Laurel Park North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Laurel Park, North Carolina.
1. Jump Off Rock
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Jump Off Rock is a popular scenic overlook offering panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest at an elevation of 3,100 feet. This free attraction is open from sunrise to sunset year-round and features a small park with a stone overlook, benches, and several short hiking trails. The site is steeped in Cherokee legend about a maiden who jumped from the cliff after learning her lover had been killed in battle.
2. Rhododendron Lake Nature Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL BEAUTY
Rhododendron Lake Nature Park is a serene natural area where visitors can enjoy peaceful surroundings and beautiful lake views. The park connects to Laurel Green Park via sidewalk on Primrose Lane, making it easy to explore multiple green spaces in one visit. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the park for its tranquil atmosphere and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
3. Laurel Green Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY SPACE
Laurel Green Park is a 4-acre community space featuring meandering walking paths, a pond, and a centrally located gazebo available for reservations. Within the park, Little Laurel Green offers a popular fenced playground area perfect for families with children. The park includes planted berms along its perimeter and a stream on its south side, creating a peaceful natural environment.
4. Oakdale Cemetery
HISTORIC RESTING PLACE
Oakdale Cemetery is a historic burial ground that offers visitors a glimpse into the area's past through its aged monuments and quiet pathways. The cemetery provides a peaceful setting for reflection while showcasing the heritage of Laurel Park and surrounding communities. Visitors interested in local history often explore the cemetery to discover the stories of those who helped shape the region.
5. Hendersonville Country Club
UPSCALE GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Hendersonville Country Club offers a premium golfing experience nestled in the scenic landscapes of Laurel Park. The club features well-maintained greens and fairways with beautiful mountain views that enhance the playing experience. Beyond golf, the country club serves as a social hub for members with dining options and special events throughout the year.
6. Downtown Hendersonville
HISTORIC MAIN STREET
Downtown Hendersonville's historic Main Street is located just five miles from Laurel Park, offering a charming shopping and dining district with preserved historic architecture. The pedestrian-friendly area features unique boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and a variety of restaurants housed in beautifully maintained buildings. Throughout the year, the downtown hosts numerous festivals, live music events, and seasonal celebrations that attract visitors from across the region.
7. Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
LITERARY LEGEND'S ESTATE
The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site preserves the farm and residence of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and writer Carl Sandburg, located a short drive from Laurel Park. Visitors can tour the historic house filled with original furnishings, manuscripts, and over 10,000 books that belonged to the Sandburg family. The 264-acre estate also includes hiking trails, a working goat farm, and beautiful gardens that reflect the pastoral lifestyle Sandburg cherished.
8. DuPont State Recreational Forest
SPECTACULAR WATERFALL TRAILS
DuPont State Recreational Forest encompasses over 10,000 acres of forest with cascading waterfalls, mountain lakes, and extensive hiking and biking trails within a short drive from Laurel Park. The forest is famous for its stunning waterfalls including Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, which have been featured in films such as The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans. Visitors can enjoy multiple recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing throughout the well-maintained natural area.
9. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's East Coast facility in Mills River offers brewery tours, beer tastings, and an exceptional farm-to-table restaurant experience near Laurel Park. The stunning copper-clad brewing facility is set on 190 acres with indoor and outdoor dining spaces overlooking the beautiful grounds and production areas. Visitors can enjoy the taproom featuring exclusive small-batch brews, take guided tours of the brewing process, or explore the outdoor spaces including gardens and hiking trails.
10. Chimney Rock State Park
ICONIC MOUNTAIN FORMATION
Chimney Rock State Park, located within driving distance of Laurel Park, features the iconic 315-foot granite monolith offering 75-mile views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Lure. The park includes several hiking trails of varying difficulty, leading to features such as Hickory Nut Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States at 404 feet. Visitors can access the summit via elevator or stairs, making this spectacular natural attraction accessible to people with different mobility levels.
11. The Flat Rock Playhouse
STATE THEATER PERFORMANCES
The Flat Rock Playhouse, officially designated as the State Theatre of North Carolina, presents professional productions of musicals, comedies, and dramas in a charming setting near Laurel Park. Founded in 1952, this renowned theater attracts talented performers from across the country and produces a diverse season of shows from April through December each year. The intimate venue combines professional-quality productions with small-town charm, making it a cultural cornerstone of the region.
12. Burntshirt Vineyards
HIGH-ELEVATION WINE EXPERIENCE
Burntshirt Vineyards is a premier winery near Laurel Park featuring high-elevation vineyards that produce award-winning wines in the unique climate of western North Carolina. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the elegant tasting room, tour the production facilities and vineyards, and learn about the winemaking process from grape to bottle. The picturesque setting includes outdoor seating areas with mountain views, creating a perfect backdrop for enjoying locally crafted wines.
13. Pisgah National Forest
ANCIENT MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Pisgah National Forest encompasses over 500,000 acres of mountainous terrain with some of the oldest mountains in the world, accessible within a short drive from Laurel Park. The forest offers hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as opportunities for fishing, rock climbing, and camping in stunning natural settings. Highlights include Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and the Blue Ridge Parkway that traverses portions of the forest, providing access to scenic overlooks and recreational areas.
14. Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
FAMILY GEM HUNTING ADVENTURE
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine offers a hands-on mining experience where visitors can search for treasures like emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and other gemstones near Laurel Park. The attraction provides buckets of mining rough guaranteed to contain genuine gemstones, along with mining equipment and expert guidance on identifying discoveries. After mining, guests can have their favorite gemstones cut and set into jewelry at the on-site lapidary, creating a personalized souvenir from their adventure.
15. Biltmore Estate
AMERICA'S LARGEST HOME
Biltmore Estate, located about 30 miles from Laurel Park, is America's largest privately-owned home, a 250-room French Renaissance chateau built by George Vanderbilt in 1895. The 8,000-acre estate features meticulously preserved architecture, expansive gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and an impressive collection of art and historical artifacts. Visitors can tour the mansion, explore the grounds including vineyards and a working farm, enjoy wine tastings, and experience seasonal events throughout the year.