Welcome to Lookout Lodge—a stunning mountain retreat nestled on 2.3 private acres in the beautiful Alarka Highlands Subdivision within the Nantahala National Forest, where luxury meets wilderness in perfect harmony.
Perched at approximately 4,000 feet elevation, this spacious mountain lodge offers an ideal blend of comfort, privacy, and natural beauty, known for its magnificent sunsets, complete seclusion, and breathtaking long-range layered mountain views.
Designed for relaxation, family gatherings, and unforgettable experiences, this dream retreat accommodates up to 10 guests with something special for every age to enjoy.
From the moment you arrive via the scenic 13-mile drive along Alarka Creek, you’ll feel worlds away from the everyday.
Spend your days exploring the game room with ping pong, foosball, and air hockey, grilling on the wrap-around deck, or relaxing in the hot tub under a brilliant canopy of stars. When evening falls, gather around the large rock fire pit for s’mores and stargazing, where you can spot constellations, satellites, and planets in some of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see.
This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s an experience designed to create lasting memories for families, friends, and anyone seeking the ultimate mountain escape.
Year Purchased: 2018
My husband and I dreamed of owning a mountain cabin since our children were very young. Now, we’re fortunate to enjoy it with our children and six grandchildren, and we designed it to appeal to all ages—from the very young to teenagers and beyond.
We built Lookout Lodge to be our dream home, with something for everyone in our family to enjoy. We personally manage the property and have worked hard to ensure every guest has a comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable stay.
We have always loved the Great Smoky Mountain area and wanted to be close enough to enjoy its beauty, yet far enough to escape the tourist crowds.
This property offers the best of both worlds—peaceful forest tranquility, breathtaking evening sunsets, and the convenience of being just a short drive to groceries, restaurants, and local activities.
We’re thrilled to share this special place not only with our family but also with you! We hope you’ll enjoy and cherish it as much as we do.
This property offers the best of both worlds—peaceful forest tranquility and breathtaking evening sunsets, while still being just a short drive to groceries, restaurants, and local activities. Perched at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet, it provides a cool and comfortable retreat, even during the hottest summer days.
Situated on 2.3 acres, this lot is larger than most, offering privacy and the feeling of being immersed in the forest.
During the summer months, when the trees are full of leaves, it’s difficult to spot any other cabins through the foliage.
The backyard is especially private, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the fire pit and hot tub in complete seclusion!
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family gathering, or an adventure-filled retreat, Lookout Lodge offers the perfect setting to create lasting memories in one of the most beautiful and peaceful locations in Western North Carolina.
Lookout Lodge is nestled on a 2.3-acre wooded lot in the Nantahala National Forest of Western North Carolina, offering a luxurious, private retreat surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
Designed for relaxation, family gatherings, and unforgettable experiences, it’s the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.
The spacious accommodations sleep up to 10 guests comfortably, featuring two king-size master suites with custom-designed, spacious showers, a queen-size bedroom adjacent to a full bath, and a bunk room on the lower level with four twin beds located next to another full bath.
Each bedroom features comfortable beds with varying mattress firmness to suit individual preferences, while four full bathrooms ensure ample space for everyone.
The fully-equipped kitchen is perfect for any aspiring chef, including a Jenn-Air gas range, dishwasher, microwave, and quality cookware. Stunning granite countertops complement the natural hardwood dining table that seats eight, plus bar stool seating for three at the kitchen island.
Both Keurig and drip coffee makers are provided, along with a well-stocked collection of kitchenware.
The cozy family room features a large sectional sofa, wood-burning fireplace, and unique windmill-inspired ceiling fan.
Cathedral-style windows on the western-facing wall offer ever-changing views of the forested mountains, while the covered porch is equipped with a combo gas, charcoal, and smoker grill, comfortable seating, and picnic tables for dining with a view.
Entertainment options abound with five televisions, including larger screens in the upstairs family room and downstairs entertainment room.
Dish Network, Wi-Fi, and a Blu-ray player with a collection of movies provide cozy night options, while comfortable blankets and a library with books for all ages ensure something for everyone.
The basement level features a large game room with air hockey, ping pong, shuffleboard, and foosball tables, plus a second family room with comfortable seating.
Outdoor amenities include a large mountain yard with wrap-around concrete patio, a hot tub that accommodates five people, a large rock fire pit with cooking grate, and a corn hole set for outdoor fun.
Lookout Lodge is far from city lights, making it an ideal spot for stargazing with clear, unobstructed views of the night sky—perfect for spotting constellations, moving satellites, and planets in an experience you’ll never forget.
Lookout Lodge places you in the heart of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, with endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Located about 30 minutes (13 scenic miles along Alarka Creek) from Bryson City, you’ll have access to groceries, restaurants, antique shops, artisan stores, and activities while enjoying complete seclusion in the Nantahala National Forest.
~ Deep Creek Waterfall Loop (40 min away)
Explore the famous Waterfall Loop at the Deep Creek entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This 2.4-mile trail features three stunning waterfalls: Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls. In warmer months, enjoy tubing down the creek or horseback riding.
◇ Road to Nowhere
Drive to the iconic “Road to Nowhere” ending at a 1,000-foot tunnel—perfect for hot or rainy days. Kids of all ages love carrying their own flashlight while exploring the shadowy depths!
◉ Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Experience a ride on one of the few remaining narrow-gauge steam railroads in the country. Enjoy seasonal excursions like the Polar Express, when Bryson City sparkles with festive lights and magical cheer.
~ Fly Fishing in Bryson City
Known as the “Fly-Fishing Capital of the South,” Bryson City offers excellent fishing in the Tuckasegee River, plus local flavors from hearty burgers to authentic Mexican cuisine and craft beer microbreweries.
~ Nantahala Outdoor Center (40 min away)
Enjoy whitewater rafting, zip-lining, kayaking, boating, fishing and swimming in Fontana Lake, plus access to the Appalachian Trail and mountain biking at Tsali Recreation Area.
◇ Tail of the Dragon
An hour away lies the legendary drive featuring 318 curves in just 11 miles—a must-visit for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts seeking thrilling, scenic rides.
◉ Cherokee Cultural Experiences
Discover the rich Cherokee culture with the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills” performed on summer nights, test your luck at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, or experience elk watching at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
▲ Seasonal Adventures
Hit the slopes at Cataloochee Ski Resort (45 minutes), visit the iconic Biltmore Estate in Asheville (1 hour 45 minutes), or take scenic drives along Highway 441 through Newfound Gap to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for entertainment, shows, and Dollywood.
● Local Mountain Activities
Enjoy zip-lining, tubing, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, waterfalls, kayaking, mountain biking, gem mining, and golfing throughout the area, plus scenic experiences at Fontana Lake and various outdoor adventure centers.
Private transportation is needed to access the property and explore the area.
Approximate travel times:
– Asheville Regional Airport: 1.5 hours
– Knoxville, TN: 2.5 hours
– Atlanta, GA: 3.5 hours
– Charlotte, NC: 3.5 hours
– Chattanooga, TN: 3 hours
Wi-Fi is included (weather may occasionally affect access due to satellite providers)
Limited cell service varies by carrier:
– Verizon works well
– AT&T is spotty but improves with Wi-Fi calling
Use Waze for most reliable navigation and print directions beforehand
Steep, gravel, one-lane portions add to the secluded mountain charm
Note: Lookout Lodge offers a completely different mountain experience from our other properties—perfect for larger groups, families, and those seeking a traditional mountain cabin retreat with modern amenities and ultimate privacy!