http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/bentcreek
828-667-5361
Bent Creek encompasses nearly 6,000 acres within the Pisgah National Forest. We suggest picking up a map before hitting the trail.
Directions: Take I-240 West to I-26 East and get off on exit 2, NC 191. Turn left, pass the Biltmore Square Mall, and head south on NC 191 for 2 miles. Turn right at the stoplight onto Bent Creek Ranch Road, following the brown signs to the Lake Powhatan Recreation Area (bear left at fork after 0.2 mi on this road). The paved, signed Hardtimes trailhead parking area is just over 2 miles down this road on the left.
http://www.nps.gov/blri/
828-271-4779
BRP Destination Center 828-298-5330 MP 384
Directions: You can access the Blue Ridge Parkway at a number of spots near Asheville. To reach the Folk Art Center, follow Highway 70 east to its junction with the Parkway and turn north to milepost 381.
Asheville Chamber of Commerce
http://www.ashevillechamber.org
828-258-6101
http://www.dupontforest.com/
828-877-6527
DuPont covers more than 10,000 acres of forest, trails, and waterfalls. We suggest picking up a map before hitting the trail.
Directions: Take I-26 East to exit 40, and take NC-280 toward Pisgah Forest. Turn left (east) on US-64 and go 3.7 miles to the Texaco station in Penrose. Turn right on Crab Creek Rd. and
continue 4.3 miles and turn right on DuPont Rd. for 3.1 miles.
http://www.hickorynut.org/
877-625-2725
Directions: Take I-240 East to exit 9 (Bat Cave and Highway 74A East). Stay on 74A East for 20 miles until you reach the heart of the Hickory Nut Gorge.
http://www.townofhotsprings.org
Directions: Take I-240 W to exit 4A onto Highway 19/23 North toward Weaverville. Go10 miles until you see a sign that says Hot Springs. Under the underpass exit right onto Highway 25/70 going north toward Marshall. Follow Highway 25/70 North about 30 miles to Hot Springs.