For a truly unique way to experience Hendersonville, our experiential trails offer a fun and flavorful way to explore the area. These trails let you “get a taste” of everything our town has to offer—whether it’s indulging in delicious local ice cream or savoring handcrafted beverages from our craft beverage scene. These trails aren’t just about the outdoors; they’re about enjoying what makes Hendersonville special, all while taking in the beauty of the surroundings. Perfect for families, foodies, and those looking for a little adventure with a side of local flavor.

• Ice Cream Trail: Satisfy your sweet tooth while exploring Hendersonville with the Ice Cream Trail. With 14 unique stops along the way, each offering exciting and creative flavors, this trail is the perfect way to experience local ice cream while strolling through the charming streets of town. From classic favorites to seasonal specialties, there’s something to delight every ice cream lover!

• Cheers! Trail: For those who enjoy a good drink, the Cheers! Trail offers a diverse selection of tasting experiences. Visitors can enjoy over two dozen tasting opportunities along the trail, including 11 breweries, seven wineries, three cideries, two distilleries, and a meadery. As you explore the beautiful landscape, you’ll also have the chance to savor handcrafted beverages and learn about the region’s growing craft beverage scene. Cheers to that!

For those looking to stretch their legs and immerse themselves in nature, Hendersonville is home to an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that promise breathtaking views and invigorating experiences.

• High Falls Trail: High Falls Trail in DuPont State Recreational Forest is a moderate 1.2-mile out-and-back trail leading to one of the park’s most impressive waterfalls. The wide, gravel path winds through a scenic forest, gradually descending to a picnic shelter with an overlook of the 125-foot High Falls. For a closer view, a steeper side trail leads to the base of the falls. This trail is popular for hiking, photography, and picnicking, especially in the fall when the foliage is stunning.

• Covered Bridge Trail: Covered Bridge Trail in DuPont State Recreational Forest is a moderate 0.5-mile connector trail that leads from the top of High Falls to the Covered Bridge crossing the Little River. The trail follows a gravel path with a gentle incline, passing through a beautiful forested area. It connects with Buck Forest Road and other trails, making it a great route for hiking, biking, and exploring the upper section of High Falls.

• Triple Falls Trail: *Temporarily Closed due to Hurricane Helene* Triple Falls Trail in DuPont State Recreational Forest is a moderate 1.2-mile out-and-back trail leading to three stunning cascades along the Little River. The trail follows a wide gravel path with some steep sections, offering multiple overlooks of the 120-foot waterfall, which is divided into three distinct drops. A staircase leads to a large rocky area between the falls, providing a closer view. This trail is popular for hiking, photography, and picnicking, and it was featured in The Hunger Games movie.

• Strawberry Gap Trail: the Strawberry Gap Trailhead is located in Gerton on Gerton Highway. The trail connects to the Trombatore Trail in the picturesque Blue Ridge Pastures after an approximately 2.8-mile hike, but sees about 800 feet in elevation change, making it a challenging hike. Please note, this trail is only open to human hikers, meaning no dogs, bikes or horses. The Strawberry Gap Trail is part of the Hickory Nut Trail Gorge trail system, one of 12 North Carolina State Trails.

• Trombotore Trail: This strenuous 2.4 mile (each way) trail will get your heart pumping as it takes you through pastures up to a grassy bald with spectacular views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Bearwallow Mountain. Both the Trombatore Trail and Bearwallow Mountain Trail start from the same parking lot, at 4854 Bearwallow Mountain Road, Hendersonville. Parking is limited, please only park in designated parking areas. 

• Bearwallow Mountain Trail: Located in eastern Henderson County at an elevation of 4,232 feet above sea level, Bearwallow Mountain is an easy to moderate one-mile (each way) trail that features a grassy meadow at its summit, which often has cows grazing, along with a historic fire tower, breathtaking scenery and a 360° view. From atop the peak, see such area landmarks as downtown Hendersonville, Mt. Pisgah, Mt. Mitchell, the Hickory Nut Gorge and upstate South Carolina. As of fall 2020, this trail now connects to the Wildcat Rock Trail at the mountain’s summit. Both the Bearwallow Mountain Trail and the Trombatore Trail start from the same parking lot, at 4854 Bearwallow Mountain Road, Hendersonville. Parking is limited, please only park in designated parking areas.

• Bell Park Trail: Bell Park offers 69 acres of tranquil forests on the edge of the Green River Gorge, with lush forests, waterfalls, and wildflowers including beautiful rhododendrons and mountain laurel. It extends from the High Bridge near Lake Summit, following the banks of the Green River, until it reaches the 14,000+ acre Green River Game Lands. Conserving Carolina acquired this land in 2015 and then worked with Henderson County to make it a public park. Trail length: 1.8 miles

• Carl Sandburg Home Trails: Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is where Carl Sandburg, American poet, historian, author, and lecturer spent the final 22 years of his long and productive life at his estate, Connemara. The home, originally built in 1838, displays the Sandburg’s furnishing as they lived at Connemara from 1945-1968, including Carl Sandburg’s collection of 12,000 books. Tour the home for a small fee, and learn about Sandburg’s life as a writer, journalist, folk singer, social activist and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and biographer. Visit the barn and descendants of Mrs. Sandburg’s champion dairy goat herd and hike over five miles of trails. Access to trails, grounds, barns and public areas is free.

• Talking Trees at Holmes Educational State Forest:  Holmes State Forest contains five miles of hiking trails. The popular Talking Trees Trail, an easy walking trail, features pedestals in front of a series of tree species. Visitors can push a button on the pedestal and listen to the trees “talk” about specific characteristics of that type of tree, the habitats where they are found and uses for their products. The forest also includes an interactive museum, picnic tables, restrooms, equipment for fighting forest fires and displays depicting the ecology of a managed forest. A spacious picnic shelter (with grills) is also available. The forest is located about 8-1/2 miles from downtown Hendersonville.

• Jump Off Rock Trails: Known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the Jump Off Rock Trails offers easy to moderate hikes with an awe-inspiring reward at the summit. Choose from 3 trails varying in difficulty.

For those who prefer an easier, more accessible trail experience, Hendersonville features several greenways that connect outdoor spaces while promoting sustainability and community engagement.

• Oklawaha Greenway: This multi-use trail winds through forests, fields, and wetlands, offering a perfect path for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The Oklawaha Greenway is a scenic route that showcases the beauty of Hendersonville’s natural environment.

• Coming Soon – Ecusta Trail: The upcoming Ecusta Trail will be an exciting addition to Hendersonville’s outdoor offerings. When completed, this trail will connect Hendersonville to nearby Brevard, providing a scenic route for cycling, running, and hiking.

Exploring North Carolina’s outdoors comes with a responsibility to protect the places we love. Follow these Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the beauty and integrity of our wild spaces:

1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
Know before you go—research your destination, check regulations, and prepare for weather and safety concerns. Visit less crowded areas when possible, and always have a backup plan. Pack the essentials, including food, water, and the right gear.

2. Stick to Trails & Camp Right
Stay on marked trails to avoid trampling vegetation. Camp only in designated or already-used spots. Take breaks on durable surfaces and be aware of hazards like swift water or slippery rocks. Know your limits and stay safe.

3. Trash Your Trash
Whatever you bring in, take it out—including food scraps, cigarette butts, and pet waste. In remote areas, plan ahead for how you’ll properly dispose of human waste.

4. Leave It As You Find It
Admire wildflowers, shells, and rocks without taking them. Avoid carving into trees or disturbing natural features. These actions protect wildlife habitats and preserve the experience for others.

5. Be Careful With Fire
Follow local fire rules. Keep fires small, use a camp stove when possible, and only burn wood from the ground or local sources. Fully extinguish fires before leaving.

6. Keep Wildlife Wild
Watch animals from a distance and never feed them. Feeding wildlife changes their behavior and can be dangerous. Store food and trash securely when camping.

7. Be Considerate of Others
Share the trail respectfully. Keep noise down, yield appropriately, and announce your presence when passing. Let everyone enjoy the outdoors in their own way.

Whether you’re dreaming of cozy cabins, charming inns, or modern hotels, we’ve got you covered!

Head to our Lodging Page to explore all your options. Need a little inspiration? Check out our curated list of unique stays: Stay Your Way.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Hendersonville!