Red Gates is located 22 miles south of Asheville, NC and just 4 short miles from downtown Hendersonville.  Hendersonville rests on a plateau with an altitude of 2200 feet above sea level.  The Hendersonville Visitor’s Information Center is a great way to learn about the upcoming events and activities in Hendersonville and well as explore the multitude of outdoor attractions that draw thousands of visitors to Western North Carolina each year.

Please visit the Hendersonville Visitors Information Center to learn more.

While you are in Hendersonville, make sure you take advantage of all the area’s special attractions.

Chimney Rock Park is a natural attraction covering 1000 acres. On a clear day the view spans as far as Kings Mountain, seventy-five miles to the east. You can take the elevator 26 stories inside the mountain to reach the top of the Chimney and the trails. Chimney Rock State Park hosts special events throughout the year, demonstrations, and guided nature walks. Chimney Rock State Park is located 14 miles east of Hendersonville. For additional information call (800) 277-9611.  You can find discount passes at the Red Gates office!! www.chimneyrockpark.com

Biltmore House today is the largest privately owned home in America situated on 8,000 acres. It was built by George Vanderbilt and was completed in 1895. Vanderbilt commissioned Richard Morris Hunt to create the 250-room mansion modeled after a French chateau. Today the Estate encompasses the house, landscaped gardens, walking trails, woodlands, restaurants, shops, inn, and an award-winning winery. Biltmore Estate is located 22 miles north of Hendersonville. 1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC; For additional information call (800) 543-2961www.biltmore.com

The Pisgah National Forest’s 501,691 acres stretches across the eastern edge of Western North Carolina’s mountains. The Forest offers hiking trails, fishing, camping, picnic sites, and spectacular waterfalls. Some of Pisgah National Forest’s attractions include Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, Pisgah Forest State Fish Hatchery, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, The Cradle of Forestry and the North Mills River Recreational Area. www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc

The North Carolina Arboretum is a member of the University of North Carolina System and spans 434 acres. There is much to discover when you explore the Arboretum’s many trails and state-of-the-art greenhouse. The Arboretum offers a Native Azalea Repository, public display gardens, unique horticultural exhibits, education center, hiking, biking, and nature trails are a few of the attractions available to the public. The North Carolina Arboretum is located 15 miles north of Hendersonville. For additional information call (828) 665-2492.www.ncarboretum.org

The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the mountain ridges from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. The Parkway’s 469 toll-free miles combines natural beauty, mountain forests, wildlife, wildflowers and magnificent views. There are numerous overlooks and parking areas to view some of America’s finest scenic vistas. The Blue Ridge Parkway is located 15 miles north of Hendersonville. For additional information call 1-800-228-7275 or (828) 298-0398. www.blueridgeparkway.org

The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center features an award-winning film – The Blue Ridge Parkway—America’s Favorite Journey, exhibits which highlight nature and the cultural heritage of the area, information services, and a gift shop. The “I-Wall,” exhibit is a 22-foot interactive map of the Blue Ridge Parkway which provides multi-media information on places to visit on and near the Parkway. Located at Parkway milepost 384, about a mile south of the US 70 intersection (or one mile north of the US 74-A intersection).
195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC (828) 298-5330. www.blueridgeheritage.com

The Folk Art Center is the most popular attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Folk Art Center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians. The Folk Art center is home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, representing 900 Guild members’ crafts from Southern Appalachia, it offers changing exhibits and demonstrations.  The Folk Art Center is open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile – post #382.   For additional information call (828) 298-7928. www.southernhighlandguild.org

Lake Lure’s 27 miles of shoreline is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Lake Lure was selected by National Geographic as one of the Ten Most Spectacular man-made lakes in the World. The lake offers a marina, boat tours and a sandy beach. Lake Lure is located 14 miles east of Hendersonville. For additional information call 828-625-9983 or visit the Town of Lake Lure’s web site www.townoflakelure.com