Tucked away high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, High Hampton Inn belongs on a postcard. The inn stands watch over the seemingly endless mass of pine, maple and fir trees that have made the area home. As you make your way through the sea of trees, the landscape opens to reveal Hampton Lake and High Hampton Inn resting on its shore. At an elevation of 3,600 feet, High Hampton Inn lives up to its name and gives you the opportunity to experience the abundance of natural beauty only provided by this mountain region. Draped over 1,400 acres of vibrant, lush and relaxing vistas, High Hampton Inn aims to leave you with lasting memories and a will to return.
During any season this inn will impress and rejuvenate you with its proximity to nature and abundant wildlife but the best time to enjoy the foliage and landscapes is during the fall. As the leaves being to turn the forest gains a new level of depth and it gives you the feeling that you've wandered into fall wonderland. The changing colors accent the streams, lakes and mountains giving them a glow that can only be seen during the fall. Clifford Meads, General Manager of the inn, had this to say about the season, “Fall is one of my favorite times of year at High Hampton Inn, the beautiful crisp air and striking fall colors beckon for people to get outside and enjoy nature.”
The best way to enjoy the fall colors and climate is to hike the miles of sculpted trails that wind around and thru the Cashiers Valley. The meandering trails are cut into the lush forest and lined with beautiful wildflowers and native plants. There are multiple perspectives of the environment offered through different trails that are separated by the skill level of the hiker. Rock Mountain and Chimney Top Trails are difficult but they provide you with stunning views of the area from the unique perspective of being on a mountaintop. If you're looking for a low key hike then you can take a stroll around Hampton Lake.
Whether you want to blaze the trails on your own or join a knowledgeable guide from the resort, hiking is the perfect way to enjoy the richness of fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains. When asked about the trails Clifford Meads said, “We have created multiple hikes so all of our guests can explore the mountains no matter their experience level.”
The High Hampton Inn is a perfect place to take the entire family for a nature getaway. Many of the trails are stroller and kid friendly. Your family can enjoy the clear waters of Hampton Lake on the clean sandy shore. There is a diving platform in the lake and a series of boats for you to take on the lake to explore. When your family is done at the lake consider taking them to the playground or enjoy lawn games on the carefully landscaped grounds of the Inn. The inn offers a kids club, Youth at High Hampton and a teen room. These programs are a great way to keep kids entertained.
When it's time for a good workout High Hampton Inn offers its challenging fitness trail (exclusive to the inn). The trail is designed to be a cardiovascular and toning workout for any person regardless of fitness level.
The trail stretches from Hampton Lake all the way to the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are 10 stations strategically placed along the trail that give you a different physical challenge for each section of the trail.
After a long day of hiking and playing, your family will be in need of relaxation. The High Hampton Inn is the perfect place to sit back and rejuvenate. Take the chill out of the fall evening to enjoy games and stories in front of the lobbies beautiful four-sided fireplace. Let your stress and worry melt away at the High Hampton Spa and Health Club, or take let it all out with an invigorating round of tennis at one of their courts. Their 18-hole scenic golf course is also a wonderful way to unwind. Course designer George W. Cobb said, "I have yet to see a course - designed by me or by others - with greater natural beauty or one more enjoyable to play," guaranteeing that your time out on the green is sure to be special. And to top it all off, the onsite Rock Mountain Tavern is the perfect place to meet other guests and enjoy drinks. There is live music offered at the tavern as well as games, movies and other fun activities to partake in.
The High Hampton Inn is the perfect place to enjoy one of the best fall landscapes anywhere in North America. General Manager Cliff Meads explains the purpose of the resort as, “The goal is to create a fall getaway where families, groups and couples alike can walk away astonished by the beauty of the fall mountains and refreshed from our relaxing stress-free accommodations.”
