Carl Sandburg provided a popular voice for the American people of the twentieth century and still speaks to us through his words, songs, and the beauty and serenity of Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site.
The Playhouse’s dual mission of producing the performing arts and providing education in the performing arts includes a ten-show professional series; a summer and fall college apprentice and intern program; performances and cabaret series by the YouTheatre; an year-round classes and workshops for students from kindergarten through adults. The Flat Rock Playhouse now hosts over 90,000 patrons annually and is a major contributor to the local economy and the Arts in North Carolina.
Bicycling is a great way to get around. And North Carolina is an ideal place to bicycle. Climate, terrain, a rich history, and the many miles of pleasant country roads and off-road trails and greenways combine to provide for a great experience for any type of cyclist—long-distance tourist, recreational rider, commuter, or mountain biker. There is a wide range in one’s skill and comfort level with bicycling in a variety of conditions.
Check out this map of area bike routes, featuring a 184-mile system of routes: 4 signed routes totaling 106 miles and an additional 78 miles of unsigned connectors.
Climb to the top of this towering 315-foot monolith located on the very edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains high above beautiful Hickory Nut Gorge. At a soaring elevation of 2,280 feet with its 75-mile views, this mountaintop experience will take your breath away.
In the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina with elevations ranging from 2,240 feet at Cascade Lake to 3,620 feet at the peak of Stone Mountain. The Little River runs through the forest, with four major waterfalls along its course. The forest also contains five lakes with the largest being 99-acre Lake Julia. The forest has over 80 miles of roads and trails that are shared by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls, and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States. It is also home of the first school of forestry in the United States, now preserved at the Cradle of Forestry in America historic site, and boasts two of the first designated wilderness areas in the east.
The Pisgah, Grandfather, and Appalachian Ranger Districts are scattered along the eastern edge of the mountains of western North Carolina and offer visitors a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is more than a road – it’s a beautiful journey that entices visitors to explore a 469-mile gateway to America’s rich cultural heritage including Cherokee traditions, music, crafts, agriculture and nature. Your journey is just around the corner.
Find a place to hike! Hike WNC’s Trailheads are hubs or larger areas where several trails are clustered together or in a network.
Whitewater rafting and outfitter guides directory.
Western North Carolina has many miles of public fishable trout waters.
Just as our experience of nature is intimate, visitors to The North Carolina Arboretum connect with plants in personal ways that are as diverse and rich as the land itself. Whether you enjoy strolling through gardens, exploring exhibits, enriching your mind, or hiking and biking, the Arboretum offers activities for all ages.
The WNC Nature Center is now home to over sixty species of wild and domestic animals and hundreds of species of plants, all representative of this unique bio-region, the Southern Appalachians. The center is currently operated by the City of Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department.
If your child is ready for the experience of a lifetime, summer camp in Henderson County is the place to begin! Whether it’s boating, hiking, crafts, or music, they are sure to find at least one camp that caters to one or all of their interests. All of these beautiful places meet the State Board of Health’s standards and require that health certificates be furnished by each camper.