March 2026
Strategic Partnership
OpenSky Hospitality Signs Franchise Disclosure Document for Ferncrest Bryson City
OpenSky Hospitality LLC has executed the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with Ferncrest for its Bryson City, North Carolina property, which is being repositioned as Ferncrest Bryson City.
The executed FDD marks an important step in the operating plan for the company's 23-acre Bryson City asset. Under this agreement, the property at 1295 Round Hill Road will operate as Ferncrest Bryson City, using Ferncrest's brand standards, operating systems, and guest experience model to support launch execution.
The project overview and current lender narrative are available on the Bryson City project page.
Ferncrest is a glamping franchise with active locations across the United States, including Acadia (ME), Chambers Creek (TX), Flint Creek (OK), and Promised Land (PA). The brand is known for signature glamping suites that blend modern comfort with natural settings, a concept that aligns with the tourism profile of the Great Smoky Mountains corridor.
"Partnering with Ferncrest gives us access to an established operating playbook, brand standards, and franchise support that can improve consistency through launch. The alignment fits the asset and the Western North Carolina market."
Strategic Rationale
The franchise model provides several key advantages for the Bryson City development:
- Brand positioning: Ferncrest's established reputation in the glamping sector supports market positioning and guest familiarity.
- Operational framework: Access to Ferncrest's proprietary reservation systems, guest experience protocols, and property management standards.
- Launch support: The franchise playbook can reduce startup friction and support a more organized operating rollout.
- National network: Participation in Ferncrest's multi-location marketing and booking ecosystem supports cross-market guest acquisition.
About Ferncrest
Founded by Brian Linton and Joanna, Ferncrest began with the transformation of an underutilized 1960s campground in Promised Land, Pennsylvania, into a premium glamping destination. The brand has since expanded to multiple states and is actively franchising nationwide. Ferncrest's concept centers on providing "comfort in nature" — thoughtfully designed accommodations that eliminate the barriers of traditional camping while preserving an authentic connection to the outdoors. Learn more at campferncrest.com.
Next Steps
With the FDD executed, OpenSky Hospitality LLC is advancing with franchise onboarding and site planning coordination. Development work is currently underway, targeting an operational launch in August 2026. During construction, The Reserve at Round Hill remains the working project name.
Legal Disclaimer: The OpenSky Properties is a brand of OpenSky Hospitality LLC. Ferncrest is an independent franchise brand. This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities or a solicitation of investment. Franchise operations are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the executed Franchise Disclosure Document.
Development Timeline
Targeting August 2026 Launch
OpenSky Properties Completes 2 Miles of Hiking Trails on Bryson City Property
OpenSky Hospitality LLC has completed approximately 2 miles of hiking trails on its 23-acre Bryson City property, marking an infrastructure milestone in the site's development.
The trail network traverses the property's diverse terrain — winding through mature hardwood forest, along ridgelines, and through natural clearings — offering guests an immersive nature experience with 335 feet of elevation gain across the trail system. The trails have been designed to showcase the property's natural features while providing accessible outdoor recreation directly on-site.
This investment in on-property trail infrastructure is part of the company's strategy to strengthen the guest experience on-site. By building dedicated trail systems, the property adds usable outdoor programming directly on the land rather than relying exclusively on off-site attractions.
"Building 2 miles of trails on the property is about creating a stronger on-site experience. It gives guests another way to engage with the land while supporting the overall development plan."
Trail System Details
- Total distance: Approximately 2 miles of maintained hiking trails
- Elevation gain: 335 feet across the trail network
- Terrain: Mixed hardwood forest, ridgeline views, natural clearings
- Location: Swain County, North Carolina — adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The trail system is the latest in a series of infrastructure improvements being made to the property ahead of the planned Ferncrest Bryson City launch. Additional development updates, including site preparation for geodesic dome installations and utility upgrades, will be announced as construction progresses.
Legal Disclaimer: The OpenSky Properties is a brand of OpenSky Hospitality LLC.
February 27, 2026
Press Release
The OpenSky Properties Formally Acquires Landmark Bryson City Acreage
OpenSky Hospitality LLC has completed the acquisition of 1295 Round Hill Road in Bryson City, North Carolina.
This 23-acre parcel represents a key strategic asset in the company's portfolio. The property was formerly operated as Canopy Cove Campground under the previous owner and is now being redeveloped as Ferncrest Bryson City, with The Reserve at Round Hill used as the working name during construction.
The property is situated in the Great Smoky Mountains tourism corridor, within minutes of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala National Forest, and the Tuckasegee River. These natural amenities, together with Bryson City's outdoor recreation profile, support the current hospitality repositioning plan.
The acquisition reflects the company's disciplined approach to selecting outdoor hospitality sites in demand-driven leisure markets. The operating plan for the site focuses on phased infrastructure modernization, amenity improvements, and a measured operating platform.
"This acquisition is an important step in building a focused outdoor hospitality platform in nature-driven leisure markets. The goal is to improve the property carefully while respecting the natural setting."
The development plan encompasses upgrades to utility infrastructure, the introduction of premium accommodation units, enhanced common areas and guest amenities, and the integration of modern reservation and property management systems. Each phase is designed to elevate the guest experience while maximizing operational efficiency and revenue potential.
The OpenSky Properties will continue to evaluate additional acquisition opportunities in the Western North Carolina corridor and throughout the Southeastern United States, with a focus on properties that align with the company's strategic criteria: strong market positioning, infrastructure readiness, and long-term yield potential.
Legal Disclaimer: The OpenSky Properties is a brand of OpenSky Hospitality LLC.