Thank you for your interest in booking a stay at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. Please note, dates in gray are already booked. Dates in white are those that are available. We have had tremendous interest in lodging this year, and many dates are already filled. You may need to tab through multiple months in order to find the next available dates. We apologize for the inconvenience! Please be sure to read the Agreement of Terms at the bottom of the page.
Earthstar Lodge
The Earthstar Suite is one of three lodging facilities located at the Whispering Springs complex, a beautiful tract of land on Cave Road with a pond that is rimmed with chorusing frogs in spring and summer. Earthstar Suite has a singular “bubble” construction. It is a state-of-the-art monolithic dome house with an artisan interior crafted out of native hardwoods. Its gently curving exterior melts into the landscape like the hobbit house of Tolkien fame. One bedroom and bath with a full kitchen and spacious living area. 2 night minimum stay.  
 
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AGREEMENT OF TERMS:

 It is critically important that you take the time to read each of our following policies to ensure that you will enjoy your stay at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary.
We have exceptionally beautiful facilities in a 3100-acre nature preserve. The Sanctuary is a special destination for people who love nature and historic buildings, desire more quiet and beauty in their lives, and appreciate a temporary break from high speed communication. Because of what we do offer, our facilities are not for everyone. Please read each of our policies before clicking that you are in agreement. Be sure to review the last paragraph which explains the possibility of insect entry in our lodges.
 
Payment and Cancelation Policy
A deposit of the first nights rent is due to hold your reservation. This deposit is non-refundable. All other payments are due 30 days before check-in. Refunds are only available up to one month in advance of your stay. No other refunds are available after that time.
 
Pet Policy
Pets are not permitted at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. This policy applies to both lodges and trails.
 
High Speed Connections
There are no televisions, phones nor internet in any of the lodges. Cell phone service is limited, in an emergency you can pick up service on Highway 50.

Checking in and out
Check in time is no earlier then 4pm on the day of arrival. Please be checked out of your lodge by 11am on the day of departure. Check-in instructions are provided through an email confirmation letter, please print this email and bring it with you.

Families
All facilities welcome families except the Eyrie and Zen suites, which are adult-only.

Cliffs
The Eyrie and Zen suites and Leatherwood are all located directly on extremely high cliffs. At no time are visitors permitted to leave the decks or facilities and venture near the cliff edges. Doing so could result in injury or death. Please exercise extreme caution and good judgment while staying at these locations. 

Accommodations Capacity
Daytime occupancy is limited to the maximum number of overnight guests shown for each lodge.

Smoking
We provide healthy environments for our guests. Smoking and using chemical sprays inside our lodges is not permitted.

Hiking & Visitor Regulations:
Please read all regulations before visiting.
SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT: Trail hiking is potentially dangerous, even life threatening. Visitors must hike at their own risk. Trails are back-country in nature and may be narrow, uneven, steep, slippery, and/or icy. Many trails border high vertical canyon walls. Hikers may encounter poison ivy and stinging nettle. Keep all youths in close contact and attended at all times.
Following these regulations serves to protect plants, animals, visitors and the Arc’s outstanding natural landscapes. Arc trails are open without charge to the general public. However, visitors who are found violating any of these regulations risk losing visiting privileges.
  • Visitors must remain on the trails. No off-trail exploring.
  • Trails are for foot traffic only. Vehicles, bikes, dogs and horses are not permitted. (exceptions below).
  • Youths under 18 years old may enter only with a responsible adult.
  • Trails lead into potentially hazardous areas, including high cliffs. Visitors enter at their own risk. 
  • Arc trails are open sunrise to sundown year around, weather permitting.
  • Walk single file to protect in order to protect trailside vegetation, including the delicate bulbs of spring wildflowers.
  • Do not disturb nor collect plants and mushrooms. Do not pick wildflowers. Most wildflowers take 5-7 years to bloom.
  • Do not disturb, catch nor collect wildlife. Hunting is limited to management hunts only.  
  • Do not disturb nor collect natural features, rocks, nor artifacts. No caving nor rock climbing.
  • Setting campfires and collecting firewood is prohibited
  • No fishing, swimming, diving nor wading
  • No smoking; no alcohol.
  • No Littering nor off-trail picnicking. Pack out all refuse and personal possessions.
  • Dogs are only permitted only at the following locations and when on a six-foot leash: Fort Hill, Junction & Steel Earthworks, and the Highlands Nature Sanctuary: Crow Point Trail and Ridgeview Farm Trail.
  • Winter Closures: Parking lots are not winter maintained and trail hiking in the perilous cliff country of the Sanctuary should never be attempted during snowy or icy weather for safety reasons. Many of the Sanctuary’s trails are closed during our annual Deer Management Hunt which currently take place annually on 1) the Monday through Sunday following Thanksgiving, and 2) the Saturday and Sunday before Christmas.

All of our lodges are immersed in a protected preserve that abounds in wildlife, including mammals and insects. Our lodges are scrupulously clean and fully modern, and even though all insects are removed from the lodge by our housekeeping staff prior to your arrival, it is possible, even likely, that some will re-enter. It is not uncommon in our lodges to encounter harmless animals that are relatively rare in the city but very common here. Wildlife visitors can include spiders, wasps, ladybugs, wood roaches, and native (and pretty darn cute) white-footed mice. If such visitors would cause you duress, we recommend that you seek an alternative destination.