Big Dog Cabins

01/29/2026

🐻 Soda‑can small 🥤

Right now, in the Smokies, black bear moms are beginning to welcome cubs that weigh only 8–12 ounces—about the size of a soda can! These tiny, hairless, cubs stay tucked in the den until April, when they waddle out weighing about—wait for it—5 pounds! (Still smaller than your house cat 🐈).

Most litters in the Smokies have two cubs, but anywhere from 1–5 is possible. Cubs stick with mom for about 18 months, so you might spot last year’s “teenagers” tagging along with their mom too.

Remember:
It’s illegal to approach a bear within 50 yards (150 feet) or disturb them in the park. Give them space—never feed, crowd, or interfere with their natural behavior.

Learn more about black bears: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/black-bears.htm



NPS Photo: Ranger Ryan checks a cub’s teeth during a den visit. This visit was part of an ongoing research project. The mother bear was tranquilized so biologists could inspect her tracking collar and download data. While she was sedated, the cubs were weighed, sexed, microchipped, and kept warm in rangers’ coats until the mother was returned to the den.

01/22/2026

09/30/2025

We have a young bear visiting our cabin!

09/25/2025

07/03/2025

Saddle up for a mountain experience like no other.

Our guided horseback trail rides offer a peaceful, scenic way to explore the natural beauty of Springmaid Mountain. Wind through wooded paths, cross over babbling streams, and take in stunning views—all from the back of a gentle, well-trained horse.

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned rider, it's the perfect way to slow down and connect with the land, one hoofbeat at a time.

04/04/2025

To our Carolina neighbors - we invite you to reconnect with the mountains at Springmaid Mountain Retreat. Whether you’re seeking riverside tranquility or a home base to explore, North and South Carolina residents can enjoy a 20% discount on a stay in the High Country this spring.

Learn more at https://www.springmaidmountain.com/accommodations/specials/

12/02/2024

10/30/2024

On Wednesday morning, October 30, 2024, the National Park Service restored access to nearly 55 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway from:

Milepost 411.8 to 421, from US 276 to Black Balsam, including:
Graveyard Fields overlook and trailheads at milepost 418.8.
All trails & trails crossings in this corridor (use extreme caution).

Milepost 423.2 to 469, from NC 215 to US 441 in Cherokee, NC, near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance, including:
All trails & trails crossings in this corridor (use extreme caution).
Heintooga Spur Road to the Masonic marker.
Waterrock K**b Visitor Center and Park Store at milepost 451.2, which will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. until November 11, 2024.

The section from milepost 421 to 423.2, between the two open sections and including Devil’s Courthouse, remains closed for all uses due to a significant landslide that impacted the roadway during Hurricane Helene. All along the Parkway, areas are closed as crews continue work to clear widespread debris, remove hazard trees, and install hardened closures around road sections that will require lengthy reconstruction. The NPS expects the Devil's Courthouse closure to be in place for an extended period as plans for permanent reconstruction are developed and implemented.

"The Parkway is an important travel corridor for our surrounding communities and a treasured recreation destination,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “Opening these additional miles of the Parkway in North Carolina is an important step forward, but much work remains. We ask that visitors stay out of the Devil’s Courthouse area and all other closed sections, even on foot, for their own safety. Any public use behind closed gates, including hiking and biking, puts workers and visitors at risk.”

Due to the severity of the storm, conditions on park roads and trails are still evolving, and are expected to continue to change over the next weeks and months. Visitors should anticipate changing conditions and share their travel plans with others in advance. The NPS has not yet completed trail assessments and caution is encouraged for trail users who may experience hazards resulting from landslides, downed or leaning trees, wash-outs, and other damage. Exercise caution while visiting open areas, including trails. Current known conditions and updates about the Parkway are online at www.nps.gov/blri and the park’s social media platforms.

10/24/2024

UPDATE 🚨 The Blue Ridge Parkway is now open from milepost 285.5, at Bamboo Gap, to milepost 305, near Beacon Heights, in the Blowing Rock, North Carolina area.
Park visitors are also urged to use extra caution when visiting the Parkway areas that are open. Visitors should anticipate closed facilities and trails in this approximately 20-mile section of the park and follow directions on local signage regarding facility or trail closures. Commercial vehicles are prohibited.

This is the first section of roadway to open in North Carolina since Hurricane Helene.
Opening this section of the park provides improved transportation links while communities address ongoing storm recovery on other local routes.

Visitors should be aware that trail assessments have not been completed and caution should be exercised when hiking. Visitors may encounter hazards on trails such as landslides, tree debris, and washed-out sections or bridges. For safety reasons, the park asks that people continue to be patient and respect remaining closures.

To read the full statement from the Blue Ridge Parkway, head to the link in our bio ⬆️
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10/12/2024

10/11/2024

Western NC is not completely closed for business or leaf season. There are specific areas that are not open for visitors, but many areas are, including Boone, Blowing Rock, Sparta, West Jefferson, and almost all of the Smokies and Southwest NC. You may have limited options and ways to get there, but you can still go, and they actually need the tourism money. Please check NCdot.gov daily for road updates and https://highcountryhost.com/High-Country-NC-hurricane-helene-tourism-openings-closures for more information.