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HENDERSONVILLE ADVENTURES
Jump Off Rock: For a fun and easy adventure close to town, we like
Jump Off Rock: a scenic overlook that provides a panoramic view of rolling
pastures and the distant mountain ranges of the Blue Ridge and Pisgah
National Forest. There are three hiking trails at Jump Off Rock varying in
length and difficulty. Stick around for a nice sunset photo or get a head start
on your evening by heading back to Hendersonville and stopping into the
Southern Appalachian Brewery for a beer and a game of cornhole on their
patio. Directions from Hendersonville: Jump Off is located
about 5 miles from downtown at the end of Laurel Park Hwy in the
Town of Laurel Park. To access, take Fifth Avenue West, it becomes
Laurel Park Highway, the road dead ends at Jump Off Rock. The park is
open daily, sunrise to sunset. Southern App Brewery is located at 822
Locust St on the north side of downtown Hendersonville.
Bearwallow Mountain (Hendersonville): The hike up Bearwallow
Mountain is a strenuous two-mile round trip hike with over 500 feet in elevation gain.
The hard work to reach the summit is well worth it once you make your way onto the
wide open grassy fields found atop Bearwallow Mountain and take in the astounding
views of the surruonding mountains in nearly all directions. At 4,232 feet above sea
level, this is the highest peak for miles around and is definitely one of the most scenic.
For a longer adventure, try the new Trombatore Trail through the Upper Brush Creek
watershed along the Eastern Continental Divide to the scenic summit of Blue Ridge
Pastures. Both the trail to Bearwallow and the newly constructed Trombatore Trail
were made possible thanks to the work of the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy,
a nonprofiit that has helped to protect over 27,000 acres in the area. Directions
from Hendersonville: Head east on US 64/Four Seasons Blvd for 3.5 miles
and turn left onto Fruitland Road. At stop sign, stay straight onto Old Clear Creek
Road and go 3.5 miles to a left onto Bearwallow Road. Follow Bearwallow Road
for 4.9 miles to a small parking area with trailheads on either side of the road. The
hike to the summit heads uphill past a kiosk placed by the Carolina Mountain Land
Conservancy, while the hike to Blue Ridge Pastures drops downhill away from the
gated road following switchbacks before climbing back up to the scenic pastures.
Local Hiking Expert: Mast General Store
527 N Main Street, Hendersonville, NC
(828) 696-1883 || www.maststore.com
Big Glassy Trail at the Carl Sandburg Home: The Carl
Sandburg Home is a National Historic Site managed by the National Park Service.
The 264 acres of property surrounding the home include a farm and goat dairy
that are worth exploring. The hike to Big Glassy is mostly old road bed, and it’s a
fairly steep 1/2 mile to the rock bald. The rock makes a perfect place for a picnic,
and the views are well worth the short hike. At 1 mile round trip, this is great for
young kids - especially when combined with playing with the goats on site. For a
small fee, you can even tack on a tour of the historic home and take a little time
to learn about the famous writing and social activism of the nature-loving Carl
Sandburg. Directions: From Hendersonville: Take I-26 E towards
Hendersonville to exit 53 at Upward Road. Take a right on Upward Road and
follow to a left on Highway 225 S/Greenville Highway. Take a right on Little
River Road, and follow signs to the parking lot on the left.
Holmes Educational State Forest
offers a series of wellmarked trails, accented by exhibits and displays depicting ecology of a managed
forest.With their educational exhibits and Talking Trees Trail, this 240 acre section
of public lands is a great option for kids. Those that are not-so-savvy navigating in
the forest will appreciate how well each trail is marked and that the trails are on
the less strenuous side. For most, the highlight of Holmes Educational State Forest
is the Talking Trees Trail, and it’s been attracting kids and families for generations.
At about a 1/2 mile in length, even young kids can typically handle the distance.
Along the trail are informational kiosks where the kids (or young at heart) can
push a button and the pre-recorded message will “talk” about the type of tree
that is being viewed. The message for each tree includes habitat information and
types of uses for each tree, as well as other educational tidbits. The trail also
winds through exhibits and displays that showcase the ecology and management
of the forest. Several other trails explore the diversity of the property, and all are
short and manageable. Picnic sites with tables and a spacious picnic shelter (with
grills) are also available. Directions from Hendersonville: Located
about 8 1/2 miles from downtown Hendersonville, the forest is open TuesdaySunday from mid-March to late November. For additional information call
(828) 692-0100.