Shortoff Mountain Retreat | Secluded Cabin with Access to Outdoor Activities

An adventurer's paradise, this home is located just outside the Linville Gorge Wilderness near Lake James. This log cabin is sure to delight the wild at heart who appreciate the finer things in life. Delightfully decorated with white pine walls in every room, pristine - yet cozy- furnishings, and plenty of space both inside and out for your group, Shortoff Mountain Retreat will be a winner for anyone looking to escape from the pressures of the outside world.

On your way up to the home, be sure to swing by a grocery store in Morganton or Marion for all your essentials to maximize your time for adventuring in this beautiful area. Unload your groceries and ready your daypacks in the spacious and well-designed kitchen with pale granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. You can prepare a quick and delicious crockpot meal that evening or leave it to slow cook all night and day to enjoy when you return home from your adventures the next day. Spend your first night relaxing on the wraparound porch as the sun sets, planning your activities for tomorrow, and playing a round or two of Pacman or Foosball in the game room.

Start your day out early, with a warm-up hike to Wolf Pit trailhead just a half mile from the home. This 1.1-mile point-to-point trail is your entrance to the Linville Gorge Wilderness. Wolf Pit connects to the Shortoff Mountain hike, a 7.7-mile round trip trail, offering stunning views of the Linville Gorge Wilderness and Lake James from their viewpoints. Along the way, stop for a picturesque picnic at any of the vistas. For more intrepid hikers, the Linville Gorge Loop will provide a variety of challenges in its 22 miles. With paths skirting the top of the Gorge and going down to the various falls and rapids, there is plenty of beauty and mystery to be found here. Hike back to home base, take a nap, and ready yourself for the next excursion.

If you're craving some waterbased activities, drive down to either: the Linville Boat Ramp for some good bank fishing, or Paddy's Creek Area on Lake James for access to easy to moderate hiking trails, kayak and paddleboard rentals, swimming area, and boat ramp. Shortoff Mountain Retreat offers 2 inflatable kayaks, 2 inflatable stand-up paddle boards, and life jackets to enhance your time on the water.

Find 15 miles of mountain biking trails at the Paddy's Creek area with the Tindo and Wimba loops rated for beginners and intermediate riders respectively. The Fonta Flora trail at Greenlee Park is an easy 1.1-mile nature loop offering kayak/canoe/tube access points along with a covered picnic area. Take a 35-minute drive to reach Brown Mountain OHV Trail System (the only area in Pisgah that is open to OHVs like ATVs, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and trail bikes). After a full day of outdoor adventure, head home to Shortoff Mountain Retreat to take advantage of the outdoor shower.

Plan a day of exploring the greater Asheville area to take in the art, shops, restaurants, and breweries that will enhance your experience of WNC. With downtown Asheville and Biltmore Estate just over an hour away, there is plenty to see and do on your “big city” day. First thing in the morning swing into Ingenious Coffee Roasters in Marion to start your day off right with a delicious coffee and handmade treat before making your way up the mountain to Black Mountain and Asheville. Browse artisan galleries and carefully curated shops in downtown or the River Arts District before heading to Biltmore Estate for your house and garden tour.

Please note: Forest Service maintains a large portion of the long and unpaved road, but it is susceptible to ruts during inclement weather. We recommend AWD or 4WD for a smoother ride, but 2WD will suffice. Well-behaved dogs are allowed with these specific guidelines: (1) Dogs must be prevented from damaging/scratching the doors or furniture (2) Please keep dogs off furniture and bedding. There is a $100 per pet fee.

This home is located within Pisgah National Forest. Ladybugs and Kudzu Beetles are prevalent in our area in the fall and winter months, and they will find their way into homes to escape the cooler weather. They are not poisonous and cannot be exterminated.