Before the school year started, we took all 3 of our kids to Cataloochee Ranch. We loved it so much we’re going again next summer. Same weekend!
Basics: Dude ranch vibes on 825 acres. Packed with outdoor activities. Relais & Chateaux property. Blackberry Farm level of detail.
- 2 hours 45 minutes from Charlotte on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Tagline says “The East’s premier ranch resort, since 1933.” It’s accurate.
Backstory: 39-year-old couple David and Annie Colquitt purchased the property in 2020. They also own The Swag, a nearby mountain luxury resort.
- David and Annie immediately invested tens of millions of dollars into property upgrades.
- Renovations took 4 years. It reopened in spring of 2024, so everything feels new.
Booking: 2-night minimum. Cataloochee Ranch only has 30 accommodations. Each is unique. Each has its own name. 12 cabins. 18 lodge rooms.
- Our family of 5 stayed in the updated Fink Cabin. Starts at $1,200 per night before fees. It’s about 100 yards from the Main House. Master bedroom. Bunk beds and pull-out sofa for the kids. Loved it.
- Least expensive option is a lodge room named Arrowhead. Starts at $400 per night before fees. Separate sitting room with a fireplace. Covered porch.
Food: Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are a la carte. Delicious. Beef raised on the ranch. Order the sweet potato (I know, sounds weird) and get bacon on everything.
- Grab a cocktail in the cozy Tack Room, Cataloochee’s cocktail bar.
- If traveling with a group, book a private dinner at The Forge, an open-air wine room with sweeping mountain views.
Kids: Hell yeah! It’s perfect for them. Outside of the activities, there’s a fishing pond, new pool with hot tub, and spacious kids’ hangout room.
Romantic: Meh! It’s more adventure than romance.
Activities: It’s jam-packed. Horseback riding, wine tastings, ropes course, shooting, archery, axe throwing, roping, golf saloon, UTV tours, skiing, fly fishing, pottery, leatherwork, and painting.
- If you’re going with kids, do the ropes course. It’s pricy at $160 per person, but awesome.
- Don’t forget to leave some time to chill out at the chic mountain pool. Hot tub overlooks the mountains.
Tour: Here’s a 24-photo look around Cataloochee Ranch! Enjoy.
