Windfall

Windfall, high on the NC and VA border of the Blue Ridge Mountains, overlooks the 7 tallest peaks in Virginia as well as the taller peaks to the south, including Mt. Mitchell. The 360-degree views include Whitetop Mountain, Mount Rogers and the Grayson Highlands. The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, a 200,000-acre outdoor playground, is just north of the property. To the east you’ll find the New River, a National Wild and Scenic River offering spectacular paddling and fishing.

Two of the highlights of this region are the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Appalachian Trail. The Creeper Trail is a 34-mile rail trail stretching from Whitetop at 3,500′ to Abingdon at close to 2,000′. This “granddaddy of the national rail trails” is a perfect ride for families as well as the hardcore gravel rider. The Appalachian Trail intersects with the Creeper in Damascus, VA before continuing across Whitetop Mountain and Mount Rogers into the Grayson Highlands. This section of the AT is generally considered to be the most spectacular of the entire 2,200-mile trail.

Several hiking trails cross Windfall’s property, as well as a stream-fed pond and a 4,000-foot-high meadow. Boone Fork Creek flows across the farm before falling into Bighorse Creek, which offers some of the best trout fishing in the region.

The farm is a 15-minute drive up the mountain from the small but charming town of Lansing, NC, which features many small shops and eateries. West Jefferson is 15 minutes further south and is a popular and growing mountain-tourist town. Heading northwest into VA is Damascus, known as “Trail Town USA.” This area offers a variety of places to eat, drink, shop and explore.

This three-story cabin has two primary suites and a half bath adjacent to the kitchen and living space. Tucked into the trees about a half mile into the property, the cabin features a back deck with mountaintop views, multiple fireplaces and an outdoor hot tub.