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Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO

Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO
511 N. Main St.
Hendersonville, NC 28792
828-692 8386
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  • The Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO is the only public aquarium in Western North Carolina.
  • The Aquarium houses 20+ displays showcasing dozens of tropical fish, eels, sting rays, sea horses, turtles and fish, a touch tank, a 2,000-gallon shark study tank with bamboo sharks, and much more!
  • It is recognized as the first inland aquarium in North Carolina.
  • Check web site for hours, they vary by season
  • Admission charged
  • Offers educational opportunities for schools

Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate
1 Lodge Street
Asheville, NC 28803
800-411-3812
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Biltmore is the largest privately owned home in America situated on 8,000 acres. It was built by George Vanderbilt and was completed in 1895. Vanderbilt’s 250-room mansion is modeled after a French château. The Estate encompasses the house, landscaped gardens, walking trails, woodlands, restaurants, shops, inn, and an award-winning winery. Located 22 miles north of Hendersonville.

  • Reservations required to tour the house
  • Reservations may be made online
  • Check web site for hours
  • Admission charged
  • Outdoor Adventure Center – hiking, biking carriage rides, horse back riding, fly-fishing, river floats, sporting clays and more. Call for details and reservations. 

Blantyre Park

Blantyre Park
120 Grove Bridge Rd
Hendersonville, NC 28739
828-697-4884
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  • Blantyre Park, a river-access park, is managed by the NC Wild Life Resource Commission
  • Parking
  • Canoe port into the French Broad River
  • Blantyre Park is located on the border of Henderson and Transylvania Counties
  • The park covers a total area of 3.46 acres

Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway
NC
800-228-7275 or 828-298-0398
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The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the mountain ridges from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. The Parkway’s 469 toll-free miles combines natural beauty, mountain forests, wildlife, wildflowers and magnificent views. Located 15 miles north of Hendersonville.

  • Nature Trails
  • Dog Parks
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Picnic Area
  • Camping (seasonally)
  • Open year-round (weather permitting)
  • Check website for road conditions and closings

Camp Arrowhead

Camp Arrowhead
1415 Cabin Creek Road
Zirconia, NC 28790
828-435-0591
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  • All-boys camp for rising 1st – 10th graders
  • Originally opened in 1937, re-opened under new leadership in 2020
  • Directors: Max & Alli King and Tommy Carroll

Camp Bob

Camp Bob
130 Kanuga Chapel Drive
Hendersonville, NC 28739
828-692-9136
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  • Co-ed camp
  • Ages 8-17
  • Through generous donations, participation at Camp Bob is provided at no cost to children who could not otherwise afford summer camp

Camp Greystone

Camp Greystone
21 Camp Greystone Lane
Zirconia, NC 28790
828-693-3182
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  • Christian camp for girls that focuses on helping others
  • Girls Ages: 6-17
  • Directors: Jimboy Miller, IV, Margaret Miller, Katie Miller Grant, Laura Hollowell, Ellen-Anne Harboe Skelton & Sarah Brown

Camp Joy

Camp Joy
500 Pine Dr.
Flat Rock, NC 28731
828-606-5782
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  • Located at the Bonclarken Conference Center
  • Camp for people with special needs
  • Has a 1:1 camper to counselor ratio
  • Ages 13+
  • Co-ed
  • Director: Ann Brice

Camp Judaea

Camp Judaea
48 Camp Judaea Dr.
Hendersonville, NC 28792
828-685-8841
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  • Smaller-scale Jewish Camp that serves kosher meals
  • Offers scholarship opportunities to help cover the cost
  • Open to people of all abilities
  • Ages: 7-15
  • Director: Walter Synalovski

Camp Kanuga

Camp Kanuga
130 Kanuga Chapel Drive
Hendersonville, NC 28739
828-692-9136
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  • Co-ed summer camp affiliated with The Episcopal Church
  • Offers day camp, overnight camp and adventure excursions
  • Founded in 1931
  • Ages: 7-15
  • Interim Director: Jimmy Haden

Camp Tekoa

Camp Tekoa
211 Thomas Rd.
Hendersonville, NC 28739
828-692-6516
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  • Offers day and overnight camp options
  • Owned by WNC Conference United Methodist Church
  • Founded in 1949
  • Co-Ed: K – 12th grades
  • Director: James Johnson

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
1800 Little River Rd
Flat Rock, NC 28731
828-693-4178
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Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is where Carl Sandburg, American poet, historian, author, and lecturer spent the final 22 years of his long and productive life at his estate, Connemara. The home, originally built in 1838, displays the Sandburg’s furnishing as they lived at Connemara from 1945-1968, including Carl Sandburg’s collection of 12,000 books. Tour the home for a small fee, and learn about Sandburg’s life as a writer, journalist, folk singer, social activist and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and biographer. Visit the barn and descendants of Mrs. Sandburg’s champion dairy goat herd and hike over five miles of trails. Access to trails, grounds, barns and public areas is free.

  • Open year-round. closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day
  • Admission charged for house tour

Cradle of Forestry in America

Cradle of Forestry in America
11250 Pisgah Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828-877-3130
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Open through October

The Cradle of Forestry in America is a 6,500-acre Historic Site within the Pisgah National Forest, set aside by Congress to commemorate the beginning of forestry conservation in the United States. Outdoor activities include two guided trails, which lead back in time to seven historical buildings, including a 1915 Climax locomotive and an old sawmill.

  • Reservations or Fees
  • Nature Trails
  • Dog Parks
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Picnic Area

You can call the Cradle of Forestry during their normal business hours at 828-877-3130, or when they are closed, please call the Pisgah Ranger Station at 828-877-3265.

Dana Park

Dana Park
2879 Upward Road
Flat Rock, NC
828-697-4884
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  • Reservations or Fees
  • Athletic Field
  • Basketball Court
  • Playground
  • Picnic Area/Pavilion
  • Public Restrooms
  • Walking Path

Open Year Round

DuPont State Recreational Forest

DuPont State Recreational Forest
High Falls parking lot, 1300 Staton Rd
Cedar Mountain, NC
828-877-6527
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DuPont State Recreational Forest encompasses 10,268 acres in Henderson and Transylvania counties that include waterfalls and 80 miles of roads and trails wandering through mountainous terrain. Open to the public for hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and horseback riding. Fishing is allowed with a valid NC fishing license. Hunting is by special permit only. Many scenes from the 2012 hit movie, The Hunger Games and the 1992 film, The Last of the Mohicans were shot in DuPont State Recreational Forest. The Hunger Games were filmed entirely in North Carolina. Download the Hunger Games film locations.

Hooker Falls on Little River has become a popular swimming hole, dropping off a 13-foot high natural ledge before flowing into Cascade Lake.

  • Bicycle Trails
  • Nature Trails
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Picnic Area

Open Year-Round

Etowah Park

Etowah Park
Etowah School Rd.
Etowah, NC
828-697-4884
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  • Bicycle Trails
  • Reservations or Fees
  • Nature Trails
  • Athletic Field
  • Basketball Court
  • Playground
  • Shuffle Board
  • Disc golf
  • Tennis
  • Picnic Area

Open Year Round

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Great Smoky Mountain National Park
NC/TN
865-436-1200 or 865-436-1230
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park covers seven counties in North Carolina, with the northern fringe of the Smokies in Tennessee. The 520,000-acre park is one of the largest wilderness areas in the Eastern United States, covering more than 88 square miles. The park contains some of the highest peaks in the East, with elevations in excess of 6,000 feet. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, campgrounds, nature trails, trout fishing and several visitor centers.

  • Bicycle Trails
  • Reservations or Fees
  • Nature Trails
  • Dog Parks
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Picnic Area
  • Camping

Open Year-Round

Historic Johnson Farm

Historic Johnson Farm
3346 Haywood Rd.
Hendersonville, NC 28791
828-891-6585
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Historic Johnson Farm is a fine example of a late 19th and early 20th century farm & tourist retreat. The entire structure was handmade from bricks that were fired on site from French Broad River mud. Over the years many outbuildings were constructed, including a tool shed/blacksmith shop, barn, boarding house, and a cottage. The property offers historic home tours, nature trails, picnic tables, animals and 10 historic structures on 15 acres filled with trees in a natural setting.

The Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists have transformed the boarding house into a fiber arts center, which includes weaving, rug hooking, bobbin lace, spinning or knitting.

Holmes Educational State Forest

Holmes Educational State Forest
1299 Crab Creek Road
Hendersonville, NC
828-692-0100
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Holmes Educational State Forest offers a series of well-marked trails, firefighting equipment, accented by exhibits and displays depicting ecology of a managed forest. Picnic sites with tables and a spacious picnic shelter (with grills) are also available. Located about 8 1/2 miles from downtown Hendersonville.

  • Nature Trails
  • Playground
  • Hiking
  • Picnic Area

Open March – November

Jackson Park

Jackson Park
4th Ave E.
Hendersonville , NC
828-697-4884
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Jackson Park is the largest municipal-owned park in Western North Carolina, covering 220 acres.

  • Bicycle Trails
  • Reservations or Fees
  • Nature Trails
  • Dog Parks
  • Athletic Field
  • Basketball Court
  • Playground
  • Tennis
  • Hiking
  • Picnic Area

Open Year Round

Jump Off Rock

Jump Off Rock
4433 Laurel Park Highway
Laurel Park, NC 28739
828-693-4840
 
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Jump Off Rock is a scenic overlook, which provides a panoramic view of rolling pastures, the Blue Ridge and Pisgah mountain ranges.  Jump Off Rock also holds an Indian legend that has been passed down for many, many years. Over 300 years ago a young Cherokee Indian maiden received word that her young Indian Chief had been killed in battle, so she climbed to the edge of the rock and jumped off.  Indian legend has it that on moonlit nights you can see the ghost of the maiden on Jump Off Rock. Jump Off is located about 5 miles from downtown at the end of Laurel Park Hwy.  The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset. No admission charge.

There are three hiking trials at Jump Off Rock, varying in length and difficulty. Blue Trail – easy trail, takes about 8 minutes, Yellow Trail – moderate trail, takes around 15 minutes & Red Trail – is the most difficult and the longest. See the sign at the entrance to the walkway leading to Jump Off Rock.

  • Nature Trails
  • Hiking
  • Scenic Overlook
  • Open Year Round

Lake Lure Beach, Marina & Water Park

Lake Lure Beach, Marina & Water Park
2724 Memorial Hwy
Lake Lure, NC 28746
828-625-1373
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The Lake Lure 27 miles of shoreline was selected by National Geographic as one of the Ten Most Spectacular man-made lakes in the World. The lake offers a marina, boat rentals & tours and a sandy beach. Located 14 miles east of Hendersonville

  • Reservation or Fees
  • Dog Parks
  • Swimming
  • Basketball Court
  • Playground
  • Tennis
  • Boating, Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Picnic Area
  • Open May – September

Lakewood RV Resort

Lakewood RV Resort
15 Timmie Lane
Flat Rock, NC 28731
3 Rooms
828-697-9523
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Amenities include:

  • Air Conditioned
  • Handicap Access
  • Pool/Swimming
  • Credit Cards
  • Internet Access
  • TV/Sat/Cable
  • Shuffle Board
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Open Year Round
  • Reservations or Fees
  • 55+ Community

Mount Mitchell State Park

Mount Mitchell State Park
2388 NC-128
Burnsville, NC 28714
828-675-4611
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Mount Mitchell State Park is the highest point East of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet offering breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Northeast of Asheville off Blue Ridge Parkway on NC 128

  • Nature Trails
  • Hiking
  • Picnic Area
  • Camping

Open Weather Permitting

North Mills River Recreation Area & Campground

North Mills River Recreation Area & Campground
5289 N Mills River Road
Horse Shoe, NC 28742
877-444-6777
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North Mills River Recreational Area is located in Henderson County, just 13 miles from Downtown Hendersonville.

  • Bicycle Trails
  • Reservation or Fees
  • Nature Trails
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Picnic Areas
  • Camping (reservations required)
  • Tubing (bring your own tube)
  • Horseback riding trails

Open Year Round
In Season Facilities Open April 1 – October 31

Oklawaha Greenway Trail

Oklawaha Greenway Trail
Connects: Jackson, Patton, Berkley, Sullivan & William H. King Parks
Hendersonville, NC
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The Oklawaha Greenway Trail stretches 3.25 miles, connecting Jackson Park, Patton Park, Berkley Park, Sullivan Park & William H. King Memorial Park.  It is a relatively flat paved trail and is handicap accessible. The Greenway is a 10-foot-wide asphalt path for cyclists and pedestrians. Mileage signs have been installed every quarter of a mile along the trail to help trail users know how far they have traveled and how much farther it is to their destination. Benches, water fountains, and three bicycle FixIt Stations are available along the trail. Blue light phones have been installed along the greenway using grant money from the state Department of Transportation.

Patton Park

Patton Park
114 E. Clairmont Drive
Hendersonville , NC
828-697-3084
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  • Reservation or Fees
  • Nature Trails
  • Swimming Pool (open 7 days during summer season),
  • Athletic Field
  • Racquet Ball
  • Basketball Court
  • Playground
  • Tennis
  • Picnic Area

Open Year Round

Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education & Fish Hatchery

Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education & Fish Hatchery
1401 Fish Hatchery Rd
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828-877-4423
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Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is located in Pisgah National Forest. The Center’s indoor and outdoor attractions include: aquariums, hands-on exhibits, garden display, special programs, viewing and feeding of the hatchery trout. Free admission.

Open year-round:
December – March: Open Monday – Friday 8 am – 4:45 pm
April – November: Open Monday – Saturday 8 am – 4:45 pm

Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest
1600 Pisgah Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC
828-877-3265
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The Pisgah National Forest’s 501,691 acres stretches across the eastern edge of Western North Carolina’s mountains. he closest section to Hendersonville is the Pisgah Ranger District, which includes attractions such as Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, Pisgah Forest State Fish Hatchery, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, The Cradle of Forestry and the North Mills River Recreational Area.

  • Hiking Trails
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Picnic Sites
  • Waterfalls.

Ride Kanuga

Ride Kanuga
221 Camp Kanuga Circle
Hendersonville, NC 28739
828-513-0002
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  • Multiple one-way trails rated by skill level that were designed by a world-champion downhill racer
  • Trails only open to bikes
  • Day, month or annual passes available
  • Bikes and gear available to rent at the shop
  • Shop open on weekends
  • Trails open 7 days per week

Rutledge Lake RV Park

Rutledge Lake RV Park
125 Jilllian Trail
Fletcher, NC 28732
5 Units
828-654-7873
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Amenities include:

  • Air Conditioned
  • Handicap Access
  • Pool/Swimming
  • Credit Cards
  • Pet-friendly
  • Internet Access
  • TV/Sat/Cable
  • Reservations or Fees
  • Nature Trails
  • Basketball Court
  • Playground
  • Boating & Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Picnic Area
  • Camping, Cabins & RV space

Open Year-round

Sliding Rock – Pisgah National Forest

Sliding Rock – Pisgah National Forest
7851 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828-885-7625
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  • Parking fees during summer season (Memorial Day – Labor Day), and on weekends until end of October
  • Restrooms available when park is staffed (see above)
  • Located 7.6 miles from the junction of US Highways 64 and 276
  • 60-foot smooth rock face natural water slide that leads down into a 7-foot deep pool
  • Lifeguard on duty May – September, as well as Saturdays & Sundays until the end of October from 10am – 6pm
  • Personal Flotation Devices available when park is staffed ($5)

See website for rules and regulations!

Splashville

Splashville
70 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28802
8282511122
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  • Interactive dancing water fountains located in Pack Square in Downtown Asheville
  • 21 jets of water that run in 12 combinations.
  • The fountain usually operates from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7 days a week from April through September.

The Gorge Zipline

The Gorge Zipline
166 Honey Bee Drive
Saluda, NC 28773
855-749-2500
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  • The Gorge is perched on the rim of the Green River Gorge
  • Steepest & fastest canopy tour in the USA
  • 11 zip ines
  • Sky bridge 
  • 3 free fall rappels
  • Breathtaking 90-mile panoramic view
  • Reservations strongly encouraged
  • Located a short drive from Hendersonville

 

The Kellogg Center

The Kellogg Center
1181 Broyles Road
Hendersonville, NC 28791
828-251-5910
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  • The Kellogg Conference Center is operated by the Hendersonville YMCA, which offers classes and day camps.
  • The Perry N. Rudnick Art and Nature Trail, has multiple trails through woods and meadows that make it easy to create a loop that suits your ability. The trails are dotted with outdoor art. All trails are relatively flat. Parking available at the Kellogg Center and a small lot at 362 South Rugby Road in Hendersonville. Find info on the trail and public art here.

Westfeldt Park

Westfeldt Park
83 Old Fanning Bridge Rd.
Fletcher, NC 28732
828-697-4884
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  • Located on the French Broad River
  • River access
  • Canoe – small Boat Launch Ramp
  • Picnic Area
  • Parking
  • Open Field Area
  • Park covers an area of 15.19 acres.

 

WNC Nature Center

WNC Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek Rd
Asheville, NC
828-298-5600
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The Western North Carolina Nature Center connects people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity. The property is comprised of 42 acres of plants and animals native to the region. Open 7 days per week, year-round with indoor and outdoor exhibits, and many educational and events throughout the year. Located approximately 25 miles from Hendersonville.

Facilities include:

  • Reservations or Fees
  • Nature Trails
  • Picnic Area
  • Playground

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
578 Valley View Circle
Mars Hill, NC 28754
828-689-4111
 
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Wolf Ridge Ski Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, lessons, tubing and lodging, and is located just 5 miles off I-26 and 50 minutes north of Hendersonville.

Check their website for info on pricing, mountain conditions and availability.

YMCA

YMCA
810 6th Ave. W.
Hendersonville, NC 28739
828-692-5774
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  • Organized Activities.
  • Day Camp
  • Indoor Pool
  • Tennis Courts
  • Basketball Courts
  • Gym
  • Fitness Studio
  • Weight Room
  • Youth Center