The Pisgah Conservancy: Protecting Trails, Preserving Community
When you’re living in Hendersonville, the stunning natural beauty of nearby Pisgah National Forest becomes more than just your backyard—it becomes part of your lifestyle. Outdoor adventures thrive here, and one organization, The Pisgah Conservancy (TPC), has quietly been working behind the scenes for over a decade to ensure those trails, rivers, and forested ridges stay as pristine tomorrow as they are today.
Why Pisgah National Forest Matters
Stretching across Western North Carolina, Pisgah National Forest is home to iconic views, waterfalls, and wildlife—just a quick 30-minute drive from downtown Hendersonville. This 500,000-acre natural escape welcomes hikers, bikers, anglers, paddlers, campers, and wanderers of all kinds. Whether you’re gazing up at Looking Glass Rock, wading in the Davidson River, or trekking along Avery Creek, Pisgah is where mountain memories are made.
If you’re thinking about a move to Hendersonville, access to preserved public lands is one of the top reasons folks decide to relocate here. And the area’s outdoor perks wouldn’t be possible without conservation groups like TPC leading the charge.
The Power of Community: How TPC Began
The Pisgah Conservancy’s story begins with John Cottingham, who spent his childhood summers amid these very mountains. Upon retiring, Cottingham wanted to give back to the forest he loved so dearly. That seed of generosity grew into The Pisgah Conservancy, an official nonprofit that works in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service to manage trails, restore waterways, eliminate invasive plants, and harness the power of local volunteers.
Since forming in 2015, TPC has become a vital partner in ecosystem stewardship—working hand-in-hand with community organizations like FIND Outdoors, Carolina Mountain Club, Trout Unlimited, and Pisgah Area SORBA. Together, they restore access points, clear trails, and raise funds for big-ticket repairs like bridge construction.
Tangible Impact in the Forest
So what does all this behind-the-scenes effort mean for hikers and nature-lovers? Here are just a few of TPC’s standout projects:
- Avery Creek Trail Improvements: New bridge installation, trail restoration, and creek protection to mitigate erosion and improve water quality. Learn more.
- Trail Repairs After Tropical Storm Helene: Rebuilding key areas of the South Mills River trails following extensive damage.
- Invasive Species Management: Removing non-native plants to protect Pisgah’s unique biodiversity.
These acts of care aren’t just environmental—they’re foundational to what’s it like living in Hendersonville, where nature is both your neighborhood and your weekend playground.
Get Involved: Pisgah Project Day
Want to roll up your sleeves and be part of the change? TPC’s biggest annual event, Pisgah Project Day, happens each spring. In 2025, it’s scheduled for Saturday, April 25. This day of action mobilizes hundreds of volunteers across dozens of locations within the Pisgah Ranger District, tackling everything from trail clearing to riverbank stabilization.
It’s an all-ages affair—with opportunities for everyone, whether you’re a kid planting a tree or a seasoned trailblazer swinging a pickaxe.
For more information and daily updates, visit the Mountain Xpress coverage on TPC. Their local reporting brings these important community stories to light, reminding us how many hands it takes to care for a single trail.
A Lifestyle Rooted in Nature
One of the best parts of moving to Hendersonville is discovering the sense of purpose and place that comes with living here. Whether you’re participating in a river clean-up, donating to a trail project, or simply enjoying a family hike, you’re part of a culture that actively protects what it treasures.
This community connection is something you can feel—especially when a neighbor waves hello on a hike, or when a child beams with pride after helping plant red spruce seedlings that future generations will one day rest beneath.
Ready to build a life just minutes away from a national forest that’s as well-loved as it is well-preserved? Relocate to Hendersonville and become part of a movement that’s as rooted as the trees we walk among.
Learn More and Join In
If you’re looking to make a deeper connection with the land and community, consider supporting or volunteering for The Pisgah Conservancy. Start with their official website to learn more, and keep an eye on upcoming local events that celebrate the outdoors.
Life in Hendersonville offers more than scenic views—it offers a way to live with purpose, preserve the places you love, and make memories in nature that truly matter. I hope to see you out on the trails!