Trail Towns: Hendersonville, Flat Rock, Laurel Park, Etowah, Gerton
Located in a valley rimmed by Blue Ridge Mountains and hundreds of acres of conserved forest, Hendersonville beckons outdoor adventurers. Henderson County is called a quintessential mountain county because it consists of mountain ranges, isolated peaks and a rolling plateau with valley areas. Elevations range from 1,400 feet near Bat Cave at the foot of the Blue Ridge to 5,000 feet on Little Pisgah Mountain. The ancient French Broad River flows northward just west of town, and the Blue Ridge Parkway follows the county’s northwestern edge. Outdoor stewards — including friends groups, conservation organizations, and state and national parks — champion responsible recreation. Hendersonville’s youth summer camps instill a passion for the outdoors and conservation. Tourism here dates to the early 1800s. With two centuries of Southern hospitality steeped into its culture, Hendersonville has an established network of hosts, guides and information infrastructure to ensure travelers make the most of their experiences.
in the Hendersonville Area
With miles of trails and some of Western North Carolina’s most beautiful views, Hendersonville is a paradise for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Beginners enjoy smooth greenways and short loop hikes, while hardcore enthusiasts conquer challenging terrain. The newly opened Ecusta Trail and Oklawaha Greenway provide easily accessible paved options. Miles of single track and plentiful switchbacks through DuPont State Recreational Forest appeal to mountain bikers, while waterfall hunters marvel at numerous falls. The culturally curious delight in handmade wares along three distinct Blue Ridge Craft Trails, and chill-seekers indulge in 13 stops on the Hendersonville Ice Cream Trail.
Important note: Accessible trails are highlighted in blue!
Trail name
Trail town
Activities
Ecusta Trail
Hendersonville, Laurel Park
Ice Cream Trail
Hendersonville, Fletcher
Oklawaha Greenway
Hendersonville
Bearwallow Mountain Trail
Gerton
Carl Sandburg Historic Home Trails
Flat Rock
Jump Off Rock Trails
Laurel Park
Talking Trees at Holmes
Educational Forest
Hendersonville
Learn more about the Hendersonville Area
At Outdoor NC, we are dedicated to promoting accessibility for all visitors, regardless of their abilities. We strive to improve the accessibility of our offerings and share this information through our various platforms, including our Trail Town Guide. We collaborate with state, regional, local and private-sector partners to make North Carolina’s destinations and outdoor spaces easier to access.
In this guide "Accessible" means
- This guide includes accessible, easy, moderate and difficult trails which may be suitable for, or exceed, anyone’s ability. Plan Ahead and Be Prepared.
- For this guide, trails which are marked as “accessible” are ADA compliant (firm, stable surface that is at least 36 inches wide). This includes paved greenways, hard pack pathways and boardwalks. It does not mean that these trails are without obstacles.
- Beyond ADA compliant trails, this guide lists many opportunities that are suitable for visitors of all abilities which include walking tours and driving trails. Additionally, check with local land managers for information on adaptive mountain bike access for mountain biking and road cycling trails.
- We encourage all visitors to utilize the provided trail websites and other local resources to become familiar with trail descriptions, site facilities and potential obstacles, so you know what to expect and can make the best determination for your skill and abilities.
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