Narrow Ridge

An inspiration for sustainable living in the mountains of East Tennessee, the Narrow Ridge Center, programs, meeting facilities and retreat activities are its livelihood, set amidst its continuing interests in community, sustainability and spirituality.

Narrow Ridge brings diverse backgrounds to strengthen our approach and concern for the ecological health of our bioregion -  the Upper Tennessee Valley and Southern Appalachian Mountains. It is an educational/demonstration retreat center offering classes in sustainable living, earth literacy, eco-spirituality and group and individual retreats in rural East Tennessee

A resource center and library of current Earth Literacy materials are open to all who come. Visitors and lodgers are encouraged to roam the countryside. Inspiration Point is one especially interesting place to be on a clear night. A 100-acre forest includes dense woods, a spring with brook and some curious rock outcroppings that people cannot resist climbing.

Narrow Ridge's simple solution to life's mystery  is to live in balance and harmony with our environment, to become real inhabitants of the land and to voluntarily choose simplicity whenever possible.

click here for our Calendar of Events

High above the books in the Narrow Ridge library, there is a stained glass gable window which shines brightly when the winter afternoon sun moves low on the horizon. Native Americans say this about the Sacred Tree depicted: For all people of Earth, the Creator has planted a Sacred Tree under which they may gather and there find healing, power, wisdom and security. The roots of this tree spread deep into the body of Mother Earth and its branches reach upward like hands praying to Father Sky. The fruits of this tree are the good things the Creator has given to the people; teachings that show the path to love, compassion, generosity, patience, wisdom, justice, courage, respect, humility and many other wonderful gifts.

- Thomas Berry, from The Great Work