27+ Best Things to do in Hendersonville NC (2024)

Because of Hurricane Helene, hiking trails, waterfalls, and attractions in Western NC may be closed.  Learn more!

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hendersonville NC is a hidden gem that's bursting with charm, adventure, and a lot of Southern hospitality. During our recent long weekend visit to Hendersonville, we experienced some of the very best things to do in Hendersonville NC, and feature them in this guide.  

From its historic downtown filled with quaint shops and mouthwatering local eateries to the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, Hendersonville is more than just a pit stop—it's a destination brimming with unforgettable vacation experiences.

Hendersonville is known as "Apple Country", with over 200 apple growers. It's home to the largest apple-producing county in North Carolina. There's nothing quite like the taste of a fresh, crisp apple straight from the orchard, especially during Hendersonville's annual North Carolina Apple Festival!

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast seeking breathtaking hiking trails and views or a foodie looking for the next delicious meal, Hendersonville NC has you covered.

Join us as we explore the best things to do in Hendersonville NC. Trust us, once you've experienced Hendersonville NC, you'll understand why we consider it one of our Favorite NC Mountain Towns.

Updated: 7/25/2024

Our picks for the best things to do in Hendersonville NC

Fields of wild flowers at Jeter Mountain Farm and Orchard, with a Blue Ridge Mountain peak in the background.

We've visited Hendersonville NC many times over the years and have always found something new and fun to do. We also love visiting during peak Apple season because of all the outstanding Apple Orchards in Hendersonville. During our visits, Jenn and I have explored all the very best things to do, the best restaurants, and stayed at some amazing places while visiting.

Everything highlighted in this guide and the sections below are things we've personally experienced during our adventures there. We knew Hendersonville was an amazing and fun North Carolina Mountain town, but we now have it as one of our most favorite North Carolina Mountain towns!

Let's dive in to all the wonderful and exciting things to do in Hendersonville NC, based on our adventures!

Go Apple Picking

Up close shot of a hand picking a ripe red apple from an Apple tree

The small mountain town of Hendersonville is the Apple Capital of NC. There are many apple orchards and farms within a 20-30 minute drive from Downtown Hendersonville, where you can pick your own apples, enjoy delicious local fruit, and even buy homemade pies, jams, jellies and more! 

These apple orchards often have even more things to do when visiting, like hayrides, petting zoos, apple canons, corn mazes, and pick your own pumpkins, grapes, and berries. Not to mention all the great apple products to eat and drink, including cider, hard cider, apple donuts, apple pies, and more!

We visited two of the nicest Apple Orchards in Hendersonville NC, and had so much fun.  Both of these farms are beautiful, family-friendly, and offer so much to do, including u-pick apples.

Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard

Larry posing with his arms open in the apple orchard at Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard

Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard is a great family-friendly farm, located just 10 minutes outside of downtown Hendersonville and is one of our top picks for the best apple orchards in Hendersonville NC.

The orchard has many varieties of apples, plus grapes for u-pick as well. They also have a very popular annual corn maze, hayrides that take you through their orchards and apple cannons where you can shoot small apples from air powered guns at targets.

Love flowers? They offer u-pick for wildflowers and sunflowers as well. 

Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard also offers homemade jams, jellies, salsas, baked goods, ciders and more at their store and bakery.   

Jeter Mountain Farm

Looking up the rows of apple trees with mountains in the background at Jeter Mountain Farms Henersonville NC

Jeter Mountain Farm is a great place to purchase and u-pick apples,berries, grapes, and other fruits. They offer many varieties of apples and pumpkins as well. Besides apples, they also offer u-pick for blackberries, elderberries, grapes, wildflowers, and sunflowers.

Jeter Mountain Farm is a large farm, and a hayride on a tractor is the only way to get out to the orchards and fields. 

They have a large store that sells apple butter, apple cider, hard cider, and many other items, including wearables.

Be sure to check out the taproom where you can sample their award-winning hard ciders and a dedicated bakery area for their hot and fresh apple doughnuts.

Hungry? Enjoy some of the area's best BBQ at their 1813 Smokehouse while listening to some live bluegrass music.

Need to let the kids burn off some energy? There is a large indoor playground just for them! Be sure to grab an apple butter latte at the Coffeehouse to enjoy while the kids play away.

Jeter Mountain Farm is literally a full day's worth of apple and farm fun!

Find peace and relaxation at Kanuga - The perfect place to stay

Sun rising in the morning over Lake Kanuga surrounded by mountains and forest.

For a relaxing getaway in Hendersonville NC and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Kanuga has over 2,000 acres surrounded by lush forests and rivers. Enjoy hiking trails, fishing spots, camping sites, and plenty of wildlife. 

Enjoy a buffet meal at their dining hall overlooking the gorgeous mountain views, or spend an afternoon paddling on Lake Kanuga. Take in the incredible lake and mountain views at Fleming's Lakeside, offering snacks, beer, wine and cocktails.

Take some time to stay and relax at the Inn, or in a cozy wooded cabin. The Inn is lakeside, providing gorgeous rooms, modern amenities, and outdoor patios for select rooms.

Feel refreshed after a stay at Kanuga and explore the many other activities and attractions that make the Blue Ridge Mountains so special!

Travel the Ice Cream Trail

Two cups of ice cream on the Ice Cream Trail in Hendersonville NC.

Do you love ice cream? We sure do, and the Hendersonville Ice Cream Trail highlights the very best ice cream Hendersonville and Henderson County offers. The trail allows you to discover ice cream shops and parlors that feature classic favorites and unique shop offerings.  

So "scoop" up the family, and travel the ice cream trail. Not only will you enjoy ice cream, you'll discover new and unexplored areas of Hendersonville, and meet some outstanding business owners and employees as well.

We explored three different shops on the trail and loved all three of them:

McConnell Farms

Photo of the produce Building at McConnell Farms.

McConnell Farms was our favorite, offering hand made ice cream, made mainly from their own farm grown ingredients. McConnell Farms has been making ice cream for over 20 years. They began with just strawberry, and now offer many flavors, including seasonal favorites.

They make ice cream varieties using items grown right on their farm, such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, figs, cherries, apples, honey, ginger, peaches and more.

You'll find unique flavors like "Burnt Honey", rum raisin, lemon blueberry, lavender and more! They even have a corn ice cream, which might surprise you, but it's delicious.

Photo of large oval bowl of ice cream, with 6 different scoops of ice cream as a sampler of the Ice Cream Trail

We tried a sampler of 6 different varieties, including strawberry, burnt honey, fig liqueur, cream style corn, ginger lavender, and blueberry crumble - All were absolutely delicious! My favorites were the strawberry and fig liquer, Jenn's were the ginger lavender and burnt honey.

Their number one seller is Strawberry, and it's some of the very best Strawberry ice cream we've ever had. That it's made with strawberries right there from the farm makes all the difference.

You'll definitely want to visit McConnell Farms for their amazing ice cream and while you're there, grab some fresh produce from the store, and explore the farm as well. It's a beautiful family-owned farm.

Celtic Creamery

Outside view of Celtic Creamery in Hendersonvill NC, showing the brick building, their sign, and a car going through the drive thru.

Celtic Creamery in Hendersonville NC is within walking distance of downtown. They make their ice cream daily in small batches, using locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding area. They have over forty flavors to choose from! 

Photo of a single huge scoop of pink strawberry ice cream on a metal table.  The Celtic Creamery logo is on the green paper cup.

When we visited, we tried their coffee and chocolate cookie dough ice cream, but couldn't resist trying their strawberry ice cream as well. All three were amazing, and some of the most creamy ice cream we've ever had.

Besides the ice cream, Celtic Creamery has a variety of other snacks and beverages such as milkshakes, floats, sundaes, waffle cones and more.

So if you’re in the Hendersonville area, be sure to pay Celtic Creamery a visit and have an amazing ice cream experience. 

Piggy's Ice Cream Parlor

Photo of the outside of Piggy's Ice Cream with the parking area, a car, and the big red Harry and Piggy's sign.

Piggy's Ice Cream is a true Hendersonville institution, opening in 1979.  Piggy's has been serving ice cream, thick shakes, and banana splits ever since. Harry and Sallie (aka Piggy) opened it with the help of their son's Todd, Michael and Jeff.  

Today, Harry, Sallie, and Todd have passed on, but Michael and Jeff continue to serve ice cream at Piggy's. In 1993, they added on a restaurant, and to honor their father, named it Harry's. The restaurant and ice cream parlor combined are Harry & Piggy's.

What makes the restaurant truly unique is the decor. See, Piggy was a collector, and the ice cream parlor and restaurant are full of memorabilia from signs to toys, armor, statues, super heros, and more. You name it, and you'll probably find it. The collectibles truly add to the character and history of this family business.

Of course, they serve up great ice cream as well. Unlike McConnell Farms and Celtic Creamery, the ice cream is commercial, but they offer all of your favorite ice cream concoctions with a friendly service. Jeff proudly told us they still served up the traditional banana split, just like everyone would expect.

We didn't try a banana split, but we did get some ice cream, and really enjoyed it while admiring all the various items on display throughout the restaurant. The food over in the restaurant smelled great as well.

Be sure to stop by Piggy and Harry's while traveling along the ice cream trail. See what unique items you can find while enjoying some great ice cream.

Take in the views at Jump Off Rock

View from the parking area of Jump off Rock, with a large tree and concrete walkway going up to the overlook area.

A visit to Jump off Rock has been on our bucket list for a while now, and we finally made it.

Jump Off Rock is a rocky outcropping overlooking the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, and it's also one of the most popular places for tourists to take pictures in Hendersonville NC.

The views from Jump Off Rock are simply amazing. You can see for miles and miles in almost every direction. 

The view at Jump off Rock is very easy to access, and is literally just a few hundred feet from the main parking area, and a mostly flat walk. This makes Jump off Rock easily accessible for many, with a nice overlook that provides breathtaking views, and incredible sunsets.

This is definitely a spot you'll want to drive to when visiting Hendersonville. The views are amazing, and it's great spot to get some photos during your visit.

Enjoy great food at a Hendersonville Restaurant

Photo of the open kitchen at Shine in Hendersonville NC, with workers cooking and prepping the diner orders.

After a long day of exploring Hendersonville NC, why not enjoy some great food at one of the local restaurants in Hendersonville?

There are lots of wonderful options for dining out that will fit everyone’s taste. Whether you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, a cozy Italian bistro or a trendy sushi spot, there are plenty of delicious meals to be had in Hendersonville.

We had the pleasure of trying out some of the very best restaurants in Hendersonville NC.  Here are just a few of the ones we would recommend:

  • Postero - Upscale restaurant located in an old bank building in downtown.  They serve classic American food with a "dash of modern-day flavor". Our top pick and one of the best restaurants we've eaten at anywhere.
  • Shine - Also in downtown Hendersonville and another of our of top picks. Shine serves an array of items from Italian to American. They have a seasonal menu, an even a rooftop bar that we really enjoyed.
  • Mezzaluna - In downtown Hendersonville as well, Mezzaluna specializes in brick oven pizza and local craft beers. They also offer several Italian dishes as well. Excellent place for pizza and a beer.
  • Flat Rock Wood Room - Definitely the most unique restaurant we've eaten at in Hendersonville and delicious as well. In an old home close to downtown, they offer specialty sandwiches, wood-fired pizza, and BBQ. We're really surprised they aren't more well known, the food is amazing.

Explore Downtown Hendersonville

Photo of downtown Hendersonville taken from the sidewalk looking across the road at the buildings which are almost hidden by trees.

Historic downtown Hendersonville NC, is a popular spot for visitors and tourists and for good reason. The downtown area is full of great shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants to visit. We found ourselves visiting downtown a lot, taking in all the sights, stores, and bears.

Yes, bears. See, downtown Hendersonville is full of various bear statues painted with all kinds of colors and decorations. They are pretty popular too, as we saw many people posing with them and taking photos.   

Photo of blue bear statue on all fours, taken on the corner of the street in downtown Hendersonville NC

In downtown, you'll find many shops, like general stories, clothing stores, boutiques, music stores, and even a cigar shop. You'll also find many cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars as well.

Downtown Hendersonville is very vibrant and delivers plenty to see and do. When visiting, you'll want to plan to spend some time there just to experience it. 

Important Note - Parking during the day on Main Street is now by meter only. To avoid paying for meter parking, you can park on Church Street, or use the newly built parking garage, which is less expensive.

Grab a beer and hang out at Oklawaha Brewing Company

We love discovering hidden gems that offer more than just your average experience. One such place is Oklawaha Brewing Company, located in the heart of historic downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Walking into Oklawaha Brewing Company, you're immediately greeted by an atmosphere that's both welcoming and vibrant. The interior design is a tasteful blend of modern and rustic, with wooden accents and industrial touches that pay homage to the building's historic roots. The taproom has a relaxed and super casual vibe, filled with the sounds of live music, people talking and having a good time.

They offer a wide variety of beers, from classic lagers and ales to innovative seasonal brews and food is avilable as well.

Don't miss out on their live music nights. The brewery is known for being one of the top spots for live music in Henderson County.   We really enjoying our flights of beer, and listening to the excellent live band that was playing.   It's a great place to just hang out and have a good time.

Go Gem Mining at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine

Elijah Gem Mine Hendersonville NC

Elijah Mountain Gem Mine in Hendersonville NC is full of family-fun! You can mine for gems, explore their enormous store full of rocks, crystals and minerals, play on the large outdoor play area, and pet the goats and other animals.

At Elijah Mountain, you can be a prospector for the day. Equipped with a bucket of dirt from the mine, you'll sift through the soil in search of precious gems.

But this isn't just any dirt — it's loaded with a variety of gems like quartz, amethyst, garnet, fossils, and more! Whether you're an experienced rockhound or a novice gem hunter, there's something for everyone. We even found a geode in ours, which we got to crack open.!

When you're finished mining, it's fun to explore the store full of jewelry, minerals, rocks, and more.  Some of them are huge! We really enjoyed browsing around and seeing all the beautiful gems and crystals of all different sizes and colors.

Head down to the play area and petting zoo and let the kids enjoy the animals and playground equipment. You'll find chickens, goats, and even a peacock! There are bridges, balance beams and other equipment for the kids to explore.

We've been to several Gem Mines in the Blue Ridge Mountains over the years, and Elijah Mountain is one of our favorites!

Play Retro Pinball and Video games at Appalachian Pinball Museum

Appalachian Pinball Museum Hendersonville NC

The Appalachian Pinball Museum in the heart of downtown Hendersonville is a must-visit for both pinball fans, casual gamers and those just wanting a retro gaming experience. This wonderful and unique museum houses a large collection of vintage pinball and arcade video games.

One of the unique features of the museum is its impressive collection of pop culture items that decorate the entire museum. 

Visitors can experience more than 80 different vintage games.  The games range from super old-school pinball machines to classic video arcade games, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane for older visitors and a new exciting experience for younger ones. 

They have one of the larger selections of arcade games, including some pretty rare ones like Dragon's Lair, Dig Dug, Qbert and more!

We had a blast playing the old school pinball games, and reliving our teenage years in the 80s while playing Galaga, Pacman, Donkey Kong, and more. 

Whether you're a pinball wizard or a first-time player, a visit to this museum promises a fantastic time for all and definitely needs to be on your short list when visiting Hendersonville NC!

Learn about aquatic wildlife and sharks at Team ECCO

Photo of the outside entrance of Team ECCO Aquarium in downtown Hendersonville NC

Located in the bustling heart of Main Street in Hendersonville NC, the Team ECCO Aquarium & Shark Lab is a captivating and enriching experience that you will not want to miss.  

Team ECCO is the only public aquarium in Western North Carolina and offers a fascinating visual and hands on learning experience for visitors of all ages.

The aquarium is a grass-roots effort, started by a local teacher in her kitchen at home, and has grown from there.

Today, Team ECCO and Shark Lab boasts more than 20 unique displays that feature a vibrant array of tropical fish, eels, stingrays, sea horses, and turtles.  The center piece of the aquarium is its 2,000-gallon shark study tank that sits in the center of the aqarium and houses small sharks and rays.

With over 275 saltwater fish and invertebrates, the aquarium provides an immersive experience of life beneath the waves.   This is both a super fun and educational experience for the whole family.

One of the highlights of Team ECCO is its interactive touch tank. This hands-on exhibit allows visitors to get up close and personal with the diverse marine creatures, like starfish, urchins, and more.

Team ECCO's vibrant and interactive exhibits, coupled with its educational focus, make it a must-visit destination in Hendersonville NC.  We had an amazing time interacting with the staff, watching the turtles, fish and of course the rays and sharks.  

We left with an even deeper appreciation for the wonders of the ocean world, and the people that work at the museum to help educate others.

Explore Western NC Aviation History at WNC Air Museum

Western NC Air Museum Hendersonville NC

Located only 2.5 miles from downtown Hendersonville, NC, the WNC Air Museum stands as a testament to our nation's rich flying heritage. The museum is also the very first air museum in the state of North Carolina, well known for its "First in Flight" legacy. 

Upon arriving, the museum is in a humble old white hanger, but don't let the simple exterior and residential location fool you. Inside awaits exhibits that make the past and present of aviation come to life.

The WNC Air Museum is home to an impressive collection of restored vintage aircraft, each with their own unique story to tell. From classic biplanes to iconic warbirds, the museum's exhibits offer a nostalgic trip down aviation memory lane. 

We toured the museum with the museum's curator, Al Denn. Al told us all about the history of the museum, and the story behind each of the aircraft that you can see while visiting. The stories were as interesting as the aircraft themselves.

What sets the WNC Air Museum apart is its commitment to making history accessible to all. Admission and parking are free, and group tours are welcomed, making it a wonderful destination for families and field trips. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to explore and even climb into historic planes, offering a truly immersive experience.

Whether you're a history buff, an aviation enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience, the WNC Air Museum is a fun, educational, and lesser known attraction in Hendersonville, NC.

Enjoy outdoor entertainment and local beer at Packa's Place in Horse Shoe

The BARn at Packas Place in Hendersonville NC

Just a short drive from Hendersonville, in the small community of Horseshoe, you'll findThe BARn at Packa's Place a seasonal beer garden and a real hidden gem that's perfect spot for relaxing, enjoying some live music and a cold local brew.

Packa's Place is designed with families in mind. The open, grassy areas are perfect for kids to run around and play. There are games and activities set up to keep the little ones entertained, giving parents a chance to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere. During our visit, we saw lots of families there enjoying time with their little ones.

One of the highlights of Packa's Place is its impressive selection of local craft beers. With a rotating tap list that features some of the best breweries in the region, beer enthusiasts will be in heaven. Whether you prefer a hoppy IPA, a smooth stout, or a crisp lager, you'll find the perfect brew for you. They also have wine, seltzers, soft drinks and bottled water.

Hungry? You'll find food trucks parked right in the beer garden, where you can order up some great tasting food to accompany your drink and live music.

Speaking of live music, we really enjoyed the live music during our visit. Local bands frequently perform, adding to the vibrant and lively atmosphere. The combination of great music, delicious brews, and the scenic mountain backdrop makes for a fun experience.

Beyond the beer and music, Packa's Place fosters a strong sense of community. It's a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, where you can meet new friends and enjoy the warm hospitality that this area is known for.

Packa's Place is a must-visit spot when exploring the Hendersonville area. It’s the perfect place to relax, let the kids play, and enjoy the best of local craft brews and live music. We really enjoyed our visit.

Explore beautiful art at Art MoB Studios & Marketplace

Art Mob Studios in Hendersonville NC

Art Mob Studios, in the heart of downtown Hendersonville, is a unique gallery and studio space for local artists. The studio offers art for sale by 93 different local artists and also has working studios. 

We really enjoyed our visit and checking out the diverse collection of local artist's work who work in a variety of mediums, from painting and sculpture to jewelry and pottery. We also really enjoyed talking to the owner Michele Sparks, who started the studio and marketplace more than 15 years ago and has a passion for local art and artists.

Art Mob Studios is the oldest and largest gallery in Hendersonville.

As you browse through the large studio, you'll find a stunning array of artwork on display, each piece reflecting the unique style and vision of its creator. The artists are often present, and they're more than happy to discuss their work and creative processes.

If you're looking for a unique souvenir to remember, your visit to Hendersonville, Art Mob Studios, is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind pieces. In fact, Michele told us that she "loves finding affordable art for people". They will even ship art for you, so you don't have to transport it home.

By visiting Art Mob Studios, you're not just enjoying beautiful local Hendersonville NC art—you're also supporting the local artists who make Hendersonville such a vibrant and creative community. Your purchases help these artists continue to create and share their work with the world.

A visit to Art Mob Studios is a must for anyone interested in the arts. 

Experience a movie and Nostalgia at the Historic Flat Rock Cinema

Historic Flat Rock Cinema

The recently reopened Flat Rock Cinema is a beloved landmark that brings a touch of nostalgia and a unique movie-going experience to the Hendersonville area. Located in the charming village of Flat Rock, this historic cinema is a perfect blend of historic charm coupled with modern amenities.

A Rich History
Flat Rock Cinema recently reopened and has brought new life to this historic cinema, allowing visitors and locals alike to enjoy first-run movies in a setting that takes you back to more simple times. 

We visited in the spring of 2024 to see the newly released Summer Camp movie, which was filmed in Hendersonville. Hendersonville is not only famous for Apples, but for summer camps as well.

As we entered, what looked a bit more like a store front than a theater, we were warmly greeted by the energetic and smiling staff, who checked our tickets.  We then waited in line for some food and drinks to compliment our movie.

While waiting, we spent time looking around, and noticed that unlike the traditional large, impersonal multiplexes, Flat Rock Cinema delivered a more warm, intimate, and cozy atmosphere. 

The Cinema serves many of your traditional movie favorites including popcorn, hot dogs, burgers, nachos, candy and softdrinks.  They also serve a selection of local beers, hard ciders and wine. But let us warn you, the large hard cider is HUGE!

With food in hand, and the staff pointing me in the direction of the restrooms after handing my large hard cider (well played!), we headed into the theater area for the movie.   

You won't find a traditional movie experience. We entered a large room full of tables and chairs. More like a dining room than a theater. Of course, the large screen was on the far side, and along the walls were cinema speaker systems. You get the quality of theater, with the comfort of a dining room.

Soon after sitting, the lights dimmed, and we watched a number of local advertisements before the movie began.  We honestly weren't sure what to expect from Summer Camp, but we throughly enjoyed the movie and theater.

The reopening of Flat Rock Cinema is a welcome addition to the Hendersonville area, offering a unique and nostalgic movie-going experience. It's a must-visit for film enthusiasts and anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing evening in a historic and charming setting. We had a great time and know you will as well!

Have tons of fun at Laura E. Corn Mini Golf Course

Laura E. Corn Mini Golf Course Hendersonville NC

A visit to Hendersonville wouldn't be complete without a fun-filled round of mini-golf at the Laura E. Corn Mini Golf Course. Located in Boyd Park, this beautifully designed course offers entertainment for all ages and is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.

The best part? It's incredibly inexpensive at $3/round.

The Laura E. Corn Mini Golf Course is located in Edwards Park. Included in the course are 18 holes of varying difficulty, each themed around Hendersonville and its surrounding areas. The course is well maintained, and fun to play!

Opening in the fall of 2023, the course is completely brand new. The old course was located in another nearby park, that is now the site of a new fire department. Edwards Park is now home to the relocated and rebuilt historic golf course. After running the course for years, Laura E. Corn retired and they named the course in her honor.

We visited to play just as they opened, and a friendly young man greeted us and told us all about the history of the course, and about Laura E. Corn. We paid for a single round, grabbed our clubs and colored golf balls, and headed over to hole #1.

We really enjoyed walking the course, enjoying the artwork on many of them by local artists, and reading the story behind each of the 18 holes. We found the course fun and challenging, but not so difficult that everyone will have a good time.

A visit to the Laura E. Corn Mini Golf Course is a must for anyone looking to have some lighthearted fun in Hendersonville. With its beautiful setting, challenging course, and family-friendly atmosphere, it's the perfect place to have a great time and a low cost.

Visit a Hendersonville Winery/Vineyard

Photo of two outdoor chairs with a glass of wine on a table in the middle with a beautiful view in the distance at Stone Ashe Vineyards Hendersonville NC

Spend an afternoon enjoying incredible scenic views and some of the finest wine in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A visit to one of Hendersonville's 7 different local wineries is a must for anyone looking to soak in great views, exceptional wine, food, live entertainment and more.

We have personally visited nearly all of these wineries multiple times during our visits to Hendersonville NC!

See our Guide: Best Wineries in Hendersonville NC for more information!

Go Hiking

If you enjoy hiking like we do, the Hendersonville area has lots of great options for you, from short and easy to strenuous. Hikes are available to historic areas, incredible scenic views, and gorgeous waterfalls.

Here are just a few of the best hiking trails near Hendersonville NC:

Jump Off Rock Hiking Trails

Hiking at Jump off Rock in Hendersonville NC

In addition to the incredible scenic Jump Off Rock, there are also three hiking trails you can explore as well, all very short, but with different levels of difficulty:

  1. Blue Trail - .1 miles and easy
  2. Yellow Trail - .25 miles and moderate
  3. Red Trail - .25 miles and moderate

The trails are shaded, and offer lots of rocks to explore and climb over.  The yellow and red trails due have some very steep by short sections.  All three trails can be hiked and explore in less than an hour.

Dupont State Forest Hiking Trails

Fall at Triple Falls, Dupont State Park

Dupont State Forest is a large state park located just outside of Brevard NC, and near Hendersonville NC.  The park has numerous hiking trails and some excellent waterfalls.   Triple Falls was featured in the movie The Hunger Games.

The most popular trails is the Dupont State Forest Waterfalls trail, which takes you to 4 different waterfalls, and alongside a beautiful lake.

Chimney Rock State Park Hiking Trails

Chimney Rock State Park

One of our most favorite locations in the Blue Ridge Mountains is Chimney Rock State Park.   Jenn and I have been visiting Chimney Rock since the early 90s before we were married.  

The park provides incredible scenic views, amazing hiking trails, and access to one of the tallest waterfalls on the east coast. 

Bearwallow Mountain Trail

For a short hike (2-miles round-trip), Bearwallow Mountain delivers exceptional scenery! At 4,232 feet above sea level, with a grassy bald at its summit, the mountain features a nearly 360° view that includes Mt. Mitchell and Mt. Pisgah.

Its stunning vistas offer a panoramic view of Hickory Nut Gorge, downtown Hendersonville, and the South Carolina highlands. A historic fire lookout tower occupies the summit, as do grazing cattle who call the mountaintop home. 

The trail to the summit is approximately one mile each way. You can also follow a gravel road back to the parking area for a loop hike. 

Bearwallow is a great place to go for a short day hike and well worth the trip and hike for the incredible long distance views.

The trailhead is located off Bearwallow Mountain Road about 30 minutes from downtown Hendersonville.

Discover Waterfalls

Looking Glass Falls

Hendersonville NC is surrounded by some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Western North Carolina. Many are just a short drive away, and well worth the trip to see.

Here are just a few of the best waterfalls near Hendersonville NC:

  • Triple Falls is in the heart of Dupont State Forest, and named because of the three-tiered cascade. This popular spot offers an impressive sight with plenty of hiking trails around. The trail to Triple Falls is moderate, making it accessible for most visitors. 
  • Hooker Falls is also in Dupont State Forest and is an easy hike to that leads to this wide waterfall that cascades into a large pool. The pool is a popular swimming hole in the summer. It's a great place to have a picnic or enjoy the tranquility of nature.
  • Looking Glass Falls (pictured above) is easily accessible and stunningly beautiful. This is a must-visit waterfall that is literally roadside and requires no hiking. However, there is a staircase leading down to the base of the falls if you want to get a closer look.
  • Sliding Rock is a very popular waterfall and a natural water slide. It's a great place to cool off on a hot day! There is a small admission fee and they have lifeguards on duty.

Places to visit Near Hendersonville NC

About the author

Larry Deane is co-owner of Blue Ridge Mountain Life. He has spent more than 20 years exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and has a deep passion for nature, history, storytelling, and adventure. Along with his wife Jenn, they combined these passions to create Blue Ridge Mountain Life, a travel guide to these stunning mountains they are fortunate to call home.

Larry has more than 20 years of experience as a writer and journalist, and has established himself as a leading voice and expert for Blue Ridge Mountains. He is also an avid hiker, photographer, and videographer. He loves sharing his mountain adventures and knowledge with more than 500,000 people per month on Blue Ridge Mountain Life.


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