Deaverview Mountain was a popular local hiking destination for decades. The mountain’s 3,118-foot peak is visible throughout Asheville, NC, located only five miles from the city center. The property’s urban location, near a bus stop, will serve low-income populations that have limited or no access to green space. The property already contains a network of existing trails. This new park will provide passive outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, nature viewing, and picnicking. The local economy will benefit from increased public visitation, which is particularly important after the area suffered economic downturns from the impacts of COVID and Hurricane Helene.
The property contains significant natural resources, including priority waterways and approximately 337 acres of the property is forested. The diversity of forest types supports a variety of plant and animal species, as well as ecosystem services. In 2023 the mountain was listed for sale. SAHC enlisted the support of a conservation-minded buyer, who purchased the property to take it off the market, and is holding it until SAHC can purchase it, transfer it to Buncombe County, and work with the County to transform it into a public park.
