WWW.WILDACRES.ORG

Wildacres Retreat is a nonprofit conference and retreat center nestled atop Pompey’s Knob in Little Switzerland, North Carolina, within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Established in 1946 by I.D. and Madolyn Blumenthal, it was dedicated to fostering human relations and interfaith dialogue.

Since 1972, it has operated as a public foundation, offering its facilities to nonprofit groups for educational and cultural programs.​

Today, it hosts programs in arts, sciences, writing, music, and interfaith dialogue, staying true to its mission of promoting reflection, learning, and community building.

Situated on approximately 1,076 acres near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest, the retreat offers a serene environment for all who visit.

The center provides rustic mountain-lodge accommodations, with rooms designed to foster a retreat atmosphere—no TVs, or phones in rooms, encouraging guests to disconnect and engage fully with their surroundings.

Facilities

Wildacres has numerous hiking trails both on the main property and throughout the larger property and returning guests tell us their walks around the mountain are something they look forward to each visit. Guests can pick up a trail map at the front desk.

The Wildacres Canteen is located on the lower level of South Lodge. Our Canteen is a combination shop and community area and carries Wildacres gear such as fleece jackets, sweatshirts, t-shirts, mugs, basic toiletries, and more, along with a selection of ice cream. We also have a vending machine with snacks and soda, an ice machine and a microwave for guests to use.

In the Canteen we have a Pantry that houses a full refrigerator/freezer, microwave and sink. The Pantry is available to all guests who wish to store food, drinks or medications during their stay. There is a nearby WalMart within a 15 minute drive if guests wish to purchase food, drinks or sundries beyond what Wildacres provides in our dining hall and vending machine.

Wildacres boasts beautiful views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, including Mt. Mitchell. Evening campfires are a perfect opportunity for relaxing with friends after dinner.

Wireless internet service is available on a limited basis. Wildacres is a true retreat, and we discourage the use of electronics as much as possible so that our guests can enjoy the quiet and solitude of the mountains and disconnect from everyday pressures. Strong internet access is available in our North Lodge lobby, the Auditorium and Library, and in meeting spaces within our North and South Lodges.

Most cellphones work in the main area of the retreat although some areas have spotty service. In case of emergency, if someone needs to reach you and they are unable to reach you by cellphone, they should call (828) 756-4573, and the staff will get you a message. Please be sure they understand this is only for emergency calls, especially if the calls come in between 8 pm and 8 am.

Wildacres does not currently have facilities to recharge guests’ electric vehicles. The closest location is in Little Switzerland at Books and Beans, which is in the same building as the Switzerland Cafe. Their number is 828.467.8107. You may call them for more information.

What to Bring

The weather can be hot during the day and cool at night. Bringing layers to accommodate the changes in temperature is a good idea.

Wildacres is not a “dress up place” so bring casual clothes. Include a jacket, sweater, and comfortable walking shoes. Much of the property is hilly and comfortable shoes will make a difference.

Bring your own alcohol and/or snacks. Three meals will be provided in the dining hall daily.

Hairdryers and toiletries are not provided.

No cental A/C, so consider a small fan, but again it can be chilly at night.

Some Photos courtesy of Jason Blumenthal Photography