This Fairytale Cabin Is the Perfect Home Base for Alabama’s Best Hiking Trails

One of my favorite parts of taking a vacation is the ability to completely disconnect from routine and enjoy the simplicity of being. It's a rare treat nowadays, but fortunately, Alabama offers lots of beautiful places to unwind. One of them that's recently caught my eye is the Fairytale Cabin on Lake Wedowee, a tiny home Airbnb that happens to be located less than an hour from some of the state's best hiking trails.

A tiny home, with just one bedroom and one bathroom, promises to be the perfect escape for anyone with a keen appreciation for the great outdoors. This spot is for adults and older kids only; guests must be at least 12 to stay here. Once you arrive, you'll find yourself surrounded by 100 private wooded acres on Lake Wedowee, offering the ultimate feeling of peace and seclusion.

I love a cabin with a story, and the Fairytale Cabin, also known as Riversong Forest Retreat, is the kind of place where the magic is in the details. And exploring the interior, you'll quickly discover just how much love and time have been put into this cabin. The host, upon first exploring the area, was intrigued by the magic of the woods and the sounds of Wolf Creek. She then discovered two rock chimneys circa 1840, which became the inspiration for this particular build.

The small cabin is open-concept, making use of the beautiful natural light and stunning surrounding forest. The walls are crafted from heart pine flooring, sourced from an old Victorian house out of Carrollton, Georgia. The host shares a bit more about her favorite part of the home: "The floors are my pride and joy. We took down two 1890s barns in Bowdon, Georgia, that were slated for the dump. It took us a week and many trips of hauling the wood to the shipping container. What a job–but worth it."

The unparalleled craftsmanship continues in the fully-stocked kitchen and upstairs, where a square of stained glass immediately captures your eye. This detail was sourced from an old 1880s church in upstate New York, and it features Noah's Ark.

The cabin and property boast endless adventures, from reading in the hammock to swimming in the deep holes of Wolf Creek. There's really no need to leave at all, except that some of Alabama's most popular hikes in Cheaha State Park are less than an hour away.

Cheaha State Park is famous for being the highest point in the state, so as you can imagine, the views are second to none. If it's your first time visiting the park, hiking is a must. The most popular trail is Hernandez Peak and McDill Point via Pinhoti Trail, a 4.8-mile out-and-back adventure that's considered moderately challenging, mostly because you'll gain 1,000 feet of elevation during the trek. The trail is popular because it offers a few scenic lookouts along the way, offering places to stop and soak in the surroundings.

But if you'd rather stay close to the Airbnb, you can enjoy exploring the property's 100 acres, plus the nearby Country Road 532, which itself makes for a lovely walking trail. Once you've had your fill of activities, return to the cabin for a soak in the hot tub. On a clear night, you'll be blown away by the stars; there's hardly any light pollution in the area.

Ready to book your hiking getaway? Be sure to visit the official Airbnb listing, where you can read additional reviews and discover rates and availability.

Looking for more places to stay? We've put together a list of our favorite cabin rentals in Alabama.