Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate
1 Lodge Street
Asheville, NC 28803
800-411-3812

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.
  • Outdoor Adventure Center – hiking, biking carriage rides, horse back riding, fly-fishing, river floats, sporting clays and more.

DuPont State Recreational Forest

DuPont State Recreational Forest
High Falls parking lot, 89 Buck Forest Road
Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
828-877-6527

DuPont State Recreational Forest encompasses more than 10,000 acres that span across both Henderson and Transylvania counties. This treasured state forest is one of the region’s most popular destinations for its breathtaking waterfalls, and 80 miles of roads and trails. It is open year-round. Hooker Falls on Little River has become a popular swimming hole, dropping off a 13-foot high natural ledge before flowing into Cascade Lake. Fawn Lake is another popular place to take a dip. Neither location has a lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk.

 

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. 

 

**Insider Tips:

 

DuPont State Forest is known for:

  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Waterfalls
  • Swimming
  • Scenic Views
  • Lakes
  • Fishing (allowed with a valid NC fishing license, hunting is by special permit only)
  • Hiking

 

Notable trails:

  • “Waterfalls Loop” (Hiking, includes Hooker Falls Trail, Triple Falls Trail and part of the High Falls Loop – see a map here)
  • Bridal Veil Falls
  • Stone Mountain
  • Cedar Rock Trail
  • Ridgeline Trail (Mountain Biking)

 

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North Mills River Recreation Area & Campground

North Mills River Recreation Area & Campground
5289 N Mills River Road
Horse Shoe, NC 28742
877-444-6777

North Mills River Recreational Area is located in Henderson County, just 13 miles from Downtown Hendersonville.

  • Reservation or Fees
  • Tubing (bring your own tube)
  • 26 Sites
  • Maximum size of RV 38′

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

Pisgah Forest Stables

Pisgah Forest Stables
National Forest Road
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828-883-8258

Make memories on horseback as you explore Pisgah National Forest. Choose from a 1, 2 or 2.5-hour trail ride, or short pony rides for children under age 7. Some experience recommended for the 2.5 hour ride. Stables located in Pisgah National Forest.

  • Open April – October
  • Trail rides offered Monday-Saturday
  • Reservations required

Pisgah National Forest

1600 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC
828-877-3265

**Please note: Parts of Pisgah National Forest’s Pisgah Ranger District (the section closest to Hendersonville) have reopened, as of October 18th, after the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. There is still much work to be done, and some trails have not yet been touched. Please hike or bike at your own risk, and use extreme caution.**

The Pisgah National Forest’s more than 500,000 acres stretch across the eastern edge of Western North Carolina’s mountains. The closest section to Hendersonville is the Pisgah Ranger District, which includes attractions such as Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, The Cradle of Forestry and the North Mills River Recreational Area.

Enjoy the Following Activities while you visit Pisgah National Forest:

Popular hiking options include:

  • Moore Cove Falls
  • Looking Glass Rock
  • John Rock
  • Pink Beds
  • Andy Cove Falls
  • Art Loeb Trail
  • Trace Ridge
  • Yellow Gap Road

Saddle Up Trail Rides

Saddle Up Trail Rides
Turkey Pen Road
Mills River, NC 28759
828-768-9025

Saddle Up Trail Rides makes for a fun-filled horse back riding experience, allowing you to explore the trails, take in the fresh mountain air and breath-taking scenery of Pisgah National Forest on the back of a gentle horse. Suitable for all skill levels of horseback riding ability.1, 2 & 2.5 hour rides available.

  • Trail rides offered Wednesday-Monday
  • Reservations required