Activities Offerings ACTIVITIES Regardless of the season, Blackberry Farm offers countless activities and adventures to fulfill your every desire. Pamper your mind and body at our Farmhouse Spa. Enjoy our Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing while surrounded by the pristine tranquility of Hesse Creek. Find yourself on a relaxing nature hike. Freewheel down mountain byways and down country roads on a bike. Take a romantic carriage ride. Go behind the scenes and experience a day in the life of one of our chefs. At Blackberry, you can be as active as your heart desires. All rates subject to an additional 19% service charge and taxes and rates are subject to change without notice. Please contact our concierge team for more details. As a courtesy to other guests, we kindly ask that cancellations and appointment changes be made by 7:00pm the day prior to your scheduled service to avoid penalties. Any appointments made or cancelled after 7:00pm the day prior will incur a 50% cancellation fee. In cases of severe weather penalties for canceling or changing outdoor activities will not be imposed.
Activities Offerings ADVENTURE ADVENTURE Situated on 4,200 acres with 5,000 additional acres of private wilderness, Blackberry Farm is its own unique piece of private wilderness, but surrounding the farm is close to a million acres of national park and forestland. Experience new ventures on the water like kayaking, canoeing or paddle-boarding. Meet Mother Nature while hiking or geocaching on one of our many trails or scenic paths. Channel your inner athlete and bike through some of the best lands in the country for cycling. Love being outdoors and riding, but cycling is not really an interest? Partake in one of our many equestrian adventures. Our dedicated professionals are available at any time to help you explore, learn and train. All rates subject to an additional 19% service charge and taxes and rates are subject to change without notice. Please contact our concierge team for more details. As a courtesy to other guests, we kindly ask that cancellations and appointment changes be made by 7:00pm the day prior to your scheduled service to avoid penalties. Any appointments made or cancelled after 7:00pm the day prior will incur a 50% cancellation fee. In cases of severe weather penalties for canceling or changing outdoor activities will not be imposed.
Adventure PADDLE SPORTS CANOEING Explore the beauty of our surrounding foothills by taking an amazing journey along a pristine lake in one of our canoes. Let your guide share stories about local flora, fish and wildlife you will see as you paddle into the wilderness. Four-hour guided canoe trip $250 (per person) KAYAKING Enjoy a great adventure in the pristine waters of our surrounding lakes by paddling in a kayak alongside of one of our guides. Kayaking is a more individual experience that also allows you to cover more water if you prefer to tour the lake. Four-hour guided kayak trip. $250 (per person) PADDLE-BOARDING A traditional form of surfing, originating from the Hawaiian Islands, paddle-boarding is a sport that has grown far beyond the pacific shores. Join our instructors on a short drive to the nearby mountain lakes of Chilhowee or Tellico. Once there you will learn how to SUP and enjoy a refreshing day on the water. Instead of surfing, we will paddle board on calm waters around islands and creeks, and maybe even take a dip if it gets too hot. Four-hour guided paddle-board trip. $250 (per person)
Adventure HIKING HIKING Blackberry Farm features more than three miles of paved paths on the estate, as well as miles of trails throughout the property s 9,200 acres of wooded mountains. Local wilderness guides are available for hire if you prefer the skill and guidance of their experience. You will enjoy hearing local history, tree and plant information as well as the companionship, and a watchful eye, ensuring your day on the trails is just as you envision. A dedicated 1,000 acres contain more than nine miles of complex trails ranging from moderate to very challenging in skill level. We recommend that you let our team at the Oak Cottage know your hiking plans. We have water, first aid kits and twoway radios available for your hike. Conditions on the trails can change without warning, and we want you to be prepared. Neighboring Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a complex system of trails located within a two-mile hike from our trail head. If you decide to venture off property into the Smokies, let one of our guides take you to spectacular waterfalls, beautiful vistas or even sections of the Appalachian Trail. HIKING FEES On Property Hike (1 2 Hours) Per two people $125 5 or more people $30 (per person) On or Off Property Hike (3 4 Hours) Per two people $225 5 or more people $60 (per person) On or Off Property Hike (6 8 Hours) Per two people $300 5 or more people $80 (per person) BIRD WATCHING A great year-round activity, even attractive in the winter months when less foliage can allow better views of birds in their habitats. Bird watching is a good way to get outside and enjoy nature. Blackberry Farm is naturally an incredible birding environment with its multiple habitats of forests, fields, fence row, ponds and creeks. GUIDED BIRD WATCHING Per two people (1 hour) $125 Per two people (2 hours) $225
Adventure HIKING GEOCACHING Choose an adventurous way to discover the property with Geocaching, a contemporary treasure hunt which uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) to find specific locations of hidden objects. Our Letterboxing version has a romantic history dating from the 1850s in Dartmoor, England, and will direct you through a course by cart paths and familiar landmarks. Or if you prefer something a little more challenging and rugged, try our GeocachingTrails version on Blackberry s beautiful hiking trails. GEOCACHING FEES Letterboxing Kit with GPS rental $75 Geocaching Trails Kit with GPS rental $75 With accompaniment of Guide (Up to 2 Hours) Per two people $125 5 or more people $30 (per person) ROCK CLIMBING For powerful adventure plus breathtaking mountain scenery, come with us to the high cliffs of Chilhowee Mountain and climb like an eagle. This rock climbing opportunity will teach rope safety, standard protocols of top-roping, climbing techniques and skills, and offer challenges for a variety of abilities and readiness in participants. Unparalled views of mountains, valleys, flora and fauna complete this Smoky Mountain adventure. Available weekdays late August- April. Allow 4-6 hours, off property.
Adventure CYCLING ROAD CYCLING The surrounding area boasts some of the best cycling in the country from smooth, level roads along the river to climbs up the sides of mountains. Freewheeling through the scenic byways and rolling back road routes of East Tennessee is the ultimate in cycling. Bikes are outfitted with a basic flat touring pedal. Though we do have other pedal options available if desired, we encourage you to bring your own pedals with shoes for maximum compatibility. For the experienced cyclist looking for a higher performance bicycle, we have available for reservation 5 Series Trek Madones outfitted with an Ultegra 11 speed group. Or if you seek a more leisurely pace and comfortable sightseeing, try our Trek hybrid bikes.we will help you find your favorite distance 5, 20 or 60 miles and your favorite route. Winding through foothills, passing farms and breaking for lunch if you like, giving you an authentic and unique experience of luxury and adventure. Helmets, water bottles and maps are provided. Road Bike Rental Fee $100 (per day) CYCLING GUIDE FEE bike rental included Blackberry Guided Ride (1 2 Hours) Per two people $200 Half Day Guided Ride (3 4 Hours) Per two people $250 Full Day Guided Ride (6 8 Hours) Per two people $300 MOUNTAIN BIKING The East Tennessee mountains have a lot to offer adventurous cyclists who prefer dirt to pavement and trails to roads! Allow the Blackberry Adventure team to customize a trip for you on one of several local trail networks, with options of single track and forest roads, beginner to advanced levels. All trips are off property within an hour s drive. MOUNTAIN BIKING FEE Cycology bike rental included per person per person $275 (2 Hours) $325 (3 Hours)
Adventure TEAMWORK PAINTBALL Tactics. Teamwork. Thrills. Our guides will customize your session for groups of 2 to 20. Games include a protective mask, gun, CO2 and paintballs. Recommended attire: loose-fitting clothing (long pants, long sleeves, layers and gloves), tennis shoes, trail runners or hiking boots. Please no sandals. $125 (per person) (500 Paintballs) Group sessions available daily. Private by reservation. All shoots scheduled at 9:00am, 11:00am, and 1:00pm All rates subject to an additional 19% service charge and taxes and rates are subject to change without notice. Please contact our concierge team for more details. As a courtesy to other guests, we kindly ask that cancellations and appointment changes be made by 7:00pm the day prior to your scheduled service to avoid penalties. Any appointments made or cancelled after 7:00pm the day prior will incur a 50% cancellation fee. In cases of severe weather penalties for canceling or changing outdoor activities will not be imposed.
Activities Offerings OUTDOORSMAN OUTDOORSMAN Always in search of the next stream to cast a line into, trail to gallop along or target to place in sight, an outdoorsman is all at once a conservationist, thrill seeker and guardian of tradition. At Blackberry Farm, we offer outdoorsmen and women endless opportunities to enjoy their time in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains doing exactly what they love. Our Fly-fishing, Horseback Riding and Sporting Clay teams provide instruction alongside unique experiences all in an inspiring setting that allow guests of all abilities to enjoy the sport and further their skill or experience during their stay. All rates subject to an additional 19% service charge and taxes and rates are subject to change without notice. Please contact our concierge team for more details. As a courtesy to other guests, we kindly ask that cancellations and appointment changes be made by 7:00pm the day prior to your scheduled service to avoid penalties. Any appointments made or cancelled after 7:00pm the day prior will incur a 50% cancellation fee. In cases of severe weather penalties for canceling or changing outdoor activities will not be imposed.
Outdoorsman EQUESTRIAN HORSEBACK RIDING Explore the scenic countryside of Blackberry Farm and the Great Smoky Mountains on the back of a well-trained horse. Guided rides are available for guests of any experience level, from beginner to advanced. Every ride includes instruction, a helmet and a Western saddle; English saddles are available upon request. For your comfort, we recommend you wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. Note: children under the age of eight may participate in Pony Club or Recreational Riding Instruction. All rides are guided and are by appointment. THE FARMSTEAD RIDE A relaxing way to explore the farm, at a leisurely pace, suitable for all levels of experience. Group activity. Allow up to one hour. $125 (per person) THE FIELD AND STREAM RIDE Wander the fields and streams of Blackberry with your personal guide. Private activity. Allow up to two hours. $225 (per person) HUNTER PACE For the confident equestrian, comfortable posting the trot, in English tack, galloping and jumping (optional) in open and wooded terrain. Private activity. Allow up to two hours. $225 (per person) PONY TIME Introduction to mini-and full-size horse; grooming, leading, tack, and lead line ride, bring a camera! For kids and parents. Allow one hour. $150 (per family with one child ) $40 (each additional child) All rates subject to an additional 19% service charge and taxes and rates are subject to change without notice. Please contact our concierge team for more details. As a courtesy to other guests, we kindly ask that cancellations and appointment changes be made by 7:00pm the day prior to your scheduled service to avoid penalties. Any appointments made or cancelled after 7:00pm the day prior will incur a 50% cancellation fee. In cases of severe weather penalties for canceling or changing outdoor activities will not be imposed.
Outdoorsman EQUESTRIAN RECREATIONAL RIDING INSTRUCTION English (jumping optional) or Western. This is a private activity. Allow up to two hours. $225 (per person) FULL DAY HORSE CLINIC Topics include natural horsemanship, horse psychology, safety, grooming, tack, English or Western riding instruction in the ring and on the trail. This is a private activity. Allow up to six hours. $500 (per person) SMOKY MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS RIDE For experienced riders, currently riding fit, confident over steep terrain and water crossings. Lunch included. Allow 3 5 hours. Please contact stables for availability. $500 (per person) MOUNTED FOX HUNTING (Offered September to March) For experienced equestrians comfortable posting the trot in English tack and galloping rugged terrain. Jumping optional. Lease horses/instruction available. Allow 4 6 hours. Please contact stables for availability and pricing. NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP EXPERIENCE Whether or not you choose to put your foot in the stirrup, savor the opportunity to join up with a horse, explore the essence of the human/horse relationship through non-verbal communication, action and perception. Arrive seeking an understanding of the horse and leave with a powerful connection. Allow one hour. $125 (per person) Pair with a Farmstead Ride. $250 (per person)
Outdoorsman EQUESTRIAN RECREATIONAL CARRIAGE DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS Introduction to harness, hitching, safe driving techniques; includes a drive around the farm. One Two guests/allow up to two hours. CARRIAGE DRIVING FEES Mini Horse Full-Sized Horse Pair/Full-Sized Horses $250 (per person) $400 (per person) $500 (per person) CARRIAGE RIDES Clip-clop down a shady lane and amble through the countryside. Slow your pace of life. Experience scenic vistas and pure mountain streams from the cozy comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. If you are interested, your driver is well-versed in Blackberry history and local lore. Hoofbeats create a rhythm for a beautiful Blackberry memory. Rides by appointment only. Plan on hour or more. CARRIAGE RIDE FEES Carriage Ride Carriage/Wagonette Ride Wagon Ride $300 for two guests $400 for three eight guests $600 for nine twelve guests
Outdoorsman ON PROPERTY FISHING FLY-FISHING Blackberry Farm became an Orvis-endorsed fishing lodge in 2001, and we are very proud of our association with Orvis and its group of endorsed lodges. We are especially proud to be recognized as the 2003 and 2004 Orvis-endorsed Lodge of the Year. Blackberry Farm is the first lodge in the eastern United States to win this prestigious honor, and we look forward to offering our guests the finest possible fly-fishing experience in the future. Guests have access to a buffet of options for freshwater fly-fishing: two ponds and a stream on our property, more than 700 miles of fishable trout streams in the neighboring Great Smoky Mountains National Park and beautiful stretches of the well-known Clinch or Holston Rivers. Our Orvis-endorsed guides and instructors can quickly introduce beginners to the basics of fly-fishing or help the seasoned angler by providing the best local knowledge for a perfect day on the water. ORVIS-ENDORSED LODGE The Orvis Company, America s oldest continuous mail order company (since 1856), began its Endorsed Lodge Program almost 20 years ago. Its goal was to assure their customers that they could expect the finest combination of accommodations, fishing and shooting at these lodges because they met the Orvis Company s approval. Today there are approximately 60 Orvis-endorsed lodges in the United States and Canada. HESSE CREEK Blackberry Farm is home to what may be the best mile of trout water in Tennessee. Beneath a canopy of trees, Hesse Creek harbors rainbow and brown trout ranging from eight inches to eight pounds. This jewel of a mountain stream is best fished in the Spring and Fall, but thanks to our mild weather and water temperatures, Hesse Creek can produce better-than-average fishing in the Summer, but especially in the Winter. Hesse Creek is a catch-and-release stream, and only fly-fishing with artificial flies is permitted. The stream is reserved for guided trips year-round, unless special arrangements are made. OTHER OPTIONS ON PROPERTY Two ponds grace our grounds and accommodate anglers in pursuit of more casting freedom of different species. The larger Walland Pond contains bass, catfish and bream. The smaller Singing Brook Pond, which is home to trout in the Winter and bass and blue gill all year long, is situated near the Grey Drake, the fishing cabin that is home to our fly-fishing schools, fly tying classes and private instruction.
Outdoorsman OFF PROPERTY FISHING SMOKY MOUNTAINS A sportsman s paradise, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park adjoins Blackberry Farm. Its superb fishing destinations are within easy reach and are bountiful in Spring and Fall. The park contains more than 700 miles of fishable water and is truly a rare wild trout sanctuary none of the streams are stocked. While rainbows and browns populate most of the major streams, the native Southern Appalachian brook trout still thrives in some of the elevated tributaries. Guests can drive to these waters in about 15 45 minutes. Half and full day guided trips are available. FLOAT TRIPS A tail water fishery north of Knoxville, the wide and pristine Clinch River is replete with trout. Blackberry guests can float down in a Mackenzie-style drift boat, catching browns, rainbows and brooks (this river produced Tennessee s state record brown trout). The Clinch can be rewarding year-round, but the best fishing is in March through June and October through early November. The driving distance and length of the float make the Clinch River a full day trip only. We also guide the Holston River, a Springtime favorite, located just East of Knoxville. The Holston is a diverse and scenic float that offers and angler a chance to fish several different types of water. The river hosts a robust population of rainbow trout, but we often pursue small mouth bass in the warmer months. The Holston fishes best for trout from March through June and is a full-day trip only.
Outdoorsman FLY-FISHING INSTRUCTION FLY-FISHING SCHOOL FLY-FISHING DAY SCHOOLS Perfect for the beginner looking to get a firm hold on the skills involved in the sport. Our instructors will patiently walk you through everything from casting, to fly selection, to presentation to ensure you have the knowledge needed to become an independent angler. One Day School $495 (per person) Two day schools are also available. ONE-HOUR PRIVATE INSTRUCTION We recommend this learning experience a detailed and distinctive type of angling before a guided trip onto local trout waters. The lesson covers equipment and theory, but focuses mostly on casting instruction. Geared for beginners, these private lessons provide a crash course in the world of fly-fishing basics. (Instruction on fly casting, presentation, reading water, fighting and landing fish.) One-hour Private Instruction $95 (per person up to two people) Each additional person $75 (per person) One-hour lesson does not include guided time on the water. (up to six people per lesson) ONE-HOUR FLY TYING CLASS A customized one hour class on fly tying, the art of making your own lures. $95 (per person) GUIDED FLY-FISHING TRIPS Beginner or old hand, our guides local knowledge is hard to beat. If you need instruction they can give it, or they are more than happy to show you where the big one lays. Guided trips can be taken on Hesse Creek, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or to one of the local tail waters. Per Person (two per guide) Two Hour Four Hour Eight Hour Float Trip (float trip off property, up to two people) $195 (per person) $265 (per person) $350 (per person) $425 (per two people) All rates subject to an additional 19% service charge and taxes and rates are subject to change without notice. Please contact our concierge team for more details. As a courtesy to other guests, we kindly ask that cancellations and appointment changes be made by 7:00pm the day prior to your scheduled service to avoid penalties. Any appointments made or cancelled after 7:00pm the day prior will incur a 50% cancellation fee. In cases of severe weather penalties for canceling or changing outdoor activities will not be imposed.
Outdoorsman SHOTGUN SPORTS SHOTGUN SPORTS A timeless tradition with its roots coming from England, sporting clays is a classic shotgun experience perfected over the years into an ultimate game for the sportsman. Like all Blackberry Farm activities, we strive to give our guests an incredible experience they won t forget while engaging them in new knowledge covering everything from gun safety to etiquette, gun fit to eye dominance. Offered shotgun disciplines include Skeet, Trap, 5 Stand, Sporting Clays, Double Wobble, Flurry and more. Smoky Mountain Sports Club is just a short drive from the property. At our course, you ll find the thrilling and personalized experience you had hoped for! We are able accommodate any group size, whether it s a family outing or a corporate team building exercise, we re here to instruct the novice shooter to become an expert, while challenging the most experienced shooter. Use one of our Beretta shotguns, or bring your personal shotgun, it s up to you sportsman! Two-Hour Open Group Session Two-Hour Private Group Session $205 (per person) $250 (per person) Two-Hour Private Wing Shooting Instruction and Hunt (offered December - April) $550 (per person) All shooting sessions are available at 9:00am, 11:00am, and 1:00pm daily.
Outdoorsman ARCHERY ARCHERY Archery is an ancient tradition and for centuries it reigned as a critical piece of survival, from putting food on the table to battle and warfare. Today, this Zen pursuit captivates all who pick up the stick and string because of the truth behind each shot, the lesson it provides to each person, and the essential connection to our past. Be it target archery or the stalking of wild game the mental toughness and focus remain the same; to be the arrow and deliver a strike to the heart of the target requires both strength of mind and will. Join us while we use these antiquated tools to further shape ourselves. Blackberry Farm has a sheltered flat range that can be used in all seasons and weather. Located on top of a secluded hill at the Smoky Mountain Sports Club, a thirty minute drive off-site to our shooting complex, the serene setting begs the archer to step back in time and enjoy the peacefulness of nature while using the most basic of archery tools, the longbow. Longbows are the essence of form follows function and you ll experience the beauty of true simplicity. While you re soaking all this in you will also learn the basic fundamentals of instinctive shooting as well as discover the in depth philosophy entwined within the sport. You might even learn a little about yourself. Ninety Minute Session $125 (per person) All shooting sessions are available at 9:00am, 11:00am, and 1:00pm daily.