Enjoy our Family Friendly Cabins this Fall

Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the best. Fall is the ideal time to stroll through the woods with your dog at your side – something you can do from your North Carolina pet friendly cabins. Fall is also a great time of year to bring chocolate and graham crackers and marshmallows and make s’mores by the campfire. Take time out this fall to bring your family to our cabins along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Mountains to Sea Trail Section 16

The Mountains to Sea Trail (section 16) passes right by our North Carolina pet friendly cabins. In other words, it is possible to walk out your cabin door, head west, and walk all the way to Tennessee border in the Great Smoky Mountains. Head east and the trail will eventually lead you to the stunning North Carolina coast. Guests of our Blue Ridge Parkway cabins are certainly not obligated to don hiking boots and walk hundreds of miles; but isn’t it nice to know that if you wanted to, you could?

October is Mountains to Sea Trail month, with many great activities and events happening in honor of the trail throughout the state. There will be guided hikes for all levels during October: some will be under a full October moon, some will reward you with a cookout at the the top of a mountain, and some will simply provide great company. There will also be work parties for trail maintenance or to extend the trail. In addition, look forward to river paddles, overnight trips, and no end to the fun. We are so fortunate to have this great resource in our back yards – we hope you will take time this month to come out and celebrate North Carolina and the Mountains to Sea Trail.

Stone Mountain

Picture an enormous slab of granite rising 600 feet above ground. It is awe-inspiring. With the Blue Ridge Parkway to the north and the Thurmond Chatham Game Lands to the west, Stone Mountain State Park is also a peaceful place to spend a day or two enjoying some of the best outdoor recreation in North Carolina, such as hiking, fishing or climbing. Best of all, it is an easy drive from our pet friendly lodging in Glendale Springs, NC.

If you are a rock climber, you simply must visit Stone Mountain. It is said to have some of the best rock climbing in the state of North Carolina. Those of you who prefer to walk to the peak will not be disappointed, as there are over 16 miles of hiking trails. Best of all, dogs are allowed in the state park, so you can enjoy a hike with your best friend. After a long day on the trails, return to our NC Pet Friendly cabins and relax around a camp fire while gazing up at the stars.

Stone Mountain State Park also comprises over 20 miles of river that is perfect for fly fishing. Need it be said that the trout here are amazing? Bring your catch back to your Blue Ridge Parkway lodging and cook it over the fire. There is not much in life more satisfying than catching that, especially when you have someone special to share it with.

It is almost time for Blood Sweat and Gears, a 100-mile loop bicycle ride around the Blue Ridge Parkway. The century long ride begins at 7:30 AM on June 26 at an elementary school south of Boone; it circles into the heart of North Carolina’s High Country before ending up back in Boone. These are hilly, curvy miles; the ride is ranked from challenging to strenuous. Bikers may expect to climb over 13,000 feet in elevation, culminating at the gap at Snake Mountain (milepost 63).

For folks who love to ride but don’t feel up to completing the entire century, there is a half century option. This route also begins and ends south of Boone, but otherwise follows a separate route, with a cumulative elevation gain of 5,800 feet

Don’t let the name of the ride scare you away. You may cycle this route any time, but during Blood Sweat and Gears there will be 6 aide stations (2 on the Half Century route) to help you along, complete with food, beverages and toilets; in addition, there will be support vehicles circling the route. You will sweat, but there is no reason for blood to be shed.

After the ride, come back to your Blue Ridge NC cabins and soak in the hot tub for a really long time. If you don’t fall right to sleep, stretch out by a campfire, gaze at the stars, and swap tales of the ride with fellow cyclists.

Blood Sweat and Gears

Our western North Carolina pet friendly cabins and lodge sit on five acres by the Blue Ridge Parkway. The cabins accommodate various numbers of people, but there is always room for your pet. You will enjoy exploring miles of trails during the day, and breathing in the clean, peaceful mountain air during the evenings. If your dog enjoys water, the New River is nearby and a great place to escape from summer heat.

Pack your bags and load up your pooch and come out this dog friendly NC lodging. You will all be so happy you did.