rattlesnake lodge

Hiking the mountains of Western North Carolina

Visit the site of a summer home from the turn of the 20th century. Rattlesnake Lodge was a rejuvenating retreat for the Ambler family from 1904 until 1926 when it was burned. Today you can still find the stone remains of the foundation, as well as remnants of other artifacts, such as a water-powered electricity generator.

Length: 3.2 total miles
Elevation Gain: 650 feet
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Skill Level: Moderate to strenuous
Duration: 2 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 3,150 feet
Top Elevation: 3,800 feet

Directions from Asheville

- From College St., take Tunnel Rd north

- From Tunnel Rd. , turn left onto Town Mountain Rd. (NC 694) 

- Follow until the road ends and turn left onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. (This area is Craven Gap where President Obama hiked during his visit to Asheville)

- After 1.7 miles turn left onto Ox Creek Rd. (Look for the sign that says Weaverville)

- Bear to the right to stay on Ox Creek Rd.

- The parking area is at Bull Gap on Ox Creek Rd., about one mile from the Parkway. (If this parking area is full there is a second area just down the road on the right.