Ninety minutes in a bath sounded like a lot to me before my treetop soak in a private cabana at Lakeview at Fontana near Bryson City, NC. After a short but steep hike up a forested trail from the unmanned reception lounge (“Unplug. Unwind. Unhosted.” is Lakeview’s tagline), I found my cabana, a tiny mountain cabin open to the elements on one side. While I ran the bath (plenty of hot water), I used the loo (not open to the elements), changed into a fluffy robe and stepped down onto my private deck to take it all in. The view from the deck and tub reached to the Great Smoky Mountains across Fontana Lake, with nary a human in sight. The experience was nurturing and heart-opening, bathing in the quiet embrace of the surrounding forest while soaking in an oversized tub built for two, a luxury for one. Soaking in a hot tub in the middle of the woods is multi-sensory therapy.
And, the timing was perfect. Earlier in the day, we hiked a few challenging miles along the Flint Ridge with Barrett Wood, one of the knowledgeable guides from Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), where we were staying. He collected a handful of different-shaped leaves, all from the oak trees we walked beneath. He studied dendrology (the study of trees and other woody plants) and is also an avid birder, making our hike educational and enjoyable.
Nantahala Outdoor Center’s 500-acre main campus is bustling during the warmer months, with white water rafting and kayaking rentals and trips, a zipline adventure park, three restaurants and a variety of accommodations. But this time of year, it’s quiet and perfectly positioned where the Appalachian Trail meets the Nantahala River near the Great Smoky Mountains for rest and restoration. Or for hiking, fishing, biking and forest bathing.
The NOC’s new bungalow-style cabins, The Hemlocks, are modern one and two-bedroom homes with wrap-around decks and expansive views from a vaulted great room with an electric fireplace, huge TV and kitchenette. The River’s End Restaurant just down the hill is open year-round, serving comfort food, a really beefy, thick chili and great service.
Bryson City's historic downtown is a scenic 20-minute drive from The Hemlocks. Stop at Cardinal Coffee on the way for a really good latte, baked goods and local art.
Winter is a smart time to travel to the mountains, where you'll find a slower pace, acres of forested hiking trails and more open sky than you've seen in days. Soak it all up.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
The Hemlocks
13077 US-19 W, Bryson City, NC
NOC.com
Lakeview at Fontana
171 Lakeview Lodge Drive, Bryson City, NC
LakeviewAtFontana.com
Cardinal Coffee
22 Needmore Rd, Bryson City, NC
CardinalCoffeeNC.com