Historic North Fork Valley Tour of the Asheville Watershed – West

×

Expand

Swannanoa Valley Museum

Recent participants on the North Fork Watershed Tour

Join us on this exclusive historic driving tour of the west side of the Burnett Reservoir to explore part of the once thriving North Fork Valley community. The caravan will stop for participants to view the impressive chimney that was once part of a large boarding house where travelers on their way to Mt. Mitchell would stay before they began the ascent to the highest peak in eastern North America. The tour will also stop at the former entrance to Governor Zebulon Vance’s estate, Gombroon, as well as the Gombroon wall. Following that, we will pass the Left Hand Fork Intake and head to the Dan Burnett Place. The tour will end with the ruins of Gombroon – to include the foundation, heart-shaped pool, the spring house, and the McGinnis Cabin.

Difficulty: Moderate; There will be some walking on rough terrain. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.

Pack: Please bring your lunch, snacks, and a drink. This is primarily a driving tour, but you may also want to bring a full water bottle, a hat, hiking poles, rain gear, and any personal medications you may need in a small day pack. You may bring a camera to take photographs for personal (non-commercial) use.

Pricing: $200 per vehicle. The vehicle may carry as few or as many passengers as the registrant wishes to bring. Only family members or people who are in the same “social pod” should travel in a vehicle together. Drivers who cannot bring a family member or someone in their social pod must drive themselves.

Vehicle Requirements: Drivers must bring vehicles that meet the following criteria-

4×4

Transmission with extra low gears

Proper ground clearance.

Your vehicle must get clearance from our trip leader prior to registering as a driver. Please contact us at svmvolunteer@gmail.com to get clearance.

COVID Policy

Only family members or people who are in the same “social pod” may travel in a vehicle together. Drivers who cannot bring a family member or someone in their social pod must drive themselves.

All attendees, volunteers and hike leaders are required to bring masks and social distancing must be observed. Attendees and hike leaders must wear masks during talks outside the vehicles.

The sign-in for the event will be conducted outdoors, at the parking lot of the Black Mountain Savings Bank.