Zen River Suite

The Zen River 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 Zen retreat. It is excellent for birders and anyone seeking peacefulness in nature.

The Zen River has one bedroom with a full-sized bed, a livingroom, a combined kitchen and dining area, and a bathroom. The livingroom and bedroom open onto a private deck overlooking the gorge. The bed sits low to the floor and is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, offering expansive views of the gorge and surrounding forest. Oak flooring is throughout the lodge. The livingroom is spacious, with a couch and sitting chairs.

The décor reflects an elegant, Zen-inspired simplicity, emphasizing quiet immersion in the natural landscape. 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 Zen River 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. Zen regulations mandate that guests of all ages remain on the deck and refrain from any off-trail exploring around the Zen 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.