Shenandoah National Park - 56 min drive - 27.0 miles
Getting around
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) - 66 min drive
Restaurants
Big Meadows Wayside - 92 min drive
Pollock Dining Room at Skyland - 75 min drive
Big Meadows Lodge - 95 min drive
Shotwell Run Brew Co L - 26 min drive
Ducard Vineyards - 20 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Closest Cabin to Old Rag & Steps to White Oak Canyon; 2 ponds w/ private creek
Incredible location!! With numerous water features, and a rich and charming history, this special property is the closest you can rent to the Old Rag Berry Hollow trailhead and a close walk to the White Oak Canyon/Cedar Run trailhead. Forget fighting for a parking spot, walk out the front door to the trailheads. “Berry Hollow Retreat” is the perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts. The land consists of 5+ acres bordering Shenandoah National Park and has 2 ponds and a bold private mountain creek. Enjoy the famous waterfalls and panoramic summit views of the Shenandoah National Park. Watch the sun set from the patio, fly fish the nearby famous Robinson, Hughes and Rose trout streams. Gather with friends for drink and food at nearby Ducard Vineyard, Blue Quartz/Shotwell Run Brewery, and Graves Mountain Lodge. The property is rustic - expect to encounter lots of wildlife!
There are two cabins on the property. This listing is for the cabin called "Birch's Library." The cabin is perfect for nature lovers -- an amazing location if you like hiking fishing, birding, or just unplugging and going off grid. There is one ample sized bedroom with custom twin “captain” beds. A previous owner had them made extra high so he could wake up to views of his beloved ponds. There's also a comfortable futon in the great room. You'll also find plenty of interesting things in the cabin, such as an antique phonograph that still works.
The private mountain creek that runs through the entire property is a tributary to the Robison River. You can hear its soothing sounds from inside Birch's Library when the windows are open. The stream feeds two ponds which have a history of being stocked with trout. You can still see fish in the pond -- and we plan to stock it with rainbow trout for catch and release fishing (will update listing when stocked).
The other cabin on the property is solely for use by the owners. It was originally built in 1864/65 by a Union solider from the 16th Maine Regiment. It came to affectionately be known as "Potlikker House." You can see the hand-hewing marks on the logs made with an adze to roughly square up the logs.
Also, lore has it that a previous owner acquired Herbert Hoover’s dilapidated piano during a renovation of Camp Hoover and embedded its metal frame in the walkway between Potlikker House and Birch’s Library - you will still find it there!
The cabin is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with a separate bedroom and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and a phone.
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
At least 80% of food locally-sourced
Garden
Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
Unit size: 1,289 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
This property welcomes pets
1 total pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Note from host: Nott allowed on furniture or beds.
Children and extra beds
Note from host: Small children should always be supervised.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 21
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
There are no elevators.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see close to this cabin?
This cabin is located in Syria within a short 9-minute walk of Old Rag Mountain. You'll also find Stony Man and Dark Hollow Falls nearby.
Is parking available on site at this cabin?
No, there isn't parking at this cabin.
Is this cabin adjacent to a casino?
No, this cabin is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this cabin?
No, there is no indoor pool at this cabin.
Is Closest Cabin to Old Rag & Steps to White Oak Canyon; 2 ponds w/ private creek good for couples?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this riverfront cabin include a kitchen as well as a garden and a music library.
Does Closest Cabin to Old Rag & Steps to White Oak Canyon; 2 ponds w/ private creek have a hot tub?
No, this cabin doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this cabin offer breakfast?
No, this cabin doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this cabin allow pets to stay for free?
Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cabin.
Does this cabin have connecting rooms?
No, this cabin doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
What is the closest airport to this cabin?
The closest major airport to this cabin is Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO), which is about 28.6 mi away.
Are there rooms with balconies at Closest Cabin to Old Rag & Steps to White Oak Canyon; 2 ponds w/ private creek?
Yes, every cabin at Closest Cabin to Old Rag & Steps to White Oak Canyon; 2 ponds w/ private creek comes with a deck with some featuring water views.
Closest Cabin to Old Rag & Steps to White Oak Canyon; 2 ponds w/ private creek Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 5 out of 5 reviews
10 - Excellent
5
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 5 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 5 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 5 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 5 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.6/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Ralph G.
Jul 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful mountain getaway
What a beautiful and peaceful spot! We cannot wait to go back.
Ralph G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
May 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Fun for Small Family!
Mom, Dad, 2 boys (1st and 2nd grade) stayed at the cabin and we were able to experience a great deal! Isolated enough, so you don't see other people unless you head out to the road to see an occasional hiking group. Convenience store down the mountain about 10mins. Pond had some trout and perch. Campfire spot allowed us to make s'mores! Saw a duck, a few deer, a turkey and a hawk, and one small water snake. Comfy beds and lots of streaming options on TV when we needed a break from the outdoors. Open area provided opportunities to stargaze, but we missed out due to a cloudy weekend. Kids didn't want to leave. Had to promise them we would return for another vacation in the future!
Verified traveler
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Tom Z., Kennett Square
Apr 11, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
White Oak Canyon
Very nice cabin and well-maintained property. Great location for local hikes and other outdoor activities. Jim is an excellent host.
Tom Z.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Therese S.
Jan 15, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for a Winter Get-A-Way
Within 30 minutes of my arrival the first evening, it started to snow. It continued to snow all night long and into the morning. When I woke-up I was in awe because the snow was so beautiful and the cabin so charming. I felt like I was smack, dab in the middle of a Norman Rockwell painting. The trip was very relaxing and the owner very responsive.
Therese S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Brian B.
Jul 7, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Serenity defined
Very charming cottage, extremely well situated for outdoorsy pursuits in Shenandoah National Park and beyond. The photographs don't do this place justice: The floorplan is absolutely huge, with a tremendous great room and a very spacious bedroom. The building's exterior is delightfully rustic, while the interior exudes a great deal of mid-century charm. Everything was immaculately clean, with lots of thoughtful touches everywhere. The well-equipped kitchen, heavy-duty air-conditioning, and carefully curated collection of books and brochures made this a wonderful getaway. So close to major cities, while so far away from the din of civilization. We look forward to returning!