Hendersonville NC sits atop a 375 square mile fertile highland plateau that spreads across Henderson County NC. Some of the world’s oldest rivers and streams flow from the mountain peaks that surround these lands and have created stunning views. The area’s pleasant climate attracts visitors from across the southeast looking to escape the weather in other areas and is one of the many reasons this region has become so popular with visitors, retirees, and second home residents. Learn more about Hendersonville NC and the numerous activities you can enjoy when you live in Cummings Cove, one of the best Gated Communities in North Carolina. Learn what makes Cummings Cove different from other private gated golf course communities and tour theHendersonville NC Real Estate home sites and homes we have available.
French Broad River
The French Broad River is believed to be one of the oldest rivers in the world, and it flows through historic valleys in Henderson County making its way to Asheville NC and the state of Tennessee. Flowing northward, the French Broad River is a popular North Carolina White Water Rafting and Kayaking river and various commercial guide companies offer canoeing, rafting and other float trips.
Jump Off Rock
Just 10 minutes from downtown Hendersonville NC, this scenic overlook located in the small community of Laurel Park is a great spot to rest and enjoy the views over the rolling pastures of the Blue Ridge and Pisgah Mountain ranges. Named after an Indian legend, Jump Off Rock is a high, rugged cliff that many believe a young Indian maiden jumped from in despair. Legend has it that you can see the ghost of the maiden on the rock during moonlit nights. The Jump Off Rock Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and there is no admission fee.
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
The Carl Sandburg National Historic Home is located 15 minutes from Cummings Cove. This National Historic Site was the home of two time Pulitzer Prize winning novelist and poet, Carl Sandburg and his wife from 1945 until his death in 1967. It was on this sprawling 264 acre farm, known as Connemara, that Sandburg completed more than a third of his large collection of works. In addition to touring Sandburg’s beautiful home and 10,000 book library, visitors can tour the estate and see Sandburg’s wife Paula’s herd of 200 prize winning goats. Located at 81 Carl Sandburg Lane (off Little River Rd), the Connemara Sandburg Estate Park is open from 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week. Call 828.693.4178 for more information.
The Look Homeward, Angel Statue at Oakdale Cemetary
Acclaimed American novelist Thomas Wolfe was born in Asheville and wrote Look Homeward, Angel in 1929. The book is believed to be largely autobiographical and depicts the life of a family in the deep south in a town that closely resembles communities throughout Western North Carolina. In the novel, there is reference to an Italian marble angel statue and it is widely documented that the author’s father, W.O. Wolfe, a gravestone salesman, sold a similar statue to the Johnson family to mark their family’s grave plot in the Oakdale Cemetery. The Oakdale Cemetery is located just off Highway 64 W near downtown Hendersonville NC. The beautiful statue displays an angel holding a lily in her left hand and extending her right hand upwards toward the sky. The historic statue is protected by a wrought iron fence and it is a place that many literary enthusiasts like to photograph and visit. Visitors can call 828.693.9708 for more information.
Historic Johnson Farm
The Johnson Farm (circa 1880) is a preserved example of a late 19th century and early 20th century working farm. Built for a vacation retreat for wealthy tobacco businessman Oliver Moss, the bricks that were fired on site were made from mud from the French Broad River and the grand farmhouse and outbuildings took more than 4 years to complete. Visitors to this attraction can tour the home, and its other structures include a tool shed and blacksmith shop, a boarding house, guest cottage and barn. Open Tuesday through Friday 9am-2:30pm, guided tours are offered at 10:30am & 1:30pm. The farm is located on Hwy 191 N across from Rugby Middle School. For additional information call 828.891.6585.
Holmes Educational State Forest
The Holmes Educational State Forest is an outdoor educational area filled with great walking and hiking trails, a picnic area, and a fire rescue helicopter exhibit. Located in Hendersonville at 1299 Crab Creek Road, the Holmes Educational State Forest is a place that kids love to wander. “Talking Trees”, ranger demonstrations, and other fun ecological exhibits make this beautiful area a place where they can learn something too. Open mid-March through November, Tuesday through Sunday in Hendersonville NC, call 828.692.0100 for more information.
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
Step back in time and strike gold at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine in Hendersonville NC! Offering flume mining just like the prospectors used back in the 1880s, this NC Gem Mine will let you keep all of the rubies, emeralds, amethyst, citrine, and unique crystals you can find during its NC Gem Mining season between Memorial Day weekend and October. Open Thursday through Sunday during daylight hours, the mine is just 2.5 miles west of downtown Hendersonville NC on Highway 64 at 2120 Brevard Road. Picnic tables and an antique store are located nearby, call 828.693.3123 for more information.