Weekday promotions throughout August & September! (Monday - Thursday)
Discover Wild Bird Ridge...
The view is amazing…
We are located in beautiful western North Carolina in the small town of Mars Hill. Our property is situated at the end of the road and surrounded by a ridge that gives way to a dramatic view! Come for a visit to this ideal location…isolation with access like ours is hard to find. We are within reach of so much that WNC and East Tennessee has to offer. Enjoy all the Asheville area has to offer returning to your peaceful mountain getaway when the day is done...
Mars Hill University...
We are a just few miles from downtown Mars Hill and Mars Hill University. The perfect stay for families moving in new students or just visiting for events on campus.
Our Property...
We have a 30 acre secluded mountain property that is private and appears to be in the middle of nowhere. There are endless opportunities for exploration and fun in nearby Asheville, NC and the surrounding areas of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee...
Experience Wild Bird Ridge…
Songbird Cabin
Come see the magnificent view at Songbird Cabin. The space accommodates up to 4 guests. It boasts a romantic vibe for any special occasion. This one bedroom, one bathroom cabin has all the comforts of home. Enjoy the view from the front porch...watch the sunrise with complementary coffee provided. Come on over to relax, unwind, celebrate and explore...
Cozy Cardinal Cabin
The Cozy Cardinal is a family haven. This two bedroom, two bathroom cabin boasts plenty of space for everyone. The first level has ample dining inside and outside, a fully equipped kitchen, a full bathroom with double sinks, and a master with a king size bed. The second level offers family fun with a spacious living room/game room, a second bedroom and bathroom, and a laundry room. There is a game center packed with games for all ages. In addition, enjoy a Pac Man arcade machine and a Nintendo Wii.
Places to visit.....
Biltmore Estate
River Arts District
River Arts District
Biltmore Estate is a historic house museum and tourist attraction in Asheville, North Carolina, United States. The main residence, Biltmore House (or Biltmore Mansion), is a Châteauesque-style mansion built for George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895[2] and is the largest privately owned house in the United States.
River Arts District
River Arts District
River Arts District
Home to hundreds of working artists, the River Arts District is one of Asheville’s most dynamic creative hubs, where visitors can meet artists, see work in progress, and take home original art created right here in Western North Carolina.
WNC Farmers Market
WNC Farmers Market
WNC Farmers Market
Conveniently located near downtown Asheville, the big Western North Carolina Farmer's Market is on a 36-acre site with a beautiful panoramic view of the mountains. The market is open all year, and seven days a week. Find a big range of vendors with plenty of seasonal bounties.
Nature Center
WNC Farmers Market
WNC Farmers Market
The Western North Carolina Nature Center connects people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity.
Local Outdoor Opportunities...
French Broad River Rafting (NOC)
French Broad River Rafting (NOC)
French Broad River Rafting (NOC)
Experience one of the best whitewater rafting adventures near Asheville, NC on the scenic French Broad River. Flowing through the Pisgah National Forest, the French Broad offers warm water, stunning mountain views, exciting Class II–III rapids, and a rich natural history that makes it a favorite destination for families, first-time rafters, and outdoor enthusiasts. The French Broad River delivers the perfect mix of adventure and accessibility, making it an ideal outdoor activity for families, groups, and visitors of all experience levels.
Navitat Zipline Adventures
French Broad River Rafting (NOC)
French Broad River Rafting (NOC)
Navitat opened in Asheville, NC in 2010 with our original tree-based canopy tour, the Treetop Tour. In 2014, we added a second tour to our Asheville location, an unprecedented mountaintop zipline tour, the Mountaintop Tour.
Hatley Pointe
Hatley Pointe, nestled in the shadow of Big Bald Mountain, peaks at 4,700 feet and offers 54 acres of skiable terrain. With a 700-foot vertical drop, 21 trails—many of them lit for night skiing—we provide some of the most coveted & challenging terrain in the Southeast. Expert riders and thrill-seekers will find plenty to test their skills.
Sandy Bottom Trail Rides
We are located on a secluded ranch that has been in the family for four generations. Our picturesque trails pass through the high country, scenic mountain meadows and wooded areas of Madison County. Fresh mountain air, breath-taking scenery and an old fashioned down-home friendliness greet you when you visit family-owned Sandy Bottom Trail Rides. Our rides are perfect for people of all ages and horseback riding abilities. We have no age limit, a 250 lb weight limit, and are flexible to meet your needs. Horseback riding at Sandy Bottom Trail rides is relaxing and safe! We have horses in our stable to match every guest’s size and riding ability. All rides are accompanied by friendly, experienced trail guides.
Things to do outdoors...
Bailey Mountain Preserve
3.4 miles from Wild Bird Ridge: 5.1mile trail, 1476ft elevation gain, 3h estimated time loop... This loop has been rerouted onto new and better maintained trails and is rated moderate for the majority of the hike. Park in the lot at the Bailey Mountain Preserve Smith Farm access at 889 Forest St, Mars Hill NC. There are several large barns out there that don't seem to be off limits to visitors. There is information on the property history as well...
Craggy Gardens
Twisted, jagged, rocky “crags” give Craggy Gardens its name, but these high elevation summits are home to the most spectacular floral display along the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway corridor. For generations, visitors have headed for the Craggies in June, typically the prime time for viewing the pink and purple blooms of Catawba rhododendrons that blanket the area.
The Craggy Gardens Visitor Center is located at Milepost 364.4, with the spur to Craggy Gardens trails and picnic area at 367.6.
Rattlesnake Lodge
Rattlesnake Lodge
Rattlesnake Lodge
A hike to Rattlesnake Lodge is a fascinating trip back in time. The pleasant wooded hike just north of Asheville brings you to the remains of the summer retreat of Dr. Chase Ambler. The Ambler family enjoyed the lodge and surrounding property in the early 1900’s and gave it a most unusual name. Rattlesnake Lodge can be the perfect hike when you're in the Asheville area. It’s great if you’re looking for a shorter hike or if your time is limited. It is also a less traveled trail than many others in the area, so give it a try if you crave a less crowded, quieter experience.
Big Laurel Trail
Rattlesnake Lodge
Rattlesnake Lodge
There’s something about the Laurel River Trail that feels hidden and undiscovered, even if you’re sharing this former rail-bed trail with others. Take a picnic, bring your dog and wear your swimsuit if it’s summer. There are many places to sit out on the rocks and soak in the sun. This is a family-friendly hike that even small children can handle. Combine it with a visit to Hot Springs just 10 minutes farther away for a full-day outing.
Dining in the area...
Stoney Knob Cafe
Step inside, and reality shifts. Walls adorned with eccentric art and treasures from around the world whisper tales of distant lands, while the aroma of sizzling spices and slow-roasted delicacies beckons you deeper into the magic. Every plate is a love letter to the Mediterranean, kissed with a touch of American soul, and every glass of wine—curated for kings and poets alike—turns an ordinary evening into a celebration.
High Ridge Smokehouse
This location is the dedicated food-centric sister of the original High Ridge Adventures Outfitting & BBQ in nearby Marshall, NC. It brings their signature slow-smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, pulled pork, and legendary corn pudding to a trendy downtown setting. Don't leave without trying dessert! Located in downtown Mars Hill...
Blue Mountain Pizza
Blue Mountain Pizza
Blue Mountain Pizza
Blue Mountain, a family friendly, neighborhood place to sit, relax, have some great food (not just pizza...), a cold beer, listen to wonderful music or just sit out on our front porch and enjoy the day. Great atmosphere and great food! Nice selection of local craft beer... Located in nearby Weaverville, NC.
Taco Fiesta
Blue Mountain Pizza
Blue Mountain Pizza
If you’re looking for delicious Mexican food in the small town of Mars Hill, North Carolina, then look no further than Taco Fiesta. This quaint little restaurant is located on Carl Eller Road and serves up some of the best tacos, burritos, and enchiladas in the area.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted with a warm and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is decorated with bright colors and festive decor, giving it a fun and lively vibe. The staff is always welcoming and eager to help you find the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings.
Fun for the kids...
Lake Louise Park
Zip N Slide Snow Tubing Park
Zip N Slide Snow Tubing Park
The park features Lake Louise itself, playground facilities, outdoor exercise equipment, picnic shelters, a 0.61 mile walking track, grills, a historic waterwheel, fishing opportunities,.
Zip N Slide Snow Tubing Park
Zip N Slide Snow Tubing Park
Zip N Slide Snow Tubing Park
Go snow tubing at Zip N Slip! We offer great runs, a magic carpet to get you to the top, and a solarium with a fireplace for viewing. (ages 3+)
Cradle of Forestry
Zip N Slide Snow Tubing Park
Big Air Trampoline Park
Explore the beautiful grounds, top-notch exhibits, and historic buildings of the first forestry school in America. The 1.3-mile Forest Festival Trail explores Dr. Schenck's forestry experiments, a portable sawmill, and a logging locomotive that you can climb aboard. Extend the loop with the 1.3-mile Forest Discovery Trail for a total of 2.2 miles.
Big Air Trampoline Park
Zip N Slide Snow Tubing Park
Big Air Trampoline Park
Big Air offers high-flying fun for the whole family where you can literally bounce off the walls! We have trampoline courts, slam dunk courts, ninja-warrior courses, launch pads, freestyle courts, orbit & more!
Other opportunities within reach...
Downtown Asheville
Asheville is so close! Here, art can be admired from sidewalk cafes and renowned museums. Music comes alive on street corners and in iconic venues. And mountain vibes always set the pace of life. Brimming with eclectic indie shops, thriving art galleries, beloved breweries, and award-winning restaurants, Asheville’s vibrant downtown is at once iconic and ever-evolving. Here’s your guide to experiencing it to the fullest.
Nearby towns worth a visit...
- Marshall: Located about 15 minutes south of Mars Hill (11 miles via US-25/US-70), this riverside seat of Madison County features a laid-back historic downtown hugging the French Broad River, local art galleries, and riverfront dining.
- Weaverville: Situated roughly 15 minutes south of Mars Hill (9 miles down I-26), this vibrant town offers Main Street boutique shopping, local craft breweries, and historic small-town charm.
- Hot Springs: Located about 30 minutes northwest of Mars Hill (22 miles via US-25/US-70), this famous Appalachian Trail mountain town is known for its natural thermal mineral baths and outdoor adventure outfitting.
- Burnsville: Found about 20 minutes from Wild Bird Ridge, this rural mountain hub sits near Mount Mitchell and hosts a thriving town square of local artisans and crafts.
Steppin Out Asheville @ Banks Ave.
Steppin Out AVL for a fun night out! Want to line dance! Banks Ave Bar in downtown Asheville offers an evening of line dancing every Thursday from 6:00 - 9:00, and most Sunday afternoons from 4:00 - 7:00. You'll have the opportunity to learn two line dances every evening. This will always be an inclusive, friendly, diverse crowd....and no experience, partner or boots are expected. Come as you are and enjoy this exciting atmosphere.