Outdoor LIfe
A wraparound porch offers beautiful mountain views on a secluded 10 acres that bumps against Pisgah National Forest. Snack on appetizers at the hightop table on the porch or play a game of cornhole. Take a nap after a hike in the hammock or relax in Adirondack chairs by the smokeless fire pit watching the shooting stars and listening to the coyotes howl.
Start your day out early, with a warm-up hike to Wolf Pit Trailhead just a half mile from home. This 1.1-mile point-to-point trail is your entrance to Linville Gorge Wilderness. Wolf Pit connects to the Shortoff Mountain hike, a 7.7-mile round trip trail, offering stunning views of the Linville Gorge Wilderness and Lake James from their viewpoints. Along the way, stop for a picturesque picnic at any of the vistas. For more intrepid hikers, the Linville Gorge Loop will provide a variety of challenges in its 22 miles. With paths skirting the top of the Gorge and going down to the various falls and rapids, there is plenty of beauty and mystery to be found here. Hike back to home base, take a nap, and ready yourself for the next excursion.
If you’re craving some water-based activities, drive down to either: the Linville Boat Ramp for some good bank fishing, or Paddy’s Creek Area on Lake James for access to easy to moderate hiking trails, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, a swimming area, and boat ramp. Shortoff Mountain Retreat offers 2 inflatable kayaks, 2 inflatable stand-up paddle boards, and an assortment of life jackets to enhance your time on the water.
Ride 15 miles of mountain biking trails at the Paddy’s Creek area with the Tindo and Wimba loops rated for beginners and intermediate riders respectively. The Fonta Flora trail at Geenlee Park is an easy 1.1-mile nature loop offering kayak/canoe/tube access points along with a covered picnic area. Take a 35-minute drive to reach Brown Mountain OHV Trail System (the only area in Pisgah that is open to OHV’s like ATVs, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and trail bikes) or hit the hills of the snow tubing park in Jonas Ridge. After a full day of outdoor adventure, head home to Shortoff Mountain Retreat to take advantage of the outdoor shower.
Plan a day of exploring the greater Asheville area to take in the art, shops, restaurants, and breweries that will enhance your experience of WNC. With downtown Asheville and Biltmore Estate just over an hour away, there is plenty to see and do on your “big city”’ day. First thing in the morning swing into Ingenious Coffee Roaster in Marion to start your day off right with a delicious coffee and handmade treat before making your way up the mountain to Black Mountain and Asheville. Browse artisan galleries and carefully curated shops in downtown or the River Arts District before heading to Biltmore Estate for your house and garden tour.
Please note: Forest Service maintains a large part of the long gravel road that is susceptible to ruts in inclement weather. We recommend AWD or 4WD for a smoother ride, but 2WD will suffice. Well-behaved dogs are allowed. Please keep dogs off the furniture and beds to prevent damage and to be considerate of people with allergies.