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Entire home

Looking for a remote location? The country life? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey!

Waterfront cottage with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Looking for a remote location? The country life? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey!

Terrace/patio - Looking for a remote location? The country life? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey! (Double Springs)
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - Looking for a remote location? The country life? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey! (Double Springs)
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - Looking for a remote location? The country life? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey! (Double Springs)
Property grounds - Looking for a remote location? The country life? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey! (Double Springs)
Exterior - Looking for a remote location? The country life? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey! (Double Springs)
Nestled on 600 acres of scenic woods and wildflowers, River Art cabin offers a serene escape from the world. Relax in the gazebo overlooking Clear Creek, explore miles of hiking trails in Bankhead National Forest, or unwind with a glass of wine on your private deck.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Kitchen

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Looking for a remote location? The country life? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey!

Need a quiet place to unwind and relax? You can take a relaxing few days away from the crowds and worries of our current world situations.

This farm is 600 acres of oaks, dogwoods, pines and wildflowers surrounded by the Bankhead National Forest! You can truly disconnect for a few days… No Internet, and no cable TV. We have a TV and DVD player, as well as a collection of good books, for entertainment, but the true entertainment is going for a walk to the creek and our Secret Beach! Or sitting on the gazebo with a glass of wine! 

Why do we call it the River Art Cabin? It sits on a bluff overlooking Clear Creek, the 'River' part. It was constructed by an artist named Art Fowler, whose original art still hangs throughout the cabin. Amazing!

You may want to spend your days fishing or tubing the creek or exploring the incredible canyons of the Sipsey Wilderness just a few miles away. Perhaps you would enjoy mountain biking the miles of Bankhead National Forest roads nearby. Love hiking and backpacking, the Sipsey has many miles of hiking trails.

Love to hunt? Check out the Bankhead National Forest! You can drive just a few miles and hunt on National Forest land.

Enjoy birdwatching? What about a night with no street lights for perfect stargazing? This is the place for you!

There is a charcoal grill for the grill master in the family. BYOC… bring your own charcoal!

There is a full kitchen, but if you'd rather not cook, hop in the car and run to Double Springs for a home cooked Italian meal at the Sapore Grill! or go to Jasper, just a few miles further to the south and select from delicious Mexican to brewpub treats.

There are two bedrooms in the River Art Cabin, the Master bedroom has a king size bed and a private upstairs deck with a sliding glass door. There is a private Master bath also. The second bedroom has twin beds.

One of my favorite parts of the place is the Gazebo, a beautiful structure set atop a sandstone bluff overlooking a shoals of Clear Creek about 70 feet below. You can enjoy a sunset with a glass of wine sitting on the gazebo listening to the rippling creek below. Or wake up early and walk down the path to the gazebo with a hot cup of coffee. The gazebo is only a short stroll down a path from the front porch.

You can stroll for miles on our dirt roads or walk down the path to Clear Creek and take a dip in the cool waters that are a tributary to Smith Lake.

Truly remote. This cottage is at the end of the road... literally! You will drive down a small country road for about 4 miles and when the road ends... you are home!


Keywords: Cottage, cabin, gazebo, creek side, tubing, Bankhead National Forest, Sipsey Wilderness Area, birding, Smith Lake, Camp McDowell, hunting, fishing

Property amenities

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Charcoal grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

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Property grounds

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights
I have a detailed template about check out that I will text to you. If you haven’t gotten it the day before your departure please ask via text!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: We require an additional $50 pet fee.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Bluff Overlooking Clear Creek Sipsey Wilderness Trails House
Bluff Overlooking Clear Creek Sipsey Wilderness Trails
On a Bluff Overlooking Clear Creek Sipsey Wilderness Trails!
Bluff Overlooking Clear Creek Sipsey Wilderness Trails House
Bluff Overlooking Clear Creek Sipsey Wilderness Trails
On a Bluff Overlooking Clear Creek Sipsey Wilderness Trails!
Bluff Overlooking Clear Creek Sipsey Wilderness Trails
On a Bluff Overlooking Clear Creek Sipsey Wilderness Trails!

About the neighborhood

Map
Double Springs, AL

What's nearby

  • Lewis Smith Lake - 33 min drive - 13.4 miles
  • Houston Historic Jail - 48 min drive - 24.6 miles
  • Natural Bridge Park - 53 min drive - 31.7 miles
  • Gamble Park - 58 min drive - 30.8 miles
  • Jasper City Hall - 59 min drive - 30.8 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Wal-Win - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Walston Bridge Restaurant - ‬18 min drive
  • Izzy's Deli
  • ‪Blue Moon Restaurant - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Obryan's Family Steakhouse - ‬19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Looking for a remote location? The country life? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Looking for a remote location? The country life? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Looking for a remote location? The country life? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey!?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Looking for a remote location? The country life? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 10.7 mi (17.3 km) from Lewis Smith Lake and within 25 mi (40 km) of Houston Historic Jail and Bankhead National Forest. Randolph Trailhead and Gamble Park are also within 25 mi (40 km).

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Reviews

Looking for a remote location? The country life? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey! Reviews

10

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

10

Location

8.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 272 out of 291 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 291 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 291 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 291 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 291 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tammy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was hands down the best stay in a long time every thing was perfect stocked with everything you could possibly need clean and decorated so cute loved the record player and records air was cold and it was hot those days. Maggies attention to every detail to make sure we enjoyed our stay was nothing short of amazing. Be sure and follow her directions to find the house cause google will leave you miles away lol easy to find if you follow her directions tho. Thw beach is great but it is about a 10 min walk up and down hill but so worth it we saw so many deer just in the front yard alone there is no way you will find a better place to stay in this area even at twice the cost wish we could have stayed longer
Beach
Secret beach
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

John L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Getaway

This is the third year that my wife and I have stayed at this property and we hope to keep coming back! The remoteness of the house, the accommodations within the house, great communication with the hosts, and the beautiful surroundings all combine together to make the perfect vacation spot for us and anyone looking to truly get away for a while.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place to totally disconnect and relax !

We enjoyed our stay and reconnection together, esp with our son on break from school with good ole uninterrupted conversation, fresh air from the hemlocks/pines/laurels, exercise with hiking/fishing and a margarita at night on the porch swing. Our dogs loved it too. Thank you for the lovely accommodation!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cabin Get Away

We love the location, property and (don’t tell anyone) the secret beach. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Rural Getaway in Bama!

This was our second stay at Clear Creek and the first time with the dogs! We all had a wonderful time. Great kitchen, we made chili and tacos. Don’t miss the pond, the pier is a great place for journaling and just being in the peaceful forest. See you again in November!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Malinda G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unplug and Relax

Love this property! The kids enjoyed playing at the creek and such a peaceful place. Away from it all. Mark and Maggie are amazing hosts. Thanks for everything!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous Stay

So private...so peaceful! Loved getting truly away from the world! House was super clean. Very comfortable for the four of us! Loved all the outside places to sit and swing. The Creek and Secret beach did not disappoint!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sharon F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely getaway

My friend and I had a relaxing stay, just reading and enjoying the beautiful woods and secret beach. The house was well-stocked and comfortable. Our host answered all questions promptly. I would definitely stay here again and recommend it. ❤️
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cecelia M., Moulton

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquility

This house is amazing! Maggie answers so quickly! We will definitely be back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

James D., Hammond

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unplug and recharge

Great spot to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. Plenty of privacy. Central to Bankhead National Forest and Clear Creek Recreational Area with hiking and/or fishing. Cabin is very neat and clean and welcoming.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Glenn H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent!

This is the third time we have stayed at Maggie's properties. They are just incredible! The Sipsey cabin is absolutely wonderful! Quiet, secluded, a perfect getaway. Thanks again, Maggie and Mark for sharing this magical place. Maggie, it was great meeting you!! Thanks again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Zujey R.

Amazing, beautiful and relaxing.

This was a fairy tale house in the wilderness. We spent our Christmas here and enjoyed the walks and views to the creek and exploring nature. We saw bunnies, deers, quail. Our girls were able to go in and out as they pleased without any worries. House was clean and well stocked for cooking. We would love to come again.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sandra A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Retreat

A great place to relax and unplug. No WiFi or multiple movie channels. Surrounded my natural beauty overlooking Clear Creek and close to Bankhead Forest, Sipsey River, Natural Bridge. A nature lovers’ paradise!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tammie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Get away!

This property was very remotely located, we saw many deer and had complete peace and quiet, just what we needed after working in the hustle and bustle of Pensacola every day! Mark and Maggie were wonderful and answered our many questions and were very helpful. We had a wonderful time! There is a secret beach with a sandbar and Clear Creek runs beside it. it was very beautiful. I highly recommend this place and we will be back! ❤️
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Always the Best

Mark and Maggie are great hosts and have wonderful properties. This is the second property of their's my family has stayed in, and it was just what we needed. The cabin was in a beautiful location and the woods around it was restorative. The creek down the hill was gorgeous and we want to see the secret beach in warmer months. The kitchen had everything we needed to cook full meals and there is a dining table outside that we loved. Nothing beats having coffee outside while enjoying mother nature around you. We will be back.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Marvelous and Magical

The River Art Cabin was the perfect spot for a weekend getaway with friends, three moms who needed a little escape from the real world. The house was a comfortable spot to curl up on the huge couch, cook delicious food in the kitchen, and sleep soundly in the cozy beds at night. But the true star is the magical location, acres and acres of beautiful trees, located right on Clear Creek. We loved hiking the trail to the secret beach and spent hours sitting by creek, reading, painting, and writing. We even saw a deer swimming across the creek and deer by the driveway! I already want to return.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peace and quiet!

It is a little intimidating upon driving in just due to the remote location, but it is EXACTLY what you'd hope for once you get there. We did not hear another voice the entire time and the creek was beautiful. Maggie was completely available and in touch with us prior to arrival to make sure we had all information needed. She offered to stop by and show us more of the area and trails. Do yourself a favor and book it. Be aware though it is in the wilderness so don't be surprised to see some bugs or snakes. We saw several deer also right off the front porch.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wilma C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful escape

Staying at the cabin was so peaceful! My husband and I stayed knowing ahead of time that the location was remote and cell phones wouldn’t be working! Which was just what we needed!!! I can honestly say that we connected again and didn’t realize just how much distraction our phones had been until I was sitting down by the creek talking to him for hours just like we used to be able to do. Just to slow down enough to sit outside on the Porch and watch the stars and listen to nature! Staying at the cabin really worked for us. It was just like it said it would be! Secret beach was definitely a hike so pack something to drink when you go! Explore all the trails! You will need to print the mapped detailed directions Maggie sends to have with you! If you are one that can’t be with out your phone most of the time you can drive to the main rd and go towards jasper or double creek and get service! Thoroughly enjoyed our trip! Thanks Maggie!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and Scenic Getaway

We recently stayed at a charming rental house in Double Springs, Alabama, for four nights. Nestled in a rural and secluded area, the house offered the perfect escape into nature, with excellent hiking trails and stunning natural surroundings just a short distance away. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by how cute the house was. It matched the description in the listing perfectly and was clean and well-maintained. The amenities were just as advertised, and we especially appreciated having a washer and dryer available during our stay. The standout feature of this property was the gazebo near a clear, babbling stream. We loved sipping our morning coffee and tea while listening to the soothing sounds of the water. Another highlight was the secret beach hidden through the woods, where we spent peaceful moments enjoying the scenery. Even our dog, Duff, had a blast cooling off in the stream! The location was more scenic than convenient, which is exactly what we were looking for in a getaway. While there weren’t any stores, restaurants, or shops nearby, it didn’t detract from the experience for us. Our hosts Maggie and Mark provided clear guidance and helpful tips that enhanced our stay. Overall, this rental is perfect for nature lovers and anyone seeking a tranquil retreat. The beautiful surroundings and thoughtful details of the property made this a memorable vacation. We highly recommend it to friends, family, and fellow adventurers!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

MsDoublePRanch

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Vacation spot!

Can’t wait to come back! So peaceful!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It is definitely a remote location, but it is easy to find and they provide great directions on how to get to the house and to the secret beach. We had a nice and relaxing stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rick B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rest, Relax, & Recharge

We thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet of this isolated cabin.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Come Unplug

If you are looking for a beautiful, wooded getaway with no other humans, this is it! A comfortable home with everything you need to cook, rest, and enjoy a break from your phone. Easy 1.5 hour drive from Birmingham Alabama. My family had a great time at the "secret beach"! I loved it as an adult, but my 7-year-old was absolutely enamored. I loved waking up to the view of the treetops from the master bedroom looking out on to the private balcony. Going to stay longer next time!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great secluded getaway

A great place in the woods with everything you need to relax and enjoy nature.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint, secluded property

This property is just what we needed for our trip to Bankhead/Sipsey area. It gave us the privacy/seclusion we are always looking for but wasn't too far from a town with a grocery store. The flannel sheets on our bed kept us toasty at night & we enjoyed the wood burning fireplace. The directions to the house were perfect & our host was both proactive & responsive to our questions. Our check in process was both simple AND sweet as she left us some homemade goodies. YUM!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025