On a forested slope in the Nantahala National Forest, just outside Franklin, North Carolina, a five-bedroom mountain retreat sits so close to its own 60-foot waterfall that the decks catch its spray. The drop ends in a granite pool — and, if you’re game, the rock is slick enough to slide. The four-season retreat is bookable on Airbnb for groups of up to 20 but it makes an especially stunning escape in the fall.
This North Carolina Airbnb Has a Private 60-Foot-Tall Waterfall Slide
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Photo: Caleb Jones
The property, called Kindling Falls, is set on two wooded acres about 20 minutes from Franklin and less than an hour from the Georgia border. Highlands is 12 miles away, and Cashiers is 15 — both mountain towns with restaurants, coffee shops, and trailheads — but the draw here is staying put, because if there’s been rainfall, it’s likely you’ll hear the water crashing as soon as you open the car door.
Photo: Caleb Jones
Photo: Caleb Jones
Photo: Caleb Jones
- Location: Just outside Franklin, North Carolina, in the Nantahala National Forest; minutes from gem mining, the Little Tennessee River Greenway, Wayah Bald, and within a short drive of Highlands and Cashiers
- Who is this Airbnb for? Families, multi-gen crews, big friend groups, or bachelor/ette parties who want a mountain getaway with a built-in waterfall slide
- Capacity: Five bedrooms, five baths, sleeps up to 20 guests
- Standout amenities: Slide-able 60-ft waterfall, granite plunge pool, stream-island fire pit, indoor waterfall and 10-person hot tub, decks built over water, two-story den fireplace
- What reviews say: A Guest Favourite on Airbnb with wall-to-wall five-star ratings, often described as “an unforgettable experience” and “a home away from home.”
The private waterfall is 60 feet high, and you can slide from the smooth rock face into the deep granite pool at its base, then climb back up for another go. If the weather’s cool, don’t let that put you off — you can take a brisk plunge at the bottom, followed by a soak in the spa room’s 10-person hot tub, where another waterfall pours into the steamy water.
Photo: Caleb Jones
This region of the US is one of the best places in the country for leaf peeping, with elevations that stagger the color change over several weeks. In October, the slopes around the house shift to red, orange, and yellow as the hardwoods in the Nantahala National Forest turn.
Photo: Caleb Jones
The change starts early in the month on the higher ridges near Highlands and Cashiers, then works its way down toward Franklin by late October — so you might even see different stages of color from the windows over the course of a stay.
Photo: Caleb Jones
Photo: Caleb Jones
There are five bedrooms, and each one opens to a deck over the water. One suite has two fireplaces and a private perch facing the falls; another sits steps from the riverbank. The bunk room offers two queens and two twins — perfect for kids, or whoever pulls the short straw.
Photo: Caleb Jones
The main room has a stone fireplace and expansive windows looking out over the river. As mentioned, there are places to eat within a 15-minute drive, but if you want to prepare meals at home, the kitchen has a six-burner gas stove and stainless-steel appliances, and there’s an outdoor grill near the falls. When the sun sets, you can stroll over a wooden footbridge to a small island for s’mores at the bonfire. 