The Whiskey Cabin at Hideaway Ranch
Former owners of Olde Bedford Brewing Company (OBBC), Dave and Mary Heller have founded a new adventure, this time, out their back door. A glamping getaway called The Whiskey Cabin, is on their property known as Hideaway Ranch in Pavia, Pennsylvania.
Glamping, aside from being my idea of perfection, defines the topics of glamour and camping. Similar to the vision the Hellers have executed at OBBC, they see The Whiskey Cabin as a getaway and entertainment for both friends and passersby.
Q: Can you tell us about the Whiskey Cabin?
DAVE: The Whiskey Cabin’s inspiration is in tribute to the early distillers who lived in this area from the early 1700s through prohibition. The site, physically, is a canvas wall-tent cabin overlooking a pond. Hideaway Ranch has over 60 acres of trails and is near an unlimited trail network that includes Blue Knob State Park. Once you are here, you can enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer, without having to leave.
Q: What inspired you to take on this project?
DAVE: We had all this downtime. We were not able to operate the brewery. I was fishing at the pond and thought this would be a great place to have a getaway.
Q: Would you consider this glamping?
BOTH: Yes!
Q: Where are you from and what brought you to the Southern Alleghenies?
MARY: Dave grew up in Claysburg and I grew up in Altoona. We met at Penn State Altoona. We traveled for the FBI and wanted to retire back home and raise our kids here.
DAVE: Our property is at the farthest reach of Bedford County and has been in our family since the early 1970s.
Q: Where is your favorite place to spend time outdoors locally?
MARY: Our backyard. We don’t need to go anywhere. But away from home, I like Shawnee Lake.
DAVE: Also, our backyard. I have been exploring the trails in the park that connect to our property since I was 12 years old. We used to have horses and I would saddle up and just go.
Q: What local trail or outdoor experience would you suggest?
DAVE: The Mountain View Trail is well-marked in Blue Knob State Park. It’s about five miles long and very steep! The trail access is right across from the Blue Knob Clubhouse. You are going down an estuary, a switchback with a descending stream and multiple views. You can see the ridgetops of Martinsburg and plenty of different flora and fauna.
For a shorter, more beginner-friendly hike, check out the nearby Sawmill Trail. The Sawmill Trail is about 4 miles roundtrip with a very low incline that follows yellow, trail-marked blazes. It starts on Ickes Hill and connects to the lower segment of the Rock N’ Ridge Trail. Parking is available at the Chappells Field and Queen Road trailheads in Blue Knob State Park.
Mary, Dave, and I hiked Sawmill Trail on an unseasonably warm February day. This trail passes Willow Springs Picnic Area, Organized Group Cabin Camp, Chappells Field, and a campground. It then connects to the lower section of Rock N’ Ridge Trail leading to the pool complex. Hikers pass by the foundation of a former homestead and could easily miss the exposed brick fireplace and remaining retaining wall frames camouflaged by the surrounding woods. On the most extreme bend in the trail is a waterfall, trickling through the moss-covered rocks. The Sawmill Trail is a daydream; the perfect place to relax and break out the snacks.
Q: What prep should someone consider if they are visiting the Sawmill Trail or the Mountain View Trail for the first time?
DAVE: Walking sticks and good boots- it is steep in places and Sawmill Trail tends to be wet in many areas.
Haley: While you are in the area be sure to check out the cooperative trout nursery that is operated by the Pavia Sportsman Club. Fun Fact, Bob’s Creek (definitely pronounced CRICK) is a famous trout fishing stream running through Blue Knob State Park. Fewer obstacles and incline make Sawmill Trail a perfect spot to take your less outdoorsy friend. Don’t make the same novice mistakes as me, full disclosure I showed up ready to hike in knit sneakers humbly unaware of how damp the trails would be from recent snow meltage. Dave insisted I wear his daughter’s hiking boots (THX Dave!!) Also; if you’re trying to multi-task forget it and plan to be offline, service is spotty.
The Whiskey Cabin can be booked on www.hipcamp.com for in-season stays starting May 1st.
