Find many ways to explore Hendersonville’s surrounding outdoor playground! There is no shortage of outdoor adventure including Chimney Rock State Park, hiking trails with waterfalls, fishing, apple orchards, ziplines, outfitters with rentals for tubing, stand-up paddleboards, bike parks, and even stay-and-play packages. See below to create your outdoor itinerary in Hendersonville.
Top 20 Outdoor Things to do Near Hendersonville
Connemara Hiking Trails, Hendersonville
Hike to the top of Glassy Mountain via a five-plus-mile trail system located on the grounds of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock.
North Mills River Recreation Area, Horse Shoe
This area is part of Pisgah National Forest and is located in Henderson County, just 13 miles from downtown. The area has picnic sites, campsites, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, fly… More Information
DB bar D Outfitters, Mills River
Tucked into a bend of the Mills River, North River Farms occupies 1,450 acres. The farm partners with DB bar D Outfitters to offer guided hunting and fishing trips on the property. Full-day and… More Information
Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk, Hendersonville
The Bearfootin’ Bears public art project unveils 20 new bears along Hendersonville’s Main Street May-October. The bears are decorated by local artists, and each one benefits a local charity when… More Information
The Gorge Zipline, Saluda
The Gorge Zipline Canopy Adventure is one of the steepest and fastest canopy tours in the U.S. This adventure takes place in the rugged Green River Gorge east of downtown Saluda.
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Jump Off Rock, Hendersonville
Within 15 minutes of downtown Hendersonville, Jump Off Rock is one of the most easily accessible overlooks in WNC. On a clear day, peer into four states and watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge…
Ride Kanuga, Hendersonville
The newest addition to Kanuga Conference & Retreat Center is Ride Kanuga mountain bike park. Founded by world-champion downhill racer Neko Mulally, the park features 12 downhill-specific… More Information
Lake Julia at DuPont State Forest
This 99-acre pristine, secluded lake is located in the Southern portion of DuPont State Recreational Forest and is the largest lake in the forest. The hike to the lake is three miles round trip…
Oklawaha Greenway, Hendersonville
This 3.25-mile trail is a 10-foot-wide paved path that is great for walkers, joggers, and cyclists and is also handicap accessible. It connects five local parks.
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Green River Adventures, Saluda
Green River Adventures offers white-water rafting, white-water kayaking, and waterfall rappelling in the Green River Gorge area of southeastern Henderson County.
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Chimney Rock Park Hikes
(1 to 4 miles, easy to strenuous) Hike a variety of trails with spectacular views of Hickory Nut Gorge or a 400-foot waterfall. Often overlooked, the challenging Four Seasons Trail begins near the…
HVL Pedal & Brews, Hendersonville
Earn your pint of beer aboard Hendersonville’s pub cycle. HVL Pedal & Brews books tours to downtown breweries and tasting rooms. Five breweries lie within pedaling distance.
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Holmes Educational State Forest
(.5-3.5 miles, easy to strenuous) Hike a variety of trails and learn about the forest in this largely unknown gem near busy DuPont State Forest. Open mid March-mid November, find a tranquil and…
Mountain Golf Courses Near Hendersonville
Hendersonville offers half a dozen public golf courses for a chance to hit the links in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Etowah Valley has stay-and-play options with hotel-and cottage-style lodging on… More Information
Fiddlehead Farm and Forest, Fletcher
In addition to indoor rock climbing, bouldering, and workout studios, Fiddlehead has a two-part bike park. Outdoors under a canopy with separate lines providing terrain for all skill levels.… More Information
Bullington Gardens, Hendersonville
This 12-acre, nonprofit horticultural education center offers programs, activities, and workshops. The gardens and grounds include a popular fairy garden, a large dahlia garden, therapy garden,… More Information
Bearwallow Mountain
Bearwallow Mountain Trail offers a one-mile hike to exceptional views. At 4,232 feet above sea level, with a grassy meadow summit, the mountain features a nearly 360-degree view that includes…
DuPont State Forest Waterfalls
(1 to 7 miles roundtrip, easy to moderate) This state forest has many miles of hiking trails. While there are quite a few waterfalls in DuPont, you can see three of the most impressive, Hooker…
