Historic North Fork Valley Tour of the Asheville Watershed – West

200 East State Street,Black Mountain NC 28711

30 October, 2021

Description

An exclusive driving tour of the west side of the Burnett Reservoir to explore part of the historic North Fork Valley community 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. Cost: This year we are charging per vehicle instead of per person in order to keep the chances of covid-19 transmission low. The cost per vehicle is $175 for non-members, and $150 for museum members. Some fees apply. As many people as wished may ride in each vehicle. Rides in truck beds may be available from event leaders, but their availability is uncertain at this time. As many as 4 people in the same “pod” can ride together in a leader's truck bed. A truck bed can also hold a maximum of two people from different pods to keep any chances of transmission low. In the latter case, both attendees will be asked to wear masks. Riding in truck beds is restricted to ages 16 or older, and would cost $50 per member, $75 per non-member, with some fees applied. Vehicle Requirements: Drivers must bring vehicles that meet the following criteria- 4x4  Transmission with extra low gears Proper ground clearance.  TO REGISTER: Your vehicle must get clearance from our trip leader prior to registering as a driver. Please contact us at [email protected] to get clearance and receive the registration link. If you wish to ride as an individual, email [email protected].  COVID Policy Only family members or people who are in the same “social pod” may travel in a vehicle together. Unassociated attendees will not be asked to ride in a vehicle together. All attendees, volunteers and hike leaders are required to bring masks and social distancing must be observed. Attendees and hike leaders must wear masks properly, covering noses and mouths, during talks outside the vehicles and during assembly for lunch at Camp Alice (but not during lunch).  The sign-in for the event will be conducted outdoors, at the parking lot of the Black Mountain Savings Bank. Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center has served the western North Carolina community since 1989 as Buncombe County’s primary museum of general, local history.