Smiling Mountain Lodge

Smiling Mountain is a hand hewn wood, stone and glass tree house close to Seven Springs, Hidden Valley Fallingwater, and the GAP Trail. This 4BDR, open floor plan home features 19' accordion glass door that opens onto an elevated deck. Complete with 2 wood burning fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, dining table for 12 (one inside, and one outside), the house showcases art from world travels and hand-made light fixtures. Steps away from the Roaring Run Nature Area- Hike, Bike, Ski or just relax. The space This rustic hemlock, glass and stone lodge nestled in the trees was lovingly restored by our family. Our family has a 50 year history of fun and fond memories on our country road. We want to share our mountain experiences with you. Smiling Mountain is a home- designed for cozy winter nights, special dinners and family celebrations. With 10 years of hosting groups like yours under our belt, we think Smiling Mountain Lodge is ideal place for friends, families, reunions or team building. The living area sets you right among the trees. The addition of a NanaWall accordion glass door opens the whole living/kitchen area to a beautiful wooden deck with handmade rails of Mountain Laurel. Dream of gathering family and friends for dinner? The Zambian teak dining table seats up to14 and is surrounded by windows. Prefer Al fresco dining? Enjoy a glass of wine in one of our rocking chairs or snuggle into the couch and watch the hummingbirds feast. The outdoor, teak dining table seats 12. The open plan kitchen and living area boasts a a 12 ft stone fireplace (wood burning) and leather sectional which is perfect for watching the Steelers, having a cocktail by the log fire, or enjoying a game night with family or friends. We love to cook, so the galley kitchen, updated in 2021, is filled with everything a chef would want. The deck is enclosed with a hand woven mountain-laurel railing, complete with subtle lighting to frame a sunset. Whether you're having a leisurely breakfast, an evening cocktail or after dinner drink -- you feel like you're in the trees (because you are!). The main living area also features the ensuite MBR -a spacious retreat with a plush king bed and custom bathroom. Downstairs, there are 3 bedrooms. Our guest favorite is the queen BDR in a spacious stone and wood room with a wood burning stove, two love seats (that pull out into single beds if needed), and TV/DVD - making it a second living area to send the kids to when you are " adulting" for a few moments. Across the entry there's a well-appointed queen BDR - known as the "chicken room," - don't worry there is no real live stock! No lodge would be complete without a bunk room and ours has 4 twin size beds. The Ground floor entry level also has a full bath and laundry room. The entry is the perfect place to take off muddy or snowy boots and hang up coats, or to gear up when headed outside. There is ample parking in the drive and - if necessary - on the street. Smiling Mountain is a country retreat in the woods, which means that mice, chipmunks, squirrels (and flying squirrels), deer, bats and birds are our constant companions. Several neighbors have dogs, and occasionally we have also had bear in the area, particularly in spring when they are coming out of hibernation, so please be aware of what is around. Guest access Guests have access to the whole house. There is a separate out-building behind the house that is not part of the tenant property. Other things to note Smiling Mountain Lodge is ideally located, whatever your tastes and interests. It's wonderful for just relaxing and enjoying family and friends. But all around you will find things to spark the interest of all in your party. Any golfers? There are three championship courses within a 20 mile radius. There is world class fishing nearby, with both the Yough or Cassleman Rivers nearby. Ohiopyle is 15 miles away, giving access to the Class III rapids on the lower Yough or to the Great Allegheny Passage bike trail. Skiing, snowboarding, or tubing? Seven Springs and Hidden Valley have some of the best snowmaking around. Enough snow for cross country skiing and snowshoeing? Not to worry - there's more to choose from than you will have time to explore! Bikers? Road biking, mountain biking and downhill enthusiasts or beginners will find all they need. (We have a few mountain bikes in the garage that you're welcome to use - we just ask that you wear one of the helmets!) Hikers and nature lovers? The laurel highlands trail comes through right across the street, in the Roaring Run Natural Area. Within a short distance you can explore Laurel Hill, Laurel Ridge and Kooser State Parks and the Forbes State Forest (including Mt Davis Area, with the highest point in PA, and Blue Hole Division/Barron Trust), plus many more state lands and trails to explore. Anyone for history? Fort Ligonier is 14 miles away, and you can access route 40 (the National Highway) and Fort Necessity toward Uniontown. Visit four of Frank Lloyd Wright's signature homes - Falling Water and Kentuck Knob, plus more at Polymath Park - all within a half-hour drive. Looking for other options in the way of family fun? Idlewild Park is 15 miles away, near Ligonier, considered the best family amusement park for young children around. Even closer, right in Donegal, you will find the ever-popular Caddy Shak for miniature golf, go-carts, boat rides and more. Another popular destination is the Laurel Caverns, off route 40 near Uniontown.