The North Carolina Arboretum is a member of the University of North Carolina System and spans 426 acres. The Arboretum serves as a regional and international resource for education, conservation and offers classes, workshops and nature walks for all ages. The Arboretum offers a Native Azalea Repository, public display gardens, unique horticultural exhibits, education center, hiking, biking, and nature trails available to the public. 15 miles north of Hendersonville www.ncarboretum.org                                          

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a public footpath across 2,155 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridges extending from Maine to Georgia.   The Trail is protected along more than 97 percent of its course by federal or state ownership of the land or by right-of-way.   The National Park Service has overall responsibility for the Trail through its Appalachian Trail Park Office.  www.nps.gov/appa

                                 The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the mountain ridges from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. The Parkway's 469 toll-free miles combines natural beauty, mountain forests, wildlife, wildflowers and magnificent views. There are numerous overlooks and parking areas to view some of America's finest scenic vistas. The Blue Ridge Parkway is located 15 miles north of Hendersonville. www.blueridgeparkway.org                                                              

                                                                                                    Carl Sandburg Home  Carl Sandburg, nationally renowned poet, biographer, lecturer, newspaper columnist, folksinger, author of American fairytales, and winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, provided broad and enduring 20th century insight into the circumstances, worth and spirit of the American people. This farm offered the peace and solitude required for his writing and offered Mrs. Sandburg over 30 acres of pasture-land that she desired to raise her champion dairy goats.  www.carlsandburghome.areaparks.com                                                                                   

DuPont State Forest North Carolina's newest State Forest is located southeast of Brevard in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 10,400 acre Dupont State Forest (DSF) offers almost 100 miles of recreational trails traveling to several unique waterfalls & pristine lakes. Nearly all trails are multi-use (biking, hiking, and equestrian) and they are well signed and well marked.  http://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/dupont/index.html

The Folk Art Center is the most popular attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Folk Art Center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians. The Folk Art center is home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, representing 300 Guild members' crafts from Southern Appalachia, it offers changing exhibits and demonstrations.  The Folk Art Center is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile - post #382.   www.southernhighlandguild.org

  Chimney Rock Park is a natural attraction covering 1000 acres. On a clear day the view spans as far as Kings Mountain, seventy-five miles to the east. You can take the elevator 26 stories inside the mountain to reach the top of the Chimney and the trails. Chimney Rock Park hosts special events throughout the year, including an Easter sunrise service, an Earth Day celebration, demonstrations, and guided nature walks. Chimney Rock Park is located 14 miles east of Hendersonville.   www.chimneyrockpark.com

                                  Grandfather Mountain is one of the most environmentally significant mountains in the world. Crossing the famous swinging footbridge suspends you more than a mile above sea level. Grandfather Mountain features wildlife environmental habitats, interpretive nature museum, hiking trails and picnic areas. For over 100 years Grandfather Mountain has been a wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve, with an elevation of 5,964 feet.  www.grandfather.com

                                           The Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers seven counties in North Carolina, with the northern fringe of the Smokies in Tennessee. The 520,000-acre park is one of the largest wilderness areas in the Eastern United States, covering more than 88 square miles. The park contains some of the highest peaks in the East, with elevations in excess of 6,000 feet. Activities include trails for hiking and horseback riding, back country campsites, developed campgrounds, self-guided nature trails, self-guided auto tours, trout fishing and several visitor centers. www.nps.gov/grsm                               

                                      Lake Lure’s 27 miles of shoreline is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Lake Lure was selected by National Geographic as one of the Ten Most Spectacular man-made lakes in the World. The lake offers a marina, boat tours and a sandy beach. Lake Lure is located 14 miles east of Hendersonville. For Lake Lure Tours at 1-877-558-7433. www.lakelure.com

Holms Educational State Forest. Another marvelous, yet ofter overlooked, local resource for a way to spend a perfect relaxing day in the woods.   A great opportunity to learn about nature, ecology and forest management in North Carolina through a self-guided tours.   A popural feature is teh "Talking Tree Trail" along an easy, half-mile walk.  www.ncesf.org/HESF/

The Pisgah National Forest's 501,691 acres stretches across the eastern edge of Western North Carolina's mountains. The Forest offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, picnic sites, and spectacular waterfalls. Some of Pisgah National Forest's attractions include Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, Pisgah Forest State Fish Hatchery, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, The Cradle of Forestry and the North Mills River Recreational Area. www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc

North Mills River Recreational Area is located just 13 miles from Hendersonville and offers picnic sites, campsites, river fishing & tubing. For additional information call 828-877-3265 www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/nfnc_fishing/north_mills_river_area.htm                                                                                     

Cradle of Forestry is a 6,500 acre Historic Site within the Pisgah National Forest, set aside by Congress to commemorate the beginning of forestry conservation in the United States. Outdoor activities include two guided trails which lead you back in time to seven historical buildings, a 1915 Climax locomotive and the old sawmill. Thursdays through Sundays you may find a toy maker, a weaver, a quilter, a wood carver and a basket maker.  www.cradleofforestry.com

The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, located in Pisgah National Forest, is dedicated to exploring the wonders of North Carolina's wildlife. The Center's attractions include: aquariums, hands-on exhibits, garden display, special programs, viewing and feeding of the hatchery trout. The Center is open to the public daily, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. (Outdoor exhibits close at 4:30 p.m.)www.pisgah.state.nc.us 

 Mount Mitchell State Park is the highest point East of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet offering breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Park offers an exhibit hall, restaurant, hiking & bridle trails, observation tower, picnic area, primitive camping, visitor center. Northeast of Asheville off Blue Ridge Parkway on NC 128. For additional information call 828-675-4611.   http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/momi/do.html