Nestled in the Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina lies a 100 acre ranch on a half mile of river. An approachable rural setting offering a personal experience with nature. Sweeping mountain views and rushing water set a stage of magic and peace.
The land’s history is steeped in tobacco later transitioning to dairy farming. Hay and silage are still in producition and the cattle have been replaced by the heritage Mangalitsa pig. The 2020 economic downturn forced diversification into agritourism as sales to restaurants were halted. The river and forests were an ideal setting to host visitors keenn on learning about farming, animals and agrarian focused education.
Image Shot at Buvette
The Smoky Mountains provide an ever changing landscape of light and mist. It captivates the imagination offering endless backdrops and moods.
2017
Purchased in 2017, owners Catherine and Rick Topel worked tirelessly to remove fallen trees, derelict structures and repair the land.
2018
With infrastructure in place it was time to take the next step and introduce the Mangalitsa pig to the farming operation.
The Mangalitsa pig is a wooly lard breed originating in Hungary in the 1830’s. Its deep red muscle and silky white fat made it the darling of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Falling out of favor due to the vilifying of animal fats, the Mangalitsa was reduced to critcal numbers and limited genetics. Arriving in three tranches to the US, the breed has experienced a resurgence with chefs and foodies. The animals enjoy a truly pasture based life at Smoky Mountain River Ranch and provide delectible eats to visitors and area restaurants.
A 200 year old breed revered for its red marbled muscle and silky fat. The Mangalitsa is a slow growing lard breed that was introduced to the US in 2007.
2021
The economic downturn forced Catherine and Rick into making several very difficult decisions.
They lost all sales to restaurants in 2020 and were faced with feeding and caring for almost 100 Mangalitsas. Processing dates were in place but they had no customers. Taking the only viable route, they created a farm store to sell their pastured pork through direct sales. Albeit they had no retail market! Enter Hipcamp…
Hipcamp is a booking platform for those seeking to camp on private lands. It allowed them to diversify into agritourism and provided both, a revenue stream for the farm and an instant sales outlet for their retail pork.
Recognizing the stunning beauty of the ranch, Catherine and Rick decided to share their property with camping enthusiasts. It has been so rewarding and fun for them! The numerous farm tours keep enrich their lives and provide education for visitors.
2022
Smoky Mountain River Ranch gained recognition through several platforms as one of the top camping and glamping spots in the US!
2023
Smoky Mountain River Ranch is beginning to thrivc again due to the enthusiasm of farm visitors and renewed sales of Mangalitsa to area restaurants.
Leading brands and top chefs enjoy the unique qualities of Mangalitsa pork!
Iron Chef America’s battle between Iron Chefs chose Mangalitsa as the secret ingredient!
Smoky Mountain River Ranch was honored in 2022 to provide two pasture raised Mangalitsa to The Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando, FL for the Michelin Star Gala Reveal Dinner. The pork was part of a a fourteen course meal served to 450 of the world’s culinary elite.
