Hickory Nut Gorge: Home To One Of North Carolina's Most Beautiful Parks & Two Charming Towns

02/15/21 • 28 min

The Hickory Nut Gorge is a 20,000 acre, 14-mile long canyon that cuts a steep pass through the Blue Ridge escarpment. It is abundant in undisturbed forests, waterfalls, and granite cliffs...and is located just a short drive from Asheville, Black Mountain and Hendersonville. This easily accessible outdoor mecca is steeped in history and is a prominent recreational destination for rock climbers, hikers, campers, mountain bikers, and family picnics along the banks of the Rocky Broad River.
In this episode we focus in and take a closer look at Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and we discover how the rugged beauty of the area so captivated a physician from Missouri that it shaped the rest of his life, and is a large reason why you and I can explore so much protected land nearly 120 years later.
Join us we take a brief trip through the history of Hickory Nut Gorge, take a stroll through the modern-day Chimney Rock Village, and learn about great recreational destinations in the Gorge and areas surrounding Lake Lure.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock Village
Town of Lake Lure
Cabin Hosts
Conserving Carolina
Destination by Design
Hickory Nut Gorge
Lake Lure Tours
Lake Lure Adventure Company
COVER PHOTO CREDIT
Divine Landscapes by Michele Schwartz

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
[email protected]
Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

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Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
[email protected]
Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Previous Episode

Exploring Blue Ridge Mountain Communities

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Blue Ridge Mountain communities have a special charm unlike any other. From panoramic vistas with breathtaking views and outdoor adventures in some of this Nation’s most beautiful parks and forests, to cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway, “America’s Favorite Drive”. It’s not hard to imagine why so many people retreat into the Blue Ridge Mountains to find solace and relaxation.

The towns that are scattered throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains are rich with history and Appalachian culture, where time moves at its own unhurried pace. Their picturesque streets & charming town squares create a small-town vibe where locals and visitors alike gather to experience all the mountain life has to offer.

Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, paddle, climb, take a scenic drive, shop, dine, visit a brewery or vineyard, Blue Ridge mountain towns have something for every traveler and adventurer. We're on a quest to experience more of these towns, and all they have to offer.
Notable Mentions In This Episode
Destination by Design
Blue Ridge Mountains
Blue Ridge Parkway
Appalachian Culture
Old Fort

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
[email protected]
Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Next Episode

Hendersonville, NC: A Vibrant Mountain Town With A BIG Personality

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Located in a beautiful and easily accessible region of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and cradled atop a scenic mountain plateau sitting at 2,200 feet in elevation, Hendersonville, NC has become a place where people love to visit, parents want to raise their children, and retired folks want to enjoy their non-working days.

In this episode we discover how a forward-thinking City Council recognized that Main Street needed to be a destination experience for residents and visitors. We’ll explore the efforts that led to Historic Downtown Hendersonville being entered into the National Register for Historic Places, and earning designation as a 2020 Accredited Main Street AmericaTM program.

We’ll also discover how the close proximity to so many natural resources attracts adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, and why Visitors to Hendersonville enjoy this vibrant town that’s an ideal spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

And...no discussion about Hendersonville would be complete with talking about Agritourism. Henderson County is the largest apple-producing county in North Carolina and ranks in the top 20 nationally. It is the reason thousands of people flock to this area in the fall to experience the time-honored tradition of fall apple picking.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Hendersonville Visitors Center
Ride Kanuga
Dupont State Forest
Dupont Yurts
Pisgah Map Company
Ed Holmes Educational Forest
Green River Gorge
Carl Sandburg Home
Main Street America Program
North Mills River Recreation Area
Orchard Trail Guide
Cheers Trail Guide
NC Scenic Byways
Historic Flat Rock Scenic Byway