Situated just a few minutes from the crossroads of Cashiers, Lonesome Valley offers a rare combination of in town convenience and serene solitude. The community is defined by its open spaces, nature-based amenities and family focus. Amenities include extensive hiking trails; ponds and streams stocked for fly fishing; a recreational lake and boathouse complete with canoes, kayaks and paddle-boards; playground with zip line; disc golf course; the Fitness Barn and pool; Canyon Spa and Canyon Kitchen.
In keeping with our commitment to physical health and general well-being, we are pleased to provide the Fitness Barn and Pool. Designed as a “tractor barn” to blend with our historic farm aesthetic, the Fitness Barn offers an open floor plan with large exposed beams and clear-story windows providing plenty of natural light. Perimeter doors can be opened to allow in the fresh mountain air. State-of-the-art equipment is complemented by a variety of group classes (indoor and outdoor) along with available personal training. Steam showers and saunas are available in both the ladies’ and men’s locker rooms. The pool is heated with covered and uncovered deck space for relaxing or enjoying culinary delights and snacks from our food truck.
True to our other recreational infrastructure and facilities, the Tennis Center is simple yet well appointed, with a pavilion offering restrooms, refreshments and comfortable sitting areas. The courts are carefully positioned, allowing them to blend naturally within their setting, tucked away on East Valley Drive.
Lonesome Valley enjoys a rich tradition of trout that make their home in the clear, cold, waters of western North Carolina. Established as the earliest commercial trout farm in this area, Lonesome Valley’s Trout Farm originated in 1948. Today, rainbow trout rise to the flies presented by anglers of all abilities at the Trout Pond and along Logan Creek for in-stream fishing. The Trout Pond is designated for ‘fly-fishing only’ and catch and release, ensuring a strong, healthy trout population for years to come.
In addition to our onsite fly fishing there are over 500 miles of fishable trout streams within an hour of Cashiers, the largest concentration of trout waters in the world. Check out the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail, which features some of the best fly fishing spots in the country — all here in Jackson County. And if you’re interested in fly fishing instruction or guided day trips, Brookings’ Anglers is a great place to start.
Lonesome Valley offers a carefully designed network of well-maintained pathways connecting every corner of the box canyon with an abundance of uniquely beautiful destinations along the way. Meadows, streams, waterfalls, magnificent granite faces and quiet forests provide the natural setting for these spectacularly scenic byways. Trail maps are available at the Farmhouse. A connecting trail also links Lonesome Valley to neighboring Panthertown Valley, boasting more than 6,000 acres of Nantahala National Forest to hike, bike, fish and enjoy.
In addition to fly fishing at Trout Pond, residents enjoy boating, swimming and fishing at Long Lake. The five acre lake is fed by two natural springs that provide the perfect waters for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding with all equipment available at the Boat House. Long Lake is also stocked with Bream and Largemouth Bass for recreational fishing.
Lonesome Valley is framed by two majestic granite mountain walls: Cow Rock and Laurel Knob. Both are notable for their stunning grandeur, and both enjoy national recognition as a rock climber’s paradise. While many will be forever satisfied with more distant views of these massive faces, an ambitious few will enjoy the technical and physical challenge of climbing along a variety of well secured pitches. And for those interested in learning to climb, several beginner routes are available with professional guides ready to lead the way. Nearby Fox Mountain Guides is the only AMGA Accredited Climbing School and Guide Service in the Southeast and offers instruction and guided rock climbing trips.
Health and wellness are foundational to our community. Walking, jogging, hiking, paddling and swimming are just a few of a long list of available activities. Any of these can be enhanced with a personalized treatment at Canyon Spa and healthy dining options at Canyon Kitchen. Every day at Lonesome Valley offers opportunities to refresh and reenergize body, mind and soul.
Through our Garden Committee, residents are invited to plant, prune, pick and cross-pollinate in several of our gardens and orchards. Vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs are harvested throughout the seasons for Canyon Kitchen’s innovative Southern Appalachian creations. Residents are also encouraged to stop by the hen house to collect fresh eggs from the Ladies of Lonesome Valley.
At the core of our community are the shared opportunities to gather together. We break bread together at Friday Friends Receptions and events at the Farmhouse throughout the season. We commemorate numerous holiday weekends at Canyon Kitchen with great food, lots of fun and awe-inspiring fireworks. We celebrate the special events of family reunions, rehearsal dinners, weddings, birthdays and any other excuses for festive parties. Above all, we enjoy each other and the chance to share life together in the Valley.
Pool
Our heated pool is the perfect place to relax with the mountains as your backdrop. There’s plenty of deck space – both covered and uncovered – and tasty bites from our onsite food truck.
Fitness
Enjoy group fitness classes (or personal training) at the Fitness Barn. Here you’ll find state-of-the-art equipment and men and ladies’ saunas.
Tennis
Perfect your serve at one of two courts at the Tennis Center. Spectators can also enjoy matches among family and friends at the pavilion.
Fly Fishing
The Trout Pond is designated for ‘fly-fishing only’ and catch and release, ensuring a strong, healthy trout population for years to come.
Hiking
Lonesome Valley offers a carefully designed network of well-maintained pathways connecting every corner of the box canyon with an abundance of uniquely beautiful destinations along the way. Trail maps are available at the Farmhouse.
Lake
Long Lake provides residents with great boating, swimming, and fishing. At the Boat House, you’ll find equipment for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.
Rock Climbing
Lonesome Valley is framed by two majestic granite mountain walls: Cow Rock and Laurel Knob. With a guide by your side, enjoy the technical and physical challenge of climbing along a variety of well secured pitches.
Wellness
Health and wellness are a foundational in the community with hiking, paddling and swimming as just a few of a long list of available activities. Relax and rejuvinate at Canyon Spa with a personalized treatment.
Gardens
Through our Garden Committee, residents are invited to plant, prune, pick and cross-pollinate in several of our gardens and orchards.
Social
At the core of our community are the shared opportunities to gather. We celebrate the special events of family reunions, rehearsal dinners, weddings, birthdays, and any other excuses for festive parties.
