Sweetwater Elk Ranch

Sweetwater Ranch and Vineyard is dedicated to wildlife conservation and sustainable agriculture in North Carolina’s stunning mountains. Our primary mission is to build a robust elk herd for eventual reintroduction into the wild, aiming to enhance local biodiversity. With seven elk currently on-site and plans to acquire additional females, we are committed to their care and management.
To support our conservation efforts and offset operational costs, we have developed a vineyard featuring white and red varieties and a Christmas tree farm. Visitors are warmly welcomed to experience our ranch, especially in winter when elk are most active.
We offer free access to view the elk and are actively seeking farm hands and social media support to help us grow and share our story. Join us in our journey of conservation and agritourism by visiting or getting involved.

The best time to view wild animals is in early am ( 6 to 8 am) and again in late afternoon / early evening ( 5 30 to dusk ) ….not during the heat of the day when they will be in the woods trying to stay cool

Located in Newland , N C We raise Elk . Currently have 10 ….4 adult males , 4 adult females and two new babies …..we are open to the public for viewing at no cost ….address 126 Sweetwater branch Rd …off Millers Gap Hwy just South of Town