POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER:
Rock Creek is the home of the USA Cycling Collegiate MTB National Championships for 2024! They’re implementing a ton of exciting park upgrades, including a Dual Slalom course and backcountry terrain expansion featuring all-new trails!
The North Carolina Grand Prix (NCGP) is a national and internationally sanctioned weekend of cyclo-cross (bicycle) racing held at Jackson Park in Henderson County. The races are held on a 3.5 KM course set out at the park over various terrain. Often known as the steeplechase of bicycle racing, cyclo-cross is an exciting and spectator-friendly version of the sport.
This year, the NCGP, presented by North Carolina Cyclo-Cross, will be held November 23-24, 2024 at Jackson Park in Hendersonville. The NCGP is part of the ProCx, NCCX, and collegiate cyclo-cross calendars. The NCGP has been held in Henderson County as a UCI international calendar event since 2005, attracting racers from across the state, region, and nation. Previous participants included US, Canadian and French champions. The weekend allows all levels of athletes, novice to elite, to compete on a world-class course. The NCGP presents a chance for the community to watch and even participate in an international-level bicycle race in Henderson County.
More information available at: https://www.nccyclocross.com/#:~:text=The%20UCI%20North%20Carolina%20Grand,the%20USAC%20Regional%20CX%20Championships.
For the Adventure Camper: The true wild one, who would travel back in time to re-live camp exactly as it was in their youth.
We know that the adventure camper is willing to try everything from ziplining to tent camping and cold plunging, whether they attended summer camper as a child or not, you have a heart for adventure. Start your weekend of exploration by checking into Cold Spring Basecamp, choosing either to bring your pop-up tent or 3rd wheel, or to sleep in one of their 3-sided cabins that offer cots. Located in Zirconia, NC, this basecamp is the perfect jumping-off point for a busy, action-packed weekend.
When you arrive to town, head to Cold Spring Basecamp and get yourself set up at camp. On the way there, you’ll want to swing by the grocery store to grab all the fixins to cook out over the campfire. Cold Spring Basecamp has firewood available on-site, so no need to bring that, and if you stay in one of the 3-sided cabins, you will have a camp stove and some kitchen items available to you as well. Here’s your shopping list: hot dogs, buns, marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers (to make s’mores), coffee, a lighter, fire starters, bug spray too, snacks, and beer. Many of the area’s local breweries offer crowlers, which are perfect for camping.
After you set up camp, it’s time to explore the 38 acres that used to be a children’s summer camp and relax. Take a dip in one of the cold plunge tubs, and hit the trails, either their purpose-built mountain biking trails or hiking trail to a waterfall, and work up your appetite for dinner around the campfire.
Gear up for a busy day with a hearty breakfast at HenDough, where chicken and donuts collide in the most delicious way possible. Fuel up because today is packed with adrenaline-pumping activities!
Next, head down the road to Ride Kanuga, a downhill mountain bike park, designed by a world-champion professional downhill racer to be like a ski slope, with one route up, and 8 routes downhill, all ranging in difficulty levels. Bring your own bike or rent one from Ride Kanuga.
After shredding the gnar at Ride Kanuga, you are going to be pretty hungry, so before you move on to your next adventure, stop by the Campfire Grill in downtown Flat Rock. With a camp theme, you’ll feel a sense of nostalgia while you fill your belly with yummy treats, like blackened boiled peanuts or their “Counselor Burger.”
Your next stop is at The Gorge Zipline, an iconic treetop zipline, where you plunge from the top of the Green River Gorge into the wilderness of the protected Green River Gamelands, an old-growth forest, and descend 1,100 feet from top-to-bottom. You will be led by 2 knowledgeable guides through 11 ziplines and 3 free fall rappels – and yes, the guides will be happy to take your photo to help you remember the exciting day!
The Gorge Zipline takes about 3.5 hours to complete, which means that you’ll be ready for your next meal when you’re done. Head back towards town, and stop for a flavorful meal at Boonchoo Thai Express – in Thai, Boonchoo means good karma, and after your fun day, your karma will be overflowing!
Walk off dinner at the nearby Park at Flat Rock, which offers 1.5 miles of walking paths at what used to be a golf course, but now is home to beautiful gardens, a great playground for kids, and ponds that are great for taking some time to self-reflect.
After a long day, head back to camp and turn in for the night.
Rise and shine with a sunrise breakfast at camp, soaking in the tranquility of the morning, and maybe even take a second cold plunge, if you’re up for it. Today you’ll need to break down camp before you get moving, but your day isn’t over yet! Be sure to don your swimsuit, and pack a change of clothes.
Today, you’re headed for a hike and a swim, so you will want to plan ahead for the day by stopping to get some sandwiches to have for a picnic lunch from the Flat Rock Village Bakery. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll find some amazing baked goods here too!
Next, head to DuPont State Forest, known for its waterfalls, being used to film quite a few films, including The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans, and its nationally-renowned Ridgeline mountain biking trail, which if you brought your bike, you need to check out (you’ll want to park at the Lake Imaging Access Area).
If you didn’t bring your bike, a hike is in order for today. You’ll want to park at the Hooker Falls parking area, which tends to fill quickly on weekends, so it’s best to arrive early.
From here, you have a few options: if you already rode the Ridgeline Trail and just want a shorter hike, head to the right side of the parking lot and down the Hooker Falls Trail, a short hike down to a beautiful waterfall that flows into a swimming hole. This is a great spot for a picnic and to take a dip.
If you didn’t bring your bike and are just planning to hike today, you’re in for a longer hike to a more remote swimming hole, and will pass 2 breathtaking waterfalls along the way. Head to the left side of the Hooker Falls parking area and make your way up the Triple Falls Trail. When you come to the High Falls Loop trail, stay left. Take this trail up to the Covered Bridge Trail and cross the covered bridge. Shortly after you cross the bridge, turn right onto Conservation Road. After about a mile, you’ll cross another bridge, the Lake Julia Spillway, and then shortly after crossing, veer left up an unmarked path, and this takes you to Lake Julia, the largest lake at DuPont, where you can stop to eat your lunch and take a dip. All told, you’ll be hiking around 4.5 miles.
After hiking back to the car, make your way to downtown Hendersonville for some pedal-powered fun with HVL Pedal & Brews, Hendersonville’s own pubcycle, which starts and ends at the Blue Ridge Beer Garden, and is BYO. They have a few options for length and whether you want to stop at any of the downtown breweries or not.
Before heading home, treat yourself to a mouthwatering steak dinner at Binion’s Roadhouse – the fried mushroom appetizer is great too! And after diner, satisfy your sweet tooth with ice cream from Piggy’s Ice Cream, which is walking distance from Binion’s. Both spots are local favorites.
And there you have it, a jam-packed 3-day itinerary filled with outdoor escapades, culinary delights, and small-town charm. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Hendersonville adventure today!
Surrounded by Pisgah National Forest and minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Hendersonville welcomes travelers seeking to disconnect from daily worries and reconnect with the natural world. The Blue Ridge Mountain terrain creates an ideal setting for hiking, mountain biking, paddling, ziplining and the overall enjoyment of the great outdoors.
When you arrive, get into the flow of an outdoor weekend with a visit to Ride Kanuga, a downhill mountain biking park that’s a good fit for both beginners and advanced riders. They have everything needed to outfit inexperienced riders, including instruction, while veteran riders can mount their bikes and go.
That evening, check into Cold Spring Basecamp in Zirconia, then head to Hendersonville’s Main Street for your choice of restaurants and breweries.
Grab a quick breakfast and coffee from the nearby HenDough Chicken & Donuts, which offers sit-down or counter service options for both breakfast and lunch.
After breakfast, head down the mountain to Saluda, and go rafting with Green River Adventures. Or if everyone is up for it, check out their sister attraction, The Gorge Zipline. It is one of the steepest and fastest zipline adventures in the nation — a great way to build connections with your travel companions and maybe even face your fear of heights as you (safely and securely) fly through the tree canopy.
Back in Flat Rock, do lunch in the outdoors at Hubba Hubba Smokehouse. This courtyard eatery wows patrons with slow-cooked, hickory-smoked Carolina barbecue, accompanied by an impressive array of sauces and sides.
After a tasty lunch, go on a half-day guided fly-fishing trip with DB bar D Outfitters in Mills River. Enjoy access to private waters where the average size of the trout caught is 17 inches. DB bar D accommodates anglers of all skill levels and offers shorter, two-hour guided lessons for beginners, and provides all of the necessary equipment you’ll need, including your NC Fishing license.
Take in a gorgeous sunset at Jump Off Rock, a small mountaintop park just 15 minutes from downtown Hendersonville. Afterward, go casual with patio dining at White Duck Taco Shop in the Historic 7th Avenue District. White Duck is also walking distance to two breweries, Southern Appalachian Brewery and Guidon Brewing Co., a distillery and NC’s first brandy bar.
Get going early with breakfast at Flat Rock Village Bakery, after breakfast, conveniently grab a quick sandwich for you picnic at DuPont State Recreational Forest. Park at the High Falls access area, which has clean restrooms and a Visitor Center, for a three-mile hike to three scenic waterfalls along Little River. Highlights include a swimming area below Hooker Falls and great views of Triple Falls, featured in The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans. Mountain bikers should also consider the slick rock trails at DuPont, some of the best of their kind on the East Coast.
As a reminder, please practice Leave No Trace Principles while you visit DuPont, and be sure to pack out your waste, respect wildlife, give others space, stay on the trails and leave only your footprints. Additionally, DuPont is one of the most popular parks in the region, so it is recommended to make an alternate plan if you can’t find parking at the High Falls parking area, and either find parking at one of DuPont’s other parking areas or check out one of the many other trails in the region.
Additionally, always practice waterfall safety, and please note that e-bikes, alcohol, drones, camping and cookouts are prohibited at DuPont.
After your day of hiking at DuPont, end the day with a delicious dinner at Auction House Food Hall. With a variety of dining options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Relax in the outdoor seating area and soak in the last few hours of Hendersonville, making it the perfect way to cap off your adventure.
The Cold Spring Basecamp team is a vibrant ensemble of individuals who share a deep-rooted love for this pristine wilderness.
Guest Writer: Hartwell Carson
Cold Spring Basecamp is a family-owned business spearheaded by partners Steve Waggoner and Hartwell Carson. Steve knows the basecamp like the back of his hand, as he grew up camping on this property as a kid. His father, Bill Waggoner, was the owner of Camp Windy Wood on Lake Summit, and the Cold Spring property was used for overnight camping and adventures. Bill and Steve built some of the original cabins by hand.
Steve Waggoner: A native of the area, Steve’s upbringing was steeped in the wonders of camping and adventure as he spent his days exploring every nook and cranny of this pristine property, starting with his time as a camp counselor and over the next three decades, through his career as a land surveyor. His journey of discovery has made Steve intimately familiar with the lay of the land. Today, he serves as the “President of heavy equipment, surveying, and rock hauling” at Cold Spring Basecamp.
Hartwell Carson: Hartwell has worked for almost 20 years to clean up and protect the waterways in Western North Carolina as the French Broad Riverkeeper for MountainTrue. This work involves monitoring our waterways, pulling tires and trash from the river, and building the French Broad River paddle trail, a series of campsites connecting over 150 miles of the river. Hartwell is also the founder of Clean Water for Africa, which support African Riverkeepers with drinking water wells, water tanks and water filters. At Camp, Hartwell heads up the cleaning up messes division, among other duties.
Teela Waggoner: A true local, spent her childhood camping on these grounds. She brings her expertise as one of the area’s finest mortgage brokers to the table, along with a knack for style and invaluable advice.
Wilder Carson: In charge of excavators and skilled in “shredding the gnar,” adds an adventurous spark to the team.
Evan Carson: The vice president of plant relocation, step building, and entertaining his little brother, rounds out this dynamic group.
After a health scare a few years ago Hartwell and Teela decided they wanted to build something together that would stand the test of time. They both love camping and biking, so a campground with trails was a natural fit.
For Steve, this land had been in the family for decades and had been a huge part of his upbringing. He wanted to keep the property, which once served as a youth summer camp and later, a local hangout spot for teens and young adults, in the family, but loved the idea of again sharing it with others. They beauty of the property helped make it an easy decision to partner.
The property offers rustic camp sites for tent camping, three rustic 3-sided cabins, miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a beautiful waterfall, trickling creeks, cold plunge tubs, and an overwhelming feeling of peace and stillness throughout the 38 acres. They have plans to add treehouse camping in the near future.
Cold Spring Basecamp makes a great central place to stay because they are located so close to the many outdoor recreation opportunities that the Green River area (nestled between Hendersonville and Saluda) has to offer, as well as the many other things that make the region a draw, like apple picking and leaf peeping in the fall, the craft beverage scene, Hendersonville’s quaint downtown and so much more. See Hartwell’s top local picks below!
The filters used for the drinking water at Cold Spring Basecamp — which comes straight from the property’s creek — are the same filters used for clean water projects in Uganda, Kenya and Togo and a portion of the proceeds from each booking will go to support Clean Water for Africa.
The rustic and historic cabins that were rehabbed by Steve and Hartwell managed to keep all their old charm, with their wooden walls and furniture. They offer the feeling of being out in the open wilderness, but with a roof over your head. The cabins have a kitchen, eating area, and bunk beds (with queen on the bottom and twin up top). Cook over the stone fire pit or on cast iron pots and pan on the propane stove in the fully-equipped kitchen, which includes a French press, teapot, utensils and more. Relax under the solar lights and charge your devices using the solar-powered charging station — allowing you to be connected to the outside world as much or as little as you want.
Spacious, private Campsites are all nestled in the woods, next to the creek. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring with grill for cooking, and a water filter is provided for purifying drinking water from the creek.
Cold Spring Basecamp is also dog-friendly, meaning you can launch any adventure, whether you are visiting with 2 or 4-legged friends, or both.
Ride Rock Creek
What Hartwell says about it: “World class downhill biking for all skill levels, with a shuttle to the top, on a beautiful property.
Green River Adventures
Hartwell says: “Rappel down a waterfall, paddle class 1-3 rapids in the beautiful Green River Gorge.
Flat Rock Village Bakery
Hartwell says: “Great coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries on a relaxing deck.
Carl Sandburg Home
What Hartwell says about it: “Explore the history of the home, but also enjoy the beauty of the property and the trails.”
DuPont State Forest
Hartwell says: “Waterfalls, hikes and stunning mountain views is why Dupont is world famous.”
The Mills River area, including the town of Mills River, is an ideal base camp for outdoor adventure. This rural region, shaped by its namesake river, as well as the French Broad River, spreads across a mostly flat valley framed by Blue Ridge Mountains. Lodging is plentiful at Horse Shoe Farm, dog-friendly Barkwell’s retreat and the upscale Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill.
After breakfast, go flat-water paddling with Lazy Otter Outfitters on the French Broad. The Sierra Nevada Express excursion allows you to park at Westfeldt Park near Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and catch a shuttle to the put-in location at Lazy Otter’s headquarters. From there, it’s a seven-mile paddle (3-3.5 hours) back to the park, where Lazy Otter picks up the equipment and you hop in the car for a two-minute drive to the brewery.
Enjoy lunch at Sierra Nevada’s spacious restaurant, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and sip the freshest Sierra Nevada ales on the planet. All beer is made on-site at the brewery’s colossal East Coast headquarters.
At the traffic circle just outside the brewery, veer right for a fun afternoon of mountain biking and climbing at The Riveter. This unique facility brings together a covered and open-air bike park with an indoor gym for climbing and bouldering. The Riveter’s instruction-based environment allows beginners as well as experts to enjoy all activities. There is also a yoga studio.
After riding the dirt trails at The Riveter, cool down with a refreshing dip at North Mills River Recreational Area & Campground. For a minimal parking fee, this area of the river is open to the public for swimming, tubing (bring your own) and trout fishing.
The Mills River area is fast-becoming a hot spot for craft beverages. Stop by Appalachian Mountain Brewing, Bold Rock Hard Cider or Mills River Brewing for a beer or hard cider, and a great meal. Each of the locations are family and pet friendly, and often host live music or special events.
