Frequently Asked Questions

Mountain Lake Lodge is famous for being "Kellerman's Mountain House" in the 1987 movie "Dirty Dancing" and is known as the gateway to Southwest Virginia. Mountain Lake Lodge is about 25 minutes from Blacksburg, Virginia, in the mountains of Giles County. In the early 1800s, the property was a stop along the public stagecoach line providing lodging for passengers. Today, the lodge is a thriving resort and attracts those seeking to retreat and immerse themselves in nature.

The resort upholds Mary Moody Northen’s vision of connecting the public with nature in its purest form by offering guided hikes with unparalleled views. Our hikes include trips to Cascade Falls in Pembroke, one of Virginia's most popular hiking destinations, attracting approximately 150,000 visitors annually. Explore Bald Knob Trail, the highest point on Salt Pond Mountain, traverse the lakebed, enjoy birdwatching on Lower Jungle Trail, and experience the Salt Lick Trail. For more details and to schedule your guided hike, call or Mountain Lake Outfitters or visit the Mountain Lake Nature Center.

Guests at Mountain Lake Lodge can enjoy exceptional fishing experiences through our local partnerships. The resort arranges guided fly fishing tours on the New River, where an Orvis-certified fly fisherman provides all the necessary equipment, including rods, flies, and refreshments. These accessible and immersive trips ensure a memorable experience for both seasoned anglers and beginners alike. To arrange your fishing adventure, call Mountain Lake Outfitters or let us know you want to schedule a fishing trip when you call to make your reservation.

Known for its splendid views and picturesque hiking trails, Mountain Lake also features an immersive art studio. The studio offers various activities, including acrylic, clay, watercolor, oil pastel, and ink, all coming with a sketchbook and instructional manual, making the experience accessible for those looking for inspiration and kids of all ages. Guests can even book weekend classes with a talented local artist who guides them through creating their artistic vision on an 11x14 canvas.

Mountain Lake Lodge offers unique excursions that showcase the natural beauty and history of Giles County. Enjoy Expedition 4043' or Cool Down at 4043', both taking you to an elevation of 4,043 feet for breathtaking views from the Overlook. The latter includes a refreshing Italian Ice treat. Explore Clover Hollow Loop Tours, descending the mountain to see Appalachian farms and the historic 1916 covered bridge, one of only six remaining in Virginia. Or, experience Buzz Up to Bald Knob excursion, reaching the highest point on Salt Pond Mountain for panoramic vistas of Southwest Virginia and West Virginia.

Mountain Lake Lodge offers a unique blend of historic charm, stunning scenery, and exceptional experiences. Famously known as the filming location for "Dirty Dancing," the lodge provides a special connection to the beloved film. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views from excursions like Expedition 4043', ride a Gator up to Bald Knob, the highest point in Giles County, or explore local history and culture through guided tours such as the Clover Hollow Loop Tours. Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in a variety of activities, including guided hikes to Cascade Falls and Bald Knob, tubing on the New River, and golf. Exciting fishing trips with an Orvis-certified fly-fishing partner are also available. Resort activities include Bubble Ball Soccer, Archery Tag, and art classes at the Art Studio. Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool and hot tub, indulge in farm-to-table dining at Harvest, and enjoy weekly events and live music at the Salt Pond Pub. Mary's Market & Café, featuring an ice cream parlor, is perfect for grabbing a treat. With its exceptional Southern hospitality and strong ties to the local community, Mountain Lake Lodge promises a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

Yes, Mountain Lake Lodge is famously known as one of the primary filming locations for the iconic movie "Dirty Dancing." It's a well-known fact among fans, but many people are still surprised to learn that this beloved film was shot right here at Mountain Lake Lodge. (Yes, even the famous "lift" scene was filmed on our grounds!)

As a special treat, whether you're just visiting for the day or staying overnight, the resort offers a free self-guided tour map available at the front desk. This map will lead you through the property, showcasing the exact spots where memorable scenes were filmed, complete with fun facts about each location.

Yes, we host meetings, conferences, and social gatherings of all kinds. Our venues feature technology upgrades to provide the best user experience available.

An event rental includes tables, chairs, linen, and places settings provided and set up by Mountain Lake Lodge staff. An event rental also includes the ability to customize the layout of the event space and an Event Manager to assist with planning every detail of the event.

Events at Mountain Lake Lodge require a $500 non-refundable deposit along with a signed contract to reserve an event space. The deposit will go towards the final balance for the event cost and the remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the event date.

The On-Site Event Fee is $2,000 on Friday/Sunday and $3,000 on Saturdays; it includes: tan/metal folding chairs for your ceremony, padded banquet chairs for your reception, any tables that you may need for your ceremony and reception, place settings with flatware and glasses, professional banquet staff, and an Event Coordinator to help you plan every detail!

Mountain Lake Lodge reserves the right to provide all food and beverage in private event space. No food service may be provided by any other caterer, or food service provider, and it may not be provided personally by the client. The exception to this is wedding cakes and similar specialty items. Outside alcohol and food is strictly prohibited and is subject to a $500+ penalty, per offense.

Mountain Lake Lodge is less than a 25-minute drive from Virginia Tech and a 28-minute drive from Downtown Blacksburg. This proximity makes it ideal for those who want to enjoy the serene mountain environment while being close to the campus for events and activities. Many guests appreciate the convenient access to Hokie sports games and other campus events.

Yes, the Blue Ridge Mountains are part of a range that is encompassed by the Appalachian Mountains, running from eastern Canada through the states of VA, NC, TN, GA, and MD. They are as beautiful as they are picturesque, and the vistas make for excellent pictures.

Yes, we offer complimentary guest parking.

We are proud to say Mountain Lake Lodge served as the backdrop for the film.

The pool complex is outdoors. We have a zero-entry pool, a traditional pool, and a hot tub. The pool complex is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

Our commitment to a clean safe facility is enhanced by our deep cleaning methods.

We work to accommodate our guests' needs and we want to provide flexibility wherever we can. If you need to make changes, please contact us.

Mountain Lake Lodge is equipped to accommodate our guests’ needs and special requirements to ensure every guest has a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Yes, Wi-Fi access is included with your reservation package. Any associated fees are built into the cost of your stay so you can stay connected without additional charges.

Our heated pool opens Memorial Day weekend and runs through to September – weather permitting. As our guest you can enjoy complimentary towels poolside.

We have a seasonal outdoor hot tub available for guests only from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Relax and unwind after a day on the trails with a soothing soak in the hot tub.

We love dogs! You can bring up to two dogs – under 75 pounds with you for your stay. We charge a non-refundable fee of $75 per dog per stay. Learn More

We offer numerous pet-friendly cabins: Thompson, Radford, Spruce Run, Fincastle, and Narrows Cabin are available as is the lower level of Chestnut Lodge.

Yes, air conditioning is available in all cottages and cabins. The main stone lodge, being a historic building, does not have air conditioning, however, the cool mountain air provides a natural, refreshing atmosphere.

Certainly, the Virginia Cabin is the one made famous by the movie “Dirty Dancing,” known in the movie as Baby’s Cabin. Call the Front Desk to request Baby's cabin.

TVs are available in most cabins. However, to preserve the historic charm of the Main Stone Lodge and Blueberry Ridge Mountain Homes, they do not have TVs.

There are no elevators at Mountain Lake Lodge.

The Rimplemead Cabin is ADA compliant. It features a ramp, a roll-in shower, and lowered countertops. At Main Stone Lodge, room 114 has a wider doorway and lowered countertops. Consult our front desk staff for help with your specific requirements.

Mountain Lake Lodge provides Wi-Fi internet connection in all public areas.

Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome in Stony Creek Tavern and Salt Pond Pub.

There are several dining options at Mountain Lake Lodge, each offering a unique culinary experience featuring fresh ingredients. Indulge in farm-to-table delights at Harvest, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner (reservations recommended). At Stony Creek Tavern, enjoy a craft beer in a cozy atmosphere. At Salt Pond Pub, savor hot and delicious pizzas, offering a mouth-watering dining experience. With such variety, there's something to satisfy every palate.

Please check out this video for an in-depth explanation: https://www.mtnlakelodge.com/the-lake