Welcome to MiMi’s Hideaway, a 2-bedroom retreat with an additional loft, offering comfortable accommodations for up to 8 guests. The downstairs features a spacious king bedroom and a cozy queen bedroom, while a queen bed awaits you upstairs. For added flexibility, there’s a futon in the living room. This cabin is truly a home away from home, featuring a fully equipped kitchen and bedrooms adorned with fresh linens. Take in the serene surroundings from our front porch, complete with a swing and grill for outdoor enjoyment. Gather around the picnic table or fire pit to create unforgettable memories.

*Please note this cabin is located on 30 wooded acres of family owned and operated land with both cabins and campground. 

Outdoor Access

Fishing: Chauga River

The Chauga River in Oconee County is an angler’s paradise. It offers a mix of hatchery-supported trout fishing and encounters with wild trout. This river is regularly stocked with catchable trout, and you can access it from spots like Land Bridge Road to Riley Moore Shoals. If you’re up for a more secluded experience, there are hike-in options available. You’ll even find tributaries like Stakey Creek and Cedar Creek, offering brown trout fishing on USFS property and stocked with fingerling brown trout. For those who prefer small-stream rainbow trout fishing, Double Branch is the place to be.

Fishing: Chattooga River

The Chattooga River is the crown jewel of South Carolina’s trout streams, made famous by the movie “Deliverance.” This wild and scenic river is not only a stunning natural wonder but also a playground for canoeing, rafting, and trout fishing. Its designation as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1974 solidifies its status as one of the top 100 trout streams in the United States. You can easily access it from major road crossings like Burrells Ford Road, GA-SC Route 28, Earls Ford Road, and U.S Route 76. Whether you’re into wild brown trout or stocked rainbow and brown trout, the Chattooga River has it all. There’s even float fishing for stocked trout and a chance to catch redeye bass and redbreast sunfish.

Fishing: Whitewater River

Prepare for a fishing adventure like no other at the Whitewater River. This river is not just famous for its stunning Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls, both plummeting 400 feet, but also for its thriving wild rainbow and brown trout population. If you’re a fan of wild trout fishing, the area above Lower Whitewater Falls is a hidden gem. The entire Whitewater River region in South Carolina is protected within the Jocassee Gorges project. You can access it via SC 130 to the Bad Creek Hydroelectric Facility. While you’re there, don’t forget to explore the Foothills Trail and Coon Branch Trail running alongside the river.

Hiking

Experience the beauty of Mountain Rest, South Carolina, through a series of captivating hikes. Start your journey with the 1.6-mile round trip to Lee Falls in Tamassee. Then, head to Walhalla for the 1.5-mile Issaqueena Falls and Stumphouse Tunnel trail, which includes a 250-foot elevation gain. If you’re up for a longer hike, explore the 6.5-mile round trip to Big Bend Falls in Mountain Rest. Make sure not to miss the picturesque King Creek Falls and Spoonauger Falls along the Chattooga River, offering 0.5 and 1 mile round trips, respectively. And when you cross over to Clayton, Georgia, embark on a short but scenic 0.6-mile round trip to Martin Creek Falls. These hikes promise a diverse range of natural beauty, from serene river views to cascading waterfalls. Some of these trails are accessible through the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area, so be sure to grab directions.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking enthusiasts, get ready for some action near Mountain Rest:

• Issaqueena Lake Trail (7 miles, moderate)
• Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park (various skill levels)
• Chattooga Belle Farm Trails (varying lengths)
• Warwoman Dell Recreation Area (offering both mountain biking and hiking)
• Oconee Connector Trail (2 miles one way)
• Fork Mountain Trail (8 miles one way, moderate to difficult)
• Warwoman Wildlife Management Area

Kayaking and Rafting

The Chattooga River, the Southeast’s only Wild & Scenic River, beckons paddlers of all levels. Whether you choose to join a commercial outfitter like Nantahala Outdoor Center, Southeastern Expeditions, or Wildwater Ltd, or plan your private rafting adventure, the river promises thrills. Commercial trips come with expert guides, top-notch safety equipment, and a delicious riverside lunch. You’ll conquer the river’s exhilarating rapids, including the infamous Five Falls. This untamed river is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts seeking thrilling adventures in a pristine setting.

Discover Warwoman Wildlife Management Area

Nestled within the Chattahoochee National Forest, the Warwoman Dell Wildlife Management Area sprawls across 15,800 acres of pristine wilderness. It’s not just a paradise for hunters; it’s a haven for anyone seeking outdoor adventures. From picnicking and hiking to camping, fishing, bird-watching, and horseback riding, the options are endless. Anglers can test their skills at Hood Creek, Walnut Fork Creek, Sarah’s Creek, and their tributaries, all teeming with trout. If you’re a bird enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to marvel at in this natural habitat. And for horseback riders, the extensive trail network offers a chance to explore the wilderness at your own pace. So, whether you’re an avid hunter or just looking for an escape into nature, Warwoman Dell Wildlife Management Area welcomes you with open arms.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching in the Mountain Rest, South Carolina area offers a diverse range of bird species to observe in various natural habitats. Some of the types of birdwatching you can expect to enjoy near Mountain Rest include:

• Forest Birdwatching: The region’s lush forests provide a habitat for a variety of woodland birds. You might spot species like Eastern Wood-Pewees, Acadian Flycatchers, Wood Thrushes, and Scarlet Tanagers among the trees.
• Riverside Birdwatching: Along the Chattooga River and its tributaries, you can observe water-loving birds such as Belted Kingfishers, Great Blue Herons, and Eastern Phoebes. Keep an eye out for Ospreys and Bald Eagles soaring overhead.
• Migratory Birdwatching: During migration seasons, the area serves as a stopover for various migratory birds. Warblers, vireos, and thrushes are among the colorful and melodious species that pass through.
• Open Fields and Meadows: In more open areas, you may encounter birds like Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, and Northern Bobwhites. These fields and meadows provide suitable hunting grounds for hawks and kestrels.
• Pond and Lake Birdwatching: Lakes and ponds in the vicinity host waterfowl like Canada Geese, Mallards, and Wood Ducks. Look for shorebirds like Killdeer along the water’s edge.
• Birds of Prey: The region is home to various raptors, including Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and Barred Owls. You may also have the opportunity to observe these magnificent birds hunting.