Some weekends are packed with plans. This one was not — and that was exactly the point. David and I recently packed up our two dogs, Winston and Ruthie, and headed to Tuxedo Falls in Zirconia, NC for a long-overdue weekend of absolutely nothing. No packed itineraries. No obligations. Just mountains, fresh air, and two very excited dogs who had no idea what was coming.
A Weekend at Tuxedo Falls: Waterfalls, Dogs, and the Art of Doing Nothing
Getting There
Tuxedo Falls is tucked in Western North Carolina, nestled between Hendersonville, Saluda, and Brevard, which makes it one of those rare spots that feels genuinely removed from everything while still being about 35 minutes from Asheville and 40 minutes from Greenville, SC. Driving up to the property is quick, though you can immediately feel yourself relax as soon as you walk into the Lodge to check in.
Where We Stayed: The Firefly
We stayed in Firefly, one of the property’s upscale tree tents, and honestly — it overdelivered. The Firefly is beautifully appointed with gorgeous bedding, lovely stoneware from a local NC artisan, and a beautiful outdoor soaking tub. That outdoor tub deserves its own paragraph. Soaking with the beautiful view of the mountains with the sound of the waterfalls in the background is the kind of thing I will be daydreaming about for months. There is also a private pizza oven and grill for cooking and Adirondack chairs overlooking the mountains.
Inside, you find a heated toilet seat, locally made toiletries, and a Dyson hairdryer in the bathroom, and a mini fridge, a kettle, a pour-over coffee setup with fresh coffee beans, and local teas waiting for you. There is also a conventional oven, cookware, and an ice bucket provided. Additionally, there are puzzles, boardgames, yoga mats, and the comfiest robes imaginable provided in each room as well. There are so many thoughtful little touches that make it clear the owners genuinely care about the guest experience.
We brought snacks and lunch items, though we took full advantage of the pizza kit for Friday night dinner, the steak kit for Saturday night dinner, and the pancake breakfast kit for Sunday morning. These kits were big hits with us and made it really easy to completely unplug and relax.
The Trails
Tuxedo Falls features two miles of private hiking trails, with most running alongside two beautiful creeks. The property is dog-friendly, and Winston and Ruthie were absolutely in heaven — noses to the ground from the moment we arrived. Along the way, guests encounter picturesque waterfalls, the confluence where the two creeks meet, and other scenic natural features. The private waterfalls are a short hike from the main property — the trail features steep, rocky terrain, so sturdy footwear is a must — but the payoff is worth every step.
Fly Fishing
Dave Bergman of Hendersonville Outfitters runs all fishing operations at Tuxedo Falls. Hendersonville Outfitters manages the fishery at Tuxedo Falls and Dave is available to take guests fly fishing on the private streams. He provides flies, tackle, waders with boots and offers these fly fishing lessons all experience levels. David and Dave went on a private lesson and David had a great time for his first time fly fishing. The lesson is about 2 hours and needs to be scheduled in advance as an add-on for your stay at Tuxedo Falls.
The Lodge
The Lodge is so cozy and welcoming and features a coffee and tea station with freshly baked pastries, a full bar with beautiful handblown wine glasses, snacks, a library to borrow books, an art table, games and game tables, and a community fire pit. There is also a camp store where you can purchase pizza and breakfast kits (steak kits need to be added on in advance of your stay), Tuxedo Falls merch, the bath products that are in the accommodations, plus art kits and journals.
Tips for Fellow Dog Parents
If you are planning a trip to Tuxedo Falls with your pups, here are our pro tips:
- Pack their gear like it is a real hike. The trails have some elevation and rocky sections — collapsible water bowls and good leashes are a must.
- Keep them leashed on the trails. The terrain near the waterfalls and creek drops is steep, and you will want them close.
- Let them be dogs. The creeks and forest smells will have them absolutely lit up. Embrace the muddy paws.
- Bring towels. See above.
The Bigger Picture
What makes Tuxedo Falls special is not any single feature — it is the cumulative effect of all of it. Five private waterfalls, trout-filled streams, miles of trails, a grand lodge, and upscale accommodations — all on land that is only for guests. There is something genuinely rare about that kind of privacy in nature. I also cannot stop raving about how much I appreciate their collaboration with other small businesses in western North Carolina. I ended up bringing several of the bath products home with us.
We left with tired dogs, rested minds, and an immediate urge to rebook. If your version of a perfect weekend involves unplugging with stunning views, exploring with your dogs, and falling asleep to the sound of waterfalls — Tuxedo Falls is your place.
Have you visited Tuxedo Falls? Drop your experience in the comments below — especially if you brought dogs!
Thank you to Tuxedo Falls for hosting us. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the small businesses that support me.
