Guest Guide | Shepherds Creek Cabin 2

Arrival Information

Check-in Time

4:00 PM - Your door code will be sent via your booking platform before arrival.

Check-out Time

10:00 AM

Early Check-in / Late Check-out

We try to accommodate as best we can, but we want our cleaners to have ample time to prepare for other guests, so it's not always possible. Please ask and we'll try!

Smart Lock

To lock the door when leaving: push the quickset button on the front door. It will beep orange twice when locked.

Navigation Tip: We recommend using Google Maps (Apple Maps can be unreliable in this area). Save directions before heading into the mountains as cell service can be spotty.

Finding the Entrance: There is a small sign at the entrance that says "Fox Creek" — that's us! Turn in there to reach the cabins on Shepherds Creek Road.

Parking

There's parking right at the cabin. If you have extra vehicles, there is additional space up by the bin/trash area at the top of the property — roughly a 50 × 15 ft area and an 18 × 30 ft area.

Before You Leave

Put all dishes in the dishwasher and start it before you leave
Take out any trash to the outdoor bins
Turn off lights and fans
Make sure the hot tub cover is on
Lock all doors (quickset button)

Please Keep in Mind

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted inside the property. You may smoke outside, but please dispose of cigarette butts properly.

Pets

Sorry, no pets are allowed at this property.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours begin at 10 PM. While all three cabins on the property are shielded by trees, sound still carries in the mountains!

Water & Septic

This cabin runs on a private spring-fed water system and a septic system. A couple of small favors keep everything running smoothly for you and the next guests:

Be mindful of water use — try to stagger long showers when the cabin is full so the system can keep up.
Only toilet paper goes down the toilets. No wipes (even "flushable" ones), paper towels, or feminine products — these clog the septic system.
Please don't pour grease or food scraps down the drains.

Wildlife & Bears

You're in the Smoky Mountains, and black bears are part of the landscape. Spotting one is a treat — a few simple habits keep everyone safe:

Never leave food, coolers, or trash outside or on the deck overnight.
Keep the outdoor trash bins closed and latched.
Enjoy wildlife from a distance — never feed or approach animals.

On-Site Services (Lawn & Pest Care)

We provide regular lawn service and pest control for the property. We do our best to schedule these around guest stays, but with three cabins here there often aren't gaps between bookings — especially during the busy season. So there may be times when a crew needs to come by while you're staying with us. We ask them to avoid early mornings, work as quickly as possible, and keep noise to a minimum, but we wanted you to be aware it's a possibility. Thanks for your understanding!

Maximum Occupancy

Maximum 5 guests (4 is most comfortable). This cabin has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.

Staying Connected

WiFi

This property has Starlink satellite internet, which provides fast and reliable speeds - great for streaming and remote work.

Network: Starlink
Password: smcabins (all lowercase)

Note: Being in the mountains, we're occasionally subject to weather-related interruptions, but downtime is rare.

TV

The Smart TV has Roku and DirecTV available.

You can also log into your own Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming accounts. Please remember to log out before you leave!

Using the Hot Tub

Your private hot tub is ready and waiting for you!

Temperature

The hot tub is set to a comfortable temperature (around 95°F) for your arrival
There are two modes: Normal, which heats up to 104°F, and Energy Saver / Eco, which caps at 99°F. For a hot soak, use Normal.
To change it: press MENU, go to Temperature, then press the up arrow for hotter (Normal) or the down arrow for Eco mode — leave it on the up arrow for a normal hot soak
Allow 2–3 hours for significant temperature changes

Hot Tub Etiquette

Please shower before getting in the hot tub. Dirt, body oils, lotions, and sunscreen can contaminate the water and clog the filters. A quick rinse keeps the tub clean for everyone!
No glass containers near or in the hot tub
Replace the cover when not in use to maintain temperature

Water Care

We add a little extra chlorine to keep the hot tub clean and sanitary for every guest. If you ever notice a strong chlorine smell, just lift the cover and run the jets for a few minutes to circulate and air out the water. If you're staying longer than a couple of days, you're welcome to add a chlorine tablet to keep the water fresh.

Between every stay we thoroughly clean the hot tub — we scrub it, balance the chemicals, and refresh the water as needed. Even so, in a wooded mountain setting a little debris or the occasional bug can find its way in, and the water may look slightly cloudy right after a fresh clean. If you notice anything, just run the jets for a few minutes and it will be pulled into the skimmer, or use the pool skimmer net to scoop it out.

Pro Tip: The hot tub is perfect for stargazing on clear mountain nights!

Towels

Hot tub towels are provided. Please use designated towels rather than bath towels.

Indoor Propane Fireplace

The cabin has a propane fireplace for cozy evenings! The pilot is always lit, so it's easy to use.

How to Light the Fireplace

Turn the knob to increase the flame
The pilot is always on, so it will ignite immediately
Turn the knob further to increase flame size
Turn it back to decrease or turn off

Outdoor Fire Pit

Enjoy the wood-burning fire bowl by the creek! We do our best to keep firewood stocked, but we can't always control how much previous guests use. If you arrive and find there isn't any, please check for the large stack at the front of the complex. If that's run out too, you can pick up firewood at the gas station just down the road from the complex.

Tip: Grab some Adirondack chairs and enjoy the evening by the fire!

Grills

This cabin has both a propane gas grill and a charcoal grill. Propane is provided for the gas grill; for the charcoal grill, you'll need to bring your own charcoal.

Propane Grill

A propane gas grill is available on the deck. Propane is provided.

Turn on the propane valve, then ignite using the built-in igniter
Always turn off the propane when done
Grill tools are provided

Charcoal Grill

A charcoal grill is also available for those who prefer it.

Note: You'll need to bring your own charcoal if you plan to use the charcoal grill.

Kitchen

The kitchen is well-equipped for cooking during your stay.

Appliances

Full-size refrigerator
Stove/oven
Microwave
Toaster
Blender
Mixer (with attachments)
Keurig coffee maker
Dishwasher

Cookware & Supplies

Pots and pans
Cutting board
Knife block
Spatulas and cooking utensils
Measuring cups and spoons
Can opener and wine opener
Dishes, glasses, and silverware
Wine glasses
Coffee mugs
Salt, pepper, sugar

Coffee

This cabin has a Keurig! We provide a starter supply of K-cups. If you're heavy coffee drinkers, you may want to bring extra!

Laundry

Washer and dryer are located in the bathroom. Laundry pods and dryer sheets are provided.

Trash

Trash bags are under the kitchen sink. Outdoor trash bins are located near Cabin 1's driveway (shared for all three cabins).

Safety

Fire Extinguisher: Located by the dryer.

Sleeping Arrangements

This cabin has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, sleeping up to 4 guests (5 max).

Bedroom 1 (Master)

King bed

Bedroom 2

Queen bed

Linens

All bed linens and towels are provided. Extra blankets are available in the closets.

Climate Control

Thermostat

The thermostat is located in the hallway. Adjust to your comfort - we recommend around 70-72°F.

Propane Fireplace

For extra warmth and atmosphere, use the propane fireplace (see Fireplace section for instructions).

Outdoor Deck

Your deck includes an outdoor TV, Adirondack chairs, and an outdoor dining table - perfect for enjoying mountain mornings!

Mountain Weather: Temperatures can drop significantly at night, even in summer. The heating system will keep you comfortable!

Dining

The Bistro at The Everett Hotel	Fine dining, reservations recommended (~10 min)
Everett Street Diner	Classic country breakfast, biscuits & gravy (~10 min)
Pasqualino's	Hand-thrown pizzas, Italian favorites (~10 min)
The Rice Wagon	Authentic Hawaiian, unique mountain find (~10 min)
Iron Wok	Asian fusion, gluten-free options (~10 min)
Guayabitos	Authentic Mexican, family-owned (~10 min)
Bryson City Brewing	Craft beers, cocktails, beer garden (~10 min)

Activities

Great Smoky Mountains National Park	Hiking, scenic drives, waterfalls (~15 min to entrance)
Nantahala Outdoor Center	Whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip lines (~20 min)
Deep Creek	Tubing, waterfalls, easy hiking (~10 min)
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad	Scenic train excursions (~10 min)
Downtown Bryson City	Shops, restaurants, small-town charm (~10 min)
Cherokee	Casino, cultural attractions, outlets (~20 min)

Grocery Stores

Bryson City IGA	345 Main St (~10 min)
Ingles Market	US 19 at Hughes Branch Rd (~10 min)

Property Features

This cabin is about 30-40 feet from the creek - you'll be able to hear the water from your deck!

There's also a waterfall on the property that you can explore - a beautiful shared amenity for all guests!

Note: All three Shepherds Creek cabins share this peaceful property but are shielded from each other by trees.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services	911
Nearest Hospital	Swain Community Hospital 45 Plateau Street, Bryson City (828) 488-2155

Property Safety

Fire Extinguisher: By the dryer
Smoke Detectors: Located throughout the home - please don't disable

Contact Us

For any issues during your stay, please message us through your booking platform or text the number provided in your check-in instructions. We monitor messages regularly and will respond as quickly as possible.

Cell Service: Cell reception can be spotty in mountainous areas. T-Mobile and Verizon work well. WiFi calling is a good backup.