The Biltmore Estate is the largest privately owned home in America, with 175,000 square feet resting on 8,000 acres. It was built by George Vanderbilt and was completed in 1895. Vanderbilt commissioned Richard Morris Hunt to create the 250-room mansion modeled after a French chateau. Today the Estate encompasses the house, gardens, restaurants, gift shops, inn and winery. Biltmore Estate is located 22 miles north of Hendersonville. For additional information call (800) 543-2961
www.biltmore.com

The Blue Ridge Parkway is located 15 miles north of Hendersonville and 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. The Parkway was designed especially for leisure travel and enjoyment. There are numerous overlooks and parking areas to view some of America's finest scenic vistas.

Running freely through pastures and woodlands of Waterford Lakes is a river of dreams. One of the best trout rivers around; Cane Creek is fly-fishing heaven, and a picturesque place to skip rocks, dangle your toes and let your daydreams flow. What could be more ideal?

Chimney Rock Park is located 14 miles east of Hendersonville. On a clear day the panoramic view from atop Chimney Rock Park spans as far as Kings Mountain, 75 miles to the east. You can take a 26 story elevator ride inside the mountain to reach the top or meander your way up the hiking trails enjoying the natural surroundings.

DuPont State Forest is more than 10,000 acres of forest, trails, and waterfalls between Historic Hendersonville and Brevard, North Carolina. DuPont Forest is one of the areas most loved locations for adventure sports. Filled with hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails, DuPont Forest also boasts several rivers for fishing.

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.

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.
www.lakelure.com

Just 10 miles from the gates of Waterford Lakes; Pisgah National Forest offers 501,691 acres of hiking, 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, and The Cradle of Forestry.

Beech Mountain Ski resort offers excellent skiing day and night and an Alpine Village filled with shops, restaurants and more. Located high in the Western North Carolina mountains, Ski Beech redefines southern skiing as the highest ski resort in Eastern North America at 5,506 feet.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort is located in Banner Elk, NC. Twenty slopes spread over 115 acres and a 1,200 foot drop provide skiing for all levels; with 40% novice slopes, 40% intermediate slopes and 20% expert slopes. Fishing & Hiking