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500 acres
2 sites
2 Lodging
Activities
Hiking
Wildlife watching
Fall Fun
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Forest
River, stream, or creek
Mountainous
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Location
Hot Springs, North Carolina, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Lisa A.Joined in April 2018
99%
202 ratings · 148 reviews
Lauren D.recommends
October 24, 2022
Cabin 1
Amazing views!
The cabin was so wonderful! The view is breathtaking and the fire pit area was so much fun to hang out at. Our hosts provided everything we needed and made us a great breakfast in the morning, and the cats were so friendly and cute! Spending a weekend here was an amazing experience. It's hard to beat the fresh mountain air, the lack of road noises, and the fall colors all around us.
We stayed at cabin 1 with the hosts, and the only major drawback was that they both smoked inside all day, right under the loft we slept in, making us not want to hang out in the cabin. If cigarette smoke bothers you I'd definitely make sure to book cabin 2. I would have liked if the asked us if we were ok with it.
Katherine F.recommends
October 17, 2022
Cabin 2
Incredible experience all around!!
What an amazing experience! The views, the wonderful hosts, the breakfast, the magical feeling when the lodge appears out of nowhere, the wildlife, I could go on all day!! We will 100% be back in the Spring to experience this beautiful oasis in a different season. We hiked up with our 6mo old and while it was steep, it’s totally doable with the right gear. We loved watching a family of deer from the cabin window in the morning.
Walcher M.recommends
October 11, 2022
Cabin 2
The big bald at Sandy Mush is over 5000 feet and the views stretch to infinity. The cabin is nestled in some trees with quiet all around.
Walcher M.recommends
October 11, 2022
Cabin 2
Doug and Lucy were excellent hosts and went out of their way to make us comfortable and show us around. The cabin was comfortable and warm. The views amazing.
Robert W.recommends
October 9, 2022
Cabin 2
My wife and I loved our time at the cabin! We booked site 2 an spent our time hanging on the big bald, relaxing by the wood burning pipe-stove, and eating meals with the hosts. Go for the dinner option! We had a lovely dinner and breakfast. The views are incredible. Note: the hike up is fairly strenuous but well worth it. We didn't bring any food with us, just clothes and books so the hike wasn't too bad but you wouldn't want to hike up with a cooler or a ton of food items. Highly recommend this cabin to anyone looking for a remote, peaceful, rustic escape with beautiful view.s
Sheila P.recommends
October 4, 2022
Cabin 2
We absolutely loved our stay. Lucy and Doug were kind and generous hosts - great food, great company, and plenty of space for us to have peace and quiet on the mountain
Susan B.recommends
September 25, 2022
Cabin 1
Food for the body and soul
Everything was more perfect than I expected. Doug and Lucy were so hospitable, and the two young male cats, Rupert and Hamish, were the sweetest and friendliest cats I've ever met. Rupert, the gray one, slept with my son all night. The cabin was rustic but cozy and welcoming, and the food was great! We went for the dinner option and I highly recommend everyone does because the home cooked food is so yummy 😋. Views from our cabin (#1) were expansive and beautiful, and you can even watch the sun rise from upstairs.
As for the hike, it was pretty much as I expected -- a relentless steep slog for 2 miles to the cabin on a rocky logging road in a beautiful forest. The cabins seem to suddenly appear out of nowhere, just as you enter a large open field with plenty of wildflowers. However, about halfway to the cabin, Doug appeared on his golf cart(?) & offered to take our backpacks up to the cabins! That did make the climb easier. No need to worry about having to scramble over rocks or navigate boulders; it is all walking, but it's definitely steep and watch your step on loose rocks and roots. A couple of switchbacks in the second mile made the going a bit easier.
After we dropped our things at the cabin, talked to our hosts and the guests in cabin 2 for a while and ate our delicious dinner we headed up to the summit of the bald, about a half mile up - when I say up I mean UP! But TOTALLY worth it - the views are beyond compare. Do bring a jacket! It was cold and windy!
Jessica T.recommends
September 21, 2022
Cabin 1
Cozy off grid experience
The hike up was a little bit of an ordeal for two moderate-level hikers. You’re going to want to be prepared for that. However, once we reached the top we had a fantastic time in the cabin. Douglas and Lucy were fabulous hosts, we were cozy in the loft at night and loved watching sunrise from the porch.
Brent D.recommends
September 19, 2022
Cabin 1
Mountain camping
If you love breathtaking views and long hikes I highly recommend going to this place. The views are absolutely breathtaking and our hosts were incredibly nice. I would do this again and again. The hike up wasn’t too bad. It’s definitely way up there though. We’ll worth the hike.
Britany K.recommends
September 9, 2022
Cabin 2
Lucy and Douglas were amazing hosts. We had an incredible time and the area was so beautiful. The mountain view was certainly breath taking from cabin 1, plus cabin 2 has about .5 mile hike to the great bald. Definitely a place to just unplug and relax. Will be booking again soon. We were in cabin 2 and enjoyed every second of it. The hike is challenging at 2.5 miles steady steep incline, but so worth it. Love the history behind the cabins and the area. We have so many kind words to say. One of the highlights was the great bald at sunset. As well as the amazing breakfast and company of our hosts Lucy and Doug, while still staying secluded. Thank you so much for such a beautiful time. A++++
Britany K.recommends
August 28, 2022
Mountain Top Cabins
Lucy and Douglas were amazing hosts. We had an incredible time and the area was so beautiful. The mountain view was certainly breath taking from cabin 1, plus cabin 2 has about .5 mile hike to the great bald. Definitely a place to just unplug and relax. Will be booking again soon. We were in cabin 2 and enjoyed every second of it. The hike is challenging at 2.5 miles steady steep incline, but so worth it. Love the history behind the cabins and the area. We have so many kind words to say. One of the highlights was the great bald at sunset. As well as the amazing breakfast and company of our hosts Lucy and Doug, while still staying secluded. Thank you so much for such a beautiful time. A++++
Christine O.recommends
August 22, 2022
Cabin 2
The hosts were very welcoming and hospitable! They made sure we had what we needed and more. Great conversation with them and let us hang out on their porch since we stayed in the other cabin. The views were great and breakfast was delicious. They made sure we got back down safely as well.
Ruben G.recommends
August 21, 2022
Cabin 1
Great hike, views and awesome hosts
Fun, strenuous hike. Loved the cabin, the view and how peaceful it is. The hosts, Lucy and Doug, are wonderful! Can’t say enough good things about them. We will be back in October for sure.
Bethany D.recommends
August 18, 2022
Cabin 2
The view is amazing! The hosts are lovely and generous folks. We enjoyed the absolute silence and the strenuous hike up.
A few details to note (that we missed on the Hipcamp description), 1). the second cabin, where we stayed, is nestled in the woods and doesn't have a view during the summer season. Taking down a few trees would certainly help with that. 2.) There is no electricity on site so be sure to charge your phone before you go. There is a propane stove for cooking, however, plenty of candles, and a battery operated lantern. 3). The bathroom is accessed from the porch outside the cabin, and while it has a flush toilet and sink (yay!) there is no hot water and no shower/bathtub. If you really need one, the hosts in the main cabin are happy to share. Otherwise, expect to do the do the old fashioned spongebath method. We were looking for a more private stay, so we went with the latter.
Overall, we would love to go again!!! The bald is out of this world.
Kasey F.
August 15, 2022
Cabin 1
This is such a beautiful spot! The hike was definitely strenuous with a pack, but felt so rewarding coming out onto the bald at the top. The hosts, Doug and Lucy, are extremely kind and friendly. I do wish I’d known before booking that the hosts smoked. As someone extremely sensitive to cigarette smoke, it was difficult for me to relax at the cabin. If cigarette smoke doesn’t bother you, I wholeheartedly recommend this spot!!
Patricia W.recommends
August 14, 2022
Cabin 2
No electricity & reception, nature!
Partner and I stayed in Cabin #2.
We will totally stay again.
The hike to the cabin was 1hr without stopping. Steep, but still considered a moderate hike for experienced hikers.
Lucy and Doug were amazing!
Chenoa A.recommends
August 8, 2022
Cabin 1
This was a great little get-away! Douglas goes all-out for breakfast, the hosts are super welcoming, and the kittens are very sweet. Beautiful views from the top of the mountain, which is a very difficulty hike but short (about half a mile if you go straight up from cabin 2). I spent a whole day reading in sun and picking blueberries on the big bald :) The hike in is moderate / challenging, but hey - that's why it's so affordable!
Definitely bring a power bank (if you need to recharge a phone or head lamp) and an extra light! I carried a blanket up but they had some there, so next time I would probably skip the blanket.
Steven R.recommends
July 13, 2022
Cabin 1
The Appalachian Adventure Company
We walked up the mountain as strangers and left two days later as family!
We recently hosted an endeavor known as Content Creators Camp at the Cabins through The Appalachian Adventure Company and could not have picked a better location! The beauty of the "Big Bald" and rustic cabins were the perfect backdrop to host such an event and the warmth and hospitality of our hosts Doug, Lucy and Lisa combined to make it a truly magical experience.
All of our guests fell fully in love with The Cabins at Sandy Mush Bald and plan to return with their own friends and family. We look forward to visiting many, many more times and hosting future events on top of the mountain!
Pandora R.recommends
June 21, 2022
Cabin 1
A restorative retreat
A beautiful sanctuary for walking, exploring the natural world, learning to relax. The location is remote, so the night sky appears brighter, birdsongs sound more exuberant, and wildlife sightings are more frequent. And just when you think it can’t get any better, a kind host prepares your breakfast!
Jason S.recommends
June 13, 2022
Cabin 2
Hike to the top of a mountain!
Doug and Lucy are amazing hosts. We enjoyed sitting on the porch of the main cabin with them and chatting while watching the sun rise and set. Having the second cabin to ourselves was a great place to relax and unwind. Although we only live 30 minutes to the south, there is something special about sitting on top of a mountain in Western NC. With our packs loaded for the weekend, we made our way slowly from the road up to the cabins. My advice to anyone thinking of coming to the cabin is that the hike is strenuous (especially with a pack), but totally worth it. Give yourself plenty of time to make the 2 mile hike, which has an elevation change from 3,140 to 4,690ft. The first half of the hike up is the steepest and it levels out in the second mile. It took us an hour and 10 minutes to get to the top, and we are not avid hikers. We will definitely be back.
Ariel S.recommends
May 31, 2022
Cabin 1
The entire experience was honestly my favorite so far in my travels. First, let me start out by saying that there is nothing moderate about the hike up to the cabin...it's literally straight up, rocky, wet, but definitely worth it and would do it again 100%. Pack light and wear waterproof/resistant boots. The cabin itself feels like home, with the porch swing, the family style table, the wood stove, and the warm and inviting hosts Lucy and Doug. The view from the porch of the main cabin is breathtaking, as well as the view from on top of the bald itself. Watch a sunset from up there and you'll be a changed person. Lucy and Doug are amazingly genuine people, and you can't help but fall in love with them and their warmth and hospitality. 100/10 will come back!
Jessika B.recommends
May 30, 2022
Cabin 2
My partner and I really enjoyed the trip! Lucy and Doug were a joy, and I can’t overstate how gorgeous the place is. I will caution that the hike up is harder than we imagined it would be. There’s NOTHING moderate about it — it’s just really hard (and we’re both pretty fit and outdoorsy). Wouldn’t stop us from coming again, but something to consider.
Jay H.recommends
May 24, 2022
Cabin 1
Our hiking group had a wonderful time at the Cabins at Sandy Mush Bald. The balds are amazing; the cabins cool; the views divine. Lucy and Doug were gracious hosts and available to help as needed. We will be back.
Highly recommended!
Malgorzata D.recommends
May 16, 2022
Cabin 2
What an amazing place. Gorgeous views and great host. Highly recommend and will be back for sure
Henry L.recommends
May 9, 2022
Cabin 2
Great stay at the mountain top.
We loved staying here. This is our second time and both sets of hosts have been incredible. Douglas and Lucy were very nice and accommodating. We will definitely be coming back. We stayed in the smaller cabin and it was a great place to rest and recharge.
Matt G.recommends
October 5, 2021
Cabin 2
Rustic and Charming - Great Hosts!
2nd time to this gem of a spot. The hosts, Riley and Sunny were superb company. Great views, clean air, and cabin kitties always make things better. Highly recommend to those who enjoy a challenging hike to reach a worthy prize. Also an excellent spot for astrophotography/landscape photography.
Maria F.recommends
September 27, 2021
Cabin 2
First time using Hip Camp and it was such a wonderful stay! Lisa was very responsive and the hosts, Sunny and Riley were lovely. The hike up to the cabins is challenging but so worth it. Beautiful view and so peaceful. I will definitely be back :)
Leah T.recommends
September 23, 2021
Cabin 1
Perfect Anniversary Trip
We had the most magical, lovely, perfect anniversary trip to this incredibly special place. We were thoroughly enchanted by our little secluded upper cabin, and enjoyed two very delicious meals at the main cabin, with truly breathtaking views. This is such a special place, and the hosts were so considerate and thoughtful. We can’t wait to come back!
Michael W.recommends
September 21, 2021
Cabin 1
Incredible Stay!
I had an incredible stay at the Mountain Top Cabins! Riley and Sonny were great hosts - they were great communicators throughout the process, and I enjoyed our conversations and meals during the trip.
Will definitely be trying to come back to the Mountain Top Cabins if I am back in the Asheville area!
Jackie R.recommends
September 14, 2021
Cabin 2
Worth it!!
We loved staying at the mountain Top cabins! The hike up there is definitely challenging, so make sure you wear hiking boots! I would also recommend using a backpacking backpack (or day back would work) because I would imagine the hike would be 100x harder with bags! We stayed in site 2 which was very rustic and cozy. It definitely doesn't have the same view, but it wasn't really a big deal as we got to enjoy the view from the main cabin! I would HIGHLY recommend staying here, it's an amazing off-the-grid experience.
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