The Adventure Collective 2017 WNC Adventure Guide | Page 28

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EXPLORE MADISON COUNTY
J
ust minutes from Asheville, Madison County is rife with
opportunities for enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Within the Pisgah National Forest, the Appalachian Trail and
numerous other hiking trails provide a wide range of opportunities
for hiking. Other outdoor activities include whitewater rafting on
the French Broad River, bicycling on scenic and lightly-traveled
mountain roads; horseback riding on trails that provide unique vistas
of the Blue Ridge Mountains; and fishing in clear mountain streams
and rivers. Madison County also offers skiing, snowboarding and
tubing, as well as the option for a soak at Hot Springs. For a less
strenuous but equally enjoyable way to see the county, there are
plenty of self-guided driving tours to take you through the back
roads to see both the history of Madison County and its majestic
vistas.
History and musical heritage abound in this beautiful setting
just north of Asheville. The county is known for its traditional
mountain music which is highlighted at several festivals during
the year and every week at locations throughout. There are also
artists throughout these Blue Ridge Mountains who derive their
inspiration from the people and the natural surroundings. The
three towns each have unique qualities. Hot Springs has one of the
few natural mineral springs east of the Mississippi plus easy access
to the Appalachian Trail. Marshall’s Main Street parallels the French
Broad River and celebrates the old and new with its 100-year old
Courthouse and influx of artists’ studios and eclectic shops. Mars
Hill is home to the beautiful campus of Mars Hill University as well
as the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre. These hills inspire
authors to write books about the area and attract filmmakers to
use the beauty as a backdrop for movies.
Mars Hill: The town of Mars Hill was built
around the educational institution which was
to become Mars Hill University. And, strolling
down Main Street you can feel the influence that
still permeates the small downtown area. Owen
Theatre on the university campus is the home of
the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre which
draws theatergoers from the surrounding area.
The town has a rich music history as it was the
birthplace of Bascom Lamar Lunsford, the “Minstrel
of the Appalachians.” And, just a short distance from
the town and a long distance in elevation, is a ski
area for winter outdoor pleasure.
Marshall:
The town of Marshall’s history was
defined by the French Broad River. The Main Street
has the river on one side and a cliff on the other.
Transportation routes along the river and the
subsequent railroad created a booming economy for
the town in the past. The courthouse demonstrates
the town’s importance as county seat and the
historic Allen House sits amidst historic businesses,
both exhibiting architectural beauty. The mix of the
government and the eclectic art studios creates a
unique atmosphere for the town. Across the bridge,
Blannahassett Island provides a peaceful setting for
picnics and recreational activities.
Hot Springs: The town of Hot Springs
is a jewel in the county, situated where the
Appalachian Trail crosses the French Broad River.
This haven for outdoor enthusiasts originally was
a draw for the rich society in the 1800s because
of the natural mineral springs for which the town
is named. Not only does the town have natural
beauty, but it also has rich music heritage as well
as a place in the history of current-day Warren
Wilson College in nearby Asheville. To add to
that, there is fascinating history with a skirmish
during the Civil War and an Internment Camp
during World War I.