| Hickory Nut Forest is a sustainable community near Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Located on over 200 acres in beautiful Hickory Nut Gorge, we are an eco-community where adults, children and seniors can live and work among caring neighbors, sharing their inspiration and enthusiasm with each other. As well as protecting the land’s biodiversity, we are growing vegetables and fruits, building a retreat site/education center, designing green homes, and using renewable energy from wind, water, sun, and earth.
Forever-wild land surrounds Hickory Nut Forest, protecting a healthy, diverse community for plants, animals and people. We have kept the special places wild for all to enjoy: cascading streams, tumbling waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and distant vistas. Over 15 miles of hiking trails exist to enjoy the adjoining 800 acres on Little Bearwallow Mountain and Florence Nature Preserve. Chimney Rock State Park is down the gorge with another 3500 acres of waterfalls and cliffs.
Our organic orchard contains over a hundred old-time apple trees, a small vineyard of heirloom grapes, newer fruit trees, organic herb and vegetable gardens, and a large hothouse. We have opportunities for student interns to work here in the spring, summer and fall.
Laughing Waters is our community gathering place, retreat site and educational center. It was completed in 2010 along Hickory Nut Creek at the ruins of an old gristmill. Here we offer workshops, conferences and retreats on a wide variety of topics including: environmental issues, organic growing, permaculture, renewable energy, medicinal herbs, natural healing, yoga and meditation, massage and bodywork, music and dance, art and wilderness adventure programs. We have a large firecircle for bonfires, potlucks and social gatherings.
The community is designed to allow for different living situations. Members may own one of the 17 individual lots, or share one with a friend or family member. A co-housing building is planned for the future to have rental rooms. For guests and visitors, there is a campground with cabins nearby. Members may serve on committees to help with particular community aspects: land protection, trail building, renewable energy, growing organic foods, green building, workshops, events and children’s activities.
We are continually expanding and growing and invite you to visit and learn more! | Community location is placed at the center of the zip/postal code, city/state, or city/country (not based on street addresses) Laughing Waters Retreat Center Grand Opening |
Statement of Housing Non-discrimination: Our community does not discriminate in regards to housing based on race/color, national origin, religion, sex/gender, family status (i.e. having children, not having children, or being pregnant), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, source of income, age, creed, personal appearance, political affiliation, HIV infection, military/veteran status, unfavorable military discharge, gender identity or expression, receiving public assistance, or being the victim of domestic abuse.
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