About Trestle Ridge Cabin

There is one thing about Trestle Ridge Cabin that no other property in Western North Carolina can claim: the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad crosses Fontana Lake on the historic trestle bridge just below the cabin — and you can see the cabin from your seat on the train, and hear the train from the cabin. It’s a detail so specific and so charming that it changes how you experience both the property and the railroad. The train becomes part of the stay.

Beyond that singular distinction, Trestle Ridge is a beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 4-bath cabin in the Fontana Lake Estates community, with sweeping views of the lake, the trestle bridge, and the surrounding mountains from the large covered main-level deck. The floor plan is one of the smartest in the Watershed portfolio for mixed-age groups: the main level is for the adults — open kitchen, dining, living room with gas-log fireplace, deck, and hot tub. The upper level belongs to the kids, with two custom bunk rooms each opening via ladder to a shared play loft above. The lower level adds an 82-inch home theater, LED air hockey, pool table, foosball, darts, and more. As Melissa put it perfectly: “because the kids had their own place to be, my husband and I got to enjoy the peace of the upstairs and the view.”

The Fontana Lake Estates community has its own private marina with docking — bring your boat, kayaks, or SUPs. Lakeside gazebos and swimming piers are available to sign out seasonally. And when you’re ready to venture out, the NOC, Tsali trails, Tail of the Dragon, and Bryson City are all within easy reach.

Sleeping Arrangements

Main-Level Bedroom 1 — Queen bed · Sleeps 2
Private en suite full bathroom.

Main-Level Bedroom 2 — Queen bed · Sleeps 2
Private en suite full bathroom.

Upper-Level Bunk Room 1 — Custom Queen-over-Queen bunk bed · Sleeps up to 4
Ladder access to shared kids play loft above. Shares jack-and-jill bathroom with Bunk Room 2.

Upper-Level Bunk Room 2 — Custom TwinXL-over-Queen bunk bed · Sleeps up to 3
Ladder access to shared kids play loft above. Shares jack-and-jill bathroom with Bunk Room 1.

Upper-Level Kids Play Loft — Accessed via ladder from both bunk rooms · Play space, not a sleeping area.

Total: Sleeps up to 11

The Space at a Glance

• 4 Bedrooms · 3 Full Bathrooms · Sleeps up to 11
• Fontana Lake Estates community — views of Fontana Lake, trestle bridge, and mountains
• The GSMR historic trestle bridge is visible from the cabin — hear and see the train from the deck
• Large covered main-level deck with lake and mountain views
• Gas-log fireplace in living room
• Hot tub on main deck
• Wood-burning fire pit
• Gas grill
• Two custom upper-level bunk rooms with shared kids play loft
• Lower-level home theater: 82" Smart TV with movie theater seating and Blu-Ray/DVD
• Lower-level game room: LED air hockey, pool table, foosball, darts, and more
• Spacious open kitchen — user-friendly layout with ample counter space
• Washer and dryer
• High-speed WiFi provided by BalsamWest
• Community private marina with boat parking and docking
• Lakeside gazebos and swimming piers available seasonally
• Pet friendly — pet fees handled at booking

Kitchen & Dining

• Spacious open kitchen with modern appliances
• Dishwasher, full-size refrigerator, oven/range, microwave, coffee maker
• Cookware, bakeware, dishes, glassware, and utensils provided
• Coffee maker with starter supply of coffee included
• Dining area open to living room; deck dining available outside

What’s Provided

We stock the cabin with essentials to get you settled. Ingles Market in Bryson City is the nearest full grocery store (approximately 20–25 minutes away, closes at 10pm most of the year). We recommend stocking up before heading out.

• Trash bags
• Laundry detergent
• Dishwasher pods
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Basic toiletries
• Coffee (starter supply)
• Firewood and starter kindling for wood-burning fire pit
• Propane for gas grill, plus a spare tank

Please note these are starter supplies and may not be sufficient for your entire stay. Groceries, beverages, and specialty items are not provided.

Entertainment & Outdoor Features

Main-Level Deck

• Large covered deck with views of Fontana Lake, the trestle bridge, and surrounding mountains
• Hot tub
• Gas grill
• Rocking chairs and deck seating

Upper-Level Kids Area

• Two custom bunk rooms — Queen/Queen and TwinXL/Queen — each with ladder access to a shared play loft above
• Jack-and-jill bathroom shared between both bunk rooms
• Kids play loft above the bunk rooms — a genuinely fun space for younger guests

Lower-Level Home Theater

• 82" Smart TV with movie theater-style seating and surround sound
• Blu-Ray and DVD player with streaming capability

Lower-Level Game Room

• LED air hockey table
• Pool table
• Foosball table
• Dartboard

Outdoors

• Wood-burning fire pit
• Gently sloping gravel walkway to outdoor areas
• Community marina with boat parking and docking (bring your own boat, kayaks, or SUPs)
• Lakeside gazebos and swimming piers available to sign out seasonally

Location & Nearby Attractions

Trestle Ridge Cabin is located in the Fontana Lake Estates community near Bryson City, NC. Please note that while the community has private marina access, there is no direct dock or lake access from the cabin itself — the marina is a short drive within the community. Exact directions provided after booking.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad crosses Fontana Lake on the historic trestle bridge just below the property. Guests can book a train ride and wave to the cabin from their seat — one of the most unique experiences in the portfolio. Motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts will also appreciate the proximity to the Tail of the Dragon at Deal’s Gap.

Good to Know

Getting Here: Trestle Ridge Cabin is located in Fontana Lake Estates near Bryson City. Please drive attentively on the community access road, especially after dark or in wet conditions. Exact directions will be provided after booking.

Lake Access: The Fontana Lake Estates community has a private marina with boat parking and docking. There is no dock or direct lake access from the cabin itself. Community lakeside gazebos and swimming piers can be signed out seasonally — ask us at booking.

Lake Levels: Fontana Lake levels are controlled by the TVA and vary by season. Summer months typically see the highest water levels.

Pets: Trestle Ridge Cabin is pet friendly. Pet fees apply and are handled at time of booking. Please ensure pets are supervised at all times on the property.

What Our Guests Are Saying

Ryan B.  ·  August 2026  ·  Vrbo

“Fantastic hideaway on Lake Fontana. The house was comfortable, relaxing, and we wish we had more time there. I am still trying to find the rewind button on the weekend.”

Melissa C.  ·  January 2026  ·  Vrbo

“This is a great house with lots of room, but you still feel connected to each other. My sons, ages 12 and 9, loved the downstairs hang areas. We had family air hockey tournaments and family movie night down there too. Because the kids had their own place to be, my husband and I got to enjoy the peace of the upstairs and the view. The kitchen is very spacious and user friendly too!”

Grant  ·  August 2025

“Beautiful secluded home in a serene environment.”