Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This is America's most visited national park located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee with 8-10 million visitors per year. These 800 square miles in the Southern Appalachian Mountains are known for the amazing diversity of plants, animals, and invertebrates. Over 17,000 species have been documented in the park.

The drive in August created some great wildflower hikes as I went from river bottoms at about 875 feet to peaks over 5,000 feet. Some species that were observed included: Highbush Blueberry, Queen Anne's Lace, Oxeye Daisy, Black-eyed Susan, Touch-me-not, Jewelweed, Red Clover, Sweet Joe-Pye-Weed, Chicory, Heal-all and my favorite, Purple Fringed Orchid.

Must see near Asheville North Carolina

Grove Park Inn is another place to see. It is a magnificent resort and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The fireplaces in the main room are large enough to hold a car and the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are beautiful.  Many famous people have stayed here including Harvey Firestone, Thomas A. Edison and Henry Ford in 1918.

Another good excursion is to the Biltmore Estate.  Built in 1895, this 8,000 acre property is still family-owned today.  It is much more than just the mansion above with gardens, restaurants and a winery.  Plan on spending the day here and enjoy an Asheville landmark.
If you have the opportunity stay for Shindig on the Green in downtown Asheville.  Since 1967, this mountain tradition features a variety of performances by Bluegrass and Old-Time String Bands, Clog Dancers and Fiddle players.  Bring a chair, get some BBQ and enjoy an evening of southern hospitality.

More excursions near Hendersonville

The drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is spectacular and a good stop for a meal or a drink on the deck is the Pisgah Inn, located between mile markers 408 and 409.  At an elevation of 5,000 feet you can see for miles into the valley and relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.

Flat Rock is another town on the Register of Historic Places and is named for the flat granite slab that sits in front of the current day Playhouse.  It is believed that the Cherokee people had gatherings here.  Main street has cute shops such as The Wrinkled Egg and a must eat is Hubba Hubba BBQ for a real southern meal.

While in Flat Rock make a stop at Carl Sandberg's mansion.  While he was working on being a writer and poet his wife, Lillian was raising Champion dairy goats.  The area has many trails to hike and the barn still has a herd of about 15 goats that love visitors.  A great way to spend an afternoon.

Between Hendersonville and Brevard are about 10,000 acres of trees, waterfalls and trails known as the DuPont State Forest.  The scenery is incredible and famous for Triple Falls (below) which is a medium hike from the lower parking area.  Another great way to see nature in North Carolina.

Excursions near Hendersonville North Carolina

Jackson Park in Hendersonville is a great place to bird and observe nature.  The peak times of course are spring and fall during migration, it boasts a list of 196 species of birds, but can be rewarding anytime.  We took a leasurely stroll on the trail for about an hour and heard or saw 13 species including Black-and-White Warbler, White-eyed Vireo and Carolina Chickadee.

Downtown Hendersonville is a must see, with shops, galleries, restaurants and even an old-fashioned soda fountain, it was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

Chimney Rock is a must see for the nature lover and outdoorsman.  It has great hiking trails and beautiful scenery including a view of Lake Lure (above) and Hickory Nut Gorge.  The day we visited the elevator that rises 26 stories in the mountain to the Chimney was not working and it was a huge reward to climb the stairs and arrive at the top!

Lake Lure is a good family place.  The view from Chimney Rock shows how large the lake actually is with a quaint town and lodging.  The beach offers fun activities with water balloon launches, fountains, slides as well as swimming and other water sports.  It is a great way to cool down in the hot months of summer.