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Outdoor Adventures

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 offers a public aquarium with 20+ displays showcasing eels, sting rays, sea horses, turtles and fish, a touch tank, a 2,000-gallon shark study tank with bamboo sharks, and much more!

The Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO offers many internship opportunities, educational opportunities for schools, and hosts a summer day camp called REEF Camp.

REEF Camp Info:

  • Ages: 6-15
  • Campers learn about marine life on this week-long ocean-immersion adventure, that includes snorkeling, an airboat ride through the Everglades, tours of the History of Diving Museum and the Aquarium of the Keys, and a dolphin encounter.
  • Director: B. J. Ramer

Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway
NC
800-228-7275 or (828) 298-0398
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Blue Ridge Parkway follows the mountain ridges from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to 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

Open Weather Permitting

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
828-233-2744
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  • Co-ed summer camp affiliated with The Episcopal Church
  • Offers day camp and overnight camp
  • Founded in 1931
  • Ages: 7-15
  • Director: David Schnitzer
  • Coordinator: Patrice Suggs

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.

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. dupont-hunger-games-shots.pdf

  • Bicycle Trails
  • Nature Trails
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • 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 Road
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, 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 Julian Park & Recreation Area

Lake Julian Park & Recreation Area
406 Overlook Rd Ext
Arden, NC 28704
828-684-0376
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Lake Julian Park is a family recreational facility located on the banks of 300-acre Lake Julian in Arden, off of Long Shoals Road. The park offers picnicking, boating, fishing, a playground, outdoor games and special events.

  • Reservations or Fees
  • Nature Trails
  • Playground
  • Boating, Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Picnic Area
  • 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 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

Lazy Otter Outfitters

Lazy Otter Outfitters
10 Banner Farm Rd.
Mills River, NC 28759
828-756-1386
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Lazy Otter headquarters is located at the end of Horse Shoe bend along French Broad River. Lazy Otter offers commercial-quality tubes with back rests, a cup holder and handles, a variety of kayaks, and canoes. Reservations are suggested.

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 28792
8286973084
 
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Public swimming pool, picnic areas, tennis, basketball (pool open 7 days during summer season)

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 501,691 acres stretches across the eastern edge of Western North Carolina’s mountains. The Forest offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, picnic sites, and spectacular waterfalls. The attractions include 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.

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

Sliding Rock
1 Davidson River Circle
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
8285528040
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A natural sloping 60 foot smooth rock water slide, plunging into a pool of water at the bottom. Bathrooms and showers are open during the summer season with a lifeguard on duty from Memorial Day to mid-August, No alcohol is allowed. Pisgah Forest, NC (828) 877-3350

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!

Snow Skiing

Snow Skiing
hendersonville, NC
800-438-7500
 
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Two slopes are within an hour’s drive of Hendersonville. Check availability and snow conditions in advance st skicentral.com, onthesnow.com or goskinc.com

The Park at Flat Rock

The Park at Flat Rock
55 Highland Lake Golf Dr.
Flat Rock , NC
(828) 697-8100
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  • Reservations or Fees
  • Nature Trails
  • Playground
  • Picnic Area
  • Dates Open – Year Round

Check out the Village of Flat Rock’s website here (for info on volunteering or reserving the park) or the Flat Rock Park Foundation’s website here (for info on what’s going on in the park or for the history of the park).

Western North Carolina Nature Center

Western North Carolina 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 21 miles from Hendersonville.

Facilities include:

  • Reservations or Fees
  • Nature Trails
  • Picnic Area

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
Hwy. 64 W
Hendersonville, NC 28792
8286979622
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Organized activities, day camp, indoor pool, tennis, basketball, gym, fitness studio, weight room, youth center.