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other Arden/Fletcher area Recreation Facilities
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| Property |
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Rutledge Lake Travel Park |
170 Rutledge Rd, Fletcher |
654-7873
or
800-368-3209 |
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RV Parks:
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| Property |
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| Rutledge Lake Travel Park |
170 Rutledge Rd, Fletcher |
654-7873
or
800-368-3209 |
Other RV Parks
Note: telephone area code is 828
Other Hendersonville area Recreational Facilities
The DuPont State Forest is 7600 acres of forested land in
Henderson and Transylvania Counties that were purchased by the State of North Carolina in
1996 and 1997. The property is managed by the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources.
The property in presently open to the public for hiking and other uses, as described
below. Though the formal rule-making process is not complete, the following information
has been provided by the Regional Forester's office.
This land is presently open to the public for hiking (see Dupont
State Forest Trails).
Registered as North Carolina Gamelands, hunting is by lottery
only. Deer is typically Friday and Saturday in season; turkey is Thursday, Friday and
Saturday in season. No Sunday hunting.
Fishing (with North Carolina fishing license): streams in the
Forest are classified "Wild". Daily limit: 4 fish; minimum size: 7 inches;
single hook with artificial lure only.
Horseback Riding is by special permit only. Certain trails are
expected to be opened to horseback riding in the coming months. Contact the Pisgah Trail
Blazers for more information.
Email: Gwen Hill
Biking is by special permit only. Certain trails are expected to be opened to bike riding
in the coming months. Contact the Blue Ridge Bicycle
Club for more information.
Email: Chuck Ramsey
All motorized vehicular use (including 'ATV') is prohibited at all times inside the Forest
(except on public roadways) by the N.C. Gamelands regulations. Signs have been posted.
Wildlife wardens are presently arresting violators. The fine is $90 for first offense,
confiscation of vehicle for repeat offense.
The property is presently not available for public camping. Special permits may be granted
for special group events.
For additional information call (828) 692-0385. E-mail: eco@main.nc.us
(contributed by Environmental & Conservation Organization - ECO)
Hendersonville
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Holmes Educational State Forest offers a series of well-marked
trails, accented by exhibits and displays depicting ecology of a managed forest. Picnic
sites with tables and a spacious picnic shelter (with grills) are also available. For the
hardy spirit there are walk-in tent sites. Holmes Educational State Forest is located
about 8 1/2 miles from downtown Hendersonville on Crab Creek Rd. The forest is open
Tuesday through Sunday from mid-March to late November. Maill address: Rt. 4, Box 308,
Hendersonville, NC 28739.
For additional information call (828) 692-0100. E-mail: holmesesf@a-o.com
(contributed by Henderson County Travel and Tourism Bureau)
Hendersonville
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Jackson Park is one of several in the system of
parks of Hendersonville County. Primarily for residents, it has the usual ball fields,
tennis courts, etc. It also has a fine nature trail which includes a swift flowing stream
with its associated fauna and flora. The trail also quietly intrudes on a wet meadow with
its very different fauna and flora. Have you ever watched a Great Blue Heron land? Or take
off? If you climb their special observation tower overlooking the pond, and you are quiet
- and patient - you have a good chance of experiencing that thrill.
There is a nice, shaded picnic area at the end of
the trail. A small children's playground in included in this picnic area. You could have
your picnic and then follow the trail backwards (after all, does it matter which way you
go?). The trail is about 1.5 miles but there are a number of marked short cuts for those
wishing to lessen the total walking distance.
From downtown Henderson follow 4th Avenue eastward
into the entrance of the park. The trailhead is at the Park Administration Building -
looks like a stately private home (which it was) on the top of the hill to your left. You
can park in their large parking lot or across the street (about 50 feet further) at the
picnic area. Open during daylight hours daily. 801 Glover St Hendersonville 28792 Phone:
828-697-4884
Hendersonville
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Jump Off Rock is a scenic overlook which provides a panoramic view
of rolling pastures, the Blue Ridge and Pisgah mountain ranges. Jump Off Rock also holds
an Indian legend that has been passed down for many, many years. Over 300 years ago a
young Cherokee Indian maiden received word that her young Indian Chief had been killed in
battle, so she climbed to the edge of the rock and jumped off. Indian legend has it that
on moonlit nights you can see the ghost of the maiden on Jump Off Rock. FREE!
Jump Off is located about 5 miles from downtown at the upper end
of Laurel Park Hwy.
(contributed by Henderson County Travel and Tourism Bureau)
Hendersonville
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Note: telephone area code is 828
Other Hendersonville area Recreational Facilities
The DuPont State Forest is 7600 acres of forested land in
Henderson and Transylvania Counties that were purchased by the State of North Carolina in
1996 and 1997. The property is managed by the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources.
The property in presently open to the public for hiking and other uses, as described
below. Though the formal rule-making process is not complete, the following information
has been provided by the Regional Forester's office.
This land is presently open to the public for hiking (see Dupont
State Forest Trails). Detailed color maps are available at the Henderson County Travel
& Tourism (201 S. Main St., Hendersonville) for $7. These maps are recommended for the
longer loop trails. The following maps are available on the Internet:
Entire
State Forest area (790K - most trails are shown)
This is a large file so be prepared to wait.
Sectional Maps (load more quickly and easier to print)
Cedar Rock Mtn Trail (45
minutes to 1 hour) moderate
Cedar Rock Mountain rises only 500' above the Little River, but
contains many acres of interesting granite outcroppings. In fact, much of this trail runs
across bare granite slabs, which have been marked by white dots periodically. Much of
Cedar Rock Mtn. is protected as a nature preserve due to the unusual habitat of the
granite outcroppings. Stay on the marked path where possible, and avoid stepping on the
moss formations.
From Crab Creek Road, take DuPont Road for 5.6 mi. until it dead ends (you'll go past the
entrance to Sterling). Turn left on Cascade Lake Road (Buck Forest Rd on some maps).
Proceed almost a mile to a wide parking spot on the right. Park. Cross the road and
proceed around the gate on the marked Corn's Mill Shoals road. About 1/10 mile past the
gate as the road curves right, find an old roadbed on the left leading uphill (don't take
the left road very near the gate). Take this somewhat overgrown path up the steady grade
about 1/2 mile until the trail leads onto a granite slab. Continue forward and upward,
looking for small white dots wherever the trail leads onto the granite. After reentering
the forest, approach a much larger granite dome with excellent views westward of the
Pisgah Range. At the top of this granite clearing, reenter the forest and continue over
the summit and around several turns until the path leads back onto a large, nearly flat
granite area (used as a helispot by the Forest Service). Follow the dots to a three-way
intersection symbol (painted as a "Y"). (The left arrow, pointing to the north,
leads down the mountain to the powerlines on Sterling property. The right arrow, pointing
in the south or east direction, leads down to the Little River. Return or see Cedar Rock Mountain /
Corn's Mill Shoals Loop description below.
Combined
Cedar Rock Mountain / Corn's Mill Shoals Loop Hike ( 2½ to 3 hours)
This loop trail combines the vistas of Cedar Rock Mountain with
sights of the Little River at Corn's Mill Shoals. This loop should take 2 to 3 hours.
Take the route up to Cedar Rock Mountain, as described in the previous section. At the
three-way intersection, take the right trail, leading in the southeasterly direction down
the mountain. Continue on the white dots, avoiding stepping on the moss where possible.
The trail leads into the forest, and then back out onto a large sloping granite field,
with views of the Eastern Continental divide up to Pinnacle Mtn. and Stone Mtn. Follow the
dots as the trail shifts somewhat to the left through some trees and then back down a
steeper granite incline. Reenter the forest and intersect with the Bridal Viel Road, which
parallels the Little River. Turn right on Bridal Viel Trail and cross Tom's Creek (may be
difficult in high water). Walk through a sandy opening and continue parallel to the Little
River for a ways. (Look for small path leading to the edge of the river near a large
Eastern Hemlock tree.) After nearly a mile on this road, intersect with the Corn's Mill
Shoals Road. (Turn right to return directly to the parking area) Turn left to continue to
Corn's Mill Shoals. Bear left at the next intersection, continuing on Corn's Mill Shoals
Rd until reaching the Little River at the shoals.
Return, passing the Bridal Viel Trail intersection, and continuing on Corn's Mill Shoals
Rd over Tom's Creek, and back to the parking area (just over a mile from the shoals).
Corn's Mill Shoals Trail
(on the Little River) (1 to 1½ hours) moderate
This gentle hike takes about 30 minutes to reach Corn's Mill
Shoals, a gentle water slide and popular ford of the Little River. Local residents enjoy
swimming where the water flows over the smooth granite incline.
From Crab Creek Road, take DuPont Road for 5.6 mi. until it dead ends (you'll go past the
entrance to Sterling). Turn left on Cascade Lake Road (Buck Forest Rd on some maps).
Proceed almost a mile to a wide parking spot on the right. Park. Cross the road and
proceed around the gate on the marked Corn's Mill Shoals road.
Walk along Corn's Mill Shoals Rd. (past the intersection of Big Rock Tr.) to a crossing
over Tom's Creek. Continue on the graded road to a fork. Take the right fork (which
continues on Corn's Mill Rd.) and after a short distance take a left fork (also Corn's
Mill Shoals Rd.) to Corn's Mill Shoals on Little River. Return the same way.
Hooker Falls Trail (20 to 30
minutes) an easy stroll; see the largest waterfall in DuPont State Forest, a 13 foot drop
on Little River
Hooker Falls is the best known waterfall in the DuPont State
Forest and is easily accessible year round. The falls is at the site of a former grist
mill where Little River drops off a 13-foot high natural ledge before flowing into Cascade
Lake.
From Crab Creek Road, take DuPont Rd. for about three miles until you see the Little River
bridge (at the bottom of a long hill). Park near the gated Hooker Falls Rd. (on the right
just before the bridge). Walk around the gate and along the dirt road, bearing left at the
fork and continuing parallel to the river. In a few minutes you will approach the top of
Hooker Falls. Continue straight on the path to the good viewing location at the pool
below.
North Flatwood Loop Trail
(1½ to 2 hours) moderate 3.9 mile loop
The following description is for a 3.9 mile loop trail which
encircles the Guion Farm area, also known as the Flatwood. The trail has gentle to
moderate grade throughout, and features two small streams (Shoal and Hooker Creeks) The
forest alternates between white pine plantation and mixed hardwoods. This loop can be
combined with the South Flatwood Loop Trail to make an 8 mile loop.
From the Sky Valley parking lot just beyond Guion Farm, cross Sky Valley Road and take the
dirt road into the pine forest. Continue straight past the left fork that parallels Sky
Valley. The road descends gently until it tees into a road following the very small Shoal
Creek at 0.2 (mile). Turn left (the right road has not been cleared yet). This roads
separates the pine plantation forest from the hardwood forest on the east. At 0.5, a road
intersects on the left (which loops back up to the parking area, making a 1 mile loop).
Continue straight and parallel the Shoal Creek; at 0.8 the road leaves the creek and
climbs gradually up to the crossing of Sky Valley Road at 1.0.
Cross Sky Valley Road and walk about 100' to the right to find the marked Rifle Range
Road. Don't follow the power line clearing towards the right, but find the smaller trail
leading into the forest to the left. Climb gradually up the Hickory Mountain grade. After
a few minutes, fork right at a division in the trail. (the left fork also leads up to
Hickory Mtn Rd., but is not shown on the existing maps). From this fork Rifle Range Rd.
still has small trees in the roadbed, but is quite passable. At about 1.4, keep to the
left where Boundary Trail comes in on the right (marked intersection). Shortly thereafter,
intersect with the larger, graveled Hickory Mountain Road at 1.5. Turn right on Hickory
Mountain Road to continue toward the rifle range. (Option: turn right on Boundary Trail
and hike 0.3 until it terminates at Hickory Mtn. Rd. closer to the Rifle Range)
(During times when law enforcement groups are using the rifle range, it may be necessary
to short cut this section of the trail by turning left on Hickory Mountain Road and taking
White Pine Trail (right) back to Buck Forest Road)
Continue up Hickory Mountain Road (westward) and reach the rifle range facility at 1.9.
Loop left around the back of the shelter and then along the far edge of the firing path
(no, not during firing practice) until finding the marked intersection where two roads
reenter the forest at 2.0. Take Rifle Loop trail (the left of the two) down a grade to
2.3, and fork left on Hooker Creek Road. Continue downward and cross the small Hooker
Creek at 2.6. Continue up a steady grade until intersecting with White Pine Trail at 3.0.
Turn right on White Pine Road and continue past another wildlife clearing until
intersecting with the larger Buck Forest Road at 3.3. Turn left on Buck Forest Rd. to
return to the parking area. Pass the Guion Farm houses at 3.8 and cut to the right across
the meadow to find the parking area at 3.9.
To continue on the South Flatwood Trail, turn right on Buck Forest Rd. and see that trail
description (***).
Rock Quarry Trail (45 minutes to 1
hour) moderate
From Crab Creek, drive 5.6 miles on DuPont Road until the road
ends (you'll go past the entrance to Sterling). At the dead end, turn left on Cascade Lake
Rd. (Buck Forest Rd. on some maps) and go .2 mile to Rock Quarry Road on the right. Park
here.
Walk around the cable and stroll about a quarter mile up the dirt roadway to a quarry. At
the quarry, keep to the left and continue on the primary roadway (Buck Ridge Rd. and
Buckhorn Creek Rd. intersect on the left and descend). Climb gradually for another 3/4
mile until you'll reach a wildlife clearing with a view on the right, where you can see up
the valley to Asheville and Grandfather Mountain on a clear day. This clearing is near the
State Forest boundary. Return.
South Flatwood Loop Trail
(2 to 2½ hours) a moderate 4.7 mile loop
This 4.7 mile loop trail passes the Thomas Cemetery, the Dry and
Tarkiln Branches, and includes the 20' Wintergreen Falls (Lower Grassy Creek Falls). It
can be hiked separately, or as a continuation of the North
Flatwood Loop Trail.
From the Sky Valley parking area just beyond the Guion Farm, take the path which leads to
and through the large clearing behind the farmhouse. Turn left on the larger Buck Forest
Rd. at 0.1 and follow it into the pine forest. At 0.5 pass straight through the
intersection with White Pine Rd. and Bridge Rd, continuing on the Buck Forest Road.
(If continuing on from the North Flatwood Loop,
turn right off White Pine Rd. onto Buck Forest Rd.)
Continue down the Buck Forest Road and take a left on the Thomas Cemetery Rd. at 1.5. See
the historic Thomas family grave sites on the right at 1.6. Hike down a gradual grade to
Dry Branch Creek at 2.0. After the creek, take the left fork in the road, and climb up the
gradual grade to the intersection of Bridge Rd. and Tarkiln Branch Rds at 2.3. Take a
right on the marked Tarkiln Branch Road and cross the Tarkiln Branch shortly afterward. At
2.6, pass a right fork labeled "To Grassy Creek Rd.", but continue LEFT on
Tarkiln Branch to the marked intersection of Grassy Creek Rd at 2.8.
Wintergreen Falls (Lower Grassy Creek Falls) is a one mile round-trip down Grassy Creek
Rd. (to bypass the Falls, continue up the Tarkiln Branch to shorten the loop to 3.4
miles). Turn right on Grassy Creek Rd. and proceed down a gentle grade, bearing to the
left at the fork after 0.4 miles (the right fork leads to the ford of the Grassy Creek).
Continue parallel to the creek and find signs leading to the falls. Do not take the eroded
path up the steep incline, but find the footpath just beyond and to the right of it.
Continue though under story and across boulders until seeing the 20' falls. Return up
Grassy Creek Rd. and turn right at the Tarkiln Branch Rd intersection.
Continue up the Tarkiln Branch Road and fork left at 3.0 (Both forks rejoin after 1/4
mile, but the left fork is preferred) At 3.2, bear left where the parallel roads rejoins
and cross the Tarkiln Branch at 3.5. The road curves left and enters the clearing along
Sky Valley Rd. Continue to the parking lot at 3.7. (Total length 4.7 miles including
Wintergreen Falls)
Stone Mountain (long) Trail
(2 to 3 hours) a strenuous, 1100' climb
Stone Mtn. is the highest point in the DuPont State Forest, at
3620'. Much of the top of this knob is exposed granite, offering 180 degree views during
the summer and nearly 360 degree views in the winter. Elevation gain on this hike is
1100'. See Stone Mountain (short) Trail for a
quicker access (but just as strenuous) to the top.
From Hendersonville, take Kanuga road past Jeter Mountain Rd. and take a left on "Old
CCC" road. (If you see Holmes State Educations Forest, you have gone too far.) Take
Old CCC road to its end at the intersection of Sky Valley Rd. Park along the edge of the
road near the intersection. About 50 yards before the pavement ends on Old CCC, find a
dirt road ("Rocky Ridge Road") on the uphill (east) side of the road. Take Rocky
Ridge Road up a steep grade for about 1.5 miles until it intersects with Stone Mtn. Road
on the top of the ridge. (Parts of this roadbed are badly eroded and require maintenance;
try to find alternate paths around the eroded areas.) Take a left turn at the intersection
onto Stone Mountain Road.
Follow a level grade on Stone Mountain Rd. for a few minutes until the junction with
SwitchBack Trail. Bear left, continuing on Stone Mountain Road. Continue up a steep grade
for over a mile until it leads to a large wildlife clearing. The top of this clearing
offers views of the entire Pisgah range, including Cold Mtn. and Toxaway Mtn.
Continue on the road through the clearing. Just as the road bears to the left in the
clearing, find a small footpath on the right (Stone Mtn. Trail) leading to the highest
point in the clearing and into the hardwood trees. (If the sign for Stone Mtn. Trail is
missing, find the highest point on the ridge above the clearing; the trail follows the
gentle ridgeline for 1/2 mile) The trail climbs very steeply for the last 1/10 mile up to
the summit.
The top of the mountain consists of several large inclined granite slabs (all facing
south) spread out for a hundred yards or more. Most of these slabs offer southerly views
of the rest of the State Forest and the continental divide ridgeline. Continue walking
along the ridgeline towards the east (toward the prominent Pinnacle Mtn.) until you find
several more granite slabs, each with a slightly different view. The extreme northeast
outcropping offers views of Kanuga Road, downtown Hendersonville, Laurel Park, Bearwallow
Mtn., Mt. Mitchell and more. Return along same route.
Stone Mountain (short)
Trail (1½ to 2 hours) a strenuous, 600' climb
This hike offers a quicker access to Stone Mountain from Sky
Valley Rd., but the steepest sections are not avoided (elevation gain is 600'). From the
Guion Farm, continue up Sky Valley road past the steep hairpin turn and past the cottage
on the right. Continue past a crest in the road, then up and over another mild crest in
the road. About 1.5 miles past Guion, look for a dirt road on the left side of the Sky
Valley Rd. with a cable blocking it. (It should be marked "Rocky Ridge Road")
Park on the shoulder of the road near this entrance.
Hike down Rocky Ridge Road for 0.4 mile until it intersects with Stone Mountain Rd. Go
straight (not left) on Stone Mountain Rd. See Stone
Mountain (long) Trail for the remaining details.
Wintergreen Falls Trail
(Lower Grassy Falls) (1 to 1½ hours) easy
Park at the gravel parking area just beyond Guion farm on Sky
Valley Road. Walk through the grassy field away from the Guion farm until the clearing
ends, and continue along the Tarkiln Branch Road as it bends south (away from Sky Valley
Rd.) After a short distance, the trail will cross the small Tarkiln Creek. A short
distance beyond the creek, take a right fork (both forks come back together after 1/4
mile, but the right fork is preferred). At about 3/4 mile from the parking lot, turn left
onto Grassy Creek Road at the marked intersection. Continue for about 1/3 mile on Grassy
Creek Road, then bear to the left at the major fork. (The right fork leads to the ford of
the Grassy Creek) Continue parallel to the creek and find signs leading to the falls. Do
not take the eroded path up the steep incline, but find the footpath just beyond and to
the right of it. Continue though under story and across boulders until approaching the 20'
falls.
Note: Wintergreen Falls has previously been referred to as Lower Grassy Falls and Possum
Tail Falls. The name Wintergreen has been tentatively given because of the prevalence of
the Wintergreen (or Teaberry) groundcover in the area.
NOTES:
Horseback Riding is by special permit only. Certain trails are expected to be opened to
horseback riding in the coming months. Contact the Pisgah Trail Blazers for more
information.
Email: Gwen Hill
Biking is by special permit only. Certain trails are expected to be opened to bike riding
in the coming months. Contact the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club for more information.
Email: Chuck Ramsey
All motorized vehicular use (including 'ATV') is prohibited at all times inside the Forest
(except on public roadways) by the N.C. Gamelands regulations. Signs have been posted.
Wildlife wardens are presently arresting violators. The fine is $90 for first offense,
confiscation of vehicle for repeat offense.
For additional information call (828) 692-0385. E-mail: eco@main.nc.us
- or view the special "Unofficial Dupont State Forest Website"
maintained by the Environmental & Conservation Organization - www.main.nc.us/eco/dsf/info.html
(contributed by Environmental
& Conservation Organization - ECO)
Hendersonville
area Recreation Facilities Directory
Return
to Hendersonville - Return to Area MAP - Return to area Community List
see: Holmes
Educational State Forest
Jackson Park is one of several in the system of
parks of Hendersonville County. Primarily for residents, it has the usual ball fields,
tennis courts, etc. It also has a fine nature trail which includes a swift flowing stream
with its associated fauna and flora. The trail also quietly intrudes on a wet meadow with
its very different fauna and flora. Have you ever watched a Great Blue Heron land? Or take
off? If you climb their special observation tower overlooking the pond, and you are quiet
- and patient - you have a good chance of experiencing that thrill.
There is a nice, shaded picnic area at the end of
the trail. A small children's playground in included in this picnic area. You could have
your picnic and then follow the trail backwards (after all, does it matter which way you
go?). The trail is about 1.5 miles but there are a number of marked short cuts for those
wishing to lessen the total walking distance.
From downtown Henderson follow 4th Avenue eastward
into the entrance of the park. The trailhead is at the Park Administration Building -
looks like a stately private home (which it was) on the top of the hill to your left. You
can park in their large parking lot or across the street (about 50 feet further) at the
picnic area. Open during daylight hours daily. 801 Glover St Hendersonville 28792 Phone:
828-697-4884
Hendersonville
area Recreation Facilities Directory
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