sheville, North Carolina - Hickory Nut Forest Eco-Community is a new green community nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina near Asheville. This green eco community has all the eco-friendly advantages for a sustainable lifestyle including renewable energy, organic community gardens, orchard, and a brand new community retreat center called “Laughing Waters” which is a hub for special programs, social gatherings, family events and workshops throughout the year.

Hickory Nut Forest embraces the serenity of nature with home sites adjoining forever-wild, protected forest land. Imagine living in a green community next to over 800 acres of natural forest wilderness with boulder-filled streams, waterfalls, mountain hiking trails, views of mountain vistas and wildflowers that caress the land.

Living in this sustainable community, your new green eco home is in complete balance with nature, immersed in the natural beauty of Hickory Nut Gorge.
Asheville, just 17 miles from Hickory Nut Forest is a city famous for its environmental awareness, friendly atmosphere, local mountain culture, great food, entertainment, art, shopping and diverse music. Quality medical care and 24-hour emergency services are available at Mission Hospitals in Asheville.

Green Features:
• Green Building: Homes incorporate sustainable building materials, local wood, natural building techniques, rainwater catchment, and both active and passive solar designs.
• Certified Green: All homes meet green standards and receive Healthy Built Homes or LEED certification.
• Renewable Energy: A goal to become a Net Zero Energy community with solar, wind, micro-hydro and geothermal systems producing more energy that residents use.
• Organic Gardens: Residents can grow organic vegetables, flowers and herbs in the garden and greenhouse.
• Permaculture Community: Designed with the entire ecosystem in mind: using plants, water, soils, water, and human structures in ways that eliminate and recycle waste, working in harmony with nature.
• Sustainable Living: Protecting the natural environment, growing food abundantly, using energy wisely, building healthy homes, and living and growing among friendly neighbors.

Green Amenities:
• Laughing Waters Community Center and Retreat Site: This hub for community gatherings of all kinds is located at the site of an old gristmill on Hickory Nut Creek and will be powered by the stream with a micro-hydro system.
•Forever Wild Lands: Homesites adjoin forestlands protected by a permanent Conservation Easement.
• Vineyard and Apple Orchard: Residents can pick delicious organic apples, grapes and other fruits in the orchard.
• Swimming and Waterfalls: Jump in a swimming hole on the creek or head to a nearby beach at Lake Lure.
• Mountains: Enjoy peaceful mountain living with views of Little Mount Pisgah and Burnshirt Mountain.
• Recreation: Hickory Nut Gorge offers a variety of outdoor activities for all ages including: 15 miles of hiking trails, horse-back riding, kayaking, fly fishing, boating, rock climbing and exploring nearby Chimney Rock State Park.