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Hickory Nut Gorge


Panoramic view of Hickory Nut Gorge

CAMPAIGN GOAL: $3,500,000 for land acquisition and management


Large - Flowered trillium

About this Project:
Hickory Creek and the Broad River carved this gorge which runs southeast from Hickory Nut Gap and drops 1,800 feet in elevation before ending at Lake Lure. Also includes Bat Cave and Chimney Rock.

The Conservancy has targeted 21 sites (12,000 acres) that form a contiguous expanse of unfragmented habitat.

Home to 13 rare animal and 34 rare plant species, including:
• Peregrine falcon
• Crevice salamander
• White irisette
• Granite dome goldenrod
• Biltmore sedge

Bat Cave is longest granite fissure cave in North America, with a main chamber more than 300 feet long.

The Conservancy is branching out from Bat Cave Preserve into a landscape conservation project targeting natural treasures throughout Hickory Nut Gorge.

Threats to the Project:
Development, unsustainable recreational use, exotic and invasive plant species

Goals of this Project:
Link critical parcels through land acquisitions and conservation easements

Funds from Forever Wild will enable The Nature Conservancy to protect ecologically significant sites in the gorge.