Farm Tours in the Mountains of North Carolina
Experience authentic mountain farming with a family-friendly farm tour at Winding Stair Farm & Campground.
Just 12 miles west of Franklin, NC, our historic mountain farm invites you to meet our animals, explore a working water mill, and see how sustainable farming comes alive.
- Spring: Saturday, May 3rd
Time: Morning Tour: 10–11:30 AM; Afternoon Tour: 1–2:30 PM - Fall: Saturday, October 25th
Time: Morning Tour: 10–11:30 AM; Afternoon Tour: 1–2:30 PM - Open Campground Day: Sunday, June 1st (free for all)
Tour Costs: Adult $20 / Children under 10, $10.
Family Bundle available for 2 adults and up to 3 children.
Winding Stair Farm is located 12 miles west of Franklin at 7984 West Old Murphy Road, Franklin. It is also home to our Campground.
🐑 Meet Our Icelandic Sheep & Heritage Poultry
Get up close with our free-roaming Icelandic sheep—famous for their high-quality wool and friendly personalities. Guests can feed them apples and treats provided by us!
You’ll also meet our heritage poultry flock, including chickens, ducks, and other fowl, all raised on sustainable, organic feed and free to forage across the farm.
🏡 Explore Our Working Historic Water Mill
Our hand-built, fully operational water mill brings history to life. Powered by an 18-foot red water wheel, the mill was featured in Old Mill News in the summer of 2020 and highlights traditional Appalachian craftsmanship.
Built using traditional methods, the structure includes a cantilever beam roof—an old Appalachian design that sheltered livestock without support posts. Over half of the timber was felled and milled onsite, and key parts like pulleys and gears were carefully sourced through word of mouth and internet searches.
During your tour, you’ll watch the bypass from Trough Branch release water, set the wheel spinning, and see the inner workings of two stone-burr mills come to life. We’ll also highlight our custom-built fish ladder, designed to protect local trout while honoring the spirit of mountain craftsmanship.
🌲 And More:
The farm and adjacent campground originally formed a logging site. We have transformed this pristine land into a thriving, sustainable retreat. Our tour includes historical insights and archival photos, showing how this land has evolved over time.
Register Here:
If you wish to receive reminder information and event details by email, please be sure to check the box to receive our newsletter.