Picture yourself here

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s a valley called Hickory Nut Gorge. It’s only 14 miles from end to end, but it’s a place that once you’ve experienced it, it’s difficult to forget. Three highways and three rivers converge in this scenic little getaway for visitors and snug retreat for permanent residents. The Gorge is comprised of the villages of Gerton, Bat Cave and Chimney Rock and the town of Lake Lure and is only a short 20 minute drive from Hendersonville, 45 minutes from Asheville, 90 minutes from Charlotte, NC and just over an hour from Greenville and Spartanburg, SC. Whatever the season, there’s always something to do in the valley.

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, a world-renowned scenic attraction, is located in the heart of Chimney Rock Village and offers hiking trails for the whole family, a 404-foot waterfall, rock climbing instruction, educational programs, an elevator ride inside the mountain and much more. You caught a glimpse of what the Park is like if you saw the movie The Last of the Mohicans. Several of the dramatic scenes were filmed on the Park’s trail system. It’s a great place to go for quiet time on your own, to take your family and friends or for a group outing.

National Geographic named Lake Lure one of the “10 Most Spectacular Man-made Lakes in the World.” Just to view Lake Lure, snuggled up in these mountains, would be enough for some, but there’s so much more. The area’s boating, fishing, swimming, golfing and shopping attract visitors from around the globe. Shopping, picnicking and dining in each of the Gorge communities offers something a little different than you’ll find
anywhere else.

The area is located in the thermal belt, so the climate is much milder than other NC mountain areas, but you still get the glory of all four seasons. When you come to visit, you’ll discover the magic yourself. You just may find you don’t want to leave.