Secluded forest hollow with Aska trail access, waterfalls, and creek-side cabins.
Tips on renting in Cherry Log
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Cherry Log is the Blue Ridge area’s best-kept non-secret: an unincorporated hollow between Ellijay and Blue Ridge that offers more direct trail access to the Aska Adventure Area than either of the larger towns, without their weekend foot traffic. The address is Gilmer County; the orientation is entirely outdoors. Cabins here sit in dense hardwood forest on private acreage, typically with creek access, mountain views, or both — and Fall Branch Falls is close enough to be a morning walk rather than a day trip.
The water
Cherry Log’s water is creek and river-based. Big Creek, Stanley Creek, and multiple unnamed mountain streams run through the hollow, and most cabins sit close enough to one to fall asleep to moving water. The Aska Adventure Area — managed by the USDA Forest Service — begins near Cherry Log and encompasses the upper Toccoa River watershed, with trails running alongside river sections ideal for wade fishing and swimming in warmer months. Lake Blue Ridge is approximately 15–17 miles northeast, accessible in under 30 minutes, making it a realistic day trip. Fall Branch Falls, a 75-foot double waterfall, is accessible via a 1-mile trail from the Stanley Creek Road trailhead — one of the most rewarding short hikes in North Georgia.
Where to stay
Cherry Log’s rental stock runs from one-bedroom couples’ cabins to 10-bedroom group lodges, almost all in forest settings with wraparound decks, hot tubs, and fire pits. The Goose Island gated community sits along the creek and offers slightly more structured cabin neighborhoods; outside the gate, properties are scattered across private forest tracts with complete seclusion. This is the right address for groups who want to be immersed in the forest and don’t need walkable restaurants. Pet-friendly inventory is strong — natural settings and outdoor space are common. Many properties have game rooms and outdoor movie setups.
What to do
The Aska Adventure Area trail network is the primary draw — hiking and mountain biking trails ranging from 3-mile loops to 15-mile ridge routes, all within the Chattahoochee National Forest. The Stanley Gap Trail (2.8 miles) starts near Cherry Log and connects to longer backcountry routes. Fall Branch Falls is a 75-foot double waterfall from the Stanley Creek Road trailhead, manageable for older children. The Swan Drive-In on Highway 515 is a working drive-in movie theater — one of the last in the Southeast and a genuine Cherry Log-area institution. Blue Ridge (20 minutes northeast) and Ellijay (30 minutes south) are both accessible for restaurants, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Mercier Orchards, and town activities.
Food and local rhythm
Cherry Log itself has no restaurant district. The rhythm here is cabin-centered: cook in the fully equipped kitchen, hike in the morning, hot tub in the evening. Harvest on Main in Blue Ridge (20 min) handles the dinner-out occasion. Mercier Orchards market is the best provisions stop in the region. The Swan Drive-In covers entertainment. If you’re a group that wants to stay close to the property, plan meals at the cabin — most rentals have outdoor grills, full kitchens, and enough deck space to make that the better option anyway.
Best time to go
Cherry Log is a year-round cabin destination, but fall is exceptional — the hollow fills with color from mid-October, and the creek sounds carry further through bare hardwoods after leaf drop. Summer is reliably popular thanks to the cool forest canopy and nearby trail access. Spring wildflower season (April–May) brings trilliums along the creek banks and is arguably the least-appreciated season for a cabin stay. Winter rates are the lowest, and the views through bare trees reveal the ridge topography that summer hides.
Practical rental advice
Cherry Log properties are often on gravel roads; confirm road conditions with your host if renting a low-clearance vehicle or towing a trailer. Mountain roads are steeper than GPS apps suggest — high-clearance or AWD is helpful, especially in winter or after heavy rain. Most group properties require a three-night minimum; smaller cabins may allow two-night stays. Cell service is limited in the hollow for some carriers; most cabins have WiFi. Confirm parking capacity if you’re arriving as a group of six or more. Fall color weekends book out weeks in advance.
Quick tips before you book
- Confirm the road condition and grade — some Cherry Log properties require high-clearance vehicles.
- Cell service can be spotty in the hollow; confirm WiFi availability if you need connectivity.
- Fall Branch Falls is a one-mile walk from the Stanley Creek Road trailhead — one of the best short hikes nearby.
- Stock up on groceries in Ellijay or Blue Ridge; Cherry Log has no commercial provisions.
- The Swan Drive-In is a rare find — check the current schedule before your trip.
Browse Cherry Log vacation rentals on Lake.com, or explore the broader Blue Ridge area rental guide for related nearby options.
Nearby cities
Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge delivers a 3,290-acre reservoir, serious trail access inside Chattahoochee National Forest, and a downtown built for people who want a real dinner after a day on the water. Families, couples, and groups all find their version of the trip here.
Ellijay
Ellijay trades on apples in October and the Cartecay River in summer — a mountain town with its own downtown pace, Coosawattee resort cabins, and creek-access retreats. It's a natural fit for families who want structured river activity and couples who prefer a quieter alternative to Blue Ridge.
McCaysville
McCaysville straddles the Georgia-Tennessee state line on the Toccoa River — the same water that feeds Lake Blue Ridge, just 10 miles south. With the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway ending here, Riverwalk dining on the river, and Ocoee whitewater within easy reach, it's the most historically layered and activity-dense small town in the region.
Dawsonville
Dawsonville trades the resort crowds of the lake's south shore for pine-shaded coves, a genuine small-town square, and proximity to Amicalola Falls. Best for couples seeking privacy, families combining lake and mountain days, and anyone willing to trade amenities for fewer neighbors on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Cherry Log has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Cherry Log is approximately 20 minutes south of downtown Blue Ridge via US-76 and Aska Road, and approximately 25–30 minutes north of Ellijay via Highway 52. It sits in an ideal central position for accessing both towns and the Aska trail network between them.
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The Aska Adventure Area is a USDA Forest Service-managed trail system in the Chattahoochee National Forest south of Blue Ridge, with roughly 15 miles of interconnected hiking and mountain biking trails. Trail access points are located off Aska Road and Stanley Creek Road, both close to most Cherry Log cabin addresses. Trails range from gentle creek walks to 2,800-foot ridge climbs.
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Cherry Log suits families with older children (8+) who are comfortable on forest trails and gravel roads. The Fall Branch Falls hike is accessible for motivated younger children with adult supervision. There are no resort-style amenities or amusement activities in Cherry Log itself; families wanting pools and structured activities may prefer a Coosawattee Resort cabin near Ellijay or a Blue Ridge property closer to town.
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Many Cherry Log properties are accessible by standard passenger cars, but road grades and gravel surfaces vary significantly. Confirm with your specific host before booking — steep driveway grades after rain can challenge low-clearance vehicles, and some properties explicitly require AWD or 4WD seasonally.
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Fall (mid-October) for foliage, Spring (April–May) for wildflowers and quieter trails, and Summer for creek swimming and consistent trail conditions are all strong choices. Winter offers the lowest rates and open-ridgeline views. The property is genuinely year-round, with each season offering distinct character.
