Laughing Waters and Hickory Nut Forest

05/28/2026

We’re excited to support this year’s Hickory Nut Gorge BioBlitz — a special anniversary year celebrating community science, conservation, and the incredible biodiversity of our mountains! 🦋🌲🐸

Hosted by MountainTrue in partnership with Conserving Carolina, this event brings together nature lovers, scientists, families, and volunteers to explore and document the species that make the Hickory Nut Gorge so unique.

📍 Laughing Waters: 3963 Gerton Hwy, Gerton NC
📅 June 13

Learn more & RSVP here:
🔗 https://mountaintrue.org/event/hickory-nut-gorge-bioblitz-near-gerton-nc-6-13/

Cross-promotion with Conserving Carolina:
🔗 https://conservingcarolina.org/event/hickory-nut-gorge-bioblitz-near-gerton-nc-6-13/

A quick travel note for attendees: due to some recent road erosion in the area, please allow a little extra time for your carpool drive in. At this point, the event is still expected to move forward as planned, and we’ll continue sharing updates as needed.

We’re grateful to be part of a community that cares so deeply for these beautiful mountains. 💚

Join us as we celebrate 10 years of BioBlitzing! Help Conserving Carolina, MountainTrue, and a cadre of expert naturalists as we explore Conserving Carolina preserves and seek to catalogue all of

05/12/2026

We’ve been honored to receive some incredible reviews recently! The cottage continues to be a favorite for a cozy getaway in beautiful nature. Here are a few kind reflections from our guests:

‘Lovely spot. We really enjoyed our stay. Sweet intimate cabin with the wonderful sound of water to relax by!’

‘I absolutely loved it. We loved it so much we extended our stay an extra day. The host was very nice and answered all of our questions.’

‘Awesome place to stay! No TV, no problem....we brought a laptop, but who needs a TV when you have thay much beauty around you! We can’t wait to visit again!’

‘Beautiful, clean, and cozy cottage for two nestled in a secluded pocket of forest next to a soothing stream with little waterfalls. Although still recovering from damage done by hurricane Helene, it still displayed God’s power to restore, and it was a blessing to support the people, shops, and parks in that area! Julia, the host, was so friendly and responded quickly when I texted her! She is an awesome host! There were plenty of activities, restaurants, parks, and shops nearby. My sister and I enjoyed our 3 night stay, and we would definitely stay there again!!!’

05/03/2026

Laughing Waters in Gerton, NC is looking for additional housekeeping help starting in May.

We’re a peaceful, welcoming space, and we truly value those who help us create a warm and comfortable experience for our guests.
If you enjoy working in a calm, nature-filled environment and take pride in creating clean, inviting spaces, we would love to hear from you.
For more details, please email us at [email protected]
We look forward to connecting with you 💛

04/19/2026

Laughing Waters’ community garden in the old apple orchard is looking to share space with some neighbors.. There are several garden beds that are not being used this year by others. If you are looking for a sunny space in Gerton to plant veggies, herbs, and/or flowers, please reach out. You would have your own beds to tend. They are all set up but need to be prepped before planting. Neighbors from Hickory Nut Forest and other parts of the gorge will be gardening in their beds as well. Contact [email protected]. We’d love to have you!

03/23/2026

Spring Break at Laughing Waters!!!

Escape to the mountains for a quiet, rejuvenating Spring Break at Laughing Waters in Gerton NC. Our lodge is open April 3-10, 2026, and we are offering a 10% discount for the week.

You guys, this is the perfect spot to slow down, connect with nature, and make lasting memories.

Email us at [email protected] and mention SpringBreak10% Discount when you book with us!

03/16/2026

It’s spring time in the Orchard 🌿
On Friday, some neighbors gathered to prune the new apple trees and work on flower beds 🍎🌸

03/03/2026

Big day in Gerton💚

Voting, free food and prayer by the fire department, and a crew of young Mennonite men hard at work moving Tom’s cabin back onto its foundation and finishing Jacob’s bridge — neighbors quietly helping neighbors, just like always.

That same spirit of honesty, service, and community is why many are supporting Jamie Ager of Hickory Nut Gap Farm — a neighbor who believes in carrying that sense of community forward.

This is what small-town strength looks like. 💛

02/27/2026

CYBER10 Special for Our Social Media Friends!

We’re excited to offer an exclusive CYBER10 discount just for our followers at Laughing Waters!

Book one or all of our properties — the Lodge, the Cottage, or the Gristmill — for any stay in 2026 and enjoy special savings on your mountain getaway. It’s a wonderful opportunity to come back, explore the property after Helene, and experience the peaceful beauty of the creek, woods, and fresh mountain air for yourself.

✨ Use code: CYBER10
📅 Book by: March 15, 2026
⚠️ Cannot be combined with other discounts

Slow down, reconnect, and make new memories with us. We can’t wait to welcome you back. 💙

02/10/2026

It’s so hard to believe this is the same spot… but it is.
Two photos of our creek at Laughing Waters and Hickory Nut Forest — one before Helene, one after. Same seasons, different stories, the same beautiful place we love so much.
Winter light, rushing water, and the quiet strength of this land remind us that change is part of nature… and beauty shows up in every chapter. Both scenes feel dear to our hearts. 🤍

02/05/2026

Sharing a few photos and videos from the past couple of weeks that capture what winter has really looked like here in Gerton, NC. It’s been a long, icy stretch, and many folks have been stuck at home for over a week — definitely a time to slow down and exercise caution. Stay safe and take care out there.
📸 Ryan Lubbers