dancingsun, Author at Dancing Sun Cabins

Winter Hiking

Posted in Hiking on 01/21/23

Winter is one of the most magical times to hike in the North Carolina mountains. With the leaves off the trees, the panoramic views stretch for miles, and the crisp mountain air makes every trail feel invigorating. Even in mid-winter, we often enjoy sunny days in the 60s and 70s — a true gift for outdoor lovers. We often have plenty of availability in the winter – so book your retreat now!

One of our favorite winter activities is heading up to Max Patch, a stunning bald mountaintop on the Appalachian Trail. For an unforgettable experience, go up the evening before the full moon to watch the moon rise in the east just as the sun sets in the west. The 360-degree views from the summit are breathtaking, and winter skies are often crystal clear.

Experience the Moonrise at Max Patch

View the Elk Herd Near Great Smoky Mountains

Just a short drive away, you can observe the reintroduced elk herd that roams the region. These majestic animals are protected and accustomed to human presence, making them ideal for respectful wildlife viewing. We love visiting “the girls” and taking time to soak in the peaceful mountain meadows they graze in.

Embrace the Snow – Hiking, Sledding & More

Yes, it snows here! And when it does, the scenery transforms into a winter wonderland. Snow-covered trails offer a peaceful, pristine hiking experience. Our dog Dandy absolutely loves the snow, and when conditions are right, we break out the sleds and enjoy some downhill fun on the driveway.

Guests are welcome to borrow our sleds — just ask! Bring your furry best friends as well – our Sundance and Stardance cabins are pet-friendly!

Why Hike in Winter?

Fewer crowds on popular trails
Sweeping views through leafless forests
Serene wildlife encounters
Mild winter temperatures on many days
Unforgettable sunsets and moonrises

Whether you’re hiking, wildlife watching, or simply taking in the mountain beauty, winter in the Western North Carolina mountains offers something truly special.

Plan your visit today and experience the quiet magic of winter in the mountains.

Summer Activities in Hot Springs, NC

Posted in Adventures, Hiking, Swimming Holes on 06/22/22

Discover the Best Summer Swimming Holes in Hot Springs, NC

Summer activities in Hot Springs NC are plentiful and fun!

Looking to cool off this summer? Hot Springs and the surrounding areas offer plenty of refreshing swimming holes perfect for a dip in the creek. Explore scenic creeks and cascading waterfalls throughout the region. Want to venture a little farther? Click here to discover our favorite nearby swimming holes.

A summer swim in the mountains is the perfect way to relax, recharge, and beat the heat.

Summer Hiking in the Appalachian Mountains

Summer transforms the Appalachian forests into a lush, vibrant landscape. Trails come alive with blooming wildflowers, towering greenery, and the rich scent of native plants. You’ll see mountain laurel, rhododendrons, flaming azaleas, and mountain magnolias in full bloom.

Hiking Tips:
Some less-traveled trails can become overgrown with stinging nettle, poison ivy, and briars. If a trail looks thick with vegetation, consider choosing a more frequently used path for a more comfortable hike. Summer activities like hiking really offer the best way to experience the bountiful nature of Western North Carolina.

Popular Hiking Trails and Access Points:

Appalachian Trail (AT): Runs from Max Patch to Hot Springs
Easily Accessible Entry Points:
- Max Patch
- Lemon Gap
- Gorenflo Gap
- Hot Springs
- Mill Ridge

Use this guide to choose your ideal hiking spot.

Enjoy the French Broad River in Hot Springs

Picture compliment of Hot Springs Rafting Company

The French Broad River offers countless ways to enjoy the water during summer. Whether you’re into rafting, tubing, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the river, there’s something for everyone.

Easy River Access:
The river can be easily accessed from downtown Hot Springs. For rentals and guided adventures, visit the Hot Springs Rafting Company, which provides equipment for rafting and tubing.

Plan Your Perfect Summer Getaway in Hot Springs, NC

From mountain swimming holes to wildflower-filled hikes and river adventures, Hot Springs is the ideal destination for outdoor summer fun. Explore, relax, and reconnect with nature in one of the most beautiful regions of the Southern Appalachians. Summer activities in Hot Springs NC are a great way to spend those sunny and blue sky summer days!

Winter Hiking in Hot Springs, NC | Appalachian Trail Access & Scenic Views

Posted in Adventures, Hiking on 01/21/20

Winter Hiking in Hot Springs, NC: Peaceful Trails and Stunning Views

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.” — John Muir

Winter in the mountains offers a unique and peaceful hiking experience. In Hot Springs, NC, the Appalachian landscape transforms into a serene escape filled with quiet beauty, crisp air, and unobstructed views.

Why Winter Is a Great Time to Hike

There’s nothing quite like a clear winter day in the mountains. With a thermos of hot chocolate in your pack and a chill in the air, the forest invites you to slow down and explore. The sky turns a brilliant blue, while the surrounding hills shift to deep shades of purple, mauve, and blue that are unique to this time of year.

Winter also opens up the forest. With leaves fallen and undergrowth gone, you can wander off-trail and take in the stillness of nature with little obstruction.

Mild Winter Weather and Wildlife Sightings

In Hot Springs, winter isn’t always cold. We often enjoy stretches of mild weather with temperatures in the 60s or even 70s—perfect for a spontaneous hike in short sleeves. During these hikes, it’s not uncommon to see wildlife such as:

White-tailed deer
Wild turkeys
Foxes and coyotes
Occasionally, elk

These encounters add a special touch to your winter adventure.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail in Winter

The Appalachian Trail (AT) runs along the ridge lines between North Carolina and Tennessee and is especially rewarding to hike in the winter. With fewer hikers on the trail, you can enjoy solitude and unobstructed mountain views.

One of the most memorable spots is where the local trail meets the AT—here, you can stand with one foot in each state. The views are expansive, and on the right day, you might even catch the moon rising as the sun sets.

Accessing the Appalachian Trail Near Hot Springs

The Appalachian Trail is easily accessible from multiple points near Hot Springs:

Highway 25/70 access point (just outside of Hot Springs toward Marshall)
Mill Ridge (reachable by gated road off 25/70)
Rich Mountain Trail (great for afternoon sun and scenic views)

To reach the 25/70 access:

Drive through downtown Hot Springs heading toward Marshall.
After passing under the highway underpass, turn left.
Park at the gated road that crosses back over 25/70.
If the gate is open, you may also drive up to Mill Ridge for higher elevation access.

Our favorite route is hiking north from this point up Rich Mountain, where the afternoon sun warms the trail and creates ideal winter hiking conditions.

Experience the Quiet Beauty of Winter Hiking in Hot Springs, NC

If you’re looking for solitude, mild weather, scenic views, and peaceful forest trails, winter is the perfect season to hike in the Hot Springs area. Whether you’re exploring the Appalachian Trail or wandering the open woods, winter hiking in the mountains is an unforgettable experience. Try our Moondance cabin for a private and serene getaway!

Plutons in North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains

Posted in Adventures, Birdwatching, Hiking, Swimming Holes on 11/18/19

What Is a Pluton? Discover These Hidden Gems in the Blue Ridge Mountains

If you’re visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains and love scenic hikes, plutons are a must-see. Plutons in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains are unique and fascinating. But what exactly is a pluton?

Plutons are massive, dome-shaped rock formations that rise above the forest—formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity. They’re like giant granite bubbles you can hike to for panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. These natural wonders offer some of the best hiking trails and views in North Carolina.

One of our favorite day trips from Dancing Sun Cabins is a hike to John Rock, where you’ll get a breathtaking view of another pluton: Looking Glass Rock. On our last visit, we even saw two bald eagles fishing in the river below!

Plutons are magical places in our ancient hills. They are like huge rock bubbles that you can climb up to get some of the most spectacular views in the Blue Ridge. The above picture is a view from John’s Rock overlooking another pluton, called Looking Glass Rock. On this hike, Tom and I got to witness 2 beautiful bald eagles flying below us and fishing on the river.

Plan a Pluton Day Trip from Dancing Sun Cabins

Stop 1: We actually left about 10 am and stopped in Waynesville, NC to grab some lunch at our favorite burger joint, the Church Street Depot, then off to the Shining Rock Wilderness area on Hwy 276.
Stop 2: This takes you past the Cradle of Forestry, Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls to name just a few places along the way. So, leave earlier if you want to visit these along the way, then you will have the whole day to enjoy this area.
Stop 3: The trailhead to both the plutons is just past Looking Glass Falls on forest service road 475 C which will be on your right. Looking Glass Rock trail is on the right and then John Rock is on the left at the Pisgah Wildlife Center and Fish Hatchery.

Plutons in North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains are worth the trip!

The Best Views in the Blue Ridge are from the Top

Make sure you check the map at the kiosk at the trailhead so that you note the proper turns. The trail is well marked with signs. The loop is explained in the link above. It will take you by Cedar Rock Falls which is a beautiful spot to take a break, or a swim if it is warm enough.

Looking Glass Rock: A Vertical Challenge

Looking Glass Rock trail is more challenging, longer and steeper than the John Rock trail. It is a spectacular climb for those who like to climb. Therefore, this trail can be challenging and rocky in place. Also, one must navigate some pretty rough and washed out places on the trail. However, the views are definitely worth the effort.

In addition, this is a coveted place for rock climbers. Also, it is a rare nesting place for peregrine falcons. If you are lucky you will see them dive!

Why Visit Plutons During Your Stay?

Plutons are truly unique geological features that offer unforgettable hiking, photo ops, and wildlife viewing—all within a short drive of our cabins. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just want a scenic adventure, these trails provide access to some of the best views in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Book Your Stay Near the Best Hikes in Western North Carolina

At Dancing Sun Cabins, you’re just a scenic drive away from unforgettable day hikes like John Rock and Looking Glass Rock. After a day on the trail, return to your private mountain retreat—complete with cozy amenities, peaceful forest surroundings, and everything you need to relax and recharge.

Appalachian Ways: Making Hawthorn Remedies

Posted in Mountain Spirits, Mountain Ways on 11/1/19

At Dancing Sun Cabins in Hot Springs, NC, we believe deeply in love, nature, and the healing power of the forest. One of the most powerful symbols of this healing is the hawthorn tree – a sacred tree known throughout the world for its ability to nourish and support heart health, both physically and emotionally – a true herbal remedy of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

We are so fortunate to have so many hawthorn trees in our forest. They are planted near old homesteads and places of community which makes me believe that people have been utilizing their healing properties for generations in these hills.

The Healing Magic of Hawthorn Trees

Hawthorn remedies have long been used to heal the heart—from grief and emotional pain to cardiovascular wellness. Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, hawthorn berries are revered in herbal medicine for promoting circulation and reducing stress.

Here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by these ancient trees. Many grow near old homesteads and Appalachian community sites, evidence that people here have been connected to the hawthorn’s healing powers for generations.

There are many varieties of hawthorns and they grow all over the world in many different environments. The ones we like to harvest have huge red berries.

A Forest Ritual of Heart Connection

Each autumn, a walk to the hawthorn grove becomes a sacred ritual. I invite a friend, we pack snacks, bring baskets, and hike deep into the forest where the hawthorn trees grow like shelters for wildlife. Their long, protective thorns guard the inner sanctuary—reminding us to approach with respect these herbal remedies of the blue ridge mountains.

Underneath, the ground is covered in red berries—gifts from the trees that nourish deer, elk, and us.

The limbs offer protection, not only for the berries but for deer, elk and other critters who find safety in her branches.

We use the berries to make a traditional oxymel—a healing tonic of hawthorn, apple cider vinegar, and raw honey. It’s a simple and effective way to preserve the berries’ health benefits and enjoy them throughout the year.

Oxymel Recipe (by EagleSong Evans Gardener):

4 lbs Hawthorn berries
4 lbs organic apple cider vinegar (with “the mother”)
4 lbs raw honey

Steps:

Soak and rinse the berries (a little vinegar in the water helps clean them).
Simmer the berries in the vinegar on low in a crockpot for about 12 hours.
Mash the berries once they’re plump and brown to extract their goodness.
Strain and combine the vinegar with honey in a 1:1 ratio (do not heat the honey).
Blend gently and store.

Serving Suggestion:
Add 1 tablespoon to sparkling water or ginger ale for a refreshing, heart-nourishing drink.

Why We Love the Hawthorn at Dancing Sun Cabins

The hawthorn tree is more than just a plant—it’s a presence, a protector, and a powerful part of the forest experience at Dancing Sun Cabins. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a quiet retreat, or to explore nature’s medicine, we invite you to walk these woods and meet the hawthorn yourself. Start your journey with herbal remedies Blue Ridge Mountains with this recipe.

To make this wonderful concoction, I wash the berries by soaking them and stirring them in the sink. I even add a little vinegar to the water just to help clean them.
This is the recipe I received from EagleSong Evans Gardener. For more recipes and herbal ideas from this talented herbalist, click here.

4 lbs of Hawthorn berries

4 lbs of Apple Cider Vinegar

4 lbs of Honey

I strain the berries and add them as follows to the crockpot. I put 4 lbs of berries into 4 lbs (8 cups) of organic apple cider vinegar with the mother and cook on low for about 12 hours. As soon as they turn plump and brown, I mash them up and cook them a little longer. Hawthorn berries have big seeds in them so it is important to mash them and get all the pulp in contact with the vinegar.

I then strain them with this old fashioned strainer that allows me to further mash them. If I want a clearer vinegar, I would further strain the solution through cheesecloth, but I don’t mind the fiber in my vinegar.

Then, I mix the vinegar with the honey in a blender. You don’t ever want to heat the honey as it ruins many of its wonderful healing properties when you heat it up. Instead, mix one quart of honey with one quart of hawthorn berry vinegar and mix it up in your blender. This will make your Oxymel. It will be foamy and yummy.

Then just add a tablespoon to your favorite spritzer water for a delightful autumn drink. I also like to add it to ginger ale.

I hope you enjoy your hawthorn trees wherever you may be. Getting to know this wonderful tree has brought much joy into my life.

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to rest after a day of exploring the forest and harvesting hawthorn, Stardance Cabin offers the perfect retreat. Nestled in the woods, this romantic, solar-powered cabin features a private hot tub, cozy wood interior, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you’re sipping your homemade hawthorn oxymel under the stars or relaxing by the fire, Stardance Cabin is a serene haven for nature lovers and heart-healers alike.

Chicken Love: Name that Couple

Posted in Birdwatching, Uncategorized on 08/16/19

As many of you may know, Tom and I have become quite the chicken fans. Every spring we get baby chicks. We nurture them until they are old enough to move into the main coop with the older hens. This can involve crazy things we never thought we would do, like loading Tom up in the early evening with 8 young chickens and taking them to the coop.

This is because the older hens tend to pick on the new ones. They will peck their heads and bully them. But, if you wait until evening, chickens sort of “shut off.” They actually go into a dormant state. These creatures that can fly, run and twist making it impossible to touch them during the day, will allow you to pet them, pick them up and even carry them around like some kind of a chicken tree transport system.

I tell you this because I want you to fully understand how hard it is to get chickens to be nice to each other and come together as a flock. Once the social system is established, however, a flock of chickens will glide along as one grazing, pecking unit intent on finding the juiciest worms, or begging incessantly to be fed by their owners. But, there is a pecking order. There are societal rules. Only the alpha girls make it to the top roosting stick.

So as you may know from my previous blog post, we are down to one chicken. This created a bit of a dilemma. If I were to try to introduce some new hens, it could be disastrous. I kept envisioning my poor sweet survivor as a bloody headed, henpecked calamity.

In case you didn’t know, all of those chicken idioms are true. “Henpecked”, “pecking order”, “rule the roost”, “feather’s flying”, “the sky is falling”, “birds of a feather flock together”, all describe chicken anxiety. So, we just had to find another way.

Her loneliness and desire to find her flock was evident by her willingness to hang out with me and Tom on our porch at all hours of the day. This would have been fine, except for the poop. In case you didn’t know, chickens poop a lot. And it is nasty and hard to clean off of your porch. So, our being her flock was not a good solution.

And poor Dandy, our dog was very confused. We had trained her to keep the chickens off the porch for the reasons mentioned above. She found great joy in jumping up, scaring off the hens and making them fly off our porch. Now she was being denied this small joy and working hard on being calm when the chicken was around.

So I looked at “sweet chicken” as I was beginning to call her and said, “Ok darling, we are going to have to just pray up a mate for you.” And we sat down together and did just that. We put it out to God and all the chicken angels out there that she needed a mate.

Well, lo and behold, I went to my community exercise class the next week and there was a woman announcing that a rooster had taken up in her woods. She already had roosters so she could not take this one into her flock. She wanted to know if anyone would like to help her catch and relocate this rooster.

Well, of course, I said I would. How could I deny such fate?

So the next Sat. I got the phone call and off I went to capture this rooster. Now, you may not know this, but there are over 500 breeds of chickens. Imagine my surprise when he turned out to be of the same breed. Well, of course, he did.

I had no idea what was going to happen that evening after transporting him across the community in a cage. But, he was calm and content as I put him, cage and all in the coop. My “sweet chicken” who was on the top roost, slowly came down to check him out. She walked around the cage a couple of times and looked up to me as if to say, “well aren’t you going to let him out?” So, I opened the door and released him. He stepped out of his cage in a regal manner and calmly greeted her. Then he hopped up on the top perch, she hopped up and they went to sleep.

I awoke at dawn and went to the coop to let them out. I did not want any cooped up emotions causing the feathers to fly. My fears were unfounded as they emerged a sweet chicken couple. They strutted and strolled all around the farm, like a southern debutante and her new beau at a formal cotillion. They cawed and cooed all the while exploring all the morning tasty morsels. She showed him all of her favorite places and then brought him up to the porch to beg for breakfast.

They cooed and cawed in sweet, loving chicken language as she showed him all of her favorite hiding places, under the rhododendron bushes,( I am not sure what went on under there), in the forest behind the house, under the porch, around the compost bins where the juiciest worms reside and, of course, the chicken day palace, where Tom and I often leave treats for them.

When evening arrived, he crowed a few times and they went to the coop, hopped up on the top perch together and went to bed. This was pure chicken romance.

So here is where you come in. I need a sweet couple’s name. And, no, Romeo and Juliet are just too tragic. Let me know what comes to mind. Name this couple!

Murder of Crows Saves Chicken

Posted in Birdwatching, Uncategorized on 07/6/19

I witnessed a crow miracle today. The forest gifted us a miracle that saved my sweet little chicken’s life.

This year has been a difficult one for our chicken flock. We free range our hens, because we believe that freedom is a precious thing. We have also heard horror stories of caged hens being massacred by creatures tearing through fences and taking the whole flock at once.

So, sometimes the forest will take a hen or two to feed someone. This year, the fox came to visit. I think she was raising a den of pups. She would come and take a chicken about once a week until we were down to one poor lonely chicken. Since the disappearance of her flock, this chicken has become somewhat dear to us.

We have a little routine, she and I. Every morning she comes up to the porch to check in. Then she nestles into an old garden basket in my outdoor pantry and lays her egg. She cackles loudly to let me know she is done, then she jumps up on the porch railing to wait for me to feed her. It’s quite endearing.

So, as you can imagine, I find myself just praying for her safety and encourage her to stay close to the house. She is pretty “forest wise” and she flies up into the trees when threatened. Some of the other breeds don’t do this. It’s curious because they can fly. But, often when they are under attack, many chickens will not fly. They simply run. This makes them pretty easy prey in the chain of life up here. Anyway, this chicken is a Spangler. She is pretty savvy. And, I pray.

This warm summer morning, as I was watering the plants on my porch, I heard this incredible ruckus. The crows came flying from everywhere. They dove through the sky from the north, south, east and west. They were screaming their crow call and diving down in this one spot in our meadow. The grass and flowers were quite high so it was hard to understand the scene at first. The crows kept diving and cawing until the fox turned away from her path to the chicken coop and went running, tail between her legs back into the forest.

I ran around the house to check and there was my sweet chicken. I was so happy to see her. I gave thanks to the crows for saving her for one more day. It was a chicken miracle day at Dancing Sun Cabins. I am so grateful.

I do wonder if there are others who have witnessed forest miracles. I would love to hear about them. I find the forest to be a fascinating place to live in.

The Elk are Returning to Max Patch

Posted in Adventures, Birdwatching, Elk, Uncategorized on 06/20/19

Mornings on Max are nothing short of a miracle. This morning we shuttled some of our guests up for a hike down to the cabins. This is a wonderful 9-mile hike down from 4629 feet to about 2900 feet of elevation at the cabins.

Tom and I took the opportunity to walk over the “roof of our world” here in Spring Creek. Max Patch is the highest point in our area and it never disappoints us.

On this fine morning. we were witness to a brand new baby elk being born. When I captured her on camera, the distance and glare made it difficult to notice the baby. I was very curious as to why she was alone, grazing in an open field. The bulls are often alone, but most of the time the females are in herds.

We hope you enjoy this video which we entitled the Magic Morning on Max Patch.

For several years now, the National Park Service has been working to re-establish the elk in the Appalachian region. This beautiful doe probably wandered over from the Cataloochee area of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Or, perhaps she split off from the two herds that are pretty well established in the Harmon Den area just below Max Patch on the drive over to I-40.

Springtime at Our Western North Carolina Cabin: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Posted in Uncategorized on 05/25/19

Springtime at Our Western North Carolina Cabin: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Spring in Western North Carolina is truly magical—especially here at our secluded mountain rental cabins. Each morning begins with a peaceful forest symphony, as the melodic songs of phoebes, indigo buntings, finches, blue jays, mourning doves, and cardinals fill the crisp mountain air. Waking up to the sounds of nature is one of the most treasured experiences our guests enjoy during their stay.

Recently, we were lucky enough to witness a heartwarming moment just outside the cabin window. A pair of dedicated parent birds built a cozy nest under the eaves of our home—right by the bedroom. For weeks, we watched them work tirelessly, carefully preparing the perfect space to raise their young. The nest, delicately perched on the side of the house, somehow expands as the chicks grow, snugly accommodating the whole family.

Then, one morning, something incredible happens. The baby birds take flight. No announcement, no warning—just the quiet wonder of nature doing what it does best. It’s a breathtaking reminder of the life and renewal that spring brings to our mountain retreat. We share this story to entice you to our secluded mountain retreat for birdwatching – you won’t be disappointed!

Our cabin in the North Carolina mountains is surrounded by nature, and spring brings a burst of new life everywhere you look. From birdwatching at dawn to exploring wildflowers and forest trails, every visit offers a new discovery.

We’ve captured some of these special spring moments in photos and are excited to share them with you. Whether you’re a bird lover, a nature photographer, or just looking to unwind in a peaceful mountain setting, our Western North Carolina cabin rentals is the perfect getaway this season.

Come stay with us and experience the beauty of spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Book your escape today and reconnect with nature at its finest. Springtime at our Western North Carolina Cabin is a birdwatcher’s paradise! Check out the Blue Ridge Audubon’s web site for great info on other birdwatching sites as well!

Fresh from the nest

The colors of spring are stunning

Baby blue bird eggs

Monarch butterflies love our fields

We rehabilitated and released this sweet hummingbird

This sweet turtle was laying her eggs

We saw this bear cub from our car on the way to Max Patch

This is a baby dove that we helped find her mamma

Sweet reunion with her baby

This sweet little one was born in our community this year

Baby deer in the woods are a common site here

Frog eggs in our pond

Full Moon at Max Patch

Posted in Uncategorized on 07/24/18

Max Patch Moonlight Magic

Just imagine being on top of the world looking out over the mountains as the moon begins to rise. Long rays stretch across the horizon, moon rays as the golden hour of light dances across the hills with a beauty that cannot be captured on camera. The true magic of Max Patch on the evening before a full moon can only be experienced.

We invite you to come and experience this for yourself. We are only a short drive from the top. On July 26th, the moon will rise at 7:59 PM and the sun will set at 8:38 pm. This sets the stage for pure magic. The moonlight and sunlight cross paths on the top. It’s a phenomenal place to be.