They say these mountains are 250 million years old. They'll get no argument from us. Only time could have rounded their contours, carpeted their slopes with ancient hardwoods and their hidden trails with snowy trillium blossoms, and sent their blue peaks rolling away into the distance like a vast, eternal sea.
In fact, one translation of the Cherokee word "Cataloochee" is "wave upon wave." And that's a translation that gets no argument from us, either. For more than 75 years, the Great Smoky Mountains have been our home. And people like you have been our guests, often returning again and again to establish their own family vacation traditions and help us preserve the heritage of this very special corner of western North Carolina.
In fact, one translation of the Cherokee word "Cataloochee" is "wave upon wave." And that's a translation that gets no argument from us, either. For more than 75 years, the Great Smoky Mountains have been our home. And people like you have been our guests, often returning again and again to establish their own family vacation traditions and help us preserve the heritage of this very special corner of western North Carolina.
Reviews (9)
Justin Braun
Nov 25, 2021
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Had a fantastic experience with the 2.5 hour horseback ride, from booking through the day of our ride. Ashli was super helpful when I first inquired about booking and honest about our options for riding in the Maggie Valley area. Decided to book based on that and am so glad I did!
My 8 year old daughter and I had an amazing time. The staff was super friendly, and made sure we were both comfortable with our horses. Melinda is a friendly, experienced guide who knows the area in and out, and gave us a ton of insight into the ranch and surrounding area as we rode. The horses were incredibly well cared
My 8 year old daughter and I had an amazing time. The staff was super friendly, and made sure we were both comfortable with our horses. Melinda is a friendly, experienced guide who knows the area in and out, and gave us a ton of insight into the ranch and surrounding area as we rode. The horses were incredibly well cared
Diane Wansor
Oct 21, 2021
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Mike Baka
Jul 27, 2021
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Lisa M.
Feb 10, 2021
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We found this on the way looking for something else. It's very beautiful with cabins in a valley but it says private & horse back riding by reservation only. Not really sure if you can rent the small cabins or not, it's a very pretty setting. It's a crazy drive up & down the mountain though, super steep & definitely wouldn't want to do it with snow & ice. Skiing is another mile further up.
Joanne Cook
Oct 04, 2019
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Perfect in every way!!!!! The folks there do an amazing job making guests feel special. The setting is jaw dropping GORGEOUS if you are a lover of mountain beauty! Lots of trails to explore, EXCELLENT meals at the main lodge, and it is a place that embraces all ages! One will find many of the guests have been returning year after year. I highly recommend staying at the ranch!
Faith Reaves
Nov 04, 2018
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Rolled in on a whim as we were just tying to find somewhere to eat and had a couple hours to spare and I'm so glad we did. We just ate in the ranch as we weren't staying but the food was excellent and very reasonably priced. It was so cozy inside and the staff was so incredibly nice. The view was absolutely breathtaking! Would definitely go back.
Infrequent Local Guide
Jun 09, 2018
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What a wonderful lodge. The views are unbelievable, the staff can't be beat, and the breakfast is incredible. We stayed in one of the cabins and loved it. This place is like stepping back in time and provides a great escape from the day to day grind. The property adjoins the ski area so just minutes from the cabin to the slopes. Look for "Ms. Sandie" at breakfast, she is awesome.
JoEllen Mason
Sep 11, 2017
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Great spot for family gatherings, work retreat or just a weekend away. Staff works hard to provide good service and make you feel welcome. Food is good; a few more health-conscious options would be even better. They bring in entertainment for Fri and Sat nights which added a lot to our fun. We've been returning to Cataloochee Ranch for years. Love it!
C. S.
Jan 06, 2017
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