Regional

Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a public footpath across 2,155 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridges extending from Maine to Georgia.

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center features an award-winning film – The Blue Ridge Parkway—America’s Favorite Journey, exhibits highlight nature and the cultural heritage of the area, information services, and a gift shop. Located at Parkway milepost 384, about a mile south of the US 70 intersection (or one mile north of the US 74-A intersection).

The small town of Brevard offers more than 250 scenic waterfalls.  Brevard is located between Pisgah National Forest and Gorges State Park, making this area popular for outdoor enthusiasts.

Transylvania county is home to a rare white squirrel population, that is said to be descended from an escaped carnival animal in 1949.

Located just 20 miles from Hendersonville.

Brevard Music Center provides intensive study for high school, college, and pre-professional musicians, ages 14 and older, and offers a full range of concerts and operas with renowned artists. Located 18 miles west of Hendersonville.

Cradle of Forestry 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, a 1915 Climax locomotive and the old sawmill.

Folk Art Center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians.  The Folk Art Center is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost #382.

offers hiking and horseback riding trails, bird walks, nature center, pond with boardwalk and picnic area. 320 acre nature preserve. Equestrian events, concerts and more throughout the year. Free and open to the public.

Grandfather Mountain is one of the most environmentally significant mountains in the world. It features wildlife environmental habitats, interpretive nature museum, hiking trails and picnic areas. For over 100 years Grandfather Mountain has been a wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve, with an elevation 5,964 feet. Open all year.

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino is owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and operated by Caesars Entertainment Corporation. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino is the only casino in the state of North Carolina. The Casino features non-stop casino action including: traditional games in video format, live table games like Blackjack, Roulette & Craps, live entertainment and restaurants. Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC

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.

Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is located in Pisgah National Forest. The Center’s attractions include: aquariums, hands-on exhibits, garden display, special programs, viewing and feeding of the hatchery trout. The Center is open to the public, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Polk County (Saluda, Tryon and Columbus) quiet back roads offer a unique glimpse of life – scenic overlooks, crafts and antique shopping, nature adventures, equestrian events and pure relaxation.

Thomas Wolfe Memorial is the childhood home of author, Thomas Wolfe. Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of Asheville, NC, and the Old Kentucky Home boarding house. Located 25 miles north of Hendersonville.