Located at a conference venue just off of Pitts Cove and the Chatuge Lake in the southwest corner of North Carolina, the Hinton Retreat Center course is a poor, underwhelming design that fails to take advantage of some ideal wooded property.

Hole #2 is probably the signature and most interesting hole. At only 106 feet, it's narrow, quite steep uphill and not an automatic birdie. Also, there's heavy-duty rope strung between wooded posts to help with walking up the abrupt incline, which Mrs. Cerealman appreciated.

The closing hole, which is currently Hole #8 since construction has put Hole #9 out of commission, is another good hole. It's one of only two holes over 200 feet, and while it's gradually downhill, there are several gaps to choose from off the tee.

The environment was quiet and peaceful when we visited. From the looks of it, the disc golf course doesn't receive a lot of play or attention.

Finding the first hole from the parking lot is challenging. The large parking area is situated above the start of the course, but descending the closest staircase puts you near the Hole #4 basket. From there, we walked to the right, trying to figure out where the first hole was.

Navigation is rough on the first few holes with plenty of underbrush, wooded debris and spider webs in play if you venture off the fairway. Also, the baskets are positioned on the side of a hill. Hole #4 was only 116 feet, but the line was narrow and the grasses had grown up some when we played. Also, the design for Holes #1 and #3 is a bit weird. Both holes are 150 to 180 feet in length, but the design requires a shot that travels straight and then turns steeply at the end, descending a bit to the green. It's an ideal RHFH throw.

There's a few-minute walk after Hole #4 and a likely search to find the continuation of the course. Walk up the stairs to the parking lot, turn right and cross the lot and follow signs for a labyrinth and head toward the Joe Erwin Retreat House to find the sign for Hole #5.

Each hole has a posted sign with the hole number and distance. The natural tees aren't clearly defined, though a few holes had colored painted rocks marking a rudimentary tee area.

From the Hole #5 tee area, you can't see the basket. If you look across the grassy field, you will likely spot a basket, but that's for Hole #6. Instead, the basket for Hole #5 is to the left and down the hill just out of sight. Walk a few dozen feet forward to see the target.

Hinton Retreat Center is in the middle of nowhere. The closest disc golf course is at least 30 minutes away.

The Hinton Retreat Center course won't be the world's quickest to bag because the venue is situated at the end a two-mile road off of U.S Highway 64. Plus, the walk halfway through will take a few minutes. That said, experienced solo disc golfers can probably knock out the course in 20 minutes if they don't get lost in the woods.

The first four holes are very wooded with some challenging natural terrain to walk on. The second four-pack of holes is moderately wooded and plays on a grassier surface without as much rough in play.

With the exception of Holes #1 and #3, the design is adequate, and Holes #5 to #8 are a decent design for beginners. But with natural teepads, overgrowth in the woods, a missing Hole #9 and some navigational challenges, Hinton Retreat Center barely earns its 1.0 rating.