Secluded Two-Bedroom Barn near Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina

This property is set between the Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering the best location for camping with the family. Take advantage of the half mile of the private stream on site, complete with an abundance of waterfalls and hand hewed bridges. Glampers who enjoy fishing should bring a fly rod and fishing gear, as the creek is a lovely place to spend the afternoon. Those looking to go hiking can enjoy the property’s five miles of private hiking trails with ample room for camping opportunities. Pack a lunch or a full pack for an overnight stay. Either way, be sure to bring along a camera to snap a shot of the abundant wildlife, waterfalls, streams, and mountain views.

The host recommends that guests head to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Set deep in the mountains of Graham County, this forest is a 3800-acre tract of endless forestry. Proclaimed one of the most beautiful forests in America, it is unmarred and undefiled by the hand of man and dedicated to the poet, Joyce Kilmer. Because of its relative isolation until recent years, the wooded area had remained untouched by the woodman’s axe. Huge poplars, some 20 feet in circumference, tower 125 feet or more toward the sky. Giant red oaks, magnificent hemlocks, and many other varieties of trees stand as proud neighbors. Once an isolated region only known to a few, Joyce Kilmer Forest has now become a wondrous attraction for many.

The host also recommends that guests head to the Snowbird Backcountry Area, the Cherokee National Forest and the Smoky Mountain National Park. Guests can also venture to local wineries and breweries in the area including, Calaboose Cellars, Nantahala Brewing Company, Ole Smoky Moonshine and Sugarlands Distilling. The Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg which has two unusual mountain side miniature golf courses that are packed with mountain hazards such as moonshine stills, outhouses, rocky walls and native plants. Lastly, this area offers plenty of delicious eateries from Bojangle’s Chicken ‘n Biscuits to a classic Delicatessen.