Attractions
Things to do in Flat Rock, NC
When you stay at The Lodge at Flat Rock, you’ll be just moments from a diverse and exhilarating range of things to do in this beautiful region of North Carolina. Once you and your guests have nestled into one of our elegant King or Studio Suites, it is time to take in the sights and tastes of the surrounding area. Whether exploring our rivers and forests, enjoying our shops and streets, or dining out with flavors both local and exotic, there is something for everyone just moments away.
Situated on 8,000 acres, Biltmore House is the largest privately owned home in America. It was built by George Vanderbilt and was completed in 1895. Today, the estate encompasses the house, gardens, restaurants, gift shops, stables, inn, and winery. (1-800-543-2961).
The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the mountain ridges from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee.
Chimney Rock Park is a natural attraction covering 1000 acres. On a clear day, the awesome view spans as far as Kings Mountain, 75 miles to the east beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can take the elevator 26 stories inside the rock to reach the top of the Chimney and the trails. (1-800-277-9611).
The forest encompasses more than 10,000 acres in Henderson and Transylvania counties. It is situated on a plateau of the Little River valley, with waterfalls and rolling land bordered by moderately steep hills and mountains. Home of Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, the forest is presently open to the public for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and fishing (NC fishing license required). Hunting allowed by special permit only. (828-251-6509).
The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States.
Only 5 minutes from the Mountain Lodge you will find a true “treasure”. Historic Hendersonville attracts people from all over the country every year that enjoy what our town has to offer. Some people call Hendersonville “Little Charleston”, as its glowing with history and offers tons of locally owned restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, galleries, and much more. Your visit to Western North Carolina wouldn’t be complete without a stroll down Main Street Hendersonville.
Over 30 independent galleries and more than 100 retail shops, downtown Asheville is a shopper’s paradise. Every street leads to a treasure-trove of uncommon businesses that could only flourish in Asheville. Handmade Appalachian baskets. Vegan pocketbooks. Furniture carved entirely from one tree. Jams, jellies and preserves so fresh that you can practically see the farmers picking the fruit off the vine. This area specializes in the unusual and one-of-a-kind.
The WNC Nature Center is 40 acres of animals in their native habitats. It provides an opportunity to learn, to touch and to know our rich natural heritage through educational and interactive exhibits.
The NC Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden in the Pisgah National Forest, located at the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway on Highway 191. Surrounded by the dense folds of the botanically diverse Southern Appalachian Mountains, the Arboretum is nestled in one of the most beautiful natural garden settings in America.
The Playhouse is considered one of the “Top Ten Theaters in the Country.” A wonderful escape from life’s hectic pace, the Playhouse offers quality entertainment rarely found so far from Broadway. The Playhouse is open from mid-May through mid-October, plus holiday productions, presenting matinees and evening performances Wednesday through Sunday.
Carl Sandburg was an American poet, historian, author, and lecturer who spent the final 22 years of his long and productive life at his estate in Flat Rock, NC. Today this National Historic Site offers a keen insight on Mr. Sandburg, his family and their 264 acre working farm. The Sandburg Home was built in 1838 and now houses his collection of 10,000 books, notes and papers. There are numerous hiking trails and a functional goat barn, where Mrs. Sandburg raised her prize winning goats, located next to the Flat Rock Play House.
The Gorge is the fastest and steepest zipline tour in the country. It takes you soaring across the Green River Gamelands of Saulda, NC. Take in the breath-taking views of nature in the mountains from the tree tops.
The Adventure Center of Asheville offers activities for everyone in the family, all in one spot!
During the summer months, come enjoy a leisurely float down the French Broad River,
Biltmore Estate
Situated on 8,000 acres, Biltmore House is the largest privately owned home in America. It was built by George Vanderbilt and was completed in 1895. Today, the estate encompasses the house, gardens, restaurants, gift shops, stables, inn, and winery. (1-800-543-2961).
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the mountain ridges from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee.
Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock Park is a natural attraction covering 1000 acres. On a clear day, the awesome view spans as far as Kings Mountain, 75 miles to the east beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can take the elevator 26 stories inside the rock to reach the top of the Chimney and the trails. (1-800-277-9611).
DuPont State Park
The forest encompasses more than 10,000 acres in Henderson and Transylvania counties. It is situated on a plateau of the Little River valley, with waterfalls and rolling land bordered by moderately steep hills and mountains. Home of Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, the forest is presently open to the public for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and fishing (NC fishing license required). Hunting allowed by special permit only. (828-251-6509).
Pisgah National Forest
The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States.
Downtown Historic Hendersonville
Only 5 minutes from the Mountain Lodge you will find a true “treasure”. Historic Hendersonville attracts people from all over the country every year that enjoy what our town has to offer. Some people call Hendersonville “Little Charleston”, as its glowing with history and offers tons of locally owned restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, galleries, and much more. Your visit to Western North Carolina wouldn’t be complete without a stroll down Main Street Hendersonville.
Downtown Asheville Shopping
Over 30 independent galleries and more than 100 retail shops, downtown Asheville is a shopper’s paradise. Every street leads to a treasure-trove of uncommon businesses that could only flourish in Asheville. Handmade Appalachian baskets. Vegan pocketbooks. Furniture carved entirely from one tree. Jams, jellies and preserves so fresh that you can practically see the farmers picking the fruit off the vine. This area specializes in the unusual and one-of-a-kind.
WNC Nature Center
The WNC Nature Center is 40 acres of animals in their native habitats. It provides an opportunity to learn, to touch and to know our rich natural heritage through educational and interactive exhibits.
North Carolina Arboretum
The NC Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden in the Pisgah National Forest, located at the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway on Highway 191. Surrounded by the dense folds of the botanically diverse Southern Appalachian Mountains, the Arboretum is nestled in one of the most beautiful natural garden settings in America.
Flat Rock Playhouse
The Playhouse is considered one of the “Top Ten Theaters in the Country.” A wonderful escape from life’s hectic pace, the Playhouse offers quality entertainment rarely found so far from Broadway. The Playhouse is open from mid-May through mid-October, plus holiday productions, presenting matinees and evening performances Wednesday through Sunday.
Carl Sandburg House
Carl Sandburg was an American poet, historian, author, and lecturer who spent the final 22 years of his long and productive life at his estate in Flat Rock, NC. Today this National Historic Site offers a keen insight on Mr. Sandburg, his family and their 264 acre working farm. The Sandburg Home was built in 1838 and now houses his collection of 10,000 books, notes and papers. There are numerous hiking trails and a functional goat barn, where Mrs. Sandburg raised her prize winning goats, located next to the Flat Rock Play House.
The Gorge Zipline
The Gorge is the fastest and steepest zipline tour in the country. It takes you soaring across the Green River Gamelands of Saulda, NC. Take in the breath-taking views of nature in the mountains from the tree tops.
Asheville Adventure Center
The Adventure Center of Asheville offers activities for everyone in the family, all in one spot!
Zen Tubing
During the summer months, come enjoy a leisurely float down the French Broad River,