Activities

Nestled in the woods by the pond, our shady badminton court is a peaceful spot for a quick game or an epic tournament amongst friends.

Sit under the stars with s’mores and a cocktail around the firepit.

Our croquet field is just steps down the hill from Chestnut Lodge. Grab a friend and a mallet and enjoy this traditional game.

Join our wonderful line up of Experts in Residence for guided hikes, art classes, storytelling, and more.

Located in The Lookout, our small gym offers an exercise bike, treadmill, and free weights.

Our mountaintop garden boasts beautiful blooms and delicious produce in season. Twice a week, our gardener leads organized garden tours, but you can stop by anytime to explore.

The Swag’s perch along a ridge line allows for hikes with stunning views, whether you want to spend a whole day on the trails or are up for just a short stroll. With our 250-acre property and direct access to all 500,000+ acres of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we have hiking options for everyone. Our Experts in Residence lead daily hikes for those who prefer a guided experience, or our team can provide recommendations and trail maps for you to explore on your own.

Set out from the Cataloochee Ranch Barn to explore the Smokies from an entirely new vantage point by saddling up onto one of Cataloochee Ranch’s horses. Children must be at least 8 years old to ride. Please review the Horseback Rides and Information and contact Guest Services if interested, so we may customize your experience.

Enjoy a fun game of cornhole and horseshoes on The Swag Lawn. Just steps away from the dogtrot and The Swag Bar, the games are especially enjoyable with a drink in hand.

Explore our collection of books in the Chestnut Lodge Library. We have spent 40 years gathering titles across genres and love to share them with our guests. You can curl up by the fire with a mystery, or enjoy a natural history book while relaxing in a hammock in the woods.

Our newly added Pickleball Court is nestled in the woods where the air is crisp and fresh, carrying the faint scent of pine and the distant call of mountain birds. It’s a place where the competitive spirit of pickleball blends with the serene beauty of nature. Paddles and pickleballs are provided so there’s less for you to pack.

Picnic lunch on Gooseberry Knob is a signature experience at The Swag. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, our executive chef creates a beautiful spread of fried chicken, burgers, and grilled fish on Gooseberry Knob, a short quarter mile hike from The Swag. Nothing beats this delicious meal with stunning views.

Our peaceful pond is a lovely spot to pass a morning with a book. Stocked with a variety of fish, we welcome you to try your hand at fishing, or if you don’t mind our cold, mountain water, jump on in.

Cozy up around the fireplace and spend the day working on one of the incredible Stave wooden jigsaw puzzles. 

We invite you to find serenity in our quiet forest, unwind in an outdoor shower on your private balcony, recharge with an afternoon nap on an organic mattress, and sit on the porch and watch the clouds change as they roll across the mountains.

Relax and be rejuvenated with a treatment in The Swag’s new spa, The Still. With three treatment rooms, we offer massages, facials, wraps and more. Please review our Menu of Services and contact guest services to schedule your experience.

Overlooking Jonathan Valley and Cold Mountain, the Lookout offers guests an incomparable setting to soak and unwind. There is also a small gym with a treadmill, exercise bike, and free weights to use.

The Tree House is one of many lovely spots on property to explore. Bring a bottle of champagne, a book, or your lunch and enjoy an afternoon overlooking the garden.

During the week, our Beverage Team will host organized wine tastings in our Cellar Room and cocktail classes in The Swag Bar. Our Guest Services Team is also happy to help coordinate a private tasting for you any day of the week.

Sign up for complimentary Yoga classes, which are offered several times per week.