Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat: 430 Otter Rock Rd, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Since we’re new, our address is not always findable in mapping programs (Waze and Google work best, FYI). Once you turn off of Hwy 80 onto Clear Creek Road, our driveway (Otter Rock Rd) is the first right onto the gravel road. Don’t use Apple Maps because it will auto-correct to different address about 45 minutes away.

Coming from south of the Eco Retreat:

From the Blue Ridge Parkway or Hwy 80 coming north from Marion, NC - continue following Hwy 80 going north from the Blue Ridge Parkway 4.4 miles and take a right on Clear Creek Road. Take your first right onto the gravel driveway called Otter Rock Road. Continue up the driveway and follow the signs towards the Main Lodge and then to your specific Lodge (Mitchell, Pisgah, Winter Star or Clear Creek).

Coming from north of the Eco Retreat:

Coming from Hwy 19 between Burnsville and Spruce Pine take Hwy 80 south for 9.6 miles and take a left on Clear Creek Road. Take your first right onto the gravel driveway called Otter Rock Road. Continue up the driveway and follow the signs towards the Main Lodge and then to your specific Lodge (Mitchell, Pisgah, Winter Star or Clear Creek).

Coming from Asheville’s AVL Airport:

Exit the airport onto I-26 West and continue for 31.5 miles. Take Exit 9 onto US-19 North and continue for 21 miles. Take a right onto Hwy NC-80 South and go for 0.2 miles. Take a left to stay on Hwy NC-80 South and continue for 9.4 miles. Take a left onto Clear Creek Rd and then take your first right onto the gravel driveway called Otter Rock Road. Continue up the driveway and follow the signs towards the Main Lodge and then to your specific Lodge (Mitchell, Pisgah, Winter Star or Clear Creek).

Coming from Charlotte’s CLT Airport:

Exit the airport by staying straight through the traffic light onto Little Rock Road (you be following signs towards I-85) and continue for 0.3 miles. Continue for 14.5 miles and take Exit 17B for Hwy US-321 North. Continue for 32.5 miles and take Exit 43 for I-40 West. Continue for 37 miles and take Exit 86 for Hwy US-226. (This is a good place to fill up your gas tank, if necessary.) At the end of the exit ramp take a right onto Hwy US-226 North and then choose one of the two options below to complete your journey:

For a faster and more beautiful route that is also steep and full of switchbacks:

Continue on Hwy US-226 North for 6 miles and then take a left on Hwy US-70 West. Continue for 1.8 miles and take a right onto Hwy US-80 North. Continue for 16.6 miles and turn right onto Clear Creek Road. Take your first right onto the gravel driveway called Otter Rock Road. Continue up the driveway and follow the signs towards the Main Lodge and then to your specific Lodge (Mitchell, Pisgah, Winter Star or Clear Creek).

For a route that takes 15-minutes longer but is an easier drive:

Continue on Hwy US-226 North for 13 miles and then take a left to stay on Hwy US-226 North. Continue for 5.2 miles and then take a right to stay on Hwy US-226 North. Continue for 4.7 miles and take a left to go west onto Hwy US-19E. Continue for 6.4 miles and turn left onto Hwy US-80 South. Continue for 0.2 miles and take a left to stay on Hwy NC-80 South and continue for 9.4 miles. Take a left onto Clear Creek Rd and then take your first right onto the gravel driveway called Otter Rock Road. Continue up the driveway and follow the signs towards the Main Lodge and then to your specific Lodge (Mitchell, Pisgah, Winter Star or Clear Creek).

PROPERTY MAP

You will see signs for parking (for each lodge) as you drive up the main gravel road towards the Main Lodge. Please note the area behind the Main Lodge is only for handicap parking and loading, and Winter Star parking (far left). If all parking spots are filled for your lodge, you will need to go to overflow parking after unloading your luggage.

CLEAR CREEK: There is a gravel road right before you get to the Main Lodge (to the right) which will take you to Clear Creek parking and loading area. Some spaces allow for 2 cars, please be sure to park so that others can fit, thanks! The ADA handicap parking spot is located behind the Main Lodge, with a walkway and ramp leading to the Main Lodge and Clear Creek Lodge.

MITCHELL: Please note that accessing Mitchell lodge from its parking area requires a short walk up a steep gravel driveway and climbing a set of stairs. There is a Mitchell Loading Zone (and luggage cart) located next to Pisgah parking lot for easier moving of luggage. You will see signs for Mitchell parking as you drive up the main gravel road. Mitchell parking is along the main gravel road below Mitchell, as you head towards the Main Lodge. These Mitchell spots generally allow 2 cars per spot, please be sure to park so someone else can use that space, thanks!

WINTER STAR: Two parking areas for Winter Star are right above the unit, to the left of the Main Lodge. The first space, right above Winter Star, can fit two cars, one in front of the other. There is one more individual spot for Winter Star directly above that, to the far left, next to the loading area of the Main Lodge.

PISGAH: Parking for Pisgah is right next to the building. There is a Loading Zone (and luggage cart) located next to Pisgah building for easier moving of luggage.

ADA PARKING: One handicap parking spot is located behind the Main Lodge, with a walkway and ramp leading to the Main Lodge and Clear Creek Lodge.

Speed limit is 10 mph on the Eco Retreat. When entering the property, on areas where the road is narrow, please note that right-of-way is given to downhill traffic. Thanks!

Check-in is 4pm. Locks will automatically activate to allow your door code to work at 4pm on the day of your check-in, and stay activated through just after 11am on your check-out date.

— Once you arrive at the retreat simply follow the signs to your lodge, each room number is posted on the door.

— Door code information will be sent via email immediately upon booking, and is usually the last four digits of the phone number used to book the reservation, followed by the (√) check mark symbol. Again, locks will start working with your door code starting at 4pm on the day of your check-in.

— To re-lock the door, press any button. Your door code also works on Main Lodge should it be locked.

— Please note that sometimes the locks require a little tug on the door handle when locking or unlocking for the deadbolt to fully engage.

Check-out is 11am.

When you check out, please use code 4477 (followed by the √ check mark symbol). This will alert us that you are officially checked out of the room. Thank you!

— Please leave your linens on the bed.

— Please HANG dirty or wet towels on the proper towel racks and hooks (please do not leave on floor, as this can damage them). Thanks!

— Please close all doors and windows, and turn off all lights.

— Check for belongings in drawers, under beds, etc.

— If you would be so kind, please take your garbage to the blue dumpster near the entrance of the property as you leave.

— Please leave recycling in your room or take it behind the Main Lodge and place it into the various blue bins. All recycling must be clean.

Yancey County accepts the following: Newspapers, cardboard, aluminum cans, glass and plastic containers. Again, please rinse items out before recycling and keep all trash out of the recycling. Thanks!

Mt Mitchell Eco Retreat is a retreat center and vacation rental hotel that focuses on the healing power of the Great Outdoors. We offer beautiful lodging for folks looking to connect with nature, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Burnsville, North Carolina. We opened in October 2021.

Nestled atop the landscape are 17 cozy rooms and suites in 4 lodges, many along the creeks or with mountain views. The property looks out onto the breathtaking beauty of Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains range, and is bordered on 2 sides by Pisgah National Forest.

The Main Lodge is a community gathering place featuring a lounge with a wood-burning fireplace, rocking chairs on the porch, and a deck for socializing.

We have several property developments in progress, including a small market, a meditation garden, an additional fire pit, and more. Our goal is to be an ideal space for workshops, retreats, weddings, family reunions, and gatherings of amazing people.

PROPERTY MAP

CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT:

FOOD FOREST (in a 1-year observation and design phase)

We’re building a food forest on 4 acres of land. What’s a food forest? It’s a diverse garden of edible plants that mimics the ecosystems and patterns found in nature. Organic, of course, with a self-sustaining mix of vegetation that naturally reproduces and focuses on fruiting trees, perennials, and self-seeding annuals. Our garden is currently in a one year observation and design phase, with first plantings coming soon!

MEDITATION GARDEN

We are building a tranquil garden meditation space with a koi pond, below the Main Lodge for guest use.

WI-FI: We have high speed fiber Wi-Fi on the property. The network and password will be sent immediately upon booking.

CELL SERVICE: We are in a remote area, which lends itself to very spotty cell service. Verizon and US Cellular get the best reception here, however they are weak.

If your phone and carrier allow it, we recommend using 'Wi-Fi Calling' for any texting or calling you need to make. We highly suggest setting up Wi-Fi Calling before you arrive, so you know if your phone & carrier offer it, not all do. After you set it up, your phone carrier will ask you to enter an emergency address. For purposes of using it here you may enter the property address: 430 Otter Rock Rd, Burnsville NC 28714.

iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling > On

Android: Settings > Networks & Internet > Mobile network > Advanced > Wi-Fi Calling > On

— If your phone does not have the option for Wi-Fi calling / texting, then we suggest driving north up 80 towards the Carolina Hemlocks Campground (5 minute drive), where a cellular signal typically becomes available.

— You may find it helpful to download and use an app such as WhatsApp to make WiFi calls and texts using your phone number while on campus.

We have a community kitchen for guests to use! It has two stoves/ovens, two sinks/dishwashers, two refrigerators, plenty of counter space, and lot of dishware, pots/pans, etc. When stocking up on groceries on your way to the Eco Retreat, make sure to grab oil, spices, and condiments too because the health department does not allow us to provide any of that. Learn more at https://www.mmecoretreat.com/kitchens

ROOMS: Each unit has its own refrigerator and microwave. We provide organic Counter Culture Coffee that is brewed via steeping. For guests that wish to bring their own coffee, each room has a drip coffee-maker, but please remember to bring your own coffee filters.

RESTAURANTS: The closest nearby restaurant is Hawtree’s Pub & Grill at Mount Mitchell Golf Course, which is generally open April-December. There are plenty of other options in the nearby towns of Burnsville, Spruce Pine, and Marion. Check out Google/Yelp for a full list, or see the list we’ve compiled here: Local Restaurants

FORGET SOMETHING? There is a small gas station about 5 minutes north on NC-80 that has some basic essentials you might need (toothbrush, canned foods, etc): South Toe General Store, 8151 NC-80, Burnsville, NC 28714. They are typically open until 6am-8pm everyday, except they are closed on Sundays.

GRILLING: There is a grate-type grill and picnic tables down the hill from the Main Lodge for guest use. Grilling utensils can be found in the community kitchen, please return them there when you are done. We have firewood for sale (see below for details). Our grills use either charcoal or wood. Please be bear safe by disposing of any garbage or food waste properly - either in your room, or at the blue dumpster located next to the gravel road, as you first enter the Eco Retreat.

FIRE PITS: There are three fire pits available - one just below the Main Lodge, one just above the future Meditation Garden, and one just below the Old Barn. We have firewood for sale (see below for details), and a couple of grates that can be used for grilling. You may park under the basketball goal next to the Old Barn for convenience when using this area. Please dispose of any garbage or food waste properly - either in your room, or at the blue dumpster located next to the gravel road as you first enter the Eco Retreat.

FIREWOOD: Firewood bundles are $8 per bundle. Available at two locations: beside the Main Lodge fire pit, and across the intersection near the Old Barn. Please pay via PayPal to pay@mmecoretreat.com, or Venmo to @mmecoretreat, or use the cash/check (please make checks to: Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat) box at the firewood sheds. If making a fire up at the Main Lodge, there should be firewood available (for free) next to the fireplace, or behind the door to the left of the fireplace. Please make sure to fully extinguish any fires and do not leave any fires unattended.

We do allow people to bring their own firewood; however, it must originate from within North Carolina. No out of state firewood is permitted on campus.

You are welcome to bring your own camping stove to cook, however they are NOT allowed to be used in-room, or near any buildings. They must be 20 feet away from any building, and away from any wooden structures. Never leave any camping stove unattended.

PROPERTY MAP: MT. Mitchell Eco Retreat

— We provide organic Counter Culture single-serve coffee in your rooms. Please note the coffee pouches are NOT brewed in the coffee maker, but are steeped much like a tea bag would be. Use the coffee maker to heat the hot water, and pour over the bag in your cup (instructions are on each bag). Please note if you bring your own coffee, you will need to bring basket filters.

— The amount of coffee and towels we supply per room depends on the number of guests you listed when you reserved. If this is incorrect, please update your reservation or contact us. Thanks!

— There is a hot water dispenser in the Main Lodge available 24 hours a day, so you can make coffee & tea (provided). You may also get sugar, creamer, etc, if you do not have your own. We can only offer disposable coffee cups in the coffee area, so please consider a ceramic mug from the kitchen or your own portable coffee mug to help reduce waste! Thanks!

— We supply fresh linens and towels, hair dryer, eco-friendly toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner and lotion, and almond Dr. Bronners body wash / hand soap / dish soap.

— Please use the BLACK wash cloths for removing makeup, or if you cut yourself shaving. We also supply a black kitchen towel and dish rags for any spills that might occur. Please refrain from using the white towels for cleaning up messy spills, or makeup removal, as this can render them stained and unusable for future guests.

— Each bed has an organic/natural AWARA mattress (except for bunkbeds) and eco-friendly pillows.

— Window blinds are raised by gently pushing up, or lowered by gently pulling down on the CENTER area at bottom.

— Please make use of the wonderful Main Lodge interior, porch and deck! It is a wonderful area to relax, read, and take in sunsets!

— We do not have TVs or phones in the rooms.

— All rooms are private with their own bathroom. Porches are shared spaces with other lodge guests.

— Your room will not be cleaned during your stay, unless you are staying more than 7 days. If you need more towels or room supplies during your stay, please call/text (828) 358-4326 or email info@mmecoretreat.com. If you do want a cleaning during your stay, please let us know ($50 fee for full cleaning; linen refresh is $20)

— Bunk beds have a strict 150 lb limit (on top bunks).

— Our septic system is sensitive! Please do not flush anything down the toilet other than the 1-ply, septic-safe toilet paper we supply. Absolutely NO wipes of any kind (including ‘flushable’ ones), feminine products, paper towels, garbage, tissues, or 2-ply toilet paper can be flushed.

— Did you forget something? There is a small gas station about 5 minutes north on NC-80 that has most basic essentials: South Toe General Store, 8151 NC-80, Burnsville, NC 28714. They are typically open 6am-8pm everyday except Sunday (closed).

— Burnsville is a 'dark sky community'. Make sure to check out the local Bare Dark Sky Observatory which is a 25 minute drive from the Eco Retreat! We do have to illuminate certain parts of the property for guest safety, but try to minimize artificial light when we can.

— We have a beautiful spring-fed pond, and hope you check it out! It is located down below the Old Barn. But, please do not swim in the pond. We want to respect the frogs and other critters living in that area and keep it free of sunscreens, etc.

— NO SMOKING OR VAPING in the rooms, buildings or shared spaces such as porches. If you need to smoke, please find a spot away from buildings to be considerate to other guests, and dispose of your butts safely. Please do NOT flush butts down the toilet (sensitive septic system).

— Absolutely no burning of candles in the rooms, on porches, or on the property.

— NO pets allowed, other than service or certified assistance animals. Please let us know ahead of time if you plan on bringing a service or certified assistance animal, so we can alert staff. Service or assistance animals must be on a leash, must not be allowed to bark or make noise that disturbs other guests, and must never be left unattended. You absolutely must clean up after your service or certified assistance animal, using your own proper pet waste disposal bags, and dispose of the waste in your room or in the dumpster.

— Please do not leave food or smelly garbage in your vehicles, or outside of rooms on porches, as they may attract critters. Bears are in the NC mountains, and CAN get into cars, so please lock your car!

— There are some private homes adjacent to our property. Please respect the privacy of those citizens, and do not enter those areas. Thanks!

— Lock doors and close windows before leaving room.

Full list of Eco Retreat Rules and Policies

ADVENTURES

ART, INTERESTING PLACES & EVENTS

RESTAURANTS

or visit our Attractions page.

We strive to provide products that are both good to Mother Earth and to the health and well-being of our guests. For shampoo/conditioner we use Public Goods products and for hand soap/body wash we use Dr. Bonner’s Pure Castile Soap. Learn more about each below.

Vegan-Friendly Shampoo:

What’s in it: Essential oils of orange, geranium, cinnamon, mandarin, nutmeg, petitgrain, rosewood, celery seed, grapefruit, and vetiver.

What’s not in it: Parabens, synthetic fragrance, sodium lauryl sulfates, phthalates, and anything derived from formaldehyde.

Vegan-Friendly Conditioner:

What’s in it: Essential oils of orange, geranium, cinnamon, mandarin, nutmeg, petitgrain, rosewood, celery seed, grapefruit, and vetiver.

What’s not in it: Parabens, synthetic fragrance, sodium lauryl sulfates, phthalates nor anything from formaldehyde.

Dr. Bonner’s Hemp Almond Pure Castile Soap

Warm, comforting and slightly sweet—like marzipan or amaretto! Almond Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is concentrated, biodegradable, versatile and effective. Made with organic and certified fair trade ingredients. Organic hemp seed oil is now sourced in the U.S. following hemp legalization.

Nut allergy?

From Dr. Bonner’s: Please rest assured that our products do not contain Tree Nuts, or Peanuts. However, some may consider Coconut as a type of nut, and we do use this ingredients in several of our products.

Our almond castile soap is not made with almond essential oil. There are two types of almond oil, bitter almond oil and sweet almond oil. Bitter almond oil, the one that is aromatic (sweet almond oil is scentless) contains toxic levels of prussic acid, better known as cyanide. Instead we use "natural almond fragrance,” which is derived from Cassia flowers. The scent is very similar to almonds, but without any traces of nuts or cyanide.

Unfortunately No.

We love dogs! And we love people who love dogs!

However, we are not the right place to come if you are set on traveling with a pet.

Here’s why:

1) We maintain high standards of cleanliness: Our furniture, bedding and carpets are new and we are trying to keep them as nice as possible for as long as possible. Pets are known to mark their territory and if one has done that in a room, every pet is sure to follow. To continue having a lovely space with nice linens and pleasant smells, we prefer that you leave your pets at home.

2) We value your safety and the safety of your pet. We are located in the middle of the wilderness. We are unable to control whether aggressive dogs, packs of coyotes or wandering bears are passing through. For your safety and the safety of your pet, it is best not to bring them to such a wild area. Most bears will ignore people, but if a pet interferes, people often get hurt.

For further information: https://bearwise.org/bear-safety-tips/dogs-and-bears/

https://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Learning/documents/Profiles/Coexist-Coyotes-v2.pdf

3) We want to be considerate of other guests. Some people have pet allergies or fear certain breeds of dogs. Extended exposure to dander can linger despite thorough cleanings. We’d prefer to avoid complications of this nature and be a place where all guests feel safe and comfortable.

4) We value peaceful silence and happy sounds. The sounds of the wind in the trees, the babbling creeks, or the happy noise of children playing… these are music to our guests’ ears. These are the sounds that create contentment and relaxation and soften the corners of our eyes. A chorus of dogs sorting out their pack order and allerting each other to every passing squirrel and arriving car has a different vibe and that’s simply not what we are going for.

5) We are required by the State of NC to welcome REGISTERED ADA Service Animals.

We apologize but we DO NOT make exceptions for CERTIFIED EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS. Please consider other pet friendly establishments nearby.

For more information on what qualifies a dog as covered under NC Law, explore the following excerpt from this link: ​​https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/north-carolina-laws-on-service-dogs-and-emotional-support-animals.html

The Main Lodge is a community gathering place, featuring a rustic lounge with a wood-burning fireplace, rocking chairs on the porch, and a deck for socializing!

This beautiful space is included in event rentals who book the entire Eco Retreat for workshops, classes, family reunions, receptions, etc.

Come have a cup of tea by the fire! There is a hot water dispenser in the Main Lodge, available 24 hours a day, so you can make coffee or tea. You may also get sugar, creamer, honey, etc, if you do not have your own.

We can only offer disposable coffee cups in this public area, so encourage guests to use a ceramic mug from the kitchen or your own portable coffee mug so we have less waste! Thanks!

The Main Lodge also has a Yoga Studio, stocked with mats, blocks, pillows, blankets, and yoga straps. Guests are welcome to use the Yoga Studio for their own personal movement practice.

Book a massage, experience energy healing, or learn something new from Appalachia’s best teachers, guides, and healers in this one-room bungalow! Learn more on our Healing House page. This is a space that we provide to pre-approved and insured healers in our community, but is something that must be arranged with each healer on an individual basis. Advance bookings are advised, reach out to each healer via the Healing House page.

Available 24-hours per day, the Community Kitchen is a shared space for all guests to use. It features two stoves/ovens, a large fridge (that’s in addition to the fridge in each room/suite), two sinks and dishwashers, and plenty of cookware and dishware. We ask that guests leave the kitchen even cleaner than they found it! All food, including oils and spices, will need to be brought with you as our county permit does not allow us to provide any of these items.

GRILLING: There is a grate-type grill and picnic table down the hill from the Main Lodge for guest use. You will need to bring your own grilling utensils and supplies. Our grills use either charcoal or wood. We have firewood for sale. Please dispose of any garbage or food waste properly - either in your room, or at the blue dumpster located next to the gravel road, as you first enter the Eco Retreat.

FIRE PITS: There is a fire pit below the main lodge, and a fire pit w/ picnic tables down by the old barn for guest use. You will need to supply your own firewood and fire utensils. We have firewood for sale. There should be a grate near each fire pit for grilling. You may park next to the old barn for convenience when using this area. Please dispose of any garbage or food waste properly - either in your room, or at the blue dump dumpster located next to the gravel road, as you first enter the Eco Retreat. Please see our fire safety rules.

FIREWOOD: Firewood bundles are $8 per bundle. Available at two locations: Near the garden fire pit (below Main Lodge) and at the intersection of Campers Dr, Rodeo Dr and Otter Rock Rd (across from old barn). Please pay via PayPal to pay@mmecoretreat.com, or Venmo to mmecoretreat, or use the cash/check box at each station (please make checks to: Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat). If making a fire up at the Main Lodge, there should be firewood available (for free) next to the fireplace, or behind the door to the left of the fireplace. We do allow people to bring their own firewood; however, it must originate from within North Carolina. No out of state firewood is permitted on campus.

FIRE SAFETY RULES

— Never leave a burning fire unattended even for a brief time, and always make sure the fire is out before leaving completely.

— Leave no trace: please properly dispose of your garbage in your room, or at our dumpster.

— No burning of trash or non-organic, unnatural materials in the fire pits (plastic, etc)

— Keep water nearby

— Use only the designated fire pit areas

— Pay attention to the wind

We have a beautiful spring-fed pond, and hope you check it out! It is located down below the ‘old barn’. But, please do not swim in the pond. We want to respect the frogs and other critters living in that area and keep it free of sunscreens, etc. Thanks!

We’re building a food forest on 4 acres of land. What’s a food forest? It’s a diverse garden of edible plants that mimics the ecosystems and patterns found in nature. Organic, of course, with a self-sustaining mix of vegetation that naturally reproduces and focuses on fruiting trees, perennials, and self-seeding annuals. Our garden is currently in a one year observation and design phase, with first plantings coming soon!