Plumtree, NC

Blind Squirrel - Mountain DGC

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3.925(based on 26 reviews)
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1 0
millworker301
Experience: 16.2 years 2 played 1 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Played Oct. 2017 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 15, 2017 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Good Length, Almost all in the woods, trails are pretty cleared out. Variety of holes, Hilly which I liked because great exercise along with a fun round. If you are not in shape to walk hills this course isn't for you.

Cons:

If it's your first time there you might have a hard time finding the next tee on some of the holes. There are marker signs on most of them but they could stand to be updated as some are faded out or missing. After 1st round we didn't have a problem.

Other Thoughts:

Better, or at least newer and maybe a little bigger flag markers on top of the baskets would be nice, making them easier to locate. Better markers showing directions to the next tee would be good.

Over all, we really liked the course and definitely will play again.
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5 0
sidewinder22
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17.7 years 297 played 197 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Even a Blind Squirrel Finds a Nut on the Mountain! 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 18, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

18 holes set on the beautiful Blind Squirrel Campground in the Grandfather area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nice people working at the facility which also includes other activities including zip lines. Walking up to Hole 1 is a picturesque stunner with the water falls next to the practice basket approaching the tee, and the pond and mountain view backdrop looking toward the protected basket. I had a duck escort me from the parking lot to the tee which was a little surreal, but I'm guessing Daffy just wanted some food from me and was heading back to the pond disappointed after not getting any.

Some really fun and cool technical holes playing through the wooded mountain forest incorporating some large rock outcroppings as obstacles playing up, down and across the mountain providing some good variety. I enjoyed playing from the tee of hole 17 to the peninsula green of hole 18.

Modified Instep basket caught well. Mix of brick paver, fly pad, and natural tee pads. Navigation was fairly easy with directional signs to next tee. Some benches throughout the course that were much appreciated.

1 mile down the street is the Blind Squirrel Valley course and amenity laden brewery with bar, sit down table, restrooms, TVs, disc golf gear, good food and beer!

Cons:

Single tee and basket position. Tees were a bit short and some were a little slick. Only one loop of 18 holes back to parking lot. Mountain terrain can be difficult to play on and traverse for some folks especially if you veer off the fairway. Underbrush wasn't terrible as it appears they do trim, but there is still some poison ivy and stinging nettle to watch out for in some of the fairways and rough - I highly recommend wearing long pants and hiking shoes.

Tee signs were a bit washed out. Really wanted a couple longer holes playing downhill on the last 7 holes after all that hiking with some chances to air out some. Hole 12 was just a putt off the tee to the hanging basket over the cliff.

Other Thoughts:

When you combine the Valley and Mountain courses along with the brewery you get 4+ disc rated experience! I feel like there's still some more potential disc golf wise to be had here with some course modifications or additions.

Blind Squirrel was worth the effort it took to get here and play the course. I got lost since a bridge was taken out in the neighborhood, and there is no cell phone reception. I eventually found my way around the detour to the other bridge with another detour sign that you do have to enter through. Driving around through the neighborhood is beautiful.

I had a crazy day that started in Roanoke, VA, driving to Sugaree and playing 25 holes, then I got a nail in my tire and doubted I was going to make it to Blind Squirrel, but made it just in the nick time to finish both courses. The burger and IPA definitely helped quench my hunger and thirst after playing two mountain courses and was ready to take on the Valley Course! Good people, good food, good beer, good courses!
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5 0
Bennybennybenny
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.1 years 305 played 287 reviews
4.00 star(s)

What an amazing weekend and experience 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 2, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Let me first say, the owners here are so welcoming and humble. The married couple that work at the front office were such gracious hosts to me and the WNC disc golf club. I cannot thank them enough for such a wonderful experience. They actually just moved up here I think in February. They allowed us to stay up here for just $20 and when my tent got wet because of the fog, they allowed me and everyone else to stay in the lodges.

-Moving on to the course, it's a true disc golf experience. It's a very unique 18 holer that seems innocent, but the elevation here is something else. While none of the holes here have like EXTREME uphills or downhills, quite a few of them could become that way for upshots that ricochet down the mountain. Every hole on the back nine is short, but has high roller potential.

-Course is well known for how it starts. You go up and up and up, and after hole 10, you gently go back down. Only one hole on the front nine is downhill, the rest are all uphill. It starts off with a pro par 3 that's 335' long around the duck pond. The basket is up on a hill guarded by pine trees. There is a lot of danger to the right side and the green is more dangerous than it looks. Hole 2 is a steep uphill hole only 230' but requires me (a guy that's best with distance) to throw a mid-range. It continues to go up and get even harder on the next one.

#3 is one of the toughest holes under 200' that I have played. It's another steep uphill shot that forces a righty to throw an anhyzer flick because of the mando being straight in front of the pad. The basket is all the way up the hill and slightly left of the mando. Making it very tough for a backhander to birdie. The next hole is a break from all the uphills, just as long as you avoid the right side.

Holes 5 thru 9 are all uphill, with #5 being one of the great par 4's I have played. A scary 493' uphill hole that begs you to rip a driver dead straight up the hill. But it's harder to reach than it looks, over the weekend I played this course many times and only made it all the way up to the landing zone once. The approach shot is uphill a little more and it's almost impossible to birdie this hole if you don't find a line. I parred this one every time. The rock green on this hole is quite outstanding!

-Once you are done with hole 9, the course gets shorter (Unless you play in the tournament.) Every hole on the back is rather short, and by the time you get to hole 13 or 14, you'll see it. But it still contains its flavor. #10 is a slightly uphill ace run maybe 165' with the green sloping to the left. #11 is the kind of ace run you see on the greatest courses in the world. It's a very fun downhill putter/mid-range shot with a mando tree pointing right. You have to go around a cluster of trees past the mando to get to this one, but it's also easy to outdrive it.

-Holes 12 and 14 are steep downhill shots with danger all around them. #12 is a steep downhill shot that plays to a hanging basket (We made an alt. pin for the tournament that played simply as a dropshot.) #14 is REALLY short and steep downhill, but it's scary because of the instant decrease. The leftside is down the mountain so you want to keep it really low on this one. I felt like I needed to 2 this hole, but I parred it both rounds. And there were bogeys and a few doubles because of the steep extreme downhill slope left.

-I love hole 18's peninsula green. It's a short par 3 around 230' but the creek is extremely hard to avoid, the basket and landing zone is well guarded with trees. You can also play #17's tee pad and play to 18's basket because that's the way it was originally. A long downhill anhzyer around 500-550' with the creek in play the whole way. That's how we played it in the casual tournament (even though there were only eleven of us.) There is another rubber tee pad around the volleyball court that we played on as #18 and we played to the practice basket. We placed it beside the telephone pole about 400' away.

-The Brewery is a great place to go to. They have really good cheeseburgers and coffee that I could enjoy. As for the rest of the players, they really seemed to enjoy the beer there. Don't ask me about the beer because I don't know. The second course Blind Squirrel Valley is a very pleasing course as well. I only played it as a nine holer though.

The original layout is just over 4100 ft and the layout we played is right around 4670. The effective length is slightly higher. It's about 2850 just on the front nine and is only like 1500' on the back nine if you play the original. It plays maybe 2150' on the back nine but that's because of the brutal hole 17 we made playing from 17 original's tee pad to 18 original's basket.

-There is a bath house for people for those of you that plan to stay up here. I have really long hair, so I had to shower a few times in there.

Cons:

-I think the front nine is just awesome. I love the uphill shots! But the back nine could be better. We literally just proved that by changing it up a little by combining 17 and 18 original as #17 and making a brutal 400' finisher over the pine tree farm that could be played as a hyzer over the pond. #17 is a very weak hole. It's a straight nose downhill shot with no challenge to it. #18 is one of those holes that is better off long just because of the difficult peninsula green. The creek is just a few feet past the basket. With the amazing start to the course, it just leaves you wishing it ends amazing. So I think the changes we made in the tournament were a marked improvement.

-It gets quite foggy up here, so if you want to camp here, don't do it in the grass like I did, it will get really wet on the outside because of the moisture. Do it on the decks available in the woods.

-Quite a bit of underbrush on a few holes. And the leaves on hole 18 are extremely painful to walk through. Not only do they cut, but they left me itching until I showered.

-Short pads don't bother me as long as they are not raised, a couple of them are raised.

Other Thoughts:

-Plumtree Mountain is definitely an epic disc golf experience. It's the kind you don't really expect because it's not balanced. But that's the fun of it! You don't typically play five uphills and then five downhills. The baskets are old and are marked with orange flags, so you can tell that this is a special course. They catch differently than disc catchers so playing this course can really help with your putting. I typically putt kind of hard, but these baskets catch better when you don't putt as hard.

#4 is a great sudden change after three steep uphill holes. It's a slightly downhill that's reachable with a putter. There are two lanes available, the left lane is much more safer.

-Hole 5 is definitely one of the funnest par 4's that I have played. It's a long uphill hole that plays over 600'. The signage says it's a par 5, and in a way I can see why it would be a 5. But to me it was a 4. It's one of those holes that you just want to get as far up the fairway as you can.

-#16 (which was the old #17) is a great steep downhill ace run over the bridge and on a platform. The zipline is right past the basket. Just a cool asset to the hole.

-I recommend staying up here for vacation. The owners are extremely nice, and the course designer's wife works at the brewery. She was very nice to me, my parents, and my eleven year old sister. It was family weekend at Western Carolina University, but I decided to stay up here, so they stayed in Spruce Pine so we could hang out. It was well worth the two hour drive for me and for my parents because I got the best of it all. I could see my family, and I won the tournament.
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3 0
KenanFlagler01
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14 years 195 played 190 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Not for the faint-hearted 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 3, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

The Blind Squirrel Mountain DGC, or Elk Mountain, as it was once called, is an absolute monster of a course in the mountain village of Plumtree, NC. This course is not for everybody. I repeat, this course is not for everybody! In thinking about this review, I had to think about the most physically demanding courses I've played. Blind Squirrel Mountain tops this list of calf-crushing, mountain monsters:

1. Blind Squirrel Mountain
2. Highland Hills
3. R.L. Smith

Nothing else that I've played really comes close to these three...and in truth, Blind Squirrel Mountain is in a league of its own. Pro's...

+ If you like extremely strenuous hiking, I can't think of a better course for you than Blind Squirrel Mountain. The first 10 holes play up a mountain, and a steep one at that. The holes themselves are difficult and well-designed, but the physical component is the bigger challenge.

+ The setting is fantastic. This is a home-grown course at the Blind Squirrel Farm Retreat. I stayed here with my family and we all had a blast. The cabins are rustic, but nice. There's also camping. There is a stocked trout pond (hole 1 plays over it), as well as volleyball, board games in the cabins, tubing (for $10 a person), and zip-lining (for $70 per person). It is very remote. I didn't have cell coverage at all. But if you're looking for a true escape, and a disc golf retreat, I highly recommend it. Also, the staff here is absolutely top notch. Very helpful, nice, attentive, and go above and beyond.

+ The course is very challenging, but I thought it was fair also. The fairways are wide enough for the length of the hole. I never felt like I was playing "poke and hope" golf at all. Now, the rough is REAL rough and the drop-offs are REAL drop-offs, but if you play good golf, take calculated risks and execute, you'll be fine.

+ My favorite hole on the course was #13, one of two valley holes. But 13 is the most extreme valley hole I've ever played. It's only 220 feet, but the valley in between the tee and the basket must be 50 feet deep. As with 16 or 17 of the other 18 holes, it's heavily wooded. I was fortunate and threw my best drive of the round, parked under the basket. If you aren't as fortunate, what could be a nice 2 could turn into a double-digit number!

+ There are lots of great death putts on this course, as well as other risk/reward elements. I feel like the course is designed to force you to make good decisions. If you do, you'll score well. If you take high-risk shots, you're going to get punished severely. The con side of this, for me, was that I took a lot of safe 3's. I threw a lot of drives in the fairway that still required an upshot and then an easy putt.

+ Of course, elevation is insane on this course -- unlike most courses you're ever going to play. I was a little disappointed there wasn't a massive downhill hole coming down the mountain, but still, there are lots of very tough uphill holes, some good downhill holes (just nothing too crazy), and two valley holes.

+ The opening and finishing holes here are terrific. To open, you throw over the trout pond, up a hill. It looks so serene and peaceful. Then the rest of the course punches you in the teeth. And the 18th hole is a good signature hole, going downhill, anhyzer to a basket on a peninsula in a mountain stream. The rough on this hole is a big con -- nettle bushes everywhere -- but in terms of design, challenge, and scenery, it's awesome.

Cons:

The con's, in my opinion, are fixable, it's just a question of whether or not the owners of Blind Squirrel are able to invest the time and money. I think with these few changes, this would be a 4.5 course for me. But, I will say that will the flaws are few, they would require a good bit of money or man power to fix...

- The rough is the biggest thing for me. I mentioned #18. I threw an OK tee shot, not a great one, that went past the basket about 20-30 feet. I was completely engulfed in nettle bushes. That reminds me, wear long pants! Other than this hole, I mostly stayed on the fairways. But I noticed bad rough elsewhere. This change is definitely the hardest to do, and will take a commitment to constant upkeep, but this alone would definitely be enough to move this to a 4.0 course for me, if not a 4.5.

- The tees could use some work. Many of the tees are made of brick. Most of the tees are pretty short, although I was mostly throwing 50-75% drives, safe shots, instead of big drives with x-steps. But if the owners decided to install top-notch tees, again, I think that takes the course up a half point.

- The only other issue for me was the signage and navigation. I got turned around a little, but nothing too bad. But installing nice signs with distance, hole layout, and arrows to the next hole would add a lot to the course. This is probably the easiest fix they could make, it just requires some money.

- Finally, the baskets are of the home-grown variety. Some consider this a pro, others a con. It didn't bother me either way, but I list it here for full disclosure. Despite the baskets being all old single-chainers, I didn't have any spit-outs.

Other Thoughts:

This is a great course that borders on phenomenal. I recommend it to anyone who is intermediate and above and in good physical shape (no knee problems, heart problems, etc.). If that describes you, make plans to play Blind Squirrel Mountain!
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3 0
Bampa
Experience: 16.9 years 35 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Resurrected 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 9, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course has been resurrected, and the fairways are all mostly cleared now. The Blind Squirrel management advertises this course and as of this review, it is both playable and enjoyable.

This is an above-average home grown course. The designer Will Young clearly had an eye for hole designs. Combined with the steep and tricky topography, this course will challenge even the highest level players.

The first 3 holes are open, but afterwards you'll traverse the side of the mountain through switchbacks and steep gullies. Rigorous yet stimulating. The forest is chiefly hardwoods and offers excellent Appalachian biodiversity.

-Homey feel-- camping options available here as well.

-Benches plentiful.

-Navigation above average, though I did get turned around briefly once or twice.

-No crowds, just peaceful mountainside.

-Creative basket placements.

-Variability in difficultly and par on a hole-by-hole basis.

-Brewery..Need I say more?

Cons:

Not too much to complain about. I was impressed with this homegrown course's setup. I'd say the $5 to play was definitely worth it. There were a few cons:

-Chains are old

-Some tees are short (yet still offer run-up room behind them at least)

-Ground is very rocky and/or steep, making foot placement difficult.

-Rough is VERY rough. Steep drop offs into nettle-like undergrowth as of time of this review. Play conservatively.

Other Thoughts:

Very glad I stopped by through here in Plumtree. The company offers excellent recreational tourism, from the Brewery and its' riverside course to the Farm Retreat and its' Mountainside course.

If this course was once dead, it's back at it again and worth the trip if you're in the area. Even if your friends/family aren't into disc golf, this course is a great hike on its' own merit.
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20 4
reposado
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.8 years 278 played 273 reviews
0.00 star(s)

What have you done to yourself? 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 16, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great course for those with strong imaginations, that enjoy picturing what a course could have once been like. You can walk up to a tee and picture what throwing the fairway must have been like. And there are some potentially epic holes here. Huge climbs and descents. Fairways that are strenuous just to walk. Extreme risk/reward with chances for severe roll-aways on almost every shot. Incredible basket placements.
Also, come here if you want to gain appreciation for the maintenance done on other courses. It's amazingly how quickly a course can go from a four-star course to essentially the Mayan ruins of disc golf courses.

Cons:

Fairways covered in waist high weeds. 4-7 were merely overgrown. From 8 on most holes were unplayable. This isn't a few weeks of growth. I'm aware that there is new management here. I'm not sure when the sale took place but it is clear that nothing has done for the course since last summer.* I got a hint of this when the person as the desk told me that there were no maps but that I could "hunt" for baskets, and was surprised that anyone would be playing.
*Someone had taken the time to place handwritten signs on some of the tees and next tee arrows that did not show much weathering. As if someone would want to play the holes that were labeled.
Absolutely miserable navigation. Not from basket to tee so much as from tee to basket. This is mostly because it is frequently impossible to tell the fairway from the not-fairway. A long hole is impossible to follow. You can identify the first landing zone perhaps but if there is a bend, the direct is impossible to figure out. And if you miss one basket, you are wandering around looking for another tee. This happened a number of times, where I eventually stumbled onto a different or basket and could backtrack.......sorta. There are also a ton of what seem to be abandoned pads.
Bottom-line. It's an absolute mess. Not only should players not travel to reach this highly-rated course, but locals would be better of making an hour drive to a nine-hole school course than playing here.
On the other hand the last six holes are very playable. I'm not sure if they were the original final six here because I can't imagine this set being a third of a highly rated course. They run either down a gravel road or through a campsite. Again, there are some nicely placed baskets by a running stream but the rout there is beyond bland. Or dangerous. I'm unsure because though those seem a bit much. Even the original 5 is a boring fairway down a dirt road and the original 3 is essentially on someone's driveway with buildings in play. On the other hand, there could be more overgrown holes somewhere else on the mountain.
Tees are holding up well but they are about a quarter of the size that most would want. The tees should perhaps be in pros as it adds to the archaeological feel of the place. Wandering around in the jungle saying, "look, this is where the ancients played disc golf."

Other Thoughts:

Could this course be resurrected? Yes. I just don't don't think it's likely. It should probably be listed as unplayable for now, but technically masochists might want to play here. I'm not exaggerating for effect with the 0.0. It is by far the worst experience I have ever had on a course and three baskets in a field would be a lot more fun.
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1 9
tnscboy
Experience: 28.9 years 42 played 4 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Great location and course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 16, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Course is nestled in the most beautiful wooded mountain terrain. It is well maintained and all fairways are clear and well marked. All holes have signs, although some of them could be improved. The course has many very difficult holes that go straight up the mountain. Most holes are also highly technical with a very tight path that must be followed. There is an even amount of left and right turns, and even some that force an S-turn. Camping is available right onsite and is worth it just to play this course a couple of times on a weekend.

Cons:

The trails are very steep in places and will wear you out. Some of the teepads are rather short and require you to stand and deliver a 300 foot shot, down a very narrow path. It can get frustrating.

Other Thoughts:

The location couldn't be prettier. I stayed in a tent campsite for 3 days. I met Sean, the owner, and talked with him about the property, He is a super nice guy and is quite proud of his place. Besides tent camping, they also have cabins and even a lodge. I highly recommend taking a long weekend trip out there, staying a few days and soaking it all in.
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2 3
LeeLK
Experience: 15.8 years 68 played 52 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Great experience, great people 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 20, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a serious mountain course. Tons of elevation change, especially the uphill shots early on, to challenge you. Absolutely beautiful setting. Decent baskets, and most tees are great. There are benches and paths all over. Super well maintained, especially given that it's privately owned.

Cons:

Can't say much about it except that it's exhausting. You just have to be prepared for that. Otherwise, can't complain at all.

Other Thoughts:

The guys running this course are super nice and put a lot of work into it. We weren't really sure if it was open to play so we just showed up and they accommodated us even though we were inconveniencing them a bit. They let us play and then gave us some of the beer they brew there--and I can honestly say that the nut brown ale was the BEST brown ale I've ever had. A full adventure, well worth the trip.
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6 0
cth0mps0n
Experience: 9.8 years 2 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Fun track, tough hike! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 24, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This is one of the most interesting courses I have played. It isn't particularly difficult in terms of the shots required; however, the hike is just brutal. The first 11-12 holes play almost straight up the mountain, making you work for even short par three's. The last 8 play more or less down the hill with some very interesting blind shots (we had a guy throw a putter on a 200 ft par three and go 200 ft past the basket!). They claim 20 holes but there are quite a few that are "off the map" - we found at least 5 additional holes (including pads, benches, baskets) on the back side of the mountain, including one basket suspended between two trees by a steel cable. The campgrounds and facilities are quite nice and the course, given it's remote and not-well-trodden nature, is pretty well maintained. The first hole might be my favorite in all of DG.

Cons:

As previously mentioned, the hike here will absolutely exhaust you. 6 of us played a morning round; only 3 could muster the energy for an afternoon round and we struggled to get through it. It's difficult to overstate the importance of a good pair of hiking shoes and extra water- you'll definitely need them. WEAR PANTS, regardless of the temperature! There is stinging nettle all over the course and it will light your legs up. Baskets are of relatively poor quality but they are at least consistent. You can get confused/ lost easily since there are numerous holes that are technically not in play but still very much in existence. The extreme elevation of this track also means that a bad kick off a tree can send your shot hundreds of feet down the mountain. Once or twice, no big deal, but when you are chasing your 15th shot down a 60 degree incline with no path back to the fairway it gets a little frustrating. The tee pads are generally quite small which was challenging for some players with longer run-ups.

Other Thoughts:

With the right expectations this is one heck of a fun track. The distance on the tee markers is almost irrelevant given the extreme changes in altitude- you definitely have to think about how throwing a shot 45 degrees up/down will affect the flight path. There are logging trails that wind around the mountain so I'd personally love to see ATVs added for transport.
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7 1
Upshawt1979
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.8 years 548 played 429 reviews
4.50 star(s)

I Have Seen the Mountain Top, and it is Good! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 8, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Elk Mountain DGC is a KILLER 18 hole course on some of the most extreme terrain I have seen yet. Don't get me wrong, it's not Everest, but extremes in elevation change is a strong theme. It seems like uphill holes outnumber downhillers 2 to 1. The fairways are fair, but numerous trees will make you define a line and hit it on most holes. This course starts with a couple of uphill holes that take a good long drive to get a chance for two, but they're relatively open. Three takes you uphill even steeper, and into the trees. Then the lengthier holes with woods and elevation begin. Pin placements also start to get more and more interesting: rocky hillsides, hanging basket, down in a hole, atop a 5 foot stump, and finally down to the banks of the creek. Hole 11 is the crescendo of pain on a 770 foot monster. After this, the back 9 gets back to more average distances, and trends downhill. Get your shots in the bank where you can. I could only manage two birdies, both on par 3's. My girlfriend, her two tween girls, our dogs and I all enjoyed the hike around the campground and mountain side. Beautiful land and nice people working at the lodge and campgrounds. The layout and the physical challenge of the course was quite formidable.

The equipment is not the finest, but is totally adequate. The tee pads are not consistent, but they are flat and generally all roomy enough. The baskets are pretty good, but not top of the line by any means. Posts mark most tees, and arrow signs point direction to the next hole nicely. I understand the course has evolved to this point, and will continue to do so. I'm sure it will only keep getting better.

Cons:

You have to pay $5, and sign a release form to play the courses. The remote location doesn't make for quick access. The tee pads, baskets and signage could all be upgraded. Physical exertion is a must to finish this bad boy, wimps and geezers beware.

Other Thoughts:

For once, I finished a great new course, and didn't want to play it over again right away. This was a great one, but too hot and physical for back to back on this summer day. Wish I could have talked the girls into letting me play the other shorter course, though. Lace 'em up tight, cause this Elk Mountain's a real doozy. As well as disc golf, camping, fishing, and zip lines, are on this site. The other course is just over a mile away at the lodge, which offers discs, food and drinks, and more for sale. Very unique, matched by few other courses I have played in terms of difficulty, and totally worth checking out.
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7 2
mx23ang
Experience: 13.2 years 75 played 23 reviews
4.00 star(s)

I love mountain golf!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 19, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The new layout is extremly long and challenging! I love getting out there for a good workout and this course fits the bill having holes 1-11 going uphill with number 8 being like a 50 degree angle up the hill to a hanging basket. A tomahawk is the way to go on this one, was playing two weeks ago and a buddy of mine tommyed off the tee and was still about 100-125ft out. decided to tommy again and flew it right in the hole! One amazing birdie I will not soon forget!! Good sinage on the new design and the length has to be a total walk of like 3 miles. Even though the fairway on most holes is an old logging road, it is still ultra challenging. I have yet to break par on this course, and im always trying to do so but it is really tough.
A great course always makes you use all of the shots you have, and I guarantee you will play many left-to-rights, right-to-lefts, over the top shots, shots from your knees, everything...

Cons:

Number 11 is quite ridiculous. A 770 ft uphill par 5 with a mando in play about 200' away from the basket, be ready for the best bogey of your life and thats even if you can make a 6.
-Some of the brick tee-pads can get slick so watch your step, especially if it has been raining within the past couple of days. Was playing with a buddy that turned his ankle on hole #4 and tore several tendons and was out of DG for nearly a year. We all want to keep playing so anytime you are playing mountain golf (Simple Pleasures, Elk Mountain, Sugaree, Ashe County) always be aware of your rocky/steep/slick footings.
-In spring and summer wear pants cause their is stinging nettles everywhere.
#16's green is insane, most likely you will get a rollaway with no roller barrier to stop it..
#14 will make you or break you, a short downhill ace run really but if you drift right 5 ft of the pin your literally off the side off a STEEP mountain with no chance at salvaging par, bogey, or maybe even double

Other Thoughts:

Favorite holes-- 5 is a great uphill legitamate par 5, if you dont hit a tree at some point you will proabably have a look at bird at a pin nestled in front of a HUGE boulder, one of the most epic holes in WNC in my opinion
8- Although I cant say the elevation is my favorite, this is still a very picteresque hole.
12- Basket perched atop a stump provides a difficult, but super fun putt
17-There is just something about this hole that I love, I cant quite figure it out. Its your basic hyzer off the tee hoping you clear a tiny collection of water that Will said is a hazard. Left is dead, and right is no good and there is a couple of boulders mid-fairway all the way to the green. Its just a downright good for real par 3, you wont see to many two's on this one.
Overall Elk Mtn is a great disc golf course if your in the mood for a challenging workout and course. Im not so sure the course itself is as tough as the neighborly mountain course Sugaree, but the terrain is most defiantly
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1 8
gburggolfer
Experience: 14 years 4 played 4 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Cool Course !!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 22, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course is definitely a true mountain course. Love the par 5 and all the unique pins. Accuracy is a must. Hoping to go back when there are leaves on the trees. I'm sure it will play tougher.

Cons:

The only cons might be the short tee pads on some holes. Oh yeah maybe the rollaways possible on many holes could also be frustrating.

Other Thoughts:

Courses like this one make you a better player so just keep throwing!!!
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1 6
war4171
Experience: 43.9 years 35 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 9, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Really fun up/down mountain course.
Narrow fairways and sloping lies make hole distances longer than posted length

Cons:

Short tee pads
Difficult to see baskets from tee - required extra walking to overcome blind shots

Other Thoughts:

This is a cross between disc golf and backpacking
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1 5
Kettnet
Experience: 13.6 years 2 played 2 reviews
4.50 star(s)

First Mountain Golf Experience 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 3, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very well marked for first time play. Amazing elevations and design. Extreme workout during first 12-holes with majority steep up-hill climbing.

Cons:

Going it alone first time requires extra hiking to spot pin placement, but really not a negative to my personal overall experience.

Other Thoughts:

Being a DG player for only 10-months, and only playing in FLAT South Florida, this was certainly a treat, and I imagine a very good taste of what mountain golf is about.
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12 1
DiscGolfCraig
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 19.8 years 585 played 539 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Mountain disc golf at its best (and getting tougher) 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 28, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Elk Mountain is the ultimate mountain disc golfing experience. Be prepared to battle the mental and physical grind while playing.
- Elevation, elevation and more elevation. No extreme drop-offs like High Country (Jefferson, NC), but plenty of dramatic up or downhill shots, or major drop-offs just off the fairway. #3, 5, 6, 9 & 11 all have major uphill shots, highlighted by #9. It's a relatively short hole (187 feet), but the elevation is so extreme that even throwing a drive (I'm in the 300 - 325 range), left me 30 feet short. A buddy had a putt hit the basket, then roll 200 feet downhill, right past the tee, so yeah, elevation plays a factor.
- Woods, woods and more woods. #1 & 2 are open, and then you're in the woods the rest of the round. Fairways range from extremely tight (some fairways are actually roads up the mountain) to wider open, despite being surrounded by trees.
- Great variety of layouts. From tight to wide(r) open, up & down holes, and up-and-down holes. Plenty of shorter, birdie chances to longer par 4s and 5s that force you to throw multiple good shots. #5, 10 & 11 will challenge anyone with their mix of length & elevation.
- Great scenery throughout the course. This is mountain beauty at its finest. Some holes were still a work in progress, but once they're completed and cleaned up, you'll get even more of the nature feel.
- Clubhouse has a great selection of new and used discs. Some of the used discs looked brand new. The Vance Toe River Lodge, which is where the clubhouse and sign-in point is located, overall is a solid place. They brew their own beer, and make their own wine. Wish I was able to sample a couple of their crafts.

Cons:

This course is not for the faint of heart, both literally and DG-wise.
- On the DG hand, the course is tough. At some points, I felt it was bordering on unrealistically tough. I think Will is turning into a younger version of Stan McDaniel with some of his evil hole layouts.
- On the physical side, I've never been as worn out playing a course as here. This is much more of a grind than Sugaree, High Country & Richmond Hill. My bag felt like an anchor by the end of my round. Anyone not in good physical shape is really going to be struggling, or playing a 5 hour round with all the breaks involved. Along those lines, you better bring plenty of water and energy drinks. You'll need them.
- A couple holes were poorly designed. The two that stood out to me as needing the most tweaking were #14 & 16. Neither had a good fairway (#14 was a narrow road, #16 several narrow routes through trees) and both severely sloped off to the side. If you didn't keep your shots low, they could easily sail a couple hundred feet away, somewhere deep into the woods. On both holes, you were better throwing 100-150 foot straight tee shots, 50-100 foot second shots to the basket and tap in for your par. I just feel any time you can throw two junk shots and still get an easy 3, something needs to change.
- A lot of blind tee shots. Part of it could be aided by having maps at the tees. On most holes, not a major problem, but it does reign in some aggressiveness, especially for first timers.

Other Thoughts:

As stated, be prepared for a grind while playing here. It took more than hours for 3 of us to play a round. Our course guide said his last group played a five hour round.
- Some people may have mixed feelings about a course guide. With all the work/improvements taking place, the map is incorrect, and a guided is definitely needed. Down the road, with tee signs, updated map, etc., you probably won't need one.
- I'm a fan of the changes they're making to the course. Based on the pics, the new holes are longer, tougher and better. Now, if they could replace the several weak holes, it'd be even better.
- My favorite hole is #10. It's one of the new holes, so don't go by the info on the site. The hole is in the 500 - 550 foot range (they haven't measured yet), with a slight uphill tee shot, second shot playing around several big rocks to a basket that is a 20 - 30 drop-off. If you go for it in two, you could easily sail past the basket. If you lay-up, you should have a short third shot from the edge of the drop-off to the basket, and an easy tap-in for 4.
- I'm probably underrating the course by giving it a 3.5. When all is said and done, I have no doubt it'll be in the 4 - 4.5 range. It's in the road construction phase right now. Once the road is widened and the construction cones are gone, you see how good things are.
- I'm looking forward to playing here again in another year or so, to enjoy all the fruits of labor going into the course. Everyone should check it out as the course stands now, so soon, this will be a must-play for everyone.
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2 13
jimmazz
Experience: 16.7 years 9 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

worth the drive 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 15, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

aurprise landing areas, great hike.

Other Thoughts:

WOW. awesome course. I had to walk some holes first, just to see them, but awesome. One basket hangs from a chain and one is in a 6' tree stump. VERY creative and bring your A game.
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3 7
joesouthfla
Experience: 12.8 years 10 played 10 reviews
3.50 star(s)

nice workout 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 16, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

What a great course! not much more I can add to what others have said.

Cons:

-tee signs need a little work
-thick underbrush, consider wearing long socks or pants
- If you play in summer bring mosquito repellent

Other Thoughts:

This is a rigorous mountain course, be sure to wear good shoes and carry lots of water. I love this place and look forward to going back next year.
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2 5
Rook
Experience: 23.8 years 142 played 2 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Great Destination 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 28, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

I have to hand it to Will and his associates. This place is awesome! The course layout is very well thought out. The front 9 take you winding up into the mountainside (a moderately strenuous hike), then the back 9 is downhill and tons of fun. The whole course is just technical enough to make for some challenging approaches, but if you stick to the fairways, you'll do just fine. All in all, I had a blast and I will definitely be back for another adventure before too long.

Cons:

Bring some spare discs. I had a beautiful drive sailing down the fairway on hole 12. I missed the basket by only a couple feet (thought it was gonna be an ace) then the disc went careening over the hillside and lost in the underbrush. Didn't really care too much, it's just part of the game, but this is the only "con" I could think of. The whole place is fantastic.

Other Thoughts:

A special shout out to Brewmeister Aaron! By far the best home-brewed beer I have ever sampled. Also, if you are going to Plumtree to play disc golf, you should consider the zip-line canopy tour as well. It's really fun and 100% worth every penny.
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4 3
Sloanwilliamson
Experience: 19.2 years 54 played 2 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Plum Tree Paradise 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 26, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Most importantly the people at Elk Mountain are some of nicest I've met here in the High Country. Much thanks to Will and his wife, and also his entire family. They all work extremely hard to make this course such a special place. The Course itself is a very diverse and challenging 18 holes. Great variety from the front nine to the back. A wonderful hole is #5, a worthy par 5 that can work you over if you fade to the right on your drive. The course has lots of elevation change. The front nine is almost completely uphill. The back nine gives you a break from the hike but replaces it with the opportunity to severely overdrive the holes and throw away the bird. A great course overall and also a great weekend for the family or for any couple. It's really got something for everybody.

Cons:

If you aren't used to mountain golf this course can be very challenging. You can two to four many of the holes due to precarious basket placements. Also the hike could be quite strenuous to a flatlander. The front nine is very steep in many areas.

Other Thoughts:

Between the camping, yurts, trout, zip lines, bed and breakfast, brewery (some very tasty brews, thanks Eric), disc shop, and the course, this is definitely one of the best places to play golf in the state! Get out there and play!
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3 7
tarheel93chris
Experience: 55 played 3 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Awesome Weekend 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 2, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Creative hole placement. #11 is cool and my only 2. My first hanging basket every played-very cool! Facilities are top notch. Beautiful mountain scenery. Challenging and beautifully simple all at the same time. Great hike that will give you a workout. A lot of thought and care went into this course.

Cons:

50 minute drive from Boone and not in my back yard.

Other Thoughts:

Disc Golf camping weekend was so much fun. The family that runs this place are super friendly and have put in a lot of hard work so that others may have a good time. Rent a yurt! I can not wait to go back. They have so many fun weekends planned for the summer.
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