Tubing & Kayaking: Enjoy the convenience of being dropped off and picked up along scenic sections of the river, for a fun activity for the whole family! Enjoy floating down the river at a leisurely pace talking with friends and enjoying the view, or a more athletic kayaking trip depending on your mood. A refreshing way to spend a summer afternoon, just a 5 min. drive from Sky Retreat.
Hiking: Spend a day exploring the spectacular beauty of nature in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The region is considered a temperate rainforest with lush foliage, beautiful vista views, and winding paths. It is a vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone wanting to a peaceful escape from the hectic pace of daily life.
Mountain Biking: Explore the many miles of mountain biking opportunities starting just outside your front door. Suit your mood with a venture to the nearby majestic Cascade Falls, explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, or challenge yourself in the nearby professional mountain biking park. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most well known biking areas in the Southeast and is just one mile from the entrance of Sky Retreat. For the more sports-oriented, just 20 minutes away is the 185-acre Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park. It has 8 miles of mountain biking trails for all skill levels, a pump track, and also accommodates hikers/trail runners.
Wine Country (2-hour radius) – The 1.4 million‐acre Yadkin Valley, just east of Wilkesboro, is home to exquisite vineyards and wineries and was approved as North Carolina’s first American Viticultural Area. There are over 30 wineries offering tours & wine tasting.
West Jefferson (17 miles) – has a downtown arts district with numerous art galleries and studios featuring local and regional artists. There are more than 15 murals that create a walking tour throughout downtown, reflecting the area’s history and unique mountain character. West Jefferson is the home of the only cheese plant in North Carolina. Visitors can watch the fascinating process of cheese making from the viewing area as well as visit the cheese and gift shop.