Get Outside: Parks, Preserves, Trails, and Greenways

Parks, Trails, Preserves, and Greenways

What do you love to do outdoors? There are so many ways to enjoy nature, from family outings to adventure sports, fly fishing to photography, rock climbing to riding horses. At Conserving Carolina, we’re passionate about providing great places to enjoy the outdoors.

From state parks to nature preserves to local parks and greenways, we have protected over 23,000 acres of land for recreation! Below, find a list so you can explore places to play near you.

Founders of a hiking group called Pathways to Parks explore Conserving Carolina's Trombatore Trail.
Conserving Carolina helped protect thousands of acres of Chimney Rock State Park.
Hikers enjoy the sunset on Bearwallow Mountain, protected forever by Conserving Carolina.
A young hiker looks out from the rock outcrop on Conserving Carolina's Wildcat Rock Trail.
An ice climber ascends Little Bearwallow Falls, one of several places that Conserving Carolina has helped open for rock and ice climbing.
Waterfalls and trout streams await in the new 6,730-acre Headwaters State Forest, which Conserving Carolina helped protect. Photo by Kevin Adams.
Hikers and mountain bikers enjoy stunning vistas on Weed Patch Weed Patch Mountain Trail, which Conserving Carolina helped open through 1,300 protected acres. Photo by Clint Calhoun.
The French Broad River is a favorite place for paddling and tubing. Conservation helps keep our rivers clean and beautiful.
900 acres at Little White Oak Mountain, protected by Conserving Carolina, are now public land. They will become a new local park and an addition to the Green River Game Lands.
A young woman on a leadership group wilderness trip enjoys the view in Pisgah National Forest.
Equestrians enjoy the trails at DuPont State Recreational Forest, which Conserving Carolina helped to protect in the 1990s. Photo by Mark File of Romantic Asheville.

Hiking group on stream on Trombatore Trail

View of Little White Oak from Polk County Middle School.

Horse riding on DuPont Forest trails. Photo by Mark File, RomanticAsheville.com.

Take a Challenge

Conserving Carolina offers two challenges that invite you to explore protected lands.

The White Squirrel Hiking Challenge will take you on eight beautiful hikes in places Conserving Carolina has helped to protect.
The Flying Squirrel Outdoor Challenge offers more flexibility to tailor the challenge to your interests and abilities.

With either challenge, you’ll discover wonderful places and gain a more personal connection to land conservation.

Find a Place to Play

There are now 33 places that we’ve helped protect that are now open to the public! There are many more places where we’re currently working create trails or facilities so you can come explore them. If you want more places for recreation, you can help as a Conserving Carolina member or volunteer.

Buncombe County

Henderson County

Bearwallow Mountain
Cane Creek Greenway at Bill Moore Community Park
DuPont State Recreational Forest
Florence Nature Preserve
Horseshoe French Broad River Put-In
King’s Bridge Wildlife Conservation Area
Mud Creek Campsite on the French Broad River
Oklawaha Greenway
The Park at Flat Rock
Additions to Pisgah National Forest
Trombatore Trail
Twin Lakes Park (Saluda)
Wildcat Rock Trail
Rhododendron Lake Nature Park

Rutherford County

Polk County

Additions to Green River Game Lands
Little White Oak Mountain
Norman Wilder Forest
Alexander’s Ford at Bradley Nature Preserve
Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
Vaughn Creek Greenway

Transylvania County

Create More Places for Everyone to Enjoy!

We’re always working to create new parks, trails, greenways, and public lands. If you enjoy the great outdoors, become a member of Conserving Carolina! Your membership supports conservation and we’ll keep you in the loop about the latest news, outings, and events.

become a member

Guided Hikes and Volunteer Days

Do you want to make a difference by building trails or restoring habitat? Do you want to discover some sweet new hiking spots? Do you want to connect with other people who enjoy the outdoors? Would you like to learn more about our region’s unique natural habitats?

If so, there are lots of ways you can get outside with Conserving Carolina and we’d love to have you. Check out our calendar to see upcoming events. Or explore volunteer opportunities.

Explore the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail

So far, we have helped open over 38 miles of stunning hiking trails in the Hickory Nut Gorge, with more on the way. It’s all part of a larger vision for a 100+ mile network of connected trails, officially designated as the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. Learn more.

Leading the Way on Greenways and Rail Trails

All of us need green space close to home where we can enjoy the outdoors and reconnect with nature. That’s why Conserving Carolina is helping create local greenway systems that link neighborhoods, parks, schools, and businesses. Learn more.

We are also excited to be spearheading two game changing new rail trails! Learn more about the future 19-mile Ecusta Trail and the proposed 31-mile Saluda Grade Trail.

Pathways to Parks: A Nature Group for People of Color

Parks and trails are for everyone—but, often, people of color don’t benefit from them as much as white people. At an event co-sponsored by Conserving Carolina, Frank and Audrey Peterman asked “Where are the black and brown faces?” The Petermans inspired members of the audience to start a new group, called Pathways to Parks. See their story.

This group encourages black and brown people to take advantage of parks, trails, and nature preserves through activities such as hiking, camping, cycling, tennis, walking, and picnicking. You can connect with Pathways to Parks on their website.