Helen Mountain Retreat | Hot Tub + Zip Line (hosted by The MDS Collective)

Welcome to Hickory Hill Retreat, a cozy, rustic-luxe mountain cabin just mins from Helen. Designed for couples and small families, this peaceful getaway offers comfort, privacy, and easy access to North Georgia’s top attractions, while still feeling tucked away in the mountains.
• 5 min to Unicoi State Park
• 10 min to Downtown Helen
• 10 min to Anna Ruby Falls
• 18 min to Lake Burton
Whether you’re here to explore or unwind, Hickory Hill Retreat by The MDS Collective is the perfect home base.

We are available by message throughout your stay and happy to help with anything you need. We will check in after arrival to ensure you are settled, then respect your privacy unless assistance is needed.

Hickory Hill Retreat is perfectly located to explore North Georgia while enjoying a peaceful mountain setting. You are just minutes from Helen, Unicoi State Park, waterfalls, hiking trails, tubing, wineries, aerial parks, and local dining. The area offers something for every age and interest, whether you want adventure or relaxation.

The cabin is situated in a small, quiet mountain road with only a few nearby homes. Privacy is excellent during the spring and summer months thanks to the surrounding trees. In the winter when the leaves are down, neighboring homes become more visible, though the setting remains calm and secluded.

Guests have full access to the entire cabin, hot tub, laundry room, driveway, and approximately 1.3 acres of mountain property. Two locked owner closets are not accessible to guests.

Key Features:
☀ Two bedrooms and two full bathrooms
☀ Indoor remote-controlled gas fireplace (seasonal)
☀ Covered outdoor hot tub usable in any weather
☀ EV Level 2 charger with free charging
☀ Fully stocked kitchen and coffee/tea station
☀ Private laundry room
☀ Arcade cabinet with 12+ games
☀ Zip line & children's ninja course
☀ Firepit area
☀ Two porch swings
☀ Dog friendly with approval

☆☆Living Area☆☆

Step into a living space designed for connection, comfort, and easy evenings in. Settle in for movie nights, unwind by the gas fireplace, or gather around the coffee table for a classic board game. With cozy swivel chairs, a super comfortable sofa, and warm, layered textures throughout, this room invites you to slow down and stay awhile. Whether it’s a laughter-filled game night or a quiet night by the fire, this is where mountain memories are made.

☆☆Kitchen and Dining☆☆

Our fully equipped kitchen is designed for guests who love to cook, gather, and feel right at home. You’ll find everything you need, from a refrigerator, freezer, stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher to cooking basics like pots and pans, oil, and spices. We’ve stocked dishes, silverware, wine glasses, baking sheets, a blender, toaster, hot water kettle, and a coffee maker (12-cup pot and single serve pods.) Planning a BBQ? We’ve got you covered with a gas grill and barbecue utensils. Enjoy your meals around the indoor or outdoor dining tables, and create memories over home-cooked favorites during your stay.

☆☆Bedrooms and Bathrooms☆☆

Both sleeping spaces are designed for comfort, privacy, and rest.

The primary bedroom on the main level features luxury linens, a memory foam mattress with a remote-controlled adjustable frame, and a 50" smart TV for relaxed evenings in. A Bluetooth record player with a curated selection of vinyl adds a cozy, nostalgic touch right in the room. You’ll also enjoy direct access to the deck and hot tub, with a full bathroom conveniently located just outside the bedroom door.

The loft bedroom offers two memory foam XL twin beds, reading lamps, a privacy curtain, and its own private full bathroom, making it an ideal space for kids, teens, or friends.

☆☆Outdoor Setting☆☆

Start your mornings on the covered front porch, gently swaying on the bed swing with a cup of coffee in hand. Designed for year-round comfort, the porch includes a seasonal heater so you can linger a little longer, whether it’s a crisp fall afternoon or a cool mountain evening.

Out back, unwind in the private hot tub, gather around the fire pit under the string lights, or fire up the gas grill for dinner on the deck. Surrounded by peaceful woods and equipped with on-site parking and a dedicated EV charger, every detail blends rustic charm with modern convenience. This isn’t just outdoor space, it’s part of the experience.

Looking for a little extra fun? Enjoy our zip line and ninja course during your stay! We recommend a maximum rider weight of 160 lbs. Parental supervision is required, and we recommend you bring a bike helmet for safety. Guests use the zip line and ninja course at their own risk.

A vehicle is required. Downtown Helen is a short drive away, and a seasonal tourist train runs through town.

☆A few words from past guests☆

“...Cabin is well appointed and came with many extras making us feel welcome. The kitchen is stocked with all utensils, spices and paper products (You should not have to make a store run for the essentials). Kate (host) was proactive with communication and checking in on us....Flawless experience from booking, checking in and out. Will book again! Thank you Kate!” -Patrick, SC

“...The outside lighting was magical and well thought out. The inside was beautifully decorated with a relaxed earthy tone that just make you think "comfort". As for amenities, we had everything we needed and then some. Kate thought of everything and made our little vacation such a pleasure...” -Larry, TN

☆Additional Notes☆

Your safety and comfort are important to us. Motion sensing Arlo exterior security cameras with video and audio are located at the driveway and front door, and will be actively recording. There are no interior cameras. A wildlife game camera is located up the mountain and captures photos only.

One to two well behaved dogs are welcome with prior disclosure. Dogs must be crated when unattended, and are not allowed on furniture. A pet fee of $25 applies. We do not allow cats due to allergy concerns. Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 8 AM. This is a true mountain setting with wildlife present, including bears. Please follow posted safety guidelines.

The cabin is located on a mountain. Our road is gravel, and our driveway is somewhat steep. We have paved tire paths up both sides of the driveway, with a gravel parking area at the top, where the EV charger is located. Most standard vehicles are fine, however AWD or 4WD is recommended, especially in rainy or winter weather.

We want all guests to feel comfortable during their stay. Please be aware that accessing the cabin requires climbing a full flight of exterior stairs to the front door. As a result, the home is not wheelchair accessible and may not be the best fit for guests with mobility limitations.

Prior to your stay, we require you to agree to our Rental Conditions and complete our Pre-Arrival form. Booking guest must be at least 25 years old, and stay for the duration. No smoking of any kind inside the home, or within 50 feet of the property.

Potential Fees Notice: While we do not anticipate applying any additional fees, guests should be aware that charges may apply in certain circumstances. These may include excessive pet-related cleaning (up to $500), damage to the home or its contents, trash not properly bagged or disposed of ($100,) unauthorized guests or pets, use of soaps, lotions, or oils in hot tub ($500) or excessive mess requiring additional cleaning or maintenance. Any such fees are assessed only when necessary, and in accordance with platform policies.