the water, and respect any designated private or shared outdoor spaces.


DINING & LOCAL FLAVOR

North Georgia offers a wonderful dining scene—rustic yet refined.

Nearby you’ll find:

Elevated Southern cuisine
Farm-to-table restaurants
Cozy cafés and bakeries
Wine bars and relaxed mountain dining
Charming local restaurants in Clarkesville and Helen
We are always happy to share recommendations for memorable meals, local favorites, and special occasions during your stay.


THE KITCHEN

The kitchen at The Upper Lodge is thoughtfully stocked to support everything from simple breakfasts to leisurely dinners.

Included:

Quality cookware and bakeware
Dishware, glassware, and serving pieces
Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso maker
12 Cup Coffee Maker
Coffee essentials
Basic pantry staples
Whether you’re preparing a family meal or enjoying a quiet morning coffee, we hope you’ll feel right at home.

If you need something additional, please don’t hesitate to reach out.


TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

We warmly welcome families and have provided thoughtful conveniences to make traveling with little ones easier.

Available amenities include:

Pack ’n Play
High chair
Baby Monitor
Stroller
Please bring any personal linens or specialty items your child may require.


HOUSE ETIQUETTE

To preserve the comfort, peaceful atmosphere, and quality of The Upper Lodge, we kindly ask that guests observe the following:

Please respect evening quiet hours.
No parties, events, or fireworks.
No smoking inside the accommodations.
Only registered guests are permitted on the property.

Complete house rules are available through your booking platform.

We appreciate your help in maintaining the welcoming and tranquil atmosphere of Riverwilde Cottage.


DEPARTURE NOTES

We want your departure to be as stress-free as possible, so all we ask is that you:

Load and start the dishwasher.
Dispose of trash in the provided bins.

There is no need to strip the beds or complete additional cleaning unless otherwise noted.

We hope you’ll spend your final moments enjoying the beauty of the mountains rather than worrying about a long checkout list.


WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

Should you need assistance, recommendations, or have questions during your stay, please reach out at any time.

Our goal is for your experience at The Upper Lodge to feel seamless, comfortable, and welcoming from arrival to departure.

Thank you for choosing The Upper Lodge at Riverwilde Cottage.

We hope your time here is filled with comfort, beauty, and unforgettable moments—and that you’ll return whenever the mountains call you back.

Warmly,

Your Hosts at Riverwilde Cottage