Bell Park provides a 69-acre tranquil escape on the edge of the Green River Gorge in southern Henderson County.
Conserving Carolina acquired the land in 2015 and worked with Henderson County to make it a public park in 2024 with lush forests, waterfalls and wildflowers, including beautiful rhododendrons and mountain laurel.
Bell Park is named in honor of summer camp pioneers Frank and Calla Bell, and continues their legacy by creating another place for people to connect with nature.
It extends from the High Bridge near Lake Summit and follows the banks of the Green River until it reaches the 14,000-acre Green River Game Lands.
Trail Length: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Activities: Running, walking, dog walking, peaceful time in nature
The Green River Game Lands includes more than 14,000 acres in Henderson and Polk Counties, located southeast of downtown Hendersonville. This area is home to steep, rugged terrain and dense forest land, as well as access to the Green River, which offers both gentle and extremely difficult sections with class IV & V rapids. The Game Lands are managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and are used for hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and tubing or kayaking. Due to the difficult terrain, all visitors are urged to use extreme caution in all parts of the forest. Much of the Green River Game Lands are recommended for advanced hikers and expert kayakers. Parking is available at many locations, but some of the closest designated parking to Hendersonville and hiking trails would be on Big Hungry Road at the Bishop Branch and Long Ridge Trailheads. Find a trail map at the Henderson County Visitor Center.
Ride Rock Creek was founded and designed by professional downhill racer, Neko Mulally. Open in 2022, this elite 300-acre property was custom-built specifically for downhill mountain biking, including a shuttle to the top of the mountain. Home to the 2023 and 2024 Gravity Mountain Bike National Championship, hosted by USA Cycling, Ride Rock Creek has quickly become a highly sought-out bike park.
- Day, month or seasonal passes available
- Bikes and gear available to rent at the shop
- Shop and trails open Friday-Sunday
- Open to groups and special events
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Located off Highway 25 in Zirconia, NC, there is a special place that feels like home to those lucky enough to find it. This family-owned campground sits on a piece of untouched land beside a gently flowing river, offering visitors the chance to feel deeply connected to nature.
The vision behind the campground was to create a small, tight-knit community where everyone feels like family. It was never intended to be a sprawling resort with hundreds of sites, but rather a place where each guest feels a sense of belonging, with the personal touch of a family-run business making all the difference.
More than just a business, the campground is a place to share the beauty of the town, with its mountain views, rich history, and activities for the entire family. Whether fishing by the river, hiking nearby trails, or simply sitting around a campfire, guests are encouraged to create cherished memories in this special corner of the world.
The family takes great pride in what they’ve built but is even more excited to share it with others. As guests step into this little slice of paradise, they are welcomed into a place filled with love and care. Although small, the campground is a home for anyone who values the simple joys of nature and the comfort of genuine companionship.
By the river, where the beauty of the mountains meets the warmth of a family’s hospitality, guests are invited to create their own stories in this peaceful retreat.
- 6 sites
- Full hook up (water, sewer and electric – 30&50 amp)
- Allows extended stays
- Opened year around
- NO cabins or cottages
- No tent camping
- Max size RV 45ft
- Pull through? Allow to drive on grass for pull throughs!
- No dump station – every site has own sewer hook up
- NO rec room or bath house
- Pets allowed – up to 2 (no farm animals)
- Military discount offered
- River side access
The Palmetto Trail is South Carolina’s state trail that stretches some 500 miles from the mountains in the Upstate to the coast, near Charleston. Parts of the northern-most section of this trail dip into North Carolina and run along the state line, right in Henderson County. The closest section to Hendersonville is the Saluda Mountains Passage, which goes between Tuxedo and Saluda. This moderate to strenuous section includes switchbacks, some steep climbs and historic sites along the way. In the Tuxedo area, parking is available on Anders Road, near Camp Talisman. In Saluda, parking is available at Orchard Lake Campground.
We strive to make each person’s visit memorable. Every year, we add new attractions or improvements for your enjoyment. We enjoy passing along our knowledge and appreciation for nature and agriculture to others. We love inviting school-aged children and school groups to learn how apples grow. There is nothing quite like fall on the mountain with all the scents of the season and sounds of the farm. Take time to enjoy it. We do. Thank you for making us part of your family memories for generations.
- Offers We-pick or U-pick apples & peaches, cider, baked goods, preserves, pumpkins, gourds, hayrides, barnyard animals and playground.
- Group Tours & School Groups.
- Opens early-August through Sunday after Thanksgiving
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Tuxedo Park covers an area of 6.14 acres.
- Nature/Walking Trails
- Playground
- Picnic Pavilion
- Pickleball and Basketball Courts
Open Year Round
