Cataloochee Ranch IS heaven!

It is obvious when the late singing artist John Denver immortalized West Virginia in his classic "Take Me Home Country Roads" with words "Almost heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River", he had never been to Cataloochee Ranch, Maggie Valley or the Smoky Mountains. For if he had, he truly would have known what heaven REALLY is.

Cataloochee Ranch is nestled approximately 1,500 ft above Maggie Valley, NC approximately 5,000 ft above sea level in the heart of the beautiful Smoky Mountains. The rustic (large timbers held together with mud) but modern facilities (all the amenities you could want) are a true compliment to the 3rd generation of Tom and Judy Alexander's dream. With splendid vistas all around and the meticulous care taken to make sure the grounds are as pristine as the cabins, Cataloochee Ranch provides you with a true "getaway" experience.

From the time you check-in at the beautiful rustic ranch house, you are treated to TRUE customer service and concern by all of the "family" that your stay is as memorable as it can be. We could not resist stepping away from the front desk into the main "great room". Since temperatures tend to be about 10 degrees cooler than the "Valley", the huge stacked-stone fireplace is a wonderful addition, even in mid-June. Overstuffed, well worn but appropriate leather furniture welcomed us in and caused us to sit each time we were in the "Ranch House". Hummingbird feeders were at most of the windows and we enjoyed watching the "hummers" perform throughout the day.

Dinner (included in the modified American plan) consisted of plenty of good food being served true family or "ranch hand" style. Lunch is available a la carte. A suggestion is to try the decadent oatmeal or buttermilk pies or if your luck is good, "Moo Cow Cake".

We had a cabin that was just right for the two of us, with a fully equipped kitchen, fireplace in the living room a nice bed and bathroom. Rockers on the front porch of the cabin gave us time to reflect, rock and enjoy the scenery.

My wife, Karen ("she who must be obeyed") loves horseback riding and for a very fair rate, she spent the afternoon traversing up to around 6,000 ft on beautifully groomed and lovingly cared for horses. The trail guides are truly passionate about their charge, watching over steeds and patrons alike with eagle eyes assuring novice, as well as experienced riders, enjoy every breathtaking moment of rolling peaks and broiling mists that course through the Smoky Mountain valleys like a soothing mountain stream. Equally as important to us, the stables are as well maintained as the rest of the grounds.

While Karen was riding, I chose to meander (meander is the only way to enjoy Cataloochee Ranch except when the dinner bell rings) down to the pond and try my luck at the trout and within minutes I was fighting a 3 lb rainbow with my ultralight. All things seemed right with the world. You can keep up to one fish per person per day in your party and the kitchen will clean and prepare them at certain meals for a small additional charge. The bullfrogs were so many and at various stages of development that you could hold a science class or walk across their backs to get to the other side of the small pond.

Superb meticulously maintained grounds, stunning vistas, fantastic horseback riding, wonderful accommodations and good food….all for a reasonable rate….."almost heaven" ….Naaah, Cataloochee Ranch IS a little bit of heaven in Maggie Valley NC. Chef and the Fatman are proud to designate Cataloochee Ranch a TRUE "Destination Location". Check it out, and let your spirit soar, Cataloochee Ranch is only 3 ½ hours from Atlanta!