N.C. Forest Service - Mountain Training Facility

Lodging facilities located on the property include the Corpening Lodge, Helitack building and two large dormitories containing 15 sleeping rooms, each capable of accommodating two people.

The Corpening Lodge, located atop a ridge overlooking the forest, is noted for its rustic charm accented by a unique collection of logging and firefighting memorabilia. The lodge is ideal for retreats or small training sessions consisting of no more than 16 people. It features a large common room with open fireplace, full kitchen, cable TV and an outdoor, covered grill. Bunks are located in four multi-person rooms.

The Helitack building, located at the Linville River Nursery, just down the road from the main campus, features a full kitchen, outside gas grill, common room with TV/DVD and five multi-person bedrooms. The Helitack building is appropriate for groups consisting of no more than 16 people.

Check-in time at the facility is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 10 a.m.

There are two large classrooms which can be divided into smaller units as needed. Both classrooms are equipped with a full range of teaching aids and audiovisual equipment including:

• Slide, video and overhead projectors.
• large-screen cable television.
• chalkboards/whiteboards.
• flip charts stands.
• laser pointers.
• wireless Internet.
• document scanner.

In addition to the classrooms, the property is also well-suited for outdoor training, including:

• Search and rescue training.
• wildland firefighting training.
• cross-country compass and map training.
• law enforcement training.
• man tracking.
• team building.
• environmental education.
• animal trapping.
• low ropes course.

Homestyle buffet meals are available in a 110-person capacity dining room. The meals are nutritionally balanced and special dietary needs, including vegetarian meals, can be accommodated if requested at least one week in advance of arrival. Special food requests may be subject to a per-meal fee, payment for which is the responsibility of the requesting party.

Boxed lunches may be requested for field trips, and a variety of snack options are offered for an additional fee. There is also a large, sheltered outdoor grill available.

In addition to local attractions such as Grandfather Mountain with its famous "mile-high" swinging bridge, the Blue Ridge Parkway, waterfalls, golfing, shopping and skiing, the facility itself offers recreational activities including:

• volleyball.
• horseshoes.
• hiking trails.
• fishing (with license).
• wildlife viewing.

The facility accepts payment by cash, check, ACH transfer, Visa, Mastercard and debit cards. Please contact us at 828-733-4242 for more details.

The campus is on U.S. Highway 221, just south of Crossnore. If you are traveling south on U.S. 221, look for the facility on the left at the foot of the hill. The center is set back some distance from the highway, across the Linville River.

For more information about the NCFS Mountain Training Facility or to reserve a classroom and/or lodging at the facility, please contact facility supervisor Chasity Webb at 828-733-4242.