Zirconia NC Neighborhoods – Things to Do Nearby

Considerations must be given when choosing the appropriate neighborhood, such as proximity to amenities like shops and restaurants that make life enjoyable.

Zirconia residents tend to have upper middle income, making it a relatively affluent neighborhood. NeighborhoodScout’s analysis has found that they boast higher household incomes than 70% of American neighborhoods combined.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an idyllic wilderness area located along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, famous for its postcard-perfect views of mist-shrouded mountains, Southern Appalachian culture, diverse plant life, and abundant wildlife. As one of America’s most beloved national parks it receives over 10 million visits per year!

The park’s rugged, untamed terrain offers hiking trails, fishing, camping and scenic drives for all. The mountains’ unique topography was formed by glaciers which created peaks and valleys interlaced with waterfalls gushing down many mountain streams – Clingmans Dome is the highest point at 6,643 feet above sea level and stands as its iconic beacon.

Pollinators like native bees are key contributors to the diversity of plant life and ecosystems found within the Smokies, providing essential pollination services and pollination support that supports its sustainability and biodiversity. The USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab surveys and monitors native bee populations within the park – these bees play a vital role in maintaining forest health throughout this region.

As well as mountains, there are other natural features in the Great Smoky Mountains besides mountains that make up their ecosystems, such as rivers, streams and wetlands. These environments serve as vital homes for wildlife as well as water-dependent plants in the park; additionally wetlands serve to control flooding and recharge groundwater supplies.

Great Smoky Mountains is an ecologically rich protected area boasting numerous species of plants, animals and fungus that constitute its diverse ecosystem. As one of the best-known examples of temperate zone forest ecosystems it boasts an impressive population of lungless salamander species – an indicator of ecosystem health – living there.

As summer crowds dissipate, this stunning Southeastern gem finds a new lease on life as the fall foliage takes center stage with vibrant colors that provide unparalleled scenery while wildlife becomes active and visible – the ideal time for visiting.

2. DuPont State Forest

DuPont State Forest, near Brevard, is an exquisite oasis filled with waterfalls and mountain biking trails that makes a popular hiking destination. Enormous waterfalls cascade down rugged cliffs into crystal-clear pools of blue. Gnarly Rhododendron Tunnels and Sun Dappled forests serve as habitats for an abundance of wildlife in DuPont. Windswept Peaks rise above it all, capturing sunlight on their cratered summits.

DuPont State Forest (also referred to as “DSRF”) is North Carolina’s inaugural state recreational forest and encompasses 10,400 acres in Henderson and Transylvania counties. DSRF’s most notable feature are its series of magnificent waterfalls on Little River and Grassy Creek that can easily be accessed from scenic hikes; mountain biking, equestrian riding, fishing with an NC fishing license are also all activities offered here.

DuPont State Forest’s story began in 1958 when DuPont, a chemical company founded by Warren DuPont, established an industrial facility on Cedar Mountain. Gradually over time, DuPont sold off surrounding land holdings to developers until conservationist group The Conservation Fund purchased it between 1996 and 1997 and later bought it directly from them and opened DuPont State Recreational Forest within its borders in 1998.

This main hiking trail in Asheville’s West Park leads hikers to three of Asheville’s most beautiful waterfalls – Hooker Falls, Triple Falls and High Falls. It is easy to moderate with beautiful views from each waterfall as you make your way along a gorge trail. This popular and family friendly hike is sure to please.

DuPont State Park boasts an exquisite covered bridge, once part of a private real estate development but now saved from being developed through state park system preservation efforts. Spanning Little River at High Falls, it serves as an incredibly photogenic photo spot and makes an excellent backdrop. In addition to waterfalls, hiking, mountain biking trails, and beautiful mountain lakes.

DuPont State Park offers ideal conditions for exploring hiking and mountain biking trails during early spring, fall and winter when there will be less crowds at its most popular trails. Although you can still visit during summer months, to minimize crowding we suggest arriving earlier at parking areas and trails during the day.

3. Green River Game Lands

Green River Game Lands are state-owned parcels covering more than 10,000 acres that straddle the Green River Gorge, used for wildlife conservation and management, hunting, trapping, and fishing activities permitted on this state-owned tract.

Land is an outdoor enthusiast’s haven, providing lung-busting climbs, peaceful campsites and breathtaking vistas for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. Additionally, hiking paths provide endless recreational opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers and paddlers.

Billy Goat Scramble, an epic 30-kilometer off-road race, takes place here. Ahead of them lies steep and technical terrain on over 16 miles of challenging pathways; providing runners with an unforgettable backdrop against which they will compete.

Though this land was originally meant for hunting and trapping, it has quickly become one of the region’s premier hiking areas. Being close to Hendersonville provides locals an ideal place to escape urban sprawl.

Conserving Carolina eventually purchased and donated it to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission as public land in 2022. Locals rallied together against plans for it becoming a gun range when first put up for sale, but their efforts proved successful as locals rallied to keep it public land.

Since their expansion, the Green River Game Lands have seen increased public land available for all to enjoy. From kayaking or floatation of the Green River, to hiking through its forests and trails, fishing its streams and rivers or riding your dirt bike through its wilderness; this spectacular area should not be missed by any outdoor enthusiast.

The Green River Game Lands are home to an abundance of wildlife species such as deer and turkey as well as rare plants that make these ecosystems such a treasure in our community. As such, their preservation must continue, which is why it’s imperative that individuals like yourself advocate for their preservation by supporting organizations like Conserving Carolina through donations or advocacy activities.

4. Sliding Rock

One factor that determines whether or not a neighborhood thrives is whether there are plenty of activities nearby, depending on how important quality-of-life considerations are to you. This could mean schools, daycare centers or just being close enough for weekend hangouts you enjoy – something Zirconia provides plenty of!

Sliding Rock Recreation Area in Pisgah National Forest offers an unforgettable summer afternoon experience. Dubbed by some as “Nature’s Water Slide”, this waterfall will provide hours of excitement – with its gentle grade that has been formed through millennia of erosion. Plus it’s open year round, making this destination spot an unforgettable picnic destination!

There are certain rules and fees associated with visiting Sliding Rock Park; for optimal experience it is best to visit during cooler months. These charges help cover lifeguard services which may be present.

Experienced kayakers will appreciate this fantastic way to enjoy outdoor activity in North Carolina’s mountains while relaxing and having fun at the same time! This incredible activity provides the ideal place for everyone of any age to find adventure while having fun!

Residents of Zirconia are blessed with access to numerous other activities nearby besides parks. Nearby towns provide shopping, dining and cultural experiences.

Hendersonville and Asheville are only minutes away by car, as are hiking trails and outdoor activities in the surrounding area – such as visiting Flat Rock Playhouse or Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site.

Zirconia is located within Green River Community. Snaggy Mountain, Ann Mountain and Rich Mountain surround it to form its boundaries.