Cataloochee Ranch
Cowboy-cool meets Relais & Châteaux refinement. Think antler chandeliers, exposed timber, and plush linens — but also mud on your boots by noon. Family-friendly and actively program-driven. No TVs in any room.
Book the Wednesday Evening Cookout via Resy even if not staying overnight — it's open to the public and a great way to experience the ranch
Why It Matters
The East's oldest Relais & Châteaux ranch resort. First commercial tourism establishment in the Great Smoky Mountains (1933). DarkSky International Approved Lodging — one of only 10 in the US. Switchback restaurant, led by Chef Jeb Aldrich, draws diners from across Western NC and is publicly reservable.
A 90-year-old mountain ranch turned Relais & Châteaux resort, sitting at 4,800 ft above Maggie Valley on 825 acres along the southeastern edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Owners David and Annie Colquitt — the same duo behind neighboring The Swag — acquired it in 2020 and reopened in March 2024 after a full luxury renovation. The ranch keeps its bones — original stone walls, chestnut wood, horses grazing on open balds — while adding serious dining, certified dark skies, and 12 miles of private trails. Meals and activities are not included in the room rate.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Horseback Lodge Suites
One of two brand-new high-country lodges opening March 2026. Rooms are each named after a horse breed, honoring the ranch's equestrian heritage. Pairs cowboy chic with modern elegance. Available as single suites, double suites, or the full lodge.
Kephart Cabin
The most historically distinctive cabin on the property — Chestnut wood walls give it a darker, broodier feel than the others. One bedroom, sleeps up to four with a king bed and queen sleeper sofa. Large front porch. Heated bathroom floors, fireplace, soft linens. The only cabin still using the ranch's original Chestnut wood.
1 King + 1 Queen sleeper sofaQuilt Top Lodge Suites
The second new high-country lodge opening March 2026. Each room is named after a classic quilt pattern, a nod to Appalachian craft heritage. Same reservation flexibility as Horseback — single, double, or full lodge booking.
Ranch Cabins (1-bedroom)
Individually named cabins (including Palmer, Caldwell, Delano, Fink, Hattie, Alexander, and others) designed for couples or small families. Each has western-inspired decor, fireplace, porch with mountain views, plush bedding, and no TV. Some feature soaking tubs or whirlpool tubs. All receive daily housekeeping and nightly turndown with a treat.
King or Queen configurations vary by cabinRanch Cabins (2–3 bedroom)
Larger standalone cabins sleeping up to 8 guests — named Gooseberry, Hemphill, Moody, Waterrock, Woody, Wingate, Verlin, Masa, and others. Multiple bedrooms, fireplaces, and generous porches. Some feature sleeper sofas or bunk beds ideal for families. Prices ran $595–$995/night at launch and trend higher for larger configurations.
Multiple beds, varies by cabinSilverbell Lodge Suites
Six suites inside the ranch's high-country lodge, blending cowboy chic with modern luxury. Book a single suite or take over the entire lodge for a group. Each suite has a distinct character; the building is styled after rustic ranch traditions with contemporary finishes. Option to reserve the whole lodge.
The Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Treetop ropes course and adventure elements for guests seeking a physical challenge without leaving the property.
Guided hikes across the ranch property and into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Some trails are well-marked national park routes; others traverse open mountain balds with long-range views. The Hemphill Bald trail connects to sister property The Swag.
Fishing in the ranch's trout pond and mountain streams.
Guided UTV tours across the ranch property, giving guests a fast and fun way to see the land.
Guests can meet and feed the ranch's cattle on the ridgeline. A grounding, surprisingly memorable experience for families.
Indoor golf simulator on property.
Private and group trail rides across the ranch's 12 miles of private trails and into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Options include half-day rides, full-day rides, a picnic ride to Gooseberry Knob, and a combined Ride & Spa Treatment package at The Swag. Led by expert guides.
Hands-on introduction to cowboy roping techniques, led by ranch staff. A crowd-pleaser for families and groups.
Hands-on craft classes in the Barn Studio including leatherworking, art studio sessions, and other traditional ranch crafts. Culinary classes and pizza-making with the kitchen team also available for kids.
The adjacent Cataloochee Ski Area is just 2 miles from the ranch. Winter skiing packages available. In warmer months, the ski area's slopes convert to ATV/UTV trails.
The ranch holds DarkSky International Approved Lodging certification — one of only 10 properties in the US. The 4,800 ft elevation and minimal lighting make Milky Way viewing possible on clear evenings. Recurring stargazing events with the Asheville Astronomy Club are ticketed.
Archery lessons and axe-throwing range on property. Air rifle practice also available. A crowd-pleasing activity for groups.
Monthly sommelier-led wine tastings hosted by Wine Director Cara De Lavallade. Ticketed events open to guests and the public via Resy.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Private wine cellar on the property, complementing the Tack Room bar and Switchback's curated wine program.
The ranch offers a live stream of the property viewable online — a useful preview of conditions before arrival.
One of approximately 10 properties in the US certified by DarkSky International. The ranch uses minimal, properly shielded and dimmed outdoor lighting, enabling 360-degree night sky views and regular Milky Way sightings.
The Hayloft (converted horse barn, indoor event space), The Horseshoe (outdoor amphitheater behind the barn), and The Forge (outdoor patio dining). Venue seating for parties under 100.
825 acres along the southeastern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, reaching up to 5,556 ft elevation at peak. 12 miles of private trails.
Full Relais & Châteaux designation — the same collection as Blackberry Farm, Blackberry Mountain, and Old Edwards Inn & Spa.
A pool was under construction/planning as of 2025. Charlotte Magazine (2025) indicated it was opening imminently. Current status may be open — confirm directly with the property.
A deliberate design choice — no televisions anywhere on property. Coffee-table books provided instead (titles include Kinfolk: Wilderness).
Rooms cleaned daily and turned down each evening with a sweet treat.
Complimentary on-site parking. A personal vehicle is essential — no shuttle service.
BUILD YOUR CATALOOCHEE RANCH PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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