Experience The Mountains

Discover the Dynamic Ecosystem of Spring Creek Preserve

Nestled within 80 acres of the Southern Blue Ridge, The Retreats at Spring Creek Preserve is a living testament to nature’s diversity and abundance. Explore two distinct forest ecosystems—the lush, damp Rich Cove Forest and the dry, resilient Chestnut Oak Forest—each thriving under unique microclimates. Wander through moss-covered stones, listen to the cascading mountain streams, and immerse yourself in the vibrant wildlife. Here, the forest is alive, ever-changing, and waiting to awaken your senses to its rich ecological wonders.

Certified Wildlife Habitat

Spring Creek Preserve is proud to be recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation and the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. This certification highlights the Preserve’s commitment to creating a thriving environment that attracts birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. By offering native food sources, clean water, protective shelter, and safe spaces for raising young, the Preserve fosters a balanced and sustainable habitat. Explore this natural sanctuary where wildlife flourishes through careful stewardship and sustainable practices.

Nearby Eat & Drink

Trust General Store & Cafe is absolutely charming – half general store with all the staples you need + fun & interesting shopping on one side and on the opposite side is an amazing cafe.

Say hello to the crew (Kim and Kris are the owners) and let them know we sent you their way! Everything is fresh. In the winter there are limited hours/menu and once we hit Spring they begin operating with longer hours and expanded menu. Everything is fresh – hand cut truffle fries are so good! You just cant go wrong here! You will find locals from Asheville coming out this way for a nice drive and a gourmet lunch. Don’t forget the Oatmeal Cream Cookie or one of the fresh baked deserts!

This is our go to spot!

Helpful hint – they prepare gourmet frozen dinners, soups, and cookie dough to make easy cooking at The Cabin.

  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

This is a local Burger and Fries spot located in the historic old school house. It is like a trip back in time looking through the old photo albums or exploring the school. A popular stop for motorcyclists riding the curvy Rattler Road.

This is a local Burger and Fries spot located in the historic old school house. It is like a trip back in time looking through the old photo albums or exploring the school. This is a spot frequented by many of the folks riding motorcycles on the curvy road knows as The Rattler like to stop during the fall and summer – well for that matter any time of the year they have decent riding weather.

  • Monday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Big Pillow Brewing Head 16.7 miles to Hot Springs – the drive will take you roughly 30 minutes as you will be driving along a beautiful mountain road through the Mountains.

If you recall, we shared that Madison County is a “dry” county….that is until you arrive into Hot Springs! This is a great brewery with an outpost of The Grey Eagle Taqueria for some amazing Mexican Cuisine!

Would definitely recommend a stop here especially on a beautiful day! Strike up a conversation with one of the Appalachian Trail hikers – the AT comes right through Hot Springs and many hikers use this as a nice rest stop to catch up with civilization – they have some amazing stories to share!

  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Trust General Store & Cafe is absolutely charming – half general store with all the staples you need + fun & interesting shopping on one side and on the opposite side is an amazing cafe.

Say hello to the crew (Kim and Kris are the owners) and let them know we sent you their way! Everything is fresh. In the winter there are limited hours/menu and once we hit Spring they begin operating with longer hours and expanded menu. Everything is fresh – hand cut truffle fries are so good! You just cant go wrong here! You will find locals from Asheville coming out this way for a nice drive and a gourmet lunch. Don’t forget the Oatmeal Cream Cookie or one of the fresh baked deserts!

This is our go to spot!

Helpful hint – they prepare gourmet frozen dinners, soups, and cookie dough to make easy cooking at The Cabin.

  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

This is a local Burger and Fries spot located in the historic old school house. It is like a trip back in time looking through the old photo albums or exploring the school. A popular stop for motorcyclists riding the curvy Rattler Road.

This is a local Burger and Fries spot located in the historic old school house. It is like a trip back in time looking through the old photo albums or exploring the school. This is a spot frequented by many of the folks riding motorcycles on the curvy road knows as The Rattler like to stop during the fall and summer – well for that matter any time of the year they have decent riding weather.

  • Monday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Big Pillow Brewing Head 16.7 miles to Hot Springs – the drive will take you roughly 30 minutes as you will be driving along a beautiful mountain road through the Mountains.

If you recall, we shared that Madison County is a “dry” county….that is until you arrive into Hot Springs! This is a great brewery with an outpost of The Grey Eagle Taqueria for some amazing Mexican Cuisine!

Would definitely recommend a stop here especially on a beautiful day! Strike up a conversation with one of the Appalachian Trail hikers – the AT comes right through Hot Springs and many hikers use this as a nice rest stop to catch up with civilization – they have some amazing stories to share!

  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Iron Horse Station is both a tavern and restaurant with lots of history from the 1890’s.

  • Monday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Vinyl Pies Pizza is an excellent Pizza Shop!

  • Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Nearby Activities

Max Patch Considered by many to be “the crown jewel of the Appalachian Trail” and it is literally the next mountain over from The Cabin at Spring Creek Preserve.

Here is your chance to hike a portion of The Appalachian Trail. If you think the views are beautiful at The Cabin….wait till you come here. You will be singing songs from the Sound of Music for sure.

Here is an idea…..grab the picnic basket and camp blankets, head to Trust to order lunch and head over to Max Patch for the most glorious of picnics!

Blue Heron Whitewater is one of the 4 companies in the area that offers rafting and float trips.
  • Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The following link provides a good overview of many locals favorite routes as well as their Strava links.

 

Blue Heron Whitewater is one of the 4 companies in the area that offers rafting and float trips.
  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
French Broad Adventures has all types of adventures just waiting for you!
  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

French Broad Adventures

French Broad Adventures has all types of adventures just waiting for you!
  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Nathalia Outdoor Center

NOC as it is called is one of the foremost outdoor adventure guiding companies in the entire country. They have an outpost in Madison County for floating on the French Broad River – give them a try!

Since 1778 this area has been a resort that offered the relaxing hot water of natural mineral properties from deep within the earth. You can book mineral bath experience in Cabanas that overlook the French Broad River. Check out the Link Here

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
Sandy Bottom Trail Rides provides horseback riding of various lengths and abilities – including beginners! The views on the trail are magnificent! It will take you about 50 minutes to reach the Barn.
  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Why not try your hand with a guided llama trekking tour and farm visit

Sugar Camp Branch on our property has been known to produce the elusive and native Brook Trout. They are small but incredibly beautiful. Spring Creek just down the road from The Cabin (you crossed over it) when you turned onto Rockhouse Road is a hatchery supported Trout Stream.

If you wanted to learn more about fishing locations in the area check out the following Fishing Link

Rare Bird Farm is one of those interesting places you may see in a magazine and its right around the corner from The Cabin. Head over to the music venue on a Saturday afternoon and just feel the Farm Life!
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
Rare Bird Farm is one of those interesting places you may see in a magazine and its right around the corner from The Cabin. Head over to the music venue on a Saturday afternoon and just feel the Farm Life!
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Nearby Tourist Spots

Asheville is located only 55 minutes from The Cabin. A perfect day of exploring Asheville would be as follows:
This is a local Burger and Fries spot located in the historic old school house. It is like a trip back in time looking through the old photo albums or exploring the school. This is a spot frequented by many of the folks riding motorcycles on the curvy road knows as The Rattler like to stop during the fall and summer – well for that matter any time of the year they have decent riding weather.
Great Smoky National Park Visitor Center in Cherokee is a beautiful 1 hour and 20 minute drive from The Cabin. Here you can visit an old Mountain Farm, grain mill, and the visitor center.
Big Pillow Brewing Head 16.7 miles to Hot Springs – the drive will take you roughly 30 minutes as you will be driving along a beautiful mountain road through the Mountains.

Here are two really good links that provides an overview of the various activities in and around Hot Springs:

  1. RH Hot Springs
  2. Visit Hot Springs

Waynesville is a charming town located 28.6 miles (50 minutes) from The Cabin. Downtown Waynesville is quant and perfect for walkable shopping in local boutiques and artists studios.

They have a great website to explore the town and a visitors guide called Visit NC Smokies

Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee. It is located about 1 hour and 15 minutes from The Cabin.

There are some really amazing experiences to spend the day at Cherokee such as:

  • The Museum of The Cherokee People
  • Oconaluftee Indian Village
  • Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual – amazing hand made baskets
  • Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama

This LINK will bring you to the Cherokee website.

Other Charming Mountain Towns within a 1 hour to 1:30 hours of The Cabin include:


This region is filled with so much charm!

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Kind Words From Our Guests