A church retreat center in the Blue Ridge
Space for worship, quiet corners for small groups, and meals that bring everyone back to one table. Lodging for up to 130, 40 minutes from Roanoke.
Time together, away from the busyness
A church retreat is a chance to step away from ordinary life and spend time together: in worship, in conversation, in small groups and around the table. We have hosted church groups for years, from youth group weekends to quiet leadership retreats.
Cell reception is very limited and there's no high-speed internet. For a church retreat that's a gift: fewer distractions, more conversation, and nights by the fire pit.
- Run your own program in our spaces, or hand the activities and meals to us
- Quiet corners everywhere: the gazebo, a trail bench, the porch, the creek bank
- The Bluff trail has views over the Blue Ridge, worth the walk for a reflection hour
- Discounted rates from January to March
Space for worship and small groups
Whole-group sessions, outdoor worship and small groups, all on one property.
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Main dining room
Seats up to 75 for meals or a full-group session.
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Break-out rooms
Three smaller rooms for 10 to 20 people each.
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Open-air pavilion
Roughly 100 people, covered, and the wet-weather backup.
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The gazebo
A quiet spot for 15, out by the pond.
Activities that build community
Our instructors run the guided activities, so your leaders can join in rather than supervise.
- High ropes course and the Giant Swing
- Caving
- Creek tubing on Craig Creek
- Guided hikes on more than 10 miles of trails
- Canoeing on the pond
- Team-building games
- The 18-hole disc golf course
- Bonfires at the fire pit
Youth groups love the high ropes, the Giant Swing, caving and tubing. Adult groups often prefer guided hikes, canoeing and team-building games. Most adventure activities need participants to weigh between 50 and 250 pounds.
Beds for the whole church
Our lodges and cabins sleep up to 130. Groups of eight or more get freshly prepared, home-style buffets: a hot breakfast, lunch with salads and sides, and dinner with dessert, with vegetarian options.
Mixing lodge rooms with camping can bring the cost per person down, and group bookings use a 30% deposit with a payment plan, which makes it easier to collect payments from families over time.
- The Main Lodge sleeps 56, with a stone fireplace and a long covered porch
- Sly Lodge sleeps 33, with a full kitchen and a patio with a grill
- The Sneaky Cabin sleeps 8 and the Old Homestead, an 1800s log cabin, sleeps 6
- The campground always has room for more tents, and glamping tents can be set up on request
A weekend retreat
A shape that works for many church groups.
- Friday: arrive, settle in, dinner together, an evening session and a bonfire.
- Saturday: morning worship, small groups, lunch, an afternoon of activities, dinner and an evening of worship or a talent night.
- Sunday: a sunrise service by the pond, brunch, a closing session and time to say goodbye.
Planning a church retreat
Can we run our own program?
Yes. We can adapt our level of involvement: run your own program and use our spaces, or hand the activities and meals to us.
Is it a good fit for a youth group?
Yes. Plan an active afternoon, such as the Giant Swing, ropes courses or creek tubing, and the evening session is much calmer. Assign adult leaders to each lodge before you arrive.
Will our group have the property to ourselves?
Groups that book exclusive use will be on their own. Otherwise other groups may be on site, so ask your coordinator when you inquire.
Is the property accessible?
Sly Lodge, the bathhouse, the gazebo and the pavilion are wheelchair accessible. Tell us about any needs when you book so we can plan activities that include everyone.
Can you handle allergies and dietary needs?
Yes, with notice. Tell us about allergies and dietary restrictions at least two weeks before you arrive and we can guarantee alternatives at every meal.
Is there cell service and WiFi?
Cell reception is very limited and high-speed internet is not available. The lodges have limited WiFi. Let people know in advance how to reach the office in an emergency: 540-864-6792.
Who looks after us while we're there?
Every group of eight or more is assigned a host, and at least one staff member is on duty day and night.
Plan your church retreat
Call the office or send an inquiry with your dates and numbers, and a coordinator will put together a pricing proposal. Once you approve it we send a reservation agreement to sign, then an invoice with a 30% non-refundable deposit. A payment plan is available.
Have questions about group retreats?
Tell us about your group, dates, and activities.
Prefer to call? 540-864-6792.