Cloud 9

Wake Up Above the Clouds

Cloud 9 is a heavy timber log cabin perched high on a ridge that straddles the North Carolina–Tennessee border, high enough that on still mornings the clouds settle into the valley below and the cabin seems to float quietly above them, the moment that gave Cloud 9 its name. From the wall of windows to the expansive wraparound deck, long-range mountain views reach nearly every corner of the cabin. By day the view runs ridge after ridge to the horizon; by night, the stars take over.

Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a quiet retreat with friends, Cloud 9 is a place to slow down and reconnect. After a day on nearby hiking trails, at the wineries, or wandering the mountain towns and scenic overlooks, come back to soak in the hot tub beneath the evening sky, gather around the fire table on the deck, or simply sit still and let the mountains do the rest. It feels genuinely secluded, yet Watauga Lake, Boone, Blowing Rock, and the Blue Ridge Parkway are all within easy reach.

Sleeping Arrangements

Good to Know

• Quiet mountain setting. Cloud 9 sits in a quiet development near a retreat center, and a strict noise ordinance prohibits parties, loud music, and other loud noise. Quiet hours run from 10:00 PM until sunrise.
• Check-in and checkout. Check-in is 4:00 PM and checkout is 10:00 AM. A 1:00 PM early check-in or late checkout is occasionally possible, and it is not something that can be added at booking. Message Julie with your request and, if the cleaning schedule between guests allows, she will approve it and arrange the $65 plus tax fee with you. It is confirmed the day before your arrival or departure.
• Getting here. This is a rural ridge-top location and the final stretch of road turns to gravel. We send turn-by-turn directions before arrival, since mountain GPS is not always reliable.
• Winter travel. Please come prepared for mountain winter weather. A 4WD or AWD vehicle is recommended any time snow is expected, and during heavier snow or ice, tire chains may also be needed on the rural mountain roads. Higher elevations can see snow a little earlier and later than the typical winter season. We are not able to provide refunds or transportation assistance for weather-related access issues.
• Parking. The paved driveway accommodates up to 3 vehicles.
• Pets. Up to 2 dogs are welcome with a reservation. The pet fee is $90 plus tax, per dog, per stay when you book direct. Dogs only, no other pets, and no pit bulls. Dogs must be leashed any time they are outside the home, including in the driveway and on walks. A gate on the deck lets smaller dogs enjoy the outdoor space with you without wandering off. Traveling with more than two dogs? Send us a note before you book and we will let you know whether we can accommodate them.
• Smoking. This is a non-smoking property. Smoking, tobacco, and vaping products of any kind are not permitted inside the home.
• Standby generator. The cabin is equipped with a backup whole-house generator, so the essentials keep running regardless of the weather.
• Starter supplies. Beds are made and towels are set out before you arrive, and we stock a small starter supply of conditioning shampoo, body wash, hand soap, dish detergent, laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, coffee pods, and tea. It is enough to get you comfortably settled in, so please plan to bring whatever else your group will need for the rest of your stay.
• Minimum age. The primary guest must be at least 25 years of age to book.