Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area

About

Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area sits in the scenic mountains of Pisgah National Forest at 2,900 feet elevation, adjacent to the South Toe River. The campground provides 31 primitive campsites shaded by an abundance of hemlock and hardwood trees. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, tent pad, lantern post, and fire ring with grill. Modern bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets serve the campground. The South Toe River is the main attraction, offering swimming holes, tubing, and fishing for trout and smallmouth bass. Visitors can explore the surrounding forest on the one-mile Carolina Hemlock Trail or take a more strenuous 3.8-mile hike. The area is located within a bear sanctuary, requiring proper food storage in containers or locked vehicles. The campground operates from mid-April through October. Sites accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet but there are no hookups. Firewood, ice, and merchandise are available for purchase on site. Generator use is limited to four hours daily between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Cell service is limited but texting may work.

Directions

From Asheville, take I-26 west to exit 9 onto US-19 east toward Burnsville. Follow US-19 to Micaville and turn right onto Highway 80. Follow Highway 80 south approximately 8 miles to Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area.