Eco-Vacations in Madison County, NC

Madison County, NC- Deep in the mountains of western North Carolina people are finding that there is a market for sharing the beauty and serenity that exists right in their backyards.  Farmers, shop owners, housekeepers, and adventure outfitters alike are tapping into the natural world as a means to make a living doing work they love.  In addition to supporting themselves, businesses are playing an important role in preserving the natural areas they call home.

The concept is called ecotourism, a movement that gained popularity in the late 80's and which has been evolving and gaining recognition ever since. The International Eco tourism society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of the local people". Local businesspeople have found that making a living by sharing the natural beauty of their home can also have risks.  For example, while it makes sense to provide enough services for tourists while they visit, there is the chance of overdeveloping the very attractions that people have come to appreciate. Heavy traffic, smog, and an influx of chain restaurants and retail shops near natural attractions around can destroy the very thing that was meant to be conserved. However, utilized wisely rather than exploited as a marketing ploy, ecotourism can serve as a means to raise awareness of the fragility of the environment, as well as create local jobs and give residents a reason to preserve the natural resources and heritage of their area.

In Hot Springs, NC, a small community northwest of Asheville, they seem to understand this concept well. Ecotourism has been fueling their local economy for over 150 years. Named after the naturally warm mineral waters that flow near the French Broad river in town, Hot Springs has long been a destination for tourists seeking a restorative vacation spent enjoying the gorgeous scenery of the valley and surrounding mountains. The town has weathered several booms and depressions, but the mineral springs and quiet beauty continue to attract people in that respectable way. Area visitors can find several ways to get closer to nature in addition to soaking in the mineral springs these days.  Whitewater rafting and float trips are a popular way to see the undeveloped stretch of river that carved the valley in which Hot Springs lies.

The Appalachian Trail travels directly through the small downtown, and there are countless other trails within a short distance to the town.  Horseback riding, mountain biking, and guided hikes are also available.  And the accommodations range from tent camping to simple and luxury cabins, cottages, chalets, and vacation homes, to B&B's, to farm houses and yurts! There's even a housecleaning service used in many of the vacation rentals that cleans with only environmentally friendly products. Visitors to the area can now take advantage of the Farm Tours being offered by Appalachian Vacations and Adventures, a vacation planning service in Hot Springs.  Local farms are opening their gates to the public to share their endeavors in organic farming and sustainable living.  People can get a taste of life on a working family farm while picking organic berries, learning how to care for goats and make goat's milk soap. Folks can see up close organic farming in action, in addition to enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Check out these helpful sites for more information: www.madisonfarms.org and www.ncvalley.com.

Return to NC Vacation News