In this NC travel guide, we turn our attention to Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley, a truly luxurious getaway in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Nestled above Maggie Valley and on the same road that leads to Cataloochee Ski Area, Cataloochee Ranch blends history, luxury comforts, and unmatched mountain scenery. As mentioned, it sits minutes from one of our finest ski resorts, but also within a short drive from Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and much more.
Cataloochee Ranch is a longtime Western NC retreat, perfect for couples, families, and anyone else in search of a cozy, scenic getaway.
Our travel guide shares everything you need to know about Cataloochee Ranch and how you can enjoy it just as we have.
Here’s what you’ll find below in this guide:
- Where is Cataloochee Ranch?
- History of Cataloochee Ranch
- Lodging Options
- Dining
- Activities
- Nearby Travel Guides
Read More: Unique Things to Do In North Carolina (Your NC Bucket List)
We love spotlighting North Carolina events and experiences for our readers. If you’d like your destination, business, or event featured here (above the rest!) or highlighted in other guides, contact us about promotion opportunities!
Where is Cataloochee Ranch?
Address: 119 Ranch Dr, Maggie Valley, NC
Official Website
The first thing we love about Cataloochee Ranch is its location. As mentioned, it sits atop a mountain (Fie Top Mountain to be exact) above Maggie Valley, North Carolina.
Maggie Valley is about 50 minutes west of Asheville (perfect for a day trip) and 30 minutes east of Cherokee. Maggie Valley is in Haywood County, which includes Canton, Lake Junaluska, and Waynesville, a wonderful collection of Haywood County towns that we highly recommend you explore.
Read More: The North Carolina Travel Map
The History of Cataloochee Ranch
Cataloochee Ranch was originally founded in 1933 by Tom and Judy Alexander as a rustic trout-fishing, horseback-riding destination that would become Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The family would relocate the ranch to its current 685-acre mountaintop on Fie Top Mountain in 1939. Three generations of the Alexander family owned and operated Cataloochee Ranch and The Swag until 2020.
On March 30, 2020, ownership transferred to Annie and David Colquitt, who embarked on a comprehensive, four-year renovation.
After four years of renovations, Cataloochee Ranch reopened on March 14, 2024 as a Relais & Châteaux property after four years of renovations.
The renovations included upgraded lodging, expanded dining, and new arts, wellness, and adventure activities.
Other R&C properties in North Carolina include:
Read More: Amazing Places to Stay in North Carolina (Hotels, Inns, Resorts, & Rentals)
Lodging Options
Heated floors, a roaring fireplace, whirlpool tubs, and a blend of new and vintage decor set Cataloochee apart from your typical ranch narrative.
Inside each room, you’ll find exposed trusses, antler chandeliers, and tasteful art.
Choose from cabins and mountain lodge rooms that accommodate 2 to 6 guests, with two additional lodges planned for the near future.
Inside, each guest will find added touches beyond the luxurious bedding and epic mountain views.
If you want some background music while admiring those views, connect to your room’s Marshall Bluetooth speaker, and jam out…or relax.
No matter the season, you’ll be able to stay comfortable inside.
During warmer months, open your doors with the screen in place and enjoy the breeze. When it gets cold outside, keep warm by the fire during colder days, and stay toasty after a relaxing bath with heated floors.
Read More: The Most Romantic Getaways in North Carolina
Turn-Down Service
While you are at dinner, the staff will come in for turn-down service and set up the sleeper sofa if you are traveling with kids, and leave you a little treat!
On our first night, we found blueberry hibiscus macarons, and on our final night, a jam of peach jam to keep the flavors of Cataloochee going at home.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a core value of the Relais & Châteaux brand, and Cataloochee Ranch proudly upholds that commitment.
They minimize single-use plastics with refillable bathroom toiletries, actively recycle, support Friends of the Smokies, and prioritize sourcing from local farmers and producers.
Dining at Cataloochee Ranch
The most notable change to Cataloochee Ranch after the renovations was to the culinary program, aka the menu.
The Switchback is the ranch’s new on-site restaurant where guests enjoy dinner.
Dinner at Cataloochee is open to the public, and reservations are required. We got to know the staff by name during our 2-night stay, and the service was just as spectacular as the meals.
Chef Jeb Aldrich, a Johnson & Wales-trained talent, has brought 17 years of global culinary experience to Cataloochee Ranch. No pressure on him or anything, but prepare for some of the best food in Western NC, if not all of the state.
During our first visit in July 2025, we dined on local trout, a thick juicy pork chop, and the best prime rib I’ve ever had! Every bite we had was exceptional, and that isn’t something we say often.
From the deconstructed mango sticky rice to fresh local tomato salad, our taste buds were so happy!
While dinner at Cataloochee might be an absolute showstopper, there are two other meals a day! Breakfast is included in your stay, and my only wish is that I had a bigger stomach to eat it all.
Don’t skip the waffles. They are somehow fluffy and crispy all at the same time.
And if you loved dessert at dinner, then you’ll want to get a croissant with your bread basket. It’s a collection of so many delicious layers of soft buttery dough with a flaky, crispy outside.
I am now ruined for any other croissant, as Cataloochee’s croissant now sets my expectations!
And if, after all this deliciousness, you still find yourself hungry for lunch, Cataloochee doesn’t drop the ball here either.
Our kids had wood-fired cheese pizzas every day while we enjoyed our own pizzas, shaved fennel Caesar salads, and the prettiest grain bowl with local produce.
As I hinted, dining at Cataloochee Ranch is now one of my top culinary experiences in North Carolina. Beyond the incredible dishes, the staff, setting, and attention to detail elevated the entire experience. I would come back time and time again to eat at Cataloochee Ranch!
Read More: 20+ Wonderful Restaurants in Waynesville NC and Nearby!
Things to Do at Cataloochee Ranch
Beyond the lovely accommodations and food, there are plenty of experiences that await at Cataloochee Ranch. Here are a few that we enjoyed and think that you will, too.
Note that some experiences are complimentary or are included with a specific package, while others incur an added cost.
Arts Activities
The Barn Studios is a fully equipped craft space nestled below the barn, which houses the Ranch’s horses and ponies.
A variety of hands-on experiences are available, including leatherworking, pottery, painting, and even customizing your own ranch hat.
One of our favorite memories will be painting with ponies, which anyone would find fun to watch!
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, an art activity is the perfect complement to your stay.
Read More: Visiting the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley (+ 10 Things We Love!)
Cattle Feeding
The Cataloochee Ranch Cattle Feeding experience is available on select days, and is a great introduction for little ones about the land, animals, and people who make this a special place. The 30- to 45-minute adventure starts with a short UTV ride out to the pasture.
You’ll learn how the Ranch cares for their Black Angus cows, and you’ll even get to feed them. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience and we highly recommend it!
Fishing
Try your hand at catch-and-release fishing at the Ranch’s stocked pond.
You get started, just stop by the The Mercantile to check out everything you need. They have fishing poles, tackle, worms, and even a net.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just casting for fun, it’s a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the property.
Hiking
There are 10 hiking trails on the Cataloochee Ranch property, and they range in length and difficulty from easy to heart-pumping ascents. Many of these trails follow alongside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
Our favorite was the hike down to Salamander Falls, which is a sometimes steep 2-mile loop. Hiking shoes and bug spray are highly recommended!
Read More: Hiking the Epic Waterrock Knob Trail (Complete Guide!)
Horseback Riding
Saddle up for an unforgettable horseback adventure at Cataloochee Ranch. You can choose from private or group trail rides, including half-day, full-day, and picnic rides to scenic Gooseberry Knob.
Young riders (ages 2 and up) can enjoy guided lead line rides with friendly wranglers and gentle horses.
Horseback rides are perfect, whether you’re a seasoned rider or first-timer!
Ropes Course
Challenge yourself with a treetop journey above Salamander Falls! After a mile-long climbing ride, you can traverse rope bridges, tilting whiskey barrels, and three thrilling zip lines, all leading to a hidden treehouse.
This 2-hour guided experience is designed for a range of skill levels and lets you set the pace.
Note: Kids aged 8 and up can join, but an adult must accompany them until their 16 years old. Closed-toe shoes are required, weight requirements apply (50 to 250 pounds), and no expectant participants are allowed.
Read More: Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City (10 Essential Things to Do)
Spa
Cataloochee Ranch’s on-site spa is coming soon, but you can still unwind at their sister property, The Swag. At The Swag, you’ll receive a serene spa experience surrounded by mountain beauty.
You can drive to The Swag or arrange a horseback ride as part of a package.
UTV Rides
A guided UTV tour will take you across nearly 700 acres of stunning mountain terrain. One of the Ranch’s knowledgeable Adventure Guides will take you up high while sharing the history, wildlife, and scenic highlights of the Ranch and the surrounding Smokies.
It’s the only way to get your bearings and soak in the best views from this gorgeous property.
Read More: Epic Adventures in North Carolina for Thrill-Seekers
More Experiences
Cataloochee Ranch is always adding something new, so their Experiences page will likely change by the next time we stay there. Let us know about anything you find that may be different from what we shared above, and we’ll make sure it’s updated!
Ready to Experience Cataloochee Ranch?
We love every minute that we get to spend at Cataloochee Ranch and hope you’re able to visit this special place sometime soon! If you’ve visited before or after the renovations, we’d love to hear about your experience.
Until then, which part of Cataloochee Ranch are you excited to see? If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below!
More Things to Do Near Cataloochee Ranch
We didn’t leave during our stay at Cataloochee Ranch, but maybe you’d like to venture out and explore the area. If so, you’re in luck because Cataloochee Ranch is in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, and surrounded by some of our favorite places.
Here are a few that we already mentioned and some additional spots to keep you busy:
- Maggie Valley, duh! (10 minutes away)
- Waynesville (30 minutes away)
- Cherokee (40 minutes away)
- Sylva (50 minutes south)
- Asheville (1 hour away)
- Bryson City (1 hour away)
These NC travel guides will help you explore the area around Cataloochee Ranch. You can also check our North Carolina Travel Map for these locations and more throughout the state.
