Gear:

Bluff Mountain Outfitters 828-622-7162. A good selection of whatever you might need to enjoy the outdoors plus some friendly conversation, fax machine and internet access. Lots of maps of the area. Shuttle service for hikers.

Water:

Huck Finn River Rafting 877-520-4658 or 828-622-9645. Right next door to Bluff Mountain Outfitters you will find Huck Finn River Rafting. The people are great and the waters beautiful. Call ahead to book your trip. Open 7 days a week, April 1 thru October 31.

USA RAFT 866-USA-RAFT. Offering rafting trips on the French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers with a $5 discount if you tell them you are staying with us! Online information and trip reservations.

The Hot Springs Spa 828-622-7676. Call ahead to book a natural mineral bath, body treatment, hot stone massage, or Swedish massage. The most unique "spa" in the US and the only natural mineral baths in North Carolina! Excellent therapists. Take the waters by booking your own private riverside tub for an hour or two of indulgent relaxation. (You can also bring a bottle of champagne and cheese and crackers - or provision yourself on the way in at "The Camp Store".)

C&H Fishing Supplies 828-622-3205 Located in Hot Springs, Cindy and Harold have the fishing licenses, bait, and tackle you need to fish the area waters.

Massage in your cabin (please call ahead to arrange):

Marie Judy: LMBT#00923
828-622-3677 -Or email mariej@madison.main.nc.us. Please call Marie directly to arrange your massage. Our guests say she's great! Rates start at $60 per hour with different massage modalities available. She accepts cash and checks, but not credit cards.

Flowers:

Shady Side Florist: 828-649-3343 is located in Marshall, but they are happy to deliver flowers to the cabins. It is probably best if you contact them directly to request flowers and arrange payment. Do ask them to give us a call to arrange delivery. Let us know as well so we are able to coordinate the flowers to arrive while we are cleaning the cabins. (Visit their website and receive 10% off your order!)

Horseback Riding/Llama trekking:

Sandy Bottom Trail Rides 800-959-3513. Towards Marshall, this outfit boasts their own garnet stream and great Madison County mountain views! Sandy Bottom is open year round (weather permitting). Our guests really like this outfit!

Big Pine Ranch 828-649-3176 Near Marshall - Let us know about your experience!

Wolf Laurel Stables 828-678-9370 Over the other side of I-26, these trails should provide some fine scenary. Let us know about your experience!

English Mountain Llama Trekking 828-622-9686 Our guests are loving their llama trekking at Max Patch!!!

Fordbrook Stables 828-667-1021. One and two hour rides overlooking The Biltmore, Asheville, and The Grove Park Inn. Open year round (weather permitting).

The Biltmore 800-624-1575. The Biltmore also affers one hour trail rides and carriage rides, but you must have a regular estate admission ticket. The opportunity to ride the grounds is fantastic, but be aware that these rides are extremely supervised, i.e. Nose-to-tail only! (Open year round, weather permitting.)

Mountain Biking:

Hearn's Cycling and Fitness Shop 828-253-4800 Bike rentals and plenty of local advice.

Bluff Mountain Outfitters 828-622-7162 See them for info on mountain biking trails and shuttle services.

Golfing:

The three courses below are in the area of NC 209 and I-40. Please contact them directly for information and directions. Ashveille also has many golf courses, but these are the three most easily reached from the cabins and Mike has comments on two of them!

Iron Tree Golf Course 828-627-1933 18 holes. This course is lined with trees and features a creek flowing through the middle of many holes. The course is very hilly and affords lots of beautiful scenery. Numerous sand bunkers have been incorporated into the course design. Ladies tee off from the same set as the men. Mike's comments: Challenging, but fun. Not extrememly manicured. This is the closest golf course to the cabins, on your left off NC 209 heading south, before you reach I-40.

Waynesville Country Club 828-452-4617 27 holes. Very nice golf course and setting with 3 different 9 hole courses to mix and match. Mike's comments: Great course!

Lake Junaluska Golf Course 828-456-5777 18 holes. This short eighteen hole course can be quite demanding because of all the trees that can affect your shots and the water hazards that come into play on key holes. Three of the fairways are doglegs, but all of them are wide open. The signature hole is #3, requiring an downhill tee shot from off an elevated tee box, then an approach shot over a stream to an elevated green. Horris Smith designed the additional nine holes in 1994. Mike's comments: The honey-do list hasn't allowed me time yet to try out this course!

Hiking:

Appalachian Trail - Public access is at the end of Gorenflo Gap Road, just 2 miles from Hot Springs Log Cabins. (go south 1/2 mile on 209, then right on Gorenflo Gap Road. Gorenflo Gap Road is 1 1/2 miles long and terminates at the AT trail access point.) Ask about our "stocked fridge" special for AT trail hikers who need a few days of pampering! Bluff Mountain Outfitters operates a shuttle service for hikers. You can also get onto the AT from Max Patch Bald (see below).

Harmon Den WMA - Exit #7 from I-40 leads you through Harmon Den. This is a gorgeous area full of horse and hiking trails to enjoy the natural beauty of the Appalachian mountains.
See the "Adventure Driver" directions and the Harmon Den Trail Map for a preview of the area.

Rocky Bluff Campground & Hiking Trails -located halfway between Hot Springs and Hot Springs Log Cabins, Rocky Bluff boasts a beautiful walking trail along Spring Creek (watch for signs of beaver activity!) as well as the Vann Cliff trail.

US Forest Service (Pisgah National Forest - Appalachian Ranger District), PO Box 128, Hot Springs, NC  28743, (828) 622-3202.

Dupont State Forest - South of Asheville is this beautiful forest with lots of trails for hiking and biking, plus many gorgeous waterfalls that are easily accessible on a loop trail.

Trails Closest to Hot Springs Log Cabins:

Spring Creek Nature Trail - This trail gets four paws from Hot Springs Log Cabins pet guests!
[Accessed from Rocky Bluff Campground, 3 miles north on 209, on your right as you go into Hot Springs. The Campground is only open April-November, but you are always welcome to park your car at the gate and walk down to the trail.]
Easy 1.6-miles loop along Spring Creek. Lots of beavers in the area too!

Van Cliff Loop
[Also from Rocky Bluff Campground] 2.6 miles
A steep, difficult hike along streams and ridge tops where the forest has reclaimed old farmland.  The Trail leaves the south end of the Rocky Bluff Campground, crosses NC 209, and ascends Taylor Hollow Creek. 

Max Patch Bald  - Absolutely, positively, the best hike if you only have time for one!
Elevation: 4,692 feet. [Right out of the driveway onto 209, right on Meadow Fork, right on Little Creek, then a last right onto Max Patch Rd for a total distance of 10 miles. Be sure to stop at Panther Branch Rd along the way to see a lovely waterfall. Panther Branch dead-ends so head back to Meadowfork Rd once you have seen the waterfall.]

Just one half mile from the parking lot to the top and you have panoramic 360 degree views into Tennessee, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and even all the way to The Blue Ridge Parkway! Max Patch offers a gentle climb across the southernmost bald on the Appalachian Trail to its grassy summit at 4,629 feet. During the warmer seasons, the trail abounds with wildflowers.

Privately owned until 1982, the land covered by the trail had been used for grazing sheep and cattle. An offer to sell to a ski development was fortunately countered by the U.S. Forest Service, which bought the 392 acres for the Appalachian Trail.

Take a jacket as it is often very windy and exercise caution during the winter months as the road to Max Patch may be icy and dangerous even when there is no snow at Hot Springs Log Cabins.

AT Trail from Max Patch:
Max Patch can also be the starting point for an AT trail hike to the north (towards Hot Springs) or south (towards The Great Smoky Mountains National Park).

The northern segment travels 20 miles to the town of Hot Springs. The first 7 miles along this segment are easy, gaining less than 1,000 feet in elevation, but the path soon climbs steadily toward the wooded summit of Walnut Mountain (elevation 4,280 feet). After a short stretch on an old roadbed, the trail reaches Catpen Gap and ascends Bluff Mountain (elevation 4,686 feet). From here the trail drops steadily, losing more than 3,000 feet along its 10-mile descent into Hot Springs.

AT Trail access at Gorenflo Gap:
The trailhead at Gorenflo Gap is reached via traveling south on 209 for one half mile, then following Gorenflo Gap road for 1.5 miles to the trailhead. From here you can hike into Hot Springs or Upper Shut-In (see below).

Trails from the Silvermine Trailhead in Hot Springs:

Lovers Leap Trail
1.6 mile loop  From the Silvermine Trailhead walk down the road and get on the Appalachian Trail(white blazes) along the French Broad River.  After about 0.5 mile the trail climbs steeply to Lover's Leap ridge where rock outcrops provide great views.  Return on the Lover's Leap Trail(Blue Blazes) and decend to the trailhead.

Pump Gap Loop
2.4 miles
Follow The Lovers Leap Trail from the Silvermine trailhead.  At the first major switchback, the Pump Gap Trail goes straight.  At the next right fork the trail climbs to the AT at Pump Gap, crosses then returns by a combination of old forest roads and foot trails.  The Trail is Moderate in difficulty, offering many changes in elevation and scenery.  Can be looped with the Appalachian Trail.

Appalachian Trail from Hot Springs to Allen Gap
( 14.7 miles, white rectangle blazes)
Heading north, the AT crosses the bridge over the French Broad River the jumps the guardrail to the right.  The AT follows the river upstream ascends Lover's Leap Ridge then after 5 miles comes to the grassy meadows and pond of Mill Ridge.  The trail then descends to Tanyard Gap where it crosses US 25/70 on an overpass, climbs to the junction of the Roundtop Ridge Trail, passes the Rich Mountain Fire Tower Trail then comes to the junction of FS#467a, FS#422 & FS#3514.  Shortly after this junction the trail comes to Hurricane Gap (FS#467).  The trail then continues north passing Spring Mountain Shelter and finally coming to NC208 (Allen Gap). A nice loop can be made with the Pump Gap Trail or the Roundtop Ridge Trail.  Another loop option begins at Tanyard Gap and returns to Tanyard via the Salt Box Road (FS#3514).

Roundtop Ridge Trail
3.2 miles one way
From the Junction with the Appalachian Trail on Rich Mountain the Roundtop Ridge Trail meanders down the ridge, past old farm fields and through an oak-hickory forest.  The Trail ends on Reservoir Road near the Hot Springs Water Tank.  Resevoir Road joins the River Road 1/4 mile downstream of US 25/70.  This trail can be hiked as a loop with the AT (8.8 miles AT-3.2 Miles Roundtop Ridge-1.5 miles road)

Trails Accessed from Shut-In Road, just outside Hot Springs:

[Follow 209 North into Hot Springs, then turn left onto US 25/70 West and follow it for 3 miles, then turn left on Upper Shut-In Road (SR#1183).]

Betty Place Trail
1.2 Miles
An Easy loop on a magnificent north-facing slope of Bluff Mountain.  The Trailhead is nearly at the end of Upper Shut-In Road on the left.  The trail passes remnants of several home sites.

East Fork of Shut-In
2.0 Miles one way
A moderate hike along Shut-In creek from Upper Shut-In road to the Appalachian Trail at Gorenflo Gap. Arrange a shuttle ride with Bluff Mountain Outfitters, us, or another couple as Hot Springs Log Cabins are just 2 miles from the AT trailhead at Gorenflo Gap! So this would be a nice 4 mile hike from Upper Shut-In to the hot tub on your porch!

Trails outside the town of Hot Springs accessed via River Road:
[Follow 209 North into Hot Springs and stay on the “main street” through town. This turns into 25/70 East. Follow 25/70 across the French Broad River Bridge.  Turn left on River Road (SR #1304).  Follow River Road to Murray Branch or Paint Rock.] 

Murray Branch Picnic Area
The Murray Branch Recreation Area is located 6 miles down the French Broad River from Hot Springs. The area offers recreational opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and canoe access to the river. Facilities at Murray Branch, under the shade of pines, include picnic tables, grills, restrooms, water, and two picnic shelters for large groups.

River Ridge Loop Trail  
1.3 mile loop
A moderate loop that climbs through a pine forest for a bird's-eye view of the French Broad River and the surrounding valley.  The trail begins across from the Murray Branch Picnic Area.

Jack Branch Trail  
2.4 miles one way, blue blazes.   A steep, difficult trail that climbs to 2900' for good views of Hot Springs and the French Broad River.  The trail begins on The River Ridge Loop crosses The Polecat Hollow Road (FS#468) and ends at The Shad Road (FS#422).

Paint Rock Trail  
(1.3 Miles, difficult, distance from Hot Springs-7 miles)  
Trail begins at Paint Rock 7 miles from Hot Springs via river road.  Take FS #54 towards Lone Pine Gap 1/10 mile.  Look for trail on left near Forest Service road sign.  Trail ascends steeply to the intersection of The Chimney Rocks Trail.  There is a beautiful view of Weaver's Bend and the north side of Bluff Mountain at this trail junction.

Trails Accessed from the junction of US 25/70 & NC 208:
[Follow 209 North into Hot Springs and stay on the “main street” through town. This turns into 25/70 East. Follow 25/70 across the French Broad River Bridge to its junction with NC 208 at The Steady Eddy Coffee Shop.]

Laurel River Trail  
(3.6 miles one-way)
Begins near the junction of NC 208 and 25/70 on a dirt road that turns into the trail.  Single track on an old railroad grade to the ghost town of Runion where the Laurel empties into the French Broad River.  Easy grade. This riverside trail gets four paws from Hot Springs Log Cabins pet guests!

Shelton Laurel Backcountry:
[Follow 209 North into Hot Springs and stay on the “main street” through town. This turns into 25/70 East. Follow 25/70, then turn left (north) on NC 208 at the Steady Eddy Coffee Shop until it intersects with NC 212, and take a right. Continue for 6.8 miles to NC 1310, which is known as Hickey Fork Road. Turn left and drive until you see the parking area on the right. The trailhead begins about 200 feet up the road, on the left.]

Hickey Fork Waterfall
Only 1.1 miles in length, the trail to Hickey Fork Waterfall is strenuous. The falls are rich with growing mosses. The small grottos that can be spotted behind its mist provide a habitat for the spray-cliff natural community. Hike in about 1 mile. At this point, a smaller yet beautiful cascade occurs on the right. To reach the main waterfall, continue another .1 mile. Some bushwhacking is necessary to reach the base of the waterfall. Hemlock, white pine (Pinus strobus), yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense and maximum), mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), dog-hobble (Viburnum alnifolium), and ferns are all common.

Shooting Clays:

Fowler's Farm 828-622-7380. Get to know some locals and practice your aim on this farm in Spring Creek.

Driving Destinations:

Great Smoky Mountain National Park Cade's Cove and the Roaring Fork Nature Trail are well worth the drive but do tend to be crowded so plan to go early in the day. Or skip the rampant commercialism of Cherokee, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge and visit the Cataloochee area in the SE corner (reached via exit 20 from I-40). A walking trail of historic buildings is found here along with the recently reintroduced Elk.

Blue Ridge Parkway The section from Asheville west to 23/74 (near Waynesville) is the prettiest of all the Parkway in my opinion. The views are stupendous and it makes a perfect driving excursion from Hot Springs Log Cabins.

Asheville:

The Biltmore Estate See their website for all the info! If you are arriving or leaving Hot Springs Log Cabins on a Sunday, you may wish to visit The Biltmore on your way. The Deerpark Restaurant on Biltmore Estate offers up a lovely Sunday Brunch, but make sure to allow time to see the house, the gardens, and the winery too!
The Biltmore is in south Asheville and is reached via exit #50 from I-40 and is a little over an hour from Hot Springs Log Cabins.

Arts & Crafts homes of Montford

Explore Asheville

Skiing:

Maggie Valley Ski Cataloochee 800-768-3588

Ski Wolf Laurel 800-817-4111

Festivals:

Fun Things to Do in the Mountains

Smoky Mountain News

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Restaurants:

The Mountain Magnolia 828-622-3543. Superbly romantic setting. Magnificent food. Try the filet. Dinner only. Please call for current hours.

The Bridge Street Cafe 828-622-0002. Wonderful Italian-style cuisine and pizzas on a terrace overlooking Spring Creek. Dinner only, maybe Sunday Brunch too. Call for exact hours.

Sweet Imaginations Ice Cream Cafe 828-622-7522. Very nice lunches, snacks, and dinner selections - not to mention the desserts!!! Please call for hours.

The Camp Store 828-622-7267. Across the street from The Hot Springs Spa is a good venue for the purchase of beer and wine.. Nice selection of "champagne" to enjoy in the hot tubs!

The Smoky Mountain Diner 828-622-7571. Breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. Good country fried steak or chicken caesar salad. Open year round, but get there early as they close at 7PM.

GRITS Country Cafe In the old stone school on 209 that is now the Spring Creek Community center (about 7 miles south of Hot Springs Log Cabins.)

Spring Creek Cafe 828-622-7400. At the junction of 209 and 63 (about 9 miles south of Hot Springs Log Cabins), The Spring Creek Cafe is open again with a diverse menu and long hours. Look for The Trust General Store to open again soon next door.

Paddler's Pub 828-622-0001. Live music on weekends.

Steady Eddy Coffee Shop (Junction of 25/70 & 208 - 5 miles E of Hot Springs) Good stop for muffins and brew.

Zuma Coffee Shop (Downtown Historic Marshall) 828-622-1617. Good coffee and great lunches right on historic Main Street.

Asiana Grand Buffet (153 Smokey Park Hwy-West Asheville) 828-667-0410. Endless Asian buffet with sushi.

Salsa's (6 Patton Ave. - Downtown Asheville) 828-252-9805. Exquisite novel Mexican fare. The Poppers will make you cry so order a Perfect Margarita too.

Ci Ci's Pizza (148 S. Tunnel Road Asheville) 828-298-0010. Cheap, quick, and hot all-you-can-eat pizza across the street from Barnes and Noble.

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Generally speaking, we are blessed with four distinct but relatively mild seasons.  I will highlight the seasons below, but just remember that the weather here is highly variable.  (Altitude also has an enormous effect on temperatures.) 

Plan your trip Local Radar Detailed Forecast

Winter Weather:

A vehicle appropriate for winter mountain travel (4WD) is recommended. Generally, the roads are clear and travel is easy most all winter, although there may be days of heavy snowfall.
NC Highway 209 from Hot Springs is kept very clear and our main drive is paved so that we can plow and salt as needed.
(The Pine cabin does require 4WD in the winter due to the length of its private gravel driveway.)
If snow is likely, you will probably want to arrive at the cabins via Hot Springs (25/70 from Asheville or Tennessee) as this route does not involve any high altitude mountain passes.
Taking 63 from Asheville or 209 from I-40 is NOT recommended if it is actively snowing.
If the forecast calls for snow, we'll be in touch to advise you to arrive via Hot Springs, where we can even meet you if needed.
If the weather prevents you from reaching us, we would of course be happy to rebook you for a later time.

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Maps:
(many available at Bluff Mountain Outfitters)

1) National Geographic Trails Illustrated Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests:  #782 French Broad and Nolichucky Rivers in TN/NC ~ excellent overall color map with topography, roads, trails, points of interest, etc.  Available online from National Geographic.

2) US Dept. of the Interior Geological Survey modified for USDA Forest Service Use – Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests – Lemon Gap Quadrangle ~ excellent detailed topographic map for hiking.  Available from US Forest Service.

3) USDA Forest Service Appalachian Ranger District – Pisgah National Forest NC – Harmon Den & Hot Springs Area Trail maps ~ a great color topographic map with clearly marked horse and hiking trails in the area.  Available from US Forest Service.

4) USDA Forest Service Grandfather, Toecane, and French Broad River Districts – Pisgah National Forest ~ another Forest Service map that shows trails and roads. Available from US Forest Service.

5)  Madison County North Carolina Street Map ~  Available in local gas stations or by contacting the Madison County Chamber of Commerce at 1-877-2-MADISON or www.madisoncounty-nc.com.

6) Street Map of Madison County –Marshall, Mars Hill, and Hot Springs ~ This is probably the best map of the area and is available on line at www.mapsupply.com.

7)  2 sided map of Asheville/Western North Carolina ~ available FREE from the visitors’ center in Asheville.

Books:

*available from most bookstores, always check for new editions…

Laminated Nature Guides:

Waterford Press' Pocket Naturalist series:

• Southern Appalachian Birds  ISBN# 1-58355-215-4
• Southern Appalachian Wildlife  ISBN# 1-58355-161-1
• North Carolina Trees & Wildflowers  ISBN# 158355113-1
• Roadside Wildflowers  ISBN# 158355179-4
• Animal Tracks  ISBN#  158355072-0

 

Seavey Field Guides:

• Trees of the Central Appalachians
• Trees of the Great Smoky Mountain