WNC Agritourism Done Right at Walnut Hollow Ranch

Meet Charlie Kissling; owner of Walnut Hollow Ranch, member of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and an engaged participant in the Visit NC Farms program. Arriving a bit early for my appointment I find Charlie giving a tour of the ranch to a family so I join in. 

The day to day operations of this working cattle ranch include so much more than meets the eye. The one thing I noticed immediately besides the absolute beauty of this place is how well maintained and pristine it is. Rolling pastures dotted with cattle and backdropped by mountains; it looks like a movie set except this is real. 

However, Walnut Hollow Ranch is so much more than just a cattle business. Carefully placed RV hookups invite visitors to camp in style. No crowded campground here. Every site has an extraordinary view. I note as I trespass across a few of the RV sites the temporary residents and Charlie have a warm and comfortable relationship that feels more like family than guest.

Again I am struck by how well maintained everything is. And apparently with very minimal staff. From the stroll up to the well-stocked pond, along the meandering walkways beside pastures, and past barns I marveled at the dedication required to keep a place this size in such immaculate condition. 

As we finish out the tour in the farm store I admire the variety and quality of the meats and other farm products Charlie is offering. Folks if you want to know where your food comes from here simply look outside. All natural farm-raised Black Angus Beef, no hormones, no antibiotics or steroids, 100% vegetarian diet and the taste proves it. 

So take a break and visit Charlie at the ranch. Make an appointment for a tour. Reserve a camping site or grab some fresh meat for dinner. You will find Walnut Hollow Ranch approximately halfway between Murphy and Hayesville, North Carolina, just off US 64 East at 1100 Carter’s Cove. I promise it will be a well spent afternoon.