Winter Adventure


Just because the leaves have dropped and the wind blows a little colder is no reason to forget about the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Here at Settlers Mountain there are still exciting adventures to enjoy. In fact, you may even prefer the winter season when the roads are less crowded.

 

SNOW SKIING/TUBING

Less then an hours drive from your quiet Settlers Mountain retreat you will find the Cataloochee Ski Area and Snow Tubing Center. This winter wonderland offers man-made snow to make sure snow is abundant all winter. You can ski starting in late November. The snow tubing begins right before Christmas and continues until spring for a rollicking time for young and old alike.  Your Settlers Mountain associate can customize a package just for you and your party to insure a lifetime of memories and may be the beginning of a family tradition.


 

HIKING/BIKING

After the leaves fall in autumn, a whole new world opens up for hikers and bikers. Vistas which have been hidden by dense summer foliage appear as if by magic and that hike you took in July looks entirely different in the crystal clear winter air. This is the perfect time to plan a day hike or biking excursion in the Great Smoky National Park, Deep Creek, Tsali recreational area or even our own Jackrabbit Run (bikes prohibited, sorry).

 

CANOPY TOUR

The latest local adventure is open year round and welcomes visitors to come and experience the zip line.  You will not soon forget this exciting 3 hour excursion.

 

LINVILLE CAVERNS

Linville Caverns is located deep within Humpback Mountain and not too far away from Settlers Mountain. This natural limestone cave remains active with new rock growing and forming.  The temperature is a constant 52 degrees year round.   Informative half-hour guided tours leave just minutes apart throughout the day.  The guides take visitors along a well lit, smooth level walkway into the mountain and point out the most interesting formations, explain the history of the caverns and identify any wildlife you may encounter. Linville Caverns is open every weekend from December through February and daily beginning March 1st.

 

Directions:  Take Interstate 40 East to exit 72 (Old Fort), staying straight off exit ramp on US 70 East for 10-12 miles.  Turn left at intersection with US 221 (Wal-Mart & McDonald's on left) travelling north for 18 miles.  Cave entrance on left.  Approx. Travel Time:  75  mins.

 

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD

The train runs each and every day until December 31 and then on a limited weekend schedule after that. The Train will run every Saturday through the Nantahala Gorge departing at 11:00am. 

 

CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE
November 6, 2009–January 3, 2010


Daytime Visit
Feel transported to a traditional Christmas the minute you enter Biltmore House. This year, the house is decorated with rich colors bringing the warmth of the holidays home. Be inspired by dozens of hand-decorated Christmas trees, including a 35-foot Fraser fir trimmed for the season in the Banquet Hall. Enjoy unique shopping, special holiday menus at our restaurants, free holiday how-to seminars, complimentary wine tastings at the Winery, and more. Your ticket includes daytime admission to Biltmore House, Winery, Gardens, and River Bend Farms.

Candlelight Christmas Evening Visit
Recapture the wonder of the holidays with Candlelight Christmas Evening. Enjoy the magic of Biltmore House filled with candlelight, blazing fireplaces, storytellers, and live music.


So, as you can see, western North Carolina and Settlers Mountain do not hibernate during the winter months but instead offers our guests very diversified, fun-filled activities as well as the peaceful solace and seclusion of our 200 acre mountain.