WEEKENDER: Cataloochee Ranch

Is there anything better than cozying up in a mountain retreat at the height of the holiday season? At just under three hours from Charlotte, Cataloochee Ranch sits on a picturesque mountaintop along the southeastern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 700-acre property is a spectacular place to get outside and make some memories. Spend a few days hiking, horseback riding, and fishing—or just curl up by a crackling fireplace with a good book and some hot cocoa. Pack your matching jammies, ditch the devices, and have some unforgettable family fun on the ranch. 

STAY

Cataloochee Ranch is the sister property of The Swag, the mountain resort in neighboring Waynesville. While The Swag has an adults-only vibe, Cataloochee Ranch is more family-friendly, and you never get the sense your kids are in the way. (That said, Cataloochee Ranch is a dreamy destination for a couple’s getaway as well.) The property reopened last March after an extensive renovation with 18 unique suites ranging from $600 to $1,350 per night. The beautifully restored ranch cabins are available with one, two, or three bedrooms, and many have a sleeper sofa or bunk beds for the kiddos. They’ve also got fireplaces and porches with sweeping views of the valley. 

EAT

The Ranch House is the hub of Cataloochee Ranch and houses Switchback, the onsite restaurant, and Tack Room, the cocktail bar. But first thing’s first. When you check in, the manager gives you a list of breakfast items to choose for the following morning. Just check the boxes beside your desired beverages, pastries, and other light breakfast fare and select the time you’d like it delivered to your cabin. The next morning, everything arrives in a basket on your doorstep. Cataloochee Cookouts are Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and includes a barbecue buffet. Brunch is available at Switchback on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; lunch is Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Switchback’s menu features ranch cuisine like steaks, chops, and fish, as well as wood-fired pizzas. Little chefs are invited into the kitchen where they can customize and bake their own pizzas with the help of the Cataloochee culinary team. Just don’t forget to save room for a homemade ranch cookie for dessert. 

PLAY

Choose your own adventure: Onsite activities include horseback riding, hiking, adventure courses, arts and crafts, archery, ax throwing, and fishing. Roll up your sleeves and try your hand at watercolors or printmaking at the fully-equipped craft studio below the barn. Schedule a group ride for your little equestrians and explore the property’s trails on horseback. Take a ropes course and soar through the trees on the Cataloochee Challenge Course. Or just park yourself in a rocking chair with a book—nothing is mandatory here. The spa is scheduled to open in spring 2025; for now, guests can book treatments at The Swag’s Spa, The Still, which has a menu of massages and facials. Cataloochee Ranch is also adjacent to The Cataloochee Ski Area, which is typically open from early November through late March. 

HOLIDAYS AT THE RANCH

Cataloochee Ranch hosts a number of festive events during the month of December. Enjoy a breakfast buffet with Santa and Mrs. Claus on December 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. If you stay through Christmas Eve, don’t miss Fireside Storytelling and Caroling on December 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. All events can be booked in advance online.

Cataloochee Ranch is located at 119 Ranch Drive in Maggie Valley