Nestled deep in the rugged folds of southern Appalachia lie valleys shrouded in fog and mystery. Within these valleys, you will find ruins of boomtime towns, soaring waterfalls, and roaring whitewater
Follow your sense of adventure into these valleys, and hidden amongst the tangled rhododendrons and laurels, you will discover the storied valley of Stackhouse and Wilson's Holler
Surrounded by thousands of acres of forest service wilderness, the 32 acres of mountain ridgelines and hollers that comprise Wilson's Holler are your gateway to exploration. Five primitive, hike-in campsites and one primitive, hike-in lean-to allow you to fully immerse yourself in whatever form of natural connection you seek
And boyo, does nature provide; the Southern Appalachian Mountains will provide you with a laundry list of activities to connect you with the world, all just within a short drive or hike. Experience the restorative waters of Hot Springs; hike to Lover's Leap and stand where a Cherokee woman stood up for love; raft by the old Runion Ruins: once the largest employer in Madison County, an entire area built up around an industry, now nothing more than a ghost town being reclaimed by nature; horseback riding, pontooning, trout fishing (don't ask where though). Heck, if you come at the right time of the year, you can hit the slopes for some snowboarding. You'll never run out of things to do, all while staying grounded and connected with the natural world
But for the record, if you do just want to kick back and relax, we're here for that too. Come dip your feet in the creek, throw up a hammock and take a nap. Listen to the bounty of the forest
Whatever your fancy, Wilson's Holler will help you get there. Of course, your animal buddies are welcome; they'll love it here too!
------- For the nitty-gritty -------
Approximate distances: 30 miles from Asheville; 30 miles from Greeneville, TN; 20 miles from Weaverville; 8 miles from Hot Springs
5 primitive campsites; hike-in (short hike, .15 miles or so from the parking); Max 4 people per campsite, 2 tents per campsite; no electricity, water is a .25 mile hike uphill (we would suggest bringing some jugs); composting toilet is available right by the campsites, in the bathroom/information building (please use a scoop of sawdust/coco coir after each use)
1 primitive lean-to; hike-in (short hike, .1 miles or less from the parking); it is covered, so you can bring tents if you want but don't necessarily need them; Max 4 people, 2 tents; no electricity, water is a .15 mile hike uphill (we would suggest bringing jugs); composting toilet is a .25 mile hike to the bathroom/information building at the campsites (please use a scoop of sawdust/coco coir after each use)
There is no cell service or wifi available on the property; the nearest place to get cell service is 1.5 miles down Stackhouse Road by the French Broad River. To get there: exit here, turn left onto Stackhouse; go all the way down until the road turns to gravel; keep going; you'll cross the railroad tracks and you'll see the river
There is a communal picnic table, as well as a propane and a charcoal grill. Fires are allowed in the fire pit, also communal. We will provide the propane; however, please bring your own charcoal. We may have split wood depending on the season. If you'd like to know if we have firewood, just send me a message
Last but not least, your GPS may not get you all the way here. Sometimes it doesn't quite take you as far as you need to go. There are directions included with your booking; we'd recommend taking a picture of them so you have the directions once you lose service
------- Welcome! These woods look forward to meeting you! -------
The setting
Wilson's Holler is tucked back in a storied old valley known as Stackhouse. Stackhouse Valley, settled by the Stackhouses in the 1800s, was a booming town of thousands of people until the Great Flood of 1916. After the flood, all but the Stackhouses fled the valley, leaving their infrastructure behind. Old roads criss-cross through the hills; the Stackhouse mansion still stands down by the river, occupied by the Stackhouses until recently; the old Runion ruins are an easy hike down the French Broad River. Exploration is a thing that comes naturally here, and there is much to discover. Truly hidden and off the grid, you will feel transported back in time as you stand under hundred-year-old pine trees that tower over twisted and winding laurels.
The spots
There are 6 spots available: 5 open campsites and one covered lean-to. All the sites are tent-only, hike-in, and primitive (no electricity/running water). Each site is approximately 100 square feet (10 meters squared). Each site is set up to accommodate 1 tent with 2 guests. However, some sites can accommodate 2 tents. Please contact us if you'd like to bring 2 tents for 1 site and we will see if the right site is open!
Parking is available and is a short walk away from the sites. A drop-off and turn-around spot is available at the campsites. This way, you can drop your things off close to the campsites, and you don't have to walk with it all if you don't want to. Up to you.
The sanitary facilities
A bathroom with a composting dry toilet is available 24/7. Please use some sawdust or coco coir each time you use the bathroom. Potable water is available; we recommend bringing jugs to fill because the water source is a short hike uphill.
The amenities
No internet is available at the moment. As well, cell service is extremely limited. The best place to get cell service is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) down the road, by the river. As well, cell service is available up the road: go up to 25/70; turn left to go towards Marshall/Asheville, and drive about 4 miles (6.4 km). Your cell service should come back by that point.
There are two grills available: one is charcoal; the other is propane. A propane tank will be provided; however, please bring your own charcoal. Grill utensils, plates, silverware, etc. are not provided.
There is currently no electricity available. We're working on that though!
The activities
Wilson's Holler is your basecamp and access point to the vast forests that surround us. Hiking is available on-site, and is abundant in the surrounding area. Stackhouse Road runs down to the French Broad River, where rafting is abundant. And within just a short drive, there is mountain climbing; horseback riding; skiing and snowboarding; hot springs and spas; world-class trout fishing; lakes for boating. The list is of activities is abundant.
Information is provided at the campsites about the surrounding area and things to do. As well, if you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Other things
Pets are welcome, but please be aware of other guests. As well, we are in the middle of the wilderness. Keep this in mind with your pet. Please pick up your pet's poop if it is in a common area; if they poop in the woods, we don't care. If they poop where people walk, throw that into the woods.
If you plan on bringing food, again, please be aware that we are in the middle of the wilderness and your food probably smells really good to all the animals out there. We recommend storing your food in an airtight container or a bear-bin. Don't keep food in the tent, and clean up after yourself if you use the grill.
