From the Ashes: The Story of Tippity Top
Our history in these mountains runs deep, but the cabin you see today has a story that began with a true trial by fire. On March 30, 2022, the Hatcher Mountain Fire swept through Wears Valley, fueled by 90mph winds and incredibly dry conditions. What started as a brush fire quickly grew into a massive wildfire that consumed over 2,500 acres and destroyed more than 200 structures. We had just finished a series of renovations on our original, beloved cabin and were so proud of the work we’d done—but in a single afternoon, nature had other plans. You can see the scale of the event that day in this news coverage from WVLT and this drone footage of the aftermath.
When we were finally allowed back onto the mountain, the sight was heartbreaking. Our cabin had been completely reduced to ashes; nothing remained but the concrete foundation and charred debris. It felt like all our cherished memories had vanished with the smoke. However, as we sifter through the rubble, we found a small miracle: two lone metal spoons, blackened by the heat but otherwise intact. Those spoons were the only things to survive the blaze. We’ve mounted them in a shadowbox here in the cabin as a reminder of where we started and why we chose to stay.
The decision to rebuild wasn’t just about insurance or construction; it was about our love for this specific ridge and the community of Wears Valley. We saw the devastation as an opportunity to create something even more beautiful and resilient. As the “New” Tippity Top began to take shape, we poured that same love into every beam and tile—including those heated floors you’re enjoying today! We wanted to ensure that the spirit of our original home lived on, welcoming guests with the same warmth and charm it always had, but with a renewed sense of hope and strength.
Today, when you look out over the mountains from the deck, you might still see some “fire trees” (the silver-grey trunks left behind by the blaze) standing as silent witnesses to that day. We think they make the lush green regrowth look even more vibrant. Thank you for being a part of the newest chapter of our story. By staying here, you’re helping us keep the legacy of this mountain alive, and we hope you’ll make memories here that are just as indestructible as those two little spoons.