Eyrie Suite

The Eyrie Suite is perched on the rim of the bluffs overlooking the dramatic Rocky Fork Gorge at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. Hermitage Lodge is divided into two private suites, the Zen River Suite and the Eyrie Suite. Each have their own entrance and is fully private, though they share one wall. Other than the adjacent suite, there are no buildings in view of the lodge - just forests and the Rocky Fork Creek below the lodge. The sound of moving water is part of the perennial charm of the lodge. It is excellent for birders and anyone seeking peacefulness in nature.

Eyrie is slightly smaller than Zen, with a living room combined with a kitchenette, one bedroom with a queen-sized bed, and a full bath. The bedroom furniture is handcrafted with native white cedar round logs by a cottage industry in Wisconsin. Snowshoes, an antique fur buggy robe, and an old school desk bring the mystique of the North Woods to the decor. Oak flooring is throughout the lodge. A private deck is right outside the door, overlooking the gorge.

Hermitage Lodge is the preserve’s most undeveloped and natural lodging option, yet it is located in the heart of the Highlands Nature Sanctuary, within walking distance of the Appalachian Forest Museum and several trailheads.

The Eyrie Suite is for adult guests only, due to the potentially dangerous 80-foot drop from the rim of the bluffs at the back deck. The deck is fenced for adult safety, but is not safe for children. Eyrie regulations mandate that guests of all ages remain on the deck and refrain from any off-trail exploring around the cabin or anywhere else in the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. An accidental fall from this height is deadly. Many miles of safe and well-maintained hiking trails are available at the Sanctuary for visitors’ hiking pleasure. Please stay on the trail.