Welcome to Sherpa Camp — a scout-inspired wilderness basecamp on Holly Creek near Ellijay at the edge of the Cohutta Wilderness. Built for families, adventurers, and anyone who still believes the mountains are real. Inside, you’ll find vintage maps, books, field guides, A-frame-like king bed loft, and a bunk loft. Outside: a cold mountain creek just steps from the door, trout in the pools below the bridge, trails running in every direction, and one of Georgia's last true dark sky zones overhead.
The space
Sherpa Camp is a scout-inspired wilderness basecamp on Holly Creek — a cold, clear trout stream that runs year-round through the North Georgia mountains at the edge of the Cohutta Wilderness, Georgia's largest stretch of protected wild land.
The cabin sits beneath tall hardwoods and hemlocks, surrounded on all sides by Chattahoochee National Forest. No road noise. No neighbors worth mentioning. Just water moving over smooth stone and wind working through the canopy above. Step outside and something in you slows down. That is the point.
Inside, the layout is simple and intentional — the way a good basecamp should be:
A main living space with vaulted ceilings and a propane fireplace that earns its keep on cool mountain nights. A fully stocked kitchen overlooking the creek, where the view does most of the work. A king bed loft tucked under the A-frame peak, where the first light finds you before the valley warms. A triple bunk below — full and two twins — inspired by vintage bunkhouse design and claimed immediately by whoever is smallest and fastest. Starlink Wi-Fi keeps you connected when you need it. But you came for the silence, and the silence delivers.
Out front, a covered footbridge crosses the creek. The fire pit sits in a clearing among the hemlocks. The creek itself is steps from the door — cold enough to wake you up, clear enough to see the stones on the bottom, and home to wild trout in the deep pools below the bridge. Walk barefoot across moss-covered rock. Set a lawn chair in the current.
Stargaze from the deck under one of Georgia's last true dark sky zones, where the Milky Way still shows up on a clear night along with the fireflies.
About the Area
Sherpa Camp sits near the headwaters of Holly Creek in Boatwright Valley, a few minutes of gravel road from some of the most rewarding wild places in the Southeast:
Lake Conasauga — Georgia's highest lake, sitting above 3,150 feet. Cold, clear, and worth the Forest Service road to get there. Swim, canoe, or simply sit above the ridgeline and watch the afternoon light change.
Bear Creek Overlook — One of the finest sunset and stargazing positions in North Georgia. A short drive with a long payoff.
Emery Creek and Jacks River Trails — Waterfall-laced hikes through deep Appalachian gorges, rhododendron tunnels, and creek crossings that remind you what a real trail feels like.
Mulberry Gap — Fifteen minutes up the road, one of the Southeast's best mountain bike destinations. Singletrack, shuttle rides, and a culture built entirely around the Cohutta terrain.
Follow the forest roads further and the territory opens up — Blue Ridge, Copperhill, the hidden meadows at Jacks River Fields. Closer in, Roo Mountain Vineyard sits above the valley with honest North Georgia wine and a long view. Mercier Orchards has been running since 1943. The Cartecay River runs clean and easy, with a waterfall waiting at the end of a tube ride that feels like it was designed for exactly this kind of afternoon.
Sherpa Camp is a place to breathe deep, move slowly, and let the wildness do its quiet work. Whether you came to fish the pools below the bridge, ride the Cohutta trails, write something worth keeping, or sit beside a fire until the owls start — you will find what you were looking for somewhere between the gravel road and the creek.
One note: Sherpa Camp is not pet-friendly at this time. No dogs please.
Guest access
Drive to property is extremely scenic but requires a 10-minute drive on gravel roads no matter which way you come from. 4WD is not needed, but if you have a low clearance vehicle, we recommend you stay it nice and slow.
You will lose cell service about 10 minutes before you arrive to the cabin. We recommend you enter the directions on Google Maps prior to making the trip. Once you arrive to the cabin, you'll be able to hook up to Wi-Fi and turn on Wi-Fi Calling to receive calls and texts as well as enjoy fast internet.
Entry: Secure access via Google Home Code provided before your arrival.
Parking: Space available for up to three cars.
Property Access: Guests have full access to all cabin facilities and property grounds.
Concierge and Trip Planning Services: Your stay includes 24/7 access to a concierge and trip planner via text, ensuring you discover the best kept secrets of the area. Many not mentioned on this Airbnb description.
Other things to note
Other Details to Note
Cell Signal: Expect to lose reception about 10 minutes before you arrive. Once at the cabin, you’ll have Starlink WiFi for calls and internet. Consider it a perk—fewer distractions, more mountains!
Road Access: The final 10-minute drive is on a gravel forest road. No 4WD required, but we recommend taking it slow if you’re unfamiliar with mountain roads or driving a low-clearance vehicle. Enjoy the views!
Trash & Cleanup: Please bag up your trash; if you’ve accumulated a lot, kindly take it with you. The property isn’t on a municipal pickup route, so leaving bags on the porch is an option but less ideal. (bears!)
Wildlife & Environment: The Cohutta Wilderness is brimming with life—bears, deer, wild turkeys, and more. Keep food securely stored, and supervise children outdoors. Respect the creek and forest by refraining from cutting any trees or leaving litter behind.
Firewood & Safety: We do our best to leave leftover firewood, but consider buying local bundles if you plan multiple campfires. Always fully extinguish fires before bed or leaving the property.
Respect for Neighbors: Though you’re tucked deep in the forest, there are a few summer part time cabins nearby, but no full time neighbors. Sound carries across the creek, so keep late-night noise to a minimum.
No Large Gatherings: SherpaCamp Ellijay is designed for small groups or families (max 5 guests). If you’re planning a special event or have extra visitors, contact us first so we can ensure a smooth experience.
Safety First: Mountain settings come with natural hazards—slippery creek stones, uneven terrain, potential for inclement weather. Please exercise caution on hikes and around the water.
Please note: We aren’t pet-friendly just yet—no dogs allowed at this time.
We’ve crafted SherpaCamp Ellijay to feel like a true mountain adventure—complete with fresh air, starry nights, and the gentle rush of Holly Creek. Embrace the simpler pace, stay open to surprises (like a deer by your window at dawn), and enjoy a memorable stay surrounded by unspoiled nature.
