The Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat is a Hidden Gem in North Carolina. If you are looking for a place to relax and reconnect, then the Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat should be on the top of your list.
Accommodations
The Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat offers an unparalleled escape into nature’s embrace. Tucked away in this cozy haven, we enjoyed a perfect rustic charm and modern comfort blend. Our three-night stay at the Mitchell Lodge was magical. The room featured a king-size bed, a fridge, a table with chairs, a microwave, and a white noise machine for peaceful sleep. Complimentary toiletries added a nice touch, and the reliable Wi-Fi kept us connected when needed. If you do need to work while you are here, I can assure you the Wi-Fi is top-notch!
You can rest assured knowing that all the necessities for a comfortable stay are provided. The rooms are equipped with heating and air conditioning, but unfortunately do not feature a television. This encourages guests to disengage and wholly indulge in the natural splendor surrounding them. Each morning, we were awakened by the melodious tunes of the birds and savored coffee in the rocking chairs on the deck. We were even greeted by one of the retreat’s many pups, Olive one morning as well. For the best view of Mount Mitchell, I strongly suggest reserving a room at the Mitchell Lodge.
The Lodge
One of the highlights of our stay was the 24/7 Main Lodge. This warm, inviting communal space is perfect for unwinding, connecting, and recharging. We began our days with complimentary steeped coffee and of course in the evening hot tea. They even have a complimentary phone and mini-market in case you need them. The communal kitchen was a true gem. It was equipped with multiple stoves, cookware, utensils, and all the necessary cleaning supplies. One night, we made a delicious pizza and settled in for a game of Scrabble. As we played, we enjoyed our meal while gazing out at the breathtaking mountain views framed by the lodge’s large windows.
If you enjoy yoga, there’s a studio in the lodge that offers classes or space for self-practice. The Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat is more than just a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature in a truly serene setting. I cannot emphasize enough how clean, beautiful, and serene the property is.
The Healing House
One of the loveliest aspects of the Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat is its partnership with some of Appalachia’s finest massage therapists, yogis, energy practitioners, and spiritual guides for on-site energy work and wellness sessions in North Carolina. On the retreat’s website, you can personally contact any of these practitioners and schedule your rejuvenating session. These sessions occur in their Healing House, conveniently located on the property. During my stay, I indulged in a sixty-minute massage with Practioner Ed. With a foundation in Swedish massage, myofascial release, trigger point, and deep tissue massage, Ed combines these techniques with intuition and attentive listening, ensuring a transformative experience in every session. I can’t emphasize enough how comfortable and relaxed Ed made me feel. With total body and mind clarity, I felt rejuvenated and enlightened. I highly recommend booking a session with him if you decide to visit.
@lexpaigeandtheodore Escape to tranquility at Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat 🌲⛰️✨ #fyp #EcoRetreat #MountMitchell #NatureLovers #NCGetaway #NorthCarolina #OutdoorExploration #HikingNC
Local Recommendations
There are many things to see and do around the Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat. One of my favorites is visiting Mount Mitchell State Park. At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain in eastern North America. This park is about a thirty-minute drive away and you get to see some amazing mountain views along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Once you arrive at the park, I recommend parking at the restaurant lot and taking the yellow trail hike to the top. This is a strenuous hike with rocks, bridges, and steep stairs, but the two-mile hike is so rewarding once you make it to the top of Mount Mitchell. There are also many other hikes you can do in the area.
If you’re looking for a similar hike, Roaring Fork Falls is super close. It’s less than fifteen minutes away and an easy hike. We did this on our first day, and it was beautiful. If you go in the afternoon, it’s worth bringing a picnic to enjoy by the falls. If you want to get into the river, I recommend using the Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area’s day-use parking. It costs $5 and is walkable from the property as well. This spot is great for fishing, swimming, or tubing. I loved this area, and we even caught a big Rainbow Trout during our visit. (Don’t worry, we put him back!) One of my favorite things about this spot is the sand and rocks filled with sparkly mica. It’s such an amazing river with pristine water. While fishing, I even saw a few salamanders.
@lexpaigeandtheodore Discover the beauty of North Carolina’s highest peak! 🥾 #MountMitchell #HikingAdventures #NorthCarolina #Fyp #OutdoorExploration #NatureLovers #HikingNC
Exploring Downtown
To experience some amazing local art, I highly recommend a visit to Penland Gallery. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays, but you can always take a thirty-minute drive to the town of Burnsville and explore the gift shops, antiques, and charming restaurants. I enjoyed the quaint and picturesque feel of the town; it was like being in a Hallmark movie. Here’s a fun tip: make sure to stop by the local coffee shop, Application Java, and indulge in one of their oatmeal cream pies. They are massive and delicious! (We ended up going back twice before leaving just to have another one!)
Gem Mining
Gem mining was one of the most memorable activities we enjoyed in the area. We made our way to Emerald Village, just a scenic thirty-minute drive away, and it turned out to be an absolute gem of an experience—pun intended! For just $12, we embarked on an underground tour of the historic Bon Ami Mine, which was both educational and awe-inspiring. The museum was a treasure trove of knowledge, filled with collections of old mining equipment and artifacts that brought the area’s rich mining history to life. It was incredible to see how mining evolved over the years and to learn about the people who once worked these mines. Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying our hand at gem mining ourselves. We splurged on a $35 bucket and were thrilled with the results! Sifting through the dirt and uncovering our gems was like a little treasure hunt, and it made for the perfect souvenir—a piece of the adventure we could take home and cherish.
More To See
If none of these options catch your eye, don’t worry—there are plenty of alternatives. You can explore their local attractions page, which is packed with recommendations on what to do in the area. From scenic hikes and charming small towns to hidden gems and unique experiences, there’s something for everyone to discover nearby. No matter what you’re looking for, whether it’s a relaxing day out or an adventure-filled excursion, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make the most of your visit. After a day of exploring, gather around the communal fire pit to share stories, roast marshmallows, and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts. Firewood is available for purchase, making for a magical night staring at the stars.
@lexpaigeandtheodore Unearth treasures at Emerald Village Mine! 💎 I love this place. ✨ #fyp #EmeraldVillageNC #GemMining #NorthCarolina #OutdoorExploration #NatureLovers #thingstodoNC #EmeraldVillage
Final Thoughts
The real highlight of my stay was the Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat itself. The charming accommodations nestled within nature and rustic comforts made everything simply perfect. This place truly felt like a little piece of heaven. It truly is a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and a deeper connection with the natural world.
So, if you are planning a trip to the North Carolina mountains, I highly recommend booking your stay at the Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat. You won’t find a more welcoming and comfortable home base for your adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Don’t forget to share your favorite photos on Instagram using the hashtag #MountMitchellEcoRetreat. The staff would love to see them! Book your stay today here and embark on an unforgettable journey. Happy traveling!
With Love,
Lex Paige
