The drive · North Florida
From Jacksonville to Holly Creek
Jacksonville to Ellijay is about 385 miles, roughly seven hours of driving, the shortest of the Florida runs. Sherpa Camp sits 25 minutes past Ellijay, on Holly Creek at the edge of the Cohutta Wilderness.
No. 1
The route
The usual way is I-10 west to I-75 at Lake City, then I-75 north through Atlanta. North of the city, I-575 turns into Highway 515 and runs to Ellijay. From town the road heads west toward the Cohuttas and ends on gravel. We send the final turns 24 hours before you arrive.
No. 2
Timing
Seven hours fits inside a school day. Leave in the morning, pass through Atlanta outside the commute, and you reach the gravel with light to spare for most of the year. In December and January the light goes early, so start sooner.
No. 3
The last stop
Ellijay is the last town for groceries and gas. Pick up firewood there too, since the cabin does not supply it.
No. 4
When you get here
Holly Creek runs past the porch. Children tend to find it before the bags are inside, and the water near the cabin is shallow enough for small ones.
The cabin sleeps five, with a king bed in the loft and a bunk room for three. Starlink picks up at the cabin once the phone signal is long gone.
The region
Where the cabin sits.
Related field notes
Read the road, creek, trail, and weather.
Come along.
Stay for a few days, learn the road, and leave enough daylight to cross the bridge before dark.
Availability, pricing, reviews, and reservations are currently managed through Airbnb.