Beechcliff Group Lodge             

There is no facility in the state that can equal the ambience of Beechcliff -- a historic turn-of-the-century hunting lodge that has been converted to an overnight nature retreat center for groups. Built in 1912, it served three generations of the Waddell family before being generously donated to the Sanctuary. Though lovingly remodeled to modern standards, Beechcliff carries forward a nostalgic ambience of the early 1900’s. Walking into its entrance is like walking back to a quieter, more genteel time. Three full-length porches span this historic retreat, two of which overlook the Rocky Fork and are amply adorned with antique rocking chairs and old porch swings for restful afternoons. Most memorable is the setting, perched into a gentle hillside along the Rocky Fork amidst an old grove of towering beech trees. In the spring, the grounds burst forth with a bounty of wild trout lilies, trilliums, and naturalized jonquils.

Beechcliff has gleaming wooden floors with antique Shaker furniture and wooden trim  made from the now-extinct American chestnut tree. Five Sleeping rooms symmetrically circle a great gathering room. Bedrooms offer two single beds each, with colorful hand-made quilts. There are two private showers and two private toilets off the great room for common use. The downstairs level provides a kitchen and a large room that can be used for gatherings or as a dining room. Beechcliff is a lovely setting for a group retreat or workshop setting, providing numerous comfortable nooks to gather in private or group conversation.

A full-service kitchen with refrigerator, stove, 3-compartment sink, modest cooking utensils, and place settings for 12 people is available in the facility. Guests are asked to wash their dishes and help maintain the cleanliness of the kitchens for other guests.  

The entire facility has beds for ten people in winter and 12 when it is warm enough to use the sleeping porches.  

Parking Limitation: Beechcliff parking lot holds a maximum of 5 or 6 cars. Parking off of the gravel parking lot or road is not permitted because of the fine old woods that surrounds Beechcliff.  Additional parking is available on Cave Road at the Etawah Woods Parking Lot, a pleasant 10-minute walk from Beechcliff.

 Beechcliff Fees for Entire Facility

Beechcliff has a two-night minimum stay and a strict capacity limit of one person per bed. In the cool season there are ten single beds. From May through October there are twelve beds, increased by having access to two screened-in sleeping porches with one bed each. All visitors to Beechcliff must be registered guests.  Beds, towels and linens supplied for the number of beds in season. To help our volunteer-assisted housekeeping, guests are respectfully requested to strip sheets and remake beds upon leaving, and leave shoes at the door. We greatly appreciate your help in maintaining this beautiful educational facility for groups.

Call us for availability or check it yourself by  clicking here and reading or downloading our reservation file. It is an excel form and is updated immediately after each reservation made. Please remember to refer to the most updated file version before assuming a date is open. Scroll to the right to see all of the dates.

If we are booked be sure to check nearby private facilities below:
Visitor's Guide to Private Lodging in the Area & other Attractions   Directions     Lodging Reservations Overview    

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To make a reservation, please click here.