Fall Mill Tour in the Mountains Of Franklin, NC
Tour our grist mill: with 100-year-old millstones and a spinning 18-foot-diameter water wheel. Plus meet the sheep and farm animals.
Saturday, October 10th, 2026 | Two Tours
- Morning Tour: 10:00 – 11:30 am
- Afternoon Tour: 1:00 – 2:30 pm
At our Mountain Farm/ Campground location
7984 West Old Murphy Rd, Franklin NC 28734
Winding Stair’s Mountain Farm opens its gates for one autumn day only, inviting families, history buffs, and the simply curious to see traditional Appalachian farming up close.
Feed our friendly Icelandic sheep, meet our heritage poultry, and watch a traditionally-built water-powered grist mill grind organic corn — the old-fashioned way.
Last year’s tour sold out! Tours are capped to keep groups small, so grab your spot early.
📅 Saturday, October 10th, 2026
🕛 10 – 11:30 AM
🕛 1 – 2:30 PM
Tickets:
- Adults: $20
- Children under 10: $10
- Family Bundle (2 adults + up to 3 children): $50
Winding Stair Campground
7984 West Old Murphy Road Franklin, NC 28734
Our hand-built, fully operational water mill is powered by an 18-foot red water wheel and was featured in Old Mill News in summer 2020 as a showcase of traditional Appalachian craftsmanship.
The mill was built using time-tested methods, including a cantilever beam roof, an old Appalachian design that sheltered livestock without a single support post. More than half the timber was felled and milled right here on the property, and key parts like pulleys and gears were carefully sourced to stay true to the original craft.
You’ll watch water released from the Trough Branch bypass, see the great wheel start spinning, and follow the inner workings of two stone-burr mills as they come to life. We’ll also show off our custom-built fish ladder, designed to protect local trout while honoring mountain tradition.
This is where we produce our 100% organic corn grits, polenta, and cornmeal.
Get up close with our grazing Icelandic sheep, a heritage breed prized for its high-quality wool and famously friendly personalities. Guests can hand-feed them apples and treats (provided by us, so leave the snacks in the car).
You’ll also meet our free-roaming heritage poultry flock of chickens, ducks, and other fowl. They’re raised on sustainable, organic feed and free to forage across the farm. Loved the chickens? Their fresh eggs are sold daily at Winding Stair Gardens – our retail location at 57 Saunders Road in Franklin.
From Logging Site to Sustainable Mountain Retreat
The farm and adjacent campground began life as a logging site. Over the years, we’ve transformed this land into a thriving, sustainable retreat. Your tour includes historical insights and archival photos showing how the property has changed over time, and why we think it’s worth protecting.
What to wear: Closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting a little muddy and layers for changeable mountain weather.
October mornings can be chilly.
Weather: Tours run rain or shine.
Accessibility: The tour covers uneven farm terrain and gravel paths.
Pets: Please leave pets at home.
Arrival: Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to check in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the farm tour good for kids?
Absolutely. Children love feeding the sheep and watching the water wheel spin. Kids under 10 get discounted tickets, and our Family Bundle covers 2 adults and up to 3 children.
How long is the tour?
Each tour lasts about 90 minutes.
How far is the farm from Franklin, NC?
About 12 miles west of downtown Franklin on West Old Murphy Road, roughly a [20]-minute drive.
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Advance booking is required. Tours sold out last year, so we strongly recommend booking ahead.