Appalachian National Scenic Trail
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Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a public footpath across 2,155 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridges extending from Maine to Georgia.
Regional
Biltmore Estate
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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 15 miles north of miles north of Hendersonville.
- Reservations required to tour the house
- Reservations may be made online
- Check web site for hours
- Admission charged
Blue Ridge Parkway
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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
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
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Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center features an award-winning film, “The Blue Ridge Parkway—America’s Favorite Journey,” the exhibits highlight nature and the cultural heritage of the area, offers information services, and a gift shop. Located at Parkway milepost 384, about one mile south of the US 70 intersection (or one mile north of the US 74-A intersection).
Brevard / Land of Waterfalls
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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. One of the most popular waterfalls to access is the 60-foot Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest, located along side of Highway 276.
Transylvania county is home to a rare white squirrel population, that is said to be descended from an escaped carnival animal in 1949. They share a similar coloration with small dark patches on their heads and shoulders, but are otherwise white. The animals are not albino, which are totally free of pigmentation, the squirrels are considered an offshoot of the Eastern Gray Squirrel.
Located just 20 miles from Hendersonville.
Brevard Music Center
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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.
Cherokee Indian Reservation
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Cherokee Indian Reservation in Cherokee, North Carolina, where Cherokee Indians have lived for centuries, is located on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 56,000 acre Reservation is still linked to ancient customs, culture, history, and traditions. Witnessthe history of the Cherokee at the outdoor drama, “Unto These Hills,” the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Oconaluftee Indian Village.
Chimney Rock Park at Chimney Rock State Park
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- Reservations or Fees
- Nature Trails
- Hiking
- Picnic Area
Open Year-Round
Folk Art Center
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The 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.
Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
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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
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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.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
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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
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
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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.
Lake Lure Beach, Marina & Water Park
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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
Mount Mitchell State Park
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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 Carolina Arboretum
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North Carolina Arboretum is a member of the University of North Carolina System and spans 434 acres. The Arboretum offers curated gardens, horticultural exhibits, education center, hiking, biking, indoor exhibits, educational events and nature trails are a few of the attractions available to the public. Located 15 miles north of Hendersonville.
Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education & Fish Hatchery
1401 Fish Hatchery Rd
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
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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
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The Pisgah National Forest’s 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 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.
Polk County (Saluda, Tryon and Columbus)
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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.
Sliding Rock – Pisgah National Forest
7851 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
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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!
The Learning Center at PARI
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The Learning Center at PARI is located at a former NASA facility. The 200-acre historic campus includes hiking trails, hands-on space and earth science exhibit galleries, scenic mountain views and 2-hour private campus tours. It showcases a collection of gems, minerals, rare meteorites and samples from Mars and the Moon. Located about an hour west of downtown Hendersonville.
Reservations are required for any size group, but this is great for larger groups. Call for for public hours and to make a reservation 828-862-5554.
Thomas Wolfe Memorial
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The Thomas Wolfe Memorial is the childhood home of author, Thomas Wolfe. Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. This historic site is devoted to interpreting the life, literature and times of Thomas Wolfe through the use of his mother’s boardinghouse and Look Homeward, Angel. Located 25 miles north of Hendersonville.
Open Tuesday – Saturday. House tours are offered daily at half past each hour for a small fee. Group tours available by reservation.
Tryon International Equestrian Center
25 International Blvd.
Mill Springs, NC
Mill Springs, NC
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The Tryon International Equestrian Center is a 1,400-acre destination equestrian lifestyle destination, hosting international-level equestrian competitions across numerous classes. The venue provides outstanding facilities for hunter/jumper, dressage, and eventing competitions. Located 30 miles from Hendersonville. The 2018 edition of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ will be held in Mill Spring, NC, over thirteen days from September 11-23rd, 2018 at Tryon International Equestrian Center.
Western North Carolina Agricultural Center
1301 Fanning Bridge Rd
Fletcher, NC
Fletcher, NC
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Western North Carolina Agricultural Center offers several exhibit halls featuring equestrian shows, dog shows, rodeos, car shows, just to name a few. The Ag Center is home to the Mountain State Fair, a ten day celebration of mountain living featuring exhibits, animals, a midway and food. Located 11 miles from downtown Hendersonville.
WNC Nature Center
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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
Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace
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Zebulon Baird Vance Birthplace is a State Historic Site. It preserves the pioneer farmstead where Vance, a Civil War officer, North Carolina Governor (1862-1865 and again 1877-1879), and United States Senator was born and raised. The Vance Birthplace is open for self-guided tours and is furnished with items from the period from 1790 to 1840. The farmstead is located approximately 35-miles north of Hendersonville in Weaverville, NC. Reservations are requested for group tours.
Open Tuesday – Saturday, closed most major holidays. Admission is free.
