In Spanish, Alta Vista means "high view," and at 5,200 feet, the Alta Vista Cabin Vacation Rental not only lives up to its name, but offers some of Cataloochee Ranch's most spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

This elegantly rustic four-bedroom, three-bath log cabin is located in the heart of the 1,000-acre Cataloochee Ranch resort located just outside Maggie Valley. The resort was founded 60 years ago by Tom and Judy Alexander and is still operated by members of the Alexander family. Cataloochee Ranch's forested acreage contains miles of nature trails for hikers, and horseback riding may be available during slower periods.

Guests also have commented on how much they enjoy the cabin's seclusion. It sits approximately a mile from the main lodge and the other ranch facilities.

The cabin is designed to sleep as many as ten. A large master bedroom suite features a cathedral ceiling, private bath with separate shower, whirlpool tub with a view, and a king-sized, four-poster pine bed. The two bedrooms on the main level come with a king-sized bed and two twins, and there's a twin-sized day bed with a trundle twin in the cabin's tucked-away loft. A cozy, lower-level bedroom and bath suite with a king-sized bed, TV, microwave, and coffee maker has its own private entrance and deck with view. This suite is optional for those who need four bedrooms or just more space.

An open floor plan includes a kitchen/dining area with a fabulous view from the large farm table and granite breakfast bar. The beautiful new and modern kitchen is fully equipped and includes stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. There's a washer and dryer in the basement and a satellite TV system with VCR and DVD player in the living room. A stacked stone fireplace and arched windows provide character. Just the right mix of old and new furnishings serve to define a decorative motif that might be best described as "new rustic."

Guests particularly enjoy the porches and decks, Alta Vista's gateways to the forest's surrounding serenity. In fact, the mostly screened-in back porch is big enough (10 x 25 feet) to convert into a bedroom under the stars if you so desire. As is, the back porch comes furnished with rockers, a swing, and a gas grill.

If you're a ski buff, you'll want to check out the slopes of the Cataloochee Ski Area. The nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway offer incomparable scenery as well as a few recreational challenges along the way. And while you're up in this neck of the woods, you'll probably also want to plan day trips to the Eastern Cherokee Indian Reservation and the historic Biltmore House, which is located just northeast of here in Asheville.