Club Type: Member/Guests Only
Contact: Jeff McCall
Location: 1050 Diamond Creek Rd Rosman, NC 28772
Phone: 828-862-6629
Website: http://smokerisefieldclub.com
Club Hours:
Private.
Smoke Rise Field Club
Facilities
Skeet: yes | Trap: yes | 5 Stand: yes | Sporting: yes | FITASC: yes | Other: no | Birds: no
The information shown above was accurate when obtained. You should ALWAYS check with the club for up-to-the-minute information before making a trip to a club that you are not familiar with.
Directions:
Smoke Rise Field Club is located just off Highway 64 between Cashiers and Brevard, NC. From Highway 64 go north on highway 215 one mile. Turn left onto Diamond Creek Rd (gravel) and proceed one mile. The driveway to SRFC is on the right.
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Submit Corrected Club Information
Club Type: Member/Guests Only
Contact: Jeff McCall
Location: 1050 Diamond Creek Rd Rosman, NC 28772
Phone: 828-862-6629
Website: http://smokerisefieldclub.com
Club Hours:
Private.
Club Type: Member/Guests Only
Contact: Jeff McCall
Location: 1050 Diamond Creek Rd Rosman, NC 28772
Phone: 828-862-6629
Website: http://smokerisefieldclub.com
Club Hours:
Private.
84 Reviews
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Number of visits: Once
Bryan and Jeff were super host. Challenging and fun courses.
Looking forward to shooting there again.
Membership is in our future.
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
I had the opportunity to shoot at Smoke Rise as a prospective member in mid July. What a spectacular sporting clay facility! The setting here is like nothing I have ever had the opportunity to shoot. Beautiful property and amazing terrain make for some very challenging but fair target presentations. Lots of uphill and downhill shots that most shooters will likely never experience. The “Big Boy” 5 stand truly earned its name. Lots of shooting games and a great opportunity to meet several members. The staff, Jeff, Christy and Steven made me feel comfortable from the moment I stepped on to the property. After shooting, a home cooked lunch is served on the outside deck and it is beyond delicious! The membership is the most welcoming group of people I have had a chance to interact with. This is a hidden gem and if you ever have the opportunity to visit Smoke Rise Field Club, say yes quickly!
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
We are veterans of many sporting clays clubs, public and private, throughout the country and can testify that Smoke Rise is among the elite. The course is well designed, taking advantage of the mountainous terrain, and the target setting further exploits the wooded course. Everything worked.
The staff is friendly and efficient and the clubhouse comfortable and well supplied. The lunch, on a pleasant covered pavilion, was simple but very tasty.
We recommend Smoke Rise highly.
Number of visits: Once
My dad and step mom took my husband and I here for the day while we were visiting Brevard, NC. And man oh man, what a treat! We had an absolutely incredible time. The team there was so wonderful. Jeff the manager was outstanding, his sister who is the chef made us the most delicious lunch. (The pulled pork bbq sand which and blueberry cobbler was fantastic). I wish there was a place just like this back home where we live in Charleston but we’ll just have to make a trip back! Can’t wait to do it again!
Number of visits: Once
Beautiful! I special place filled with top notch skeet and trap in a spectacular setting.
A welcoming community filled with knowledge and entertainment.
Very impressive for all ages !
Number of visits: Once
Absolutely the best sporting clay course that I’ve had the pleasure to shoot. The diversity of the stations is without equal In the southeast due in part to the topography and terrain. The vista at each station is gorgeous and indicative of experienced, professional design and construction.. Every aspect of the club manifests attention to detail and pride. The staff is convivial and competent. I covet the opportunity for another invitation in the future.
Number of visits: Once
On Mother’s Day vacation, I had the opportunity to shoot the course at Smoke Rise Field Club. It was an amazing time with friends. A breath taking course with a fantastic 5 stand. Shot two days as a guest of Hal Cottingham. Will definitely plan to go again when in the area.
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
I was a guest of Hal Cottingham’s for two days of shooting at Smoke Rise. I write this note to thank Hal for this exceptional outing. The course is extremely well planned and is truly fun and challenging to shoot. There are two five stands. Both are challenging the higher one the more so. Since I found the first to be fun and quite a challenge I stayed there for two days and let the crack shooters progress to the second one.
Our whole shooting experience was delightful.Hal is a most gracious host.All of the members who were there were very friendly and lunch on the patio by the fire was the perfect end to a perfect day of shooting. If you ever get a chance to shoot at Smoke Rise don’t miss it.
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
I shot at Smoke Rise Field Club a couple weeks ago. I really enjoyed the club. Well kept grounds and clubhouse. Beautiful drive to get to the course. I enjoyed a nice lunch from the staff in the kitchen and the big boy five stand had some really great targets. The sporting course was fun to shoot. Jeff the manager took real good care of me and made me feel welcomed. Will definitely come back
Number of visits: Once
Great club. Five stand is fun and the Big Boy you better be ready. Great group.
Number of visits: Once
I was a guest of a member and had a great time! The course is fun and the target presentations are challenging and interesting. The staff was most helpful and Jeff does a great job. I would definitely shoot the course again.
Number of visits: Once
My husband and I shoot sporting clays on a regular basis. We shot 100 bird sporting clays and 5-stand at Smoke Rise Field Club in March 2022 while visiting Asheville NC. We enjoyed the 1-hour ride from Asheville to the the club. The facilities are spectacular; beautiful club house, great (and very challenging 5-stand) and a beautiful trout pond. We shot the Ridge Course, it was challenging & fun! The sporting clay course offers a great mix of presentations (report and true pairs) from reliable automatic traps. The club provided gator-style ATV; which is necessary on the sleep incline trails through the beautiful wooded course. The views were obscured by the typical, mountain fog but on a clear day…the course would provide magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. The club had ammo for sale (for use at the club); which is great for out of town guests. The staff and club members were very welcoming and friendly. Shout out to Jeff and Steven for your help and hospitality today…you made our experience a very pleasant one! Also need to mention, prior to our travel to the area, we emailed and made phone calls to club members, Hal and Jeff were very responsive, friendly and helpful also! A “must shoot” course in North Carolina.
Number of visits: Once
The facility was amazing. Jeff and Steven were excellent! A wealth of knowledge and extremely helpful.
Number of visits: Once
As a workshop offered during our annual G&G Society event, members of the Garden & Gun Society had the great privilege to visit Smoke Rise Field Club in late September 2021. As guests of board member Hal Cottingham, our group was met with the utmost enthusiasm and Southern hospitality! While we warmed up at the 5-stand, Hal shared constructive feedback, and humor, with all of us until we hit each target without hesitation. Safety was paramount, and Hal made sure we were aware of our surroundings at all times. We also want to thank the members who volunteered to be with our group for additional safety and to help with any needs. We then split into groups and experienced a few of the stands on the clays course which shared a variety of challenging presentations. This course will definitely sharpen your skill set. All the while, we were made to feel like we members of the Club, sharing camaraderie in the Club’s stories and experiences. Thank you so much to Hal for being such a gracious host and splendid guide for the day! I would definitely recommend visiting Smoke Rise Field Club and look forward to returning.
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
Today was my first visit to Smoke Rise as a new member. Both the staff (Jeff and Christy) and members I came into contact with provided me with a fabulous first impression. Jeff provided me with all the information I needed to get started. Christy’s homemade chocolate chip cookies make the club feel like an extension of home. I arrived by myself but was immediately greeted by members and invited to shoot the “Big Boy” 5 stand and the Ridge Course. I shot both and had a great time.
Number of visits: Once
I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Smoke Rise Field Club today. We shot the Ridge Course and found it quite challenging but not overwhelmed or intimidating. I have shot in many clubs around the world and the setting of Smoke Rise is just spectacular. The stands are placed in beautiful terrain and most of the shots are uphill or downhill which are very exciting to shoot at. The staff and member are most welcoming and the laid back feel of the clubhouse if just perfect. Thank You for having me today.
Number of visits: Once
Great experience!! The members were friendly and cordial to this visitor, and there was a great sense of camaraderie among the group gathered over coffee before shooting and over lunch afterwards. The sporting clays course we shot was first rate, with the terrain creating some unique and challenging shots. The time, effort, and imagination invested in the design of the courses are obvious. Overall: A+!
Number of visits: Once
Spent a day as a guest at club. Great setting, top notch facilities with a variety of shooting stands and setups. Too bad that I live on the southwest! Look forward to be back and try the polaris course!
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
This is a great place to shoot sporting clays, with a variety of targets and difficulty. The people are wonderful, and it’s a beautiful place to shoot clays and have fun with friends.
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
Dave Shatto and I spent Two days of fantastic shooting We shot both SC courses and the “Big Boy 5 stand”which has 12 machines and multiple unique ways to shoot some REAL targets. If you have the opportunity to shoot here DON’T miss it. Thank you Smoke Rise for two great days!!
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
It is a wonderful facility. Friendly service and a wonderful member base. A good place to get away and practice shooting for rifle, pistol and shotgun shooting. The different levels for practice shooting is offered for novice, advanced and intermediate shooters. I am proud to be a member of this facility.
Number of visits: Once
We shot both the Valley Course and the Ridge course in one day.
Both were most enjoyable and beautiful. I am a newcomer to shooting but I did not find that I was overwhelmed, though there were some stations that were quite challenging indeed. The facility is lovely, and the staff were friendly and helpful. They served a very good hamburger/brats lunch cooked to order.
We did not shoot the 5-stand but it is reported to be a lot of fun.
Number of visits: Once
Today after a five year break (health reasons), I shot the ridge course at Smoke Rise and was very impressed with the larger club house, new management (although Randy was great!), the creativity of the placement of the targets and the polite but fun natured staff. It was a terrific experience, and I will be back!
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
On a recent visit to the NC mountains I had the pleasure of visiting Smoke Rise as the guest of long-standing member, Hal Cottingham. Hal serves officially as an officer of the board of directors, and unofficially as club historian. He and I shot together on two different days and it was quite an honor and privilege for me to experience the club and learn about its history from Hal.
During my visits we shot both the five-stands and the Valley and Ridge sporting courses. Let me tell you, this place is something else and I am pretty sure I’ll never see some of those clay bird presentations again until I return to Smoke Rise. I am a recreational shooter and was a little concerned that I might be in over my head there, but that proved not to be the case. Sure, there were some birds that were very challenging, but there were plenty of others that can be broken by an average shooter like me.
The experience off the course was just as memorable. Being in the company of Hal I had the chance to meet (and shoot with) several members. They were great, and I want to thank George and Mark (and Hal) for not laughing at some of my performances on the Ridge course.
Back at the clubhouse, you can enjoy a great lunch inside or out. Jeff and his wife Christi manage the operation smoothly and in a friendly down-home way, And when I noticed a “low tire pressure” alert on my dashboard, Jeff’s asst. Stephen was there to help by checking and topping off all my tires. Turns out I picked up a nail somewhere and it was a good thing I got it repaired before making the drive back to SoFla.
To sum it up … Smoke Rise is a GREAT experience. I highly recommend the club to both prospective members and visitors.
Thanks again to Hal and the members and staff for making me feel so welcome.
Number of visits: Once
We recently spent a few days in NC with friends for the holiday weekend. One of our friends is a member at Smoke Rise FC and suggested we go shoot the course.
From the moment we walked in, the members treated us like we were members and welcomed us to shoot with them on: Big Boy Five Stand, Miller’s Madness, Fitasc, etc. Man what an experience, being from the flat lands (Florida), it was amazing!!
Thanks Smoke Rise….great time!!
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
We had the great privilege to visit and shoot at Smoke Rise this past weekend and enjoyed every moment!
All of the staff were outstanding and all of the members we met were superb and hospitable.
We shot the Ridge course and some of the subgauge course,
both of which were full of great targets and breathing views.
We also had a blast at the Big Boy 5 stand, FTASC, and were able to participate in several of the games and multiple menus.
The grounds are meticulously kept and the clubhouse and pavilion were top notch. Thank you to everyone at Smoke Rise for a memorable visit!
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
I was afforded the opportunity recently to shoot Smoke Rise. I must say that the membership has a real gem. The club has at least 3 sporting clay’s courses with the Ridge Course having the more difficult / competitive targets and the other two being more sub gauge friendly.
The Big Boy 5-Stand lives up to it’s name. It was quite a treat to shoot. Big birds, and a ton of fun with multiple shooting games included in the front of the 5-Stand too.
The club was extremely clean, all machines were operable and and full of targets, and all trash and shell receptacles were emptied frequently. The fellas in charge of general club maintenance, trap maintenance, and trapping are doing an awesome job. Well done and thanks!
I truly enjoyed meeting several members and the friendly hospitality they shared to their club. It really was a treat to shoot. Thanks again for sharing your fine club.
Number of visits: Once
A delightful day shooting and having a lesson with a friend!
The Clay course was challenging and the lesson was excellent- thank you Rodger for helping me fit my new 20 gauge and being so very thoughtful with every aspect of our lesson.
It was nice to be able to hang around and have lunch afterwards and for $10 I got an a most amazing and delicious bratwurst salad!
We are female shooters and often the men don’t pay us any attention, but we saw three male friends which was a pleasure, so we had a great time talking about the club…
It’s a wonderful facility.
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
Yesterday I made my second trip to Smoke Rise field club in Rodman NC. This facility is truly amazing. Since I was there 2 years ago they have constructed a new maintenance facility and made improvements to the clubhouse. In addition esthetic improvements include improved roads and many new plantings of flowering plants. Shooting includes trap,skeet and sporting clays for all skill levels. The highest point of the ridge course is just over 3,000 ft and borders the national forest. If you can hit 50% of those targets you’re a hell of a shot. Amazing venue 👍
Number of visits: Once
I finally had a chance to take advantage of an invitation to visit/shoot SRFC. What a great experience. The club offers well kept SXS Polaris Rangers. The target presentations took advantage of the varied terrain and offered a great variety. I shot the Ridge course and sampled both of the five stands. They offer so many options for different skill levels.
Chris and the staff were very accommodating and professional.
If I lived within an hour and half of SRFC I would apply for a membership to this first class club.
Number of visits: Once
We were fortunate enough to be able to shoot the sporting clays course at Smoke Rise over Thanksgiving weekend as guest. There were 5 shooters in our group of different shooting levels and the course was great for everyone. We were impressed by the entire operation, from the manager Chris who took great care of us from arrival to departure, the variety of shots provided from the unique layouts, good trails, nice polaris, beautiful grounds, etc. We could not have asked for a better outing during Thanksgiving. Thank you Smoke Rise and its members.
Sincerely,
Tim James’ Family
Number of visits: Once
I was lucky enough to get an invitation from a member friend and shoot sporting clays at Smoke Rise Field Club on 10/18/19. I have to say, the entire experience was awesome and not one I will forget anytime soon. The manager of the club (Chris) was very friendly and welcoming, his hospitality made me feel like I belonged there. There were many stations to shoot from (20, I think), the presentations were fair but also challenging without being “over the top”. The entire grounds were well laid out, I never felt crowded or rushed. Being from the Low Country of SC we just do not get to shoot over mountainous terrain like at Smoke Rise. Just the views alone were worth the trip!
My only regret is that I ran out of time and was to exhausted to shoot the 5 stand after shooting so much on the sporting course. I hope to be able to go back again and shoot the 5 stand as well as the sporting course (looks like I will have to pace myself).
If you ever get a chance to shoot Smoke Rise, by all means do so!! I believe you will have a fantastic experience, I know I did!
Number of visits: Once
first class facility with first class people. incredible variety of stations and unique / ideal mountain backdrop setting. one of the best sporting clay courses I have seen
Number of visits: Once
Had a great visit thanks to our host Hal and was totally impressed with this club. Besides great facilities, all the people we met were very warm and hospitable. Everything was done in a first class way – loved the attention to detail that was evident!
My only regret was that we could not have stayed longer and done more shooting on the other courses – we just scratched the surface this trip. I also wish I lived closer to the club and could join and use it on a regular basis. Maybe my shooting would improve!
If you are near this area – definitely try to visit and allow sufficient time to enjoy the place.
Number of visits: Once
I was recent visitor to Smoke Rise FC and was beyond impressed with not only their facility but the hospitality of all of the members who were on premises that day. It is first class in every way and provided a very unique and enjoyable experience. We were hosted by Hal Cottingham, who is a true gentleman, great host and ambassador for Smoke Rise FC. The Five Stand and Sporting Clay courses are challenging and a ton of fun
to experience. Set in the beautiful mountains of western NC the setting is second to none. I would highly recommend Smoke Rise and look forward to another visit.
Number of visits: Once
I had the pleasure of visiting Smoke Rise last weekend. My host Hal Cottingham gave me a tour of the facilities and various courses. It is a beautiful and challenging setup. We ended up at the covered five stand course and shot several different games of five stand. There were ten different machines that created a great variety of challenging shots. There are eight different games on the five stand to challenge all levels of shooters. Very humbling the harder the games became! It was a wonderful afternoon of busting clays. Chris and his staff were wonderful and very accommodating…quite an asset for the club. Highly recommended Smoke Rise Field Club!!!
Number of visits: Once
Had the chance to visit the club this week with a group of fellow sporting clays shooters. The drive to the club was beautiful with the final few miles on a gravel road with a view of a waterfall. A small stream actually crosses the road. The club house overlooks a small pond and the fish were jumping the morning we were there. We shot one of the courses. It was challenging, but nor overpowering. The course meandered through the woods and was very well maintained with all traps working perfectly. A lot of the shots had small windows to shoot, but not unreasonably so. The staff was welcoming and friendly. Had lunch one the deck overlooking the pond. All in all a great day!
Number of visits: Once
This place is amazing. Beautiful facilities and courses designed for all levels of shooters. This is a must see facility.
Number of visits: Once
Had an amazing morning with Mr.Cottingham. This club is by far the best I have visited. Their patience, hospitality, and atmosphere is unrivaled. Will definitely come back again when we visit the area next time.
Thank you
John and Cynthia Amodei
Number of visits: Once
We were visiting our family in the Cashiers area, and we wanted to practice some sporting clay shooting. We heard of Smoke Rise Field Club, and luckily my sister knew of Hal Cottinham, one of the founding members. He graciously set up a time for us to come, and we got excited as we drove to the club through the forest on mountain roads. Hal met us as we exited our car and quickly got us checked in and gave us a tour and history of the club. We loaded up our gear in his mule and drove up to the first station. Our group of three were varying skill levels, and Hal could not have been more helpful coaching us for an upcoming Sporting Clay benefit in Texas. His instruction will hopefully help us score higher! I have never seen a more beautiful and professional Sporting Clay club and hope we can visit someday when we return to beautiful North Carolina!
Number of visits: Once
My teenage son, Lucas, and I visted Smoke Rise Field Club at the invitation of Hal Cottingham. Lucas had never shot any firearm prior to our visit today and he was very excited about this visit. Hal made both of us feel comfortable and taught Lucas the basics so he was hitting targets in no time. The club has a wide variety of stations and courses. After shooting we enjoyed grilled burgers and barbecue on the clubhouse patio. The members were friendly and sociable. Thanks to Hal for a fine outing!
Number of visits: Once
Great sporting clays facility
Shot the ridge course
Challenging and well laid out
Five star facility
Great staff
Number of visits: Once
I recently visited SRFC for a first time shooting outing. I was so impressed with the property & how it is laid out. There were stations for me as a novice as well as intermediate & expert stations. Safety was expressed everywhere. Everyone was patient & helpful in teaching me the process. I thought it was a great experience.
Number of visits: Once
I was fortunate to shoot on a beautiful fall day with colors in full display as a guest of Hal Cottingham. Mr Thorpe and the staff were very cordial. The lodge and deck overlooks a trout pond on a rare piece of flat ground. Shot the valley and ridge sporting courses, with the targets taking full advantage of the steep terrain. Also shot two rounds of the Big Boy 5 stand (10 target presentations) that will test the skills of any shooter. A rare treat and a must do for anyone in Western NC.
David Dalu
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
As Lee mentioned in an earlier post, a group of us from Savannah were fortunate to have the opportunity to shoot at Smoke Rise while dodging a hurricane back home. Upon pulling into the parking lot, we were greeted by Mr. Hal Cottingham, a founding member who went out of his way to introduce himself and welcome us to the club. Hal was a gentleman and a great ambassador for the long term vision of Smoke Rise. On the other hand, his “Big Boy” 5-stand will make you wish you never met him! Can’t say enough good things about the manager, Chris, his staff, the layout and overall quality of the experience. Looking forward to shooting there again soon.
Number of visits: Once
I was fortunate to have an opportunity to shoot Smoke Rise this morning. This is a very unique course with beautiful views and challenging targets. There are two sporting clays courses, two very nice 5 stand fields, FITASC and sub gauge course.
After shooting the Ridge course, we had a great lunch on the deck.
The members could not have been more friendly and helpful. I hope to have a chance to shoot Smoke Rise again soon.
Number of visits: Once
So me and my son and some other shooting buddy evacuees of Hurricane Matthew met at Smoke Rise Field Club this morning and had a great day. We met Hal Cottingham who had shot Ga State Shoot at our home club Forest City in Savannah, and he and club Manager Chris extended us every possible courtesy. Every club would do well to have an ambassador like Hal — hats off to him and his hospitality.
We shot the Valley Course, then went up above on the beautiful Ridge Course. Certainly presentations at 4,500 feet above sea level that you won’t see at 10 feet! Challenging but fair, but most importantly FUN! The rain started as we finished with the “Big Boy” covered 5 Stand with 10 machines and targets true to the name.
Shooting with my boy and my buddies at a great new venue made for a great day, now let’s hope Matthew takes it easy on us back home.
We shall return!
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
I have had the opportunity to shoot here as a guest of Hal Cottingham on two occasions. The club is situated in a beautiful albeit remote setting about half way between Cashiers and Hendersonville, maybe 30 minutes SW of Asheville.
The facilities are first class: Sporting, Skeet (with a wobble trap layout) and a real “Big Boy” 5 Stand. Carts are available and necessary for the challenging, mountainous sporting courses.
If you haven’t shot uphill and downhill targets you are in for a fun day.
The staff is highly competent and the members are friendly.
Consider visiting Smoke Rise if you are traveling in the WNC area.
Number of visits: Once
A group of us visited Smoke Rise at the invitation of Hal Cottingham. He is a founding member of the club and what a nice guy. He greeted us in the parking lot before we could even get out of our cars. He showed us around the club house and explained the courses available for us to shoot.
We chose the Valley course. Wow what very well designed and laid out course. Mountainous terrain makes the shooting fun but challenging. Thankfully, they have Polaris ATVs to get around the hilly courses.
After shooting, we had lunch at the club house. Chris, the manager, fired up the outdoor grill and cooked our burgers while we relaxed on the porch. Be sure to talk to Hal if you want to arrange a very special day for you and a group of your friends.
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
Smoke Rise is an exceptional experience. Southern hospitality, and sporting clays unsurpassed by any club. One course and a subgauge course thru a narrow ravine and another up and around the ridge.
And don’t overlook Hal’s Big Boy 5 stand.
All fair, reasonable targets with challenges for all levels.
Hal Cottingham was our host and he went out of his way to make us welcome.
Number of visits: Once
Wow what a spectacular place not only to shoot, but to just relax and be with friends. The words “First Class” do not do Smoke Rise justice. Thank you Hal for welcoming us.
Number of visits: Once
Our experience at Smoke Rise was one to remember! Beautiful location and challenging course. Chris was welcoming and extremely helpful as we were visitors. We met some members who were also very friendly. Highly recommend this place.
Number of visits: Once
Shot there last weekend and what a positive experience at a great venue. Beautiful scenery great staff and challenging targets. If you wonder what FITASC is probably like try the Hal Cottingham BIG BOY five stand but bring your tighter choke and leave your ego its the real thing.
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
I had the great opportunity to visit Smoke Rise today. I am in the area for a few days and hoped to shoot while here. Chris welcomed me to come up today. I arrived and quickly met members Ed and Hal who Invited me into their group. We had a great round and also shot the five stand. If you are looking to shoot skeet, trap, sporting clays in the mountains, you will not find a more beautiful setting. The management and members could not be more gracious. I highly recommend the Smoke Rise shooting experience.
Number of visits: Once
Our first visit to Smoke Rise today was a day to remember. This past month I was looking for a shooting experience closer to our cottage in Lake Toxaway than that available in Asheville. I called and spoke with Chris, the Club Manager (having taking the position in January after Randy retired) and explained my experience as a newer shooter. Chris discussed the best way to visit the club as part time residents, and the opportunity to be members should we choose.
I called Chris this morning and asked if it would be okay for us to arrive around 10am, and he said come on up! Sounded like we might be the only shooters for the day. With good directions in hand, the final mile into SRFC was different than expected, but we arrived on time. The parking area was hopping with members getting ready for a morning of shooting. To our surprise Betsy and I were greeted by Hal Nottingham and Ed Eleazer, and met 3 other members within moments- they stepped out of their routine to welcome us. There really is a passion and appreciation of the club that we immediately felt immersed in.
After checking in with Chris, and acquainting ourselves with the clubhouse and facilities, we went out on the Valley Course with members Ed, Steve and Mike. They were excellent shooters, but even better hosts, sharing tips and camaraderie at each station and in between. After we finished shooting The Valley, Ed showed us the two 5 Stands, and then brought me up to shoot some of the Ridge Course stations. At the peak of the Ridge Course, with a nice cool SE breeze blowing, mountain peaks in the foreground and the Pisgah National Forest in the background, it was wonderful to experience the natural beauty of the NC mountain terrain.
Thank you to all of the Smoke Rise membership to allow us this experience. What a great way to enjoy the mountain life!
Number of visits: Once
Some might say its a challenging drive to get there, but it’s worth it. It’s a great course. The people are too notch and you can really tell they take pride in the presentation.
Number of visits: Once
I shot at Smoke Rise recently as a guest and was very favorably impressed by the facility as well as the members I met. Although I had shot a mountain style course before, I was not prepared for the challenging targets presented by the “Ridge” layout. The landscaping of the courses and shooting stations, too, was very well done. I also shot the five stand layout after lunch. Hopefully, I’ll have another opportunity to shoot there soon.
Number of visits: Once
Thanks, Randy for the personal service given to us on our first visit to your club. You couldn’t had made our day more enjoyable and we Kentucky boys very much appreciate it. Will recommend to all in Lexington and invite you to shoot anytime in Wilmore, Ky. You will always be welcome.
Willie, Michael, Frank, Malcolm, David
Number of visits: Once
We had a wedding party visit recently and were welcomed by the Manager, shown the course, and thoroughly enjoyed the day at a first class facility! Wonderful folks, nice target presentation in terrain we’re not used to seeing in Savannah. Thank you!
Number of visits: Once
I shoot competitive sporting clays in central florida traveling to as many as a dozen sporting clays courses through out the year. Smoke Rise is a first class private gun club. As an unsponsored guest I arrived and was introduced to many of the members . I was made to feel welcome and was invited to join a squad to shoot their mountain course. The targets were very interesting and challenging. The varied hilly terrain was a welcome change. They have something for every shooter. Three clays courses two different difficulty levels, a sub gauge course, two different level 5 stands, skeet and trap. You will not be disappointed in Smoke Rise Field Club. This is very nice club with friendly welcoming members. I look forward to returning.
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
I have been lucky enough to have been a guest of Hal Cottingham on four separate occasions and under his excellent tutelage my scores on the 5 stand are definitely on the upswing! But no matter who you go with you will definitely enjoy the variety and complexity of the many different stations and the good vibes of the enthusiastic members you will meet there. Good burgers at the clubhouse too!
Number of visits: Once
Biased: Let me start by saying that my wife and I love the southern Appalachians. That is where we vacation regularly. Thus, our review is undoubtedly biased by our love for the terrain, the flora, and the type of people we meet in this region.
Smokerise is one of the nicest courses we have ever been on. To start with, Randy, club manager, greeted us with the hospitality you’d expect from a shooting club in the south. He told us about their courses, got us in a cart, and pointed us on the way. We shot the Valley course. They don’t usually let non-members shoot the Ridge. I can see why! After our round, he loaded us up in a side-by-side and gave us the tour. We would have had trouble getting up there in a regular golf cart because of the steep gradient.
While they offer three different courses (Ridge, Valley, and Sub-Gauge), there is quite a bit of overlap. The Ridge has maybe a half-dozen stations that aren’t also on the Valley course, I’m not sure about the subgauge, but saw plenty of subgauge markers on the stands we shot the valley from. On the Valley course, most stands were three pairs. The last station was two. Several stations were just a different view of the same targets (i.e. 5a and 5b). While this sounds like a cheap way of adding stations, it did not come off that way at all. When you shoot from 17 different spots, I call that a long course regardless if some of the stations used the same traps as others. The half-dozen that were just a different view of the same targets were very well designed and truly represented different targets from the shooters perspective. In fact, I thought it added something to the course to have it that way. The shooting stands were first class and the grounds were well kept. Every thrower worked flawlessly. Some of the terrain over which we were shooting looked like a manicured english garden. The mountain laurel was in full bloom. It was beautiful!
After shooting, we were served lunch off the grill at the clubhouse and enjoyed conversation with the a few club members.
The only downer was the price for non-members. However, you get what you pay for. In all, I’d go back every chance I got.
Number of visits: Once
I shot this course about a year ago and what a great day it was. Unfortunatly with my work schedule I was not able to make it back this year but I will counting the days until I can. This is a great mountain course with an outstanding manager. The other reviews say it all. I think about this club often and I cant get back soon enough!
Number of visits: Once
I was invited to shoot with Pat Cunningham at Smoke Rise a couple of weeks ago.We shot the 5 stand and had a ball. I Grew up shooting clays but haven’t had the opportunity to shoot in over 35 years. Amazing how it stays with you. Great facility, Godd food and fun folks at the club. Going back for my second trip this morning.
Number of visits: Once
I have had the opportunity to shoot at a number of Clubs throughout Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina and Florida. But by far this is one of the most unique Clubs that I have had the pleasure to shoot at. The terrain is awesome! It is too mountainous for mere golf carts, virtually impossible to walk, but easily navigated with the Clubs ATVs. It is a private club, but welcomes visitors when arranged with the Club Manager, Randy Deitz.
The terrain means that you are often shooting almost straight down or straight up, targets that you have never seen if you have never shot a true mountain course. The targets are moderate in difficulty and should prove challenging enough for either the beginning shooter or the experienced marksman. The environment is beautiful, the club house is nice, and the members are visitor friendly. All in all, a day spent at Smoke Rise will be a day that you will not soon forget
Number of visits: Once
I had an opportunity to spend a morning at Smoke Rise with members Hal Cottingham and Pat Cunningham on Friday, June 21st. Smoke Rise is a wonderful and challenging shooting experience, especially for someone use to shooting on the coast. It is a beautiful mountain setting with excellent facilities. We had a fine morning shooting the sporting clays course, and finished with a nice lunch on the deck overlooking the pond. I definitely will want to try it again.
Number of visits: Once
In March 2012, Hal Cottingham of Smoke Rise Field Club contacted me to make a sign for the clubhouse. One of my hobbies includes making signs/pictures from spent shotgun primers. This past weekend, my girlfriend and I delivered the finished picture to the club. After hanging the sign at the clubhouse, Hal took us out for a round of sporting clays. Over the years, I have shot at many various courses around the NC, SC, and VA areas. This was by far one of the best courses I have ever shot due to the wide variety in target presentation and the friendliness of the members and staff. The sporting clays course presented targets that were challenging for more experienced shooters, but maintained a balance for the more novice shooter also. Hopefully I will be able to go back and try out the covered five-stand, “big boy” five stand, and skeet field. The colors of the leaves this time of year made for an even better experience because of beautiful views around the sporting clay course. I definitely recommend going to shoot at Smoke Rise if you are a novice shooter or a professional shooter. There is a wide variety of targets and many great people to spend a day shooting with. Thank you Hal and Randy (club manager) for a great first experience at Smoke Rise Field Club.
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
I have had more than a few opportunities to shoot the clays course and both of the club’s five-stands. The challenging clays course is inventively laid out over a circuitous and sometimes precipitous mountain path easily accessible by the club ATVs. All areas are well maintained and all traps were loaded and fully functional. Ammunition in all gauges is available for sale. The club house facility is adjacent to an open deck overlooking a trout pond. Snacks and soft drinks are available for sale and on certain days grilled hamburgers and hot dogs are also offered. The staff and members were welcoming and friendly and added to the pleasant experience of being a guest there
Number of visits: Once
I have shot sporting clays at most of the ranges in North Carolina. First, I would like to thank Randy and Hal. The facility and hospitality could have not been better. The mountains of North Carolina could not have provided a more unique clays range. The vertical presented many new challenges not found at other ranges. I hope to return and shoot some of the other courses. All of our shooting party had a great time. You have a beautiful facility and done a great job making it fit into the landscape.
Thank you again.
Number of visits: Once
We were fortunate to be able to shoot Smoke Rise today. The club manager Randy was very accomodating. The main course was layed out over beautiful mountain terrain. The targets were challenging enough for the intermediate shooter. It kept you wanting to come back for more! We had a wonderful lunch on the deck overlooking the pond. We then shot the more difficult of two five stands. The club members made us feel very welcome. This club is extremely well maintained and would definitely be a club that we would want to shoot again and recommend to others
Number of visits: Once
I visited the Smokerise over the Thanksgiving weekend with my 79 year old dad and 2 daughters aged 9 and 11. We are all novices. Randy Deitz, the club manager took us under his wing and made it a truly enjoyable and memorable experience for all. The members were also extremely friendly and made us feel at home. I look forward to visiting again. The skeet shooting and 5 stand are wonderful setups.
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
I had the recent opportunity to shoot in a Boy Scout Fun Shoot hosted by Smoke Rise. I can’t say enough about how friendly and accommodating the members and staff were. The layout was challenging but fun, and the setting is spectacular! It is a special treat to be able to shoot in such a first class club.
Number of visits: More than 10
A great way to spend the day. A wonderful experience in every way – the staff, the sporting clays, the members and the bubba burgers combine for a great way to spend the day. The course layout is challenging but leaves you wanting to come back for more.
Number of visits: Once
Shot the sporting clays course with my son as a guest on July 2, 2011. Great course, with very fair presentations. The course winds up the mountain and is nicely spaced with wide openings at each stand and plenty of shade along the trail. All of the equipment worked without flaw.
Randy and his staff were very friendly and helpful. Don’t miss lunch on the porch overlooking the pond – great opportunity to meet the members and learn more about this very fine club.
Number of visits: Once
This is a beautiful vista and the club members are cordial and helpful. It was a very nice shooting experience. I hope to have the chance to shoot it again in the future.
Number of visits: Once
First Class! I have been shooting clays for many years in many places. The Smoke Rise Field Club facilities, setting and staff get my highest rating and recommendation. This is a great club that is well worth the drive.
Number of visits: Once
While on Vacation in Glenville,NC, I decided to try to find somewhere to shoot sporting clays. I found a real gem ! The club, the location, the views and the challenge — All spectacular. I’ve been shooting sporting clays for many years and this is, by far, the most fun I’ve had at any club. Being from the coast, most of our sporting clay ranges are on relatively flat ground. The elevation changes, coupled with well thought out stand locations made every station an experience to remember. The Club is a little hard to find but well worth the trouble. If you are in the mountains of NC and enjoy a challenge, I highly recommend Smoke Rise Field Club.
Number of visits: Once
What a nice shooting facility! We were very impressed with the layout of the 15 stations on their sporting clays course. The course is diverse and challenging, but they were in the process of adding new stands at most of the stations for those who want a softer course. The covered 5-Stand was a nice experience and the other 5-Stand was great practice for our next tournament. The staff was friendly and focused on a positive experience for all members and guests. They concentrate on the details! My only regret was that we were rained out on our return trip.
Number of visits: Once
Visited while on vacation and was truly impressed. The sporting clays course is beautiful and challenging. The entire facility is the cleanest and most well maintained I have ever shot at. I highly recommend visiting and joining as the staff is great, I had a good time shooting with Randy and even my wife had fun on her first ever visit to a gun club.
Number of visits: Once
Friendly staff. Well maintained and challenging. Worth your time.
Number of visits: Once
Visited 10-7-09.It is a first class range. The course is real challenging for us flat land shooters. Had a chance to shoot with Randy and Mr. Steve. The other shooters were very friendly which added to the enjoyment. Can’t wait for another visit.
Number of visits: Once
What a wonderful facility! The course is beautifully arranged amongst the ridge tops and valleys. Every station is kept very neat and tidy. The equipment, including buttons and traps, all worked without even one malfunction. While the sporting class course was my favorite, the club also offers TWO separate 5-stand facilities, one of which is covered, the other is a 5-stand, trap, skeet combo setting. Both are exceptional! Perhaps the best part of the experience is the professionalism and courtesy of all the staff. They all take pride in making sure is running on greased grooves and visitors are made to feel like old friends. Great club.
Number of visits: 2-5 Visits
We have now visited the facility twice and both times (2008 and 2009) we were impressed with the layout of the course which was challenging. The path through the natural terrain and how each station was setup to use that areas advantages was great. We will definitely plan to attend again. The covered deck addition to the main office turned out nice. Thanks.
Number of visits: Once
We visited this club while vacationing near Sylva and we shot one round of 50 clays. We thoroughly enjoyed the layout, as it was quite a change from the flatland courses we’ve shot before. The hosts were also very gracious to us as visitors.