This news item expired on Monday, July 31, 2017 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Happy First Anniversary to Buncombe County’s Farm Heritage Trail. A project of the Buncombe County Farmland Preservation Program, the scenic driving and cycling route celebrated its grand opening in May of 2016. We’re proud to announce the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County awarded the Farm Heritage Trail a 2017 Griffin Award for Historic Preservation in the category of Education/Publication.
The route meanders through the rural agricultural communities of Alexander, Leicester, Newfound and Sandy Mush in northwest Buncombe County, the map can be found here. As you travel the public roads of this trail enjoy viewing the conserved family farms with designated signage that are along the route. These are working farms that range from multiple generation family farms where beef cattle still graze the land to a mountain herb and native plant nursery. Because of these families’ commitment to farmland conservation, these lands will continue to be viable farmland for future generations. For an up-close experience you may even want to stop by one of the farms open to the public, they are designated with Farm Stop signage and listed here.
The Farm Heritage Trail has an ongoing calendar of events, hikes, farm to table dinners, educational opportunities and fun activities for the entire family throughout the year. There is always something to experience and enjoy on the Farm Heritage Trail.