It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Black Mnt Fire Tower gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Black Mountain, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here,”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer my caregivers to and know that they will receive the service they need to assist with the care of their loved ones with dementia,”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting the owner Jim Smeaton to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are always able to be reached and are willing to work with you.”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in knowing my husband is safe with excellent care. The office listens, really hears and is helpful to support and meet needs. Our caregiver, Chip, has become family. He was very personable, attentive to needs, brings extra in music, stories, making sure to pay attention to the patient and give accordingly. He is always kind and gracious. We are blessed to have them.”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and helpful anytime I call or come in, and my clients are wonderful! It’s more like helping a friend all day instead of working like clockwork!”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy just being in there in their organization .. my google is under Stephanie young but my last name is now Duarte . Young was my married name , I’m divorced now”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to join the team and see the great things they have in store.”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack thereof. It is regarding his cooperation regarding the service. He tends to not wake the caregiver for assistance during the night time. I would give specific names of individuals in this organization that I would request over others.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the care of ABC Senior Services. I have had the privilege of enjoying the care of Lois C. She is the best advertisement for your agency. When I am asked, which happens frequently, about my experience with ABC, I refer to Lois as being your prime example of the type of care they can expect from you. She goes beyond just basic care and does all she can to help remedy any problem we have. I love that I can trust her and feel safe having her share my home with me. She is very professional yet very "down home", a rare combination. You should be very thankful she is on your "team"! Because of her, I have no problem recommending your company to all who ask.”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I have had a couple of very good people, one of which I have now. When I was getting going with them, I had a couple of people I would never like to have again, but that has all been ironed out.”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great. But they could be more proactive. They need to be better at communicating.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never worked for a company that was so dedicated to clients and caregivers. Everyone is always happy, clients and staff. I am blessed to work here.”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my health, so it's been a blessing to have them taking care of him for me. I appreciate that the caregivers are friendly.”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do. They've helped the most just by being here.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here, and doing what they're supposed to. They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do.”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the Always Best Care team. I have watched the staff there change lives for the better, not only for clients but each other as well. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team, nothing compares to it!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Veterans Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Que Sera or visit Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Black Mountain, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Black Mountain, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Black Mountain, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Black Mountain News...
Black Mountain News
The town of Black Mountain is hoping to open the back nine holes of the town-owned Black Mountain Golf Course by early May, according to Town Manager Josh Harrold.
The course has been closed since September, when Tropical Storm Helene tore through Western North Carolina. Harrold said the damages to the golf course alone totaled approximately $2 million.
This $2 million in damages includes:
Harrold said so far, the town has started repairs on the irrigation pump and electrical and the pro shop. The culverts are being replaced, and the stream banks undermining the cart paths are also being repaired. He said work on bridges will begin the week of March 31.
At the March 10 Black Mountain Town Council meeting, Assistant Town Manager Jessica Trotman described the golf course as “a complex project because there’s so many different elements.” She said the priority with the golf course is to prevent further damage, including grass dying on the course.
In order to pay for the repairs for the golf course, Harrold said current funding is coming from the general fund. He said the town anticipates getting reimbursed by FEMA for the project.
The town has spent more than $130,000 so far in repairing the golf course:
In 2023, the golf course generated more than $837,000 in operating revenue. In 2024, that number increased to more than $1 million despite Helene.
Harrold said the town lost more than $313,000 from October 2024 to March 2025 by the golf course being closed.
“This is of course just gross revenue and doesn’t factor in any associated operating costs,” Harrold said. “Luckily, we generate most of our revenue from April through September.”
Harrold said the town is looking forward “to getting the back nine holes operating again as quickly as possible.”
“Having irrigation and a few pieces of loaner equipment are the major steps needed to make that happen,” Harrold said. “We will be working with roughly one-third of the mowers we typically have to operate 18 holes, so even nine holes will be a challenge.”
Karrigan Monk is the Swannanoa Valley communities reporter for Black Mountain News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at[email protected].
Damages from Tropical Storm Helene have caused another roadblock for the Interstate 40 and Blue Ridge Road interchange project in Black Mountain.North Carolina Department of Transportation Division 13 Project Team Lead Brendan Merithew said the Blue Ridge Road bridge that crosses over the Swannanoa River was “destroyed” during Helene and topography around the bridge was changed from the storm damage.“Our focus is getting the bridge permanently replaced ahead of the rest of the interchange project,” Merit...
Damages from Tropical Storm Helene have caused another roadblock for the Interstate 40 and Blue Ridge Road interchange project in Black Mountain.
North Carolina Department of Transportation Division 13 Project Team Lead Brendan Merithew said the Blue Ridge Road bridge that crosses over the Swannanoa River was “destroyed” during Helene and topography around the bridge was changed from the storm damage.
“Our focus is getting the bridge permanently replaced ahead of the rest of the interchange project,” Merithew said. “Updated surveys of the affected area are needed to inform adjustment to the design. Updated surveys are underway and nearly complete.”
In July 2024, before Helene hit Western North Carolina, North Carolina Department of Transportation spokesperson David Uchiyama told Black Mountain News that right-of-way acquisition was supposed to start in the fall. Helene hit Sept. 27.
On March 19, Merithew said right-of-way acquisition had not yet started, but the department is “evaluating the schedule now” and will have a more definitive timeline once surveys are updated and “the scope of any necessary design adjustments are known.”
As of July 2024, construction on the project was slated to begin in 2026. Merithew said this schedule is also being evaluated and needs to wait on the same surveys and potential design adjustments. When construction does begin, Merithew said the department anticipates the project taking anywhere from three to five years.
According to Merithew, the total cost of the project is estimated at approximately $49 million. This includes preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation and construction. To date, approximately $2.8 million has been spent.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation released its draft State Transportation Improvement Plan in January. According to Citizen Times reporting, this draft proposes cuts to more than $782 million in projects in Buncombe, Haywood and Henderson counties. The I-40 and Blue Ridge Road interchange project is not one of these defunded projects and remains listed as funded in the State Transportation Improvement Plan.
The project has spent more than 20 years in development and will convert the current I-40 and Blue Ridge Road grade separation to an interchange while widening Blue Ridge Road and constructing a new roundabout at the intersection of N.C. 9 and Blue Ridge Road, according to the town of Black Mountain website.
Original planning for the interchange began in 2000 with a design evaluation. Project plans were added to the State Transportation Improvement Plan for 2004-10 initially.
According to Black Mountain News reporting in 2020, the initial construction date was June 2023 with right-of-way acquisition being scheduled for June 2021. Delays for this timeline were caused be a 12.5% increase in spending in 2019, affecting and delaying not only the I-40 and Blue Ridge Road interchange project, but other projects across the state as well.
According to the town of Black Mountain website, this interchange “will reduce congestion and the number of large trucks traveling through downtown.”
In 2018, the town of Black Mountain adopted the Blue Ridge Road Small Area plan which calls for the inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian improvements, including a sidewalk and multi-use shared path.
Karrigan Monk is the Swannanoa Valley communities reporter for Black Mountain News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
BLACK MOUNTAIN – Cheryl Hyde is on a “listening tour” of the Swannanoa Valley.As the new executive director of the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, Hyde said it is her job is to “figure out what is needed here and then make it happen.”“My job is what’s called a ‘listening tour,’” Hyde said. “When you are a new chamber executive, you better get your feet out on the street and talk to everybody.”Hyde was named the new executive director in...
BLACK MOUNTAIN – Cheryl Hyde is on a “listening tour” of the Swannanoa Valley.
As the new executive director of the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, Hyde said it is her job is to “figure out what is needed here and then make it happen.”
“My job is what’s called a ‘listening tour,’” Hyde said. “When you are a new chamber executive, you better get your feet out on the street and talk to everybody.”
Hyde was named the new executive director in late February after the January departure of former executive director Melinda Hester. Hester previously told Black Mountain news she had no comment on her departure. Ken Floyd, the chamber’s board chair, told Black Mountain News in February the chamber and Hester had “parted ways.” Hester was in the position for one year.
Hyde and Floyd both told Black Mountain News March 6 that Hyde had applied for the executive director job at the time it was originally given to Hester. Floyd said Hyde was put into the lead ambassador role at the chamber following Hester’s departure. He said after seeing her in that role, the board decided to move forward with naming her executive director.
“It just kind of all fell into place and was really serendipitous,” Floyd said. “The board decided she was the right fit, and that’s the route we went.”
Floyd said it was Hyde’s “bubbly personality” and willingness to help and go out and talk to businesses that impressed the board.
Hyde said she moved to the Swannanoa Valley in January 2024 to be closer to her parents. The Georgia native said she grew up visiting Montreat on weekends and made frequent visits to the Valley as an adult. Hyde said she worked in chambers around Georgia before moving to Western North Carolina.
When she arrived in the Swannanoa Valley last year, Hyde said she established the Black Mountain Business Club. She had started one in Georgia and said it was a “great way to meet a lot of people and make some new friends.” The club will continue now that she is executive director, now as a chamber event. Meetings are held Wednesdays from 8-9 a.m.
Other events that Hyde said she wants to bring back as executive director include the monthly Business After Hours events, held on the fourth Thursday of every month. The next event will be hosted March 27 by Sneed and Stearns Attorneys at Law. The April event will be held in Swannanoa and will serve as a “celebration” on Whitson Avenue.
Hyde said the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce is also going to try to be part of the annual Groovin’ on Grovemont event in Swannanoa.
Hyde said she also wants to implement a lunch and learn series.
She said planning for the Sourwood Festival, one of Black Mountain’s biggest yearly events, is going “well.” Hyde said new this year for Sourwood is a completely online application process that will allow maps to be made of where vendors are. She said applications are already coming in.
Hyde said she is also hoping to build up the ambassador program for the chamber and get more community members and business owners involved.
“I think that our main job is to be a support for the businesses, and people don’t always think of a chamber in this community,” Hyde said. “The chamber is not the first thing that the businesses think about. We’re trying to change that. That is what we do. That’s our job, to help you with whatever you need.”
Hyde said part of her job is to know what resources exist and how to get them to members of the chamber who need them.
After Tropical Storm Helene hit Western North Carolina, many Swannanoa Valley businesses were closed in the immediate aftermath. Hyde said Black Mountain is getting back to the “new normal” in terms of business and that Swannanoa is “doing a great job” with coming back.
She said that if a business owner needs anything, she encourages them to get in touch.
“If I don’t know the answer, I love a challenge,” Hyde said. “That’s fun for me to find out what the answer is to the question. I don’t ever mind when somebody asks a question, because that’s how you learn.”
Hyde said she is “excited” about the level involvement of the board with the chamber of commerce and she is ready to get to work.
“I have the experience of a 57 year old, but the maturity and energy of a 35 year old,” Hyde said. “Tell me I can’t do something and watch what happens. I enjoy the challenge. I very much enjoy making things better.”
Karrigan Monk is the Swannanoa Valley communities reporter for Black Mountain News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
Among eastern US states, North Carolina is literally tops: Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, towers 6,684 feet above the Pisgah National Forest. Though only the far western portion of the state is mountainous, hundreds of excellent mountain bike trails can be found throughout North Carolina, from the coastal plains to the Piedmont to the Appalachian Mountains in the west.It’s been nine years since we last wrote about the best trails in North Carolina, and in that time, new trails have been built all a...
Among eastern US states, North Carolina is literally tops: Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, towers 6,684 feet above the Pisgah National Forest. Though only the far western portion of the state is mountainous, hundreds of excellent mountain bike trails can be found throughout North Carolina, from the coastal plains to the Piedmont to the Appalachian Mountains in the west.
It’s been nine years since we last wrote about the best trails in North Carolina, and in that time, new trails have been built all across the state. Historic singletrack routes deep in the Appalachians have been joined by modern feature-filled flow trails and shuttle-served bike parks. With so much trail development and such incredible diversity, it’s tough to limit this list to just 5 of the best trails… but you can’t go wrong with any of these choices:
I imagine if you asked anyone who lives outside North Carolina to name a must-ride in Pisgah National Forest, many of them would say Black Mountain — and with good reason. The Black Mountain trail features an excellent descent set among lush mountainsides covered with ferns and rhododendron. It’s also one of the quickest and easiest trailheads to find in a forest that often feels like navigating a plate of spaghetti.
Rich Dillen, aka “Dicky,” is a mountain bike racer and professional bike messenger based out of Charlotte, NC, and on the days when he’s schlepping critical legal documents across town, he tells us he’s dreaming of that Black Mountain descent.
“The Black Mountain Trail in Pisgah is my absolute favorite descent in NC,” said Dicky. “Pedaling through the rhododendron tunnel at the top knowing that the gnar starts right around the corner and keeps on in every way, shape, and form until I reach the bottom gives me much [excitement]. Once I get my wheels on Middle Black, my lizard brain kicks in full brapping throttle. Zen levels of nirvana and stupid bliss. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that when I get to the bottom, it’s a pretty short ride to the Pisgah Tavern.”
Over the years, “heavy trail use, unsustainable grades and heavy precipitation have caused severe erosion to [one] section of the Black Mountain trail,” wrote SORBA. So, Pisgah Area SORBA built a 3.6-mile reroute, decommissioning 2.2 miles of trail. The reroute “features a bit more flow, with some chunk embedded in it,” according to Daniel Sapp, President of Pisgah Area SORBA.
Heartbreak Ridge is a longtime classic mountain bike ride in the northern reaches of the Pisgah National Forest near the town of Old Fort. “Heartbreak Ridge will throw a little bit of everything at you,” wrote Aaron Chamberlain, former Marketing Specialist for Singletracks. “There are steep chutes, big rocks, little rocks, loose rocks, roots, and tight switchbacks. It takes a long, tough descent to make my hands hurt, and this certainly qualified. I stopped a couple times on the way down to shake them out. I haven’t had to do that during a downhill since my last trip to Colorado!”
Heartbreak Ridge was extended in 2024 with a new segment known as “Lower Heartbreak Ridge.” “The new trail is a key component in the plan to connect Mount Mitchell to Old Fort almost entirely on singletrack trail, linking the western end of Jarrett Creek Road to Mill Creek Road in Old Fort at the Fonta Flora Copper Ridge trailhead,” wrote the G5 Collective.
Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, the new Lower Heartbreak Ridge has been destroyed by Hurricane Helene and remains closed. Hopefully, it will reopen in the future.
Until it reopens, riders can link to Star Gap to complete the ride.
The adjacent Cedar Rock and Big Rock trails in DuPont State Recreational Forest are unique among North Carolina mountain bike trails. These two trails traverse a granite dome in the heart of the popular trail system, allowing riders to rip down rippled granite slickrock, with visions of Moab playing through their heads. The trails are best linked by “climbing up the long side of Cedar Rock and then descending down Big Rock,” according to Sapp.
DuPont as a whole is one of the most popular mountain bike trail networks in the entire state, and it’s one of the largest, too, with roughly 80 miles of trails open to mountain bikes. While some riders prefer the smooth flow of trails like Ridgeline, and others will seek out chundery rock gardens, almost everyone can agree that the vaulted rock dome with spectacular views in the middle of the forest is truly special. If you’re planning a ride in DuPont, make sure you take a rip down Big Rock!
Bent Creek Experimental Forest is one of the most-ridden trail networks in North Carolina, thanks to its proximity to downtown Asheville. The black diamond-rated Greenslick has long been one of the most storied trails in the forest. While technically two-way, it’s best ridden in the downhill direction. Riders drop almost 800ft over the nearly two miles of descending through a series of rock features and jumps.
Over the years, Greenslick fell into disrepair. However, the trail is now riding better than ever, thanks to a complete rebuild in 2024.
The pressure to get the rebuild just right was very high, since Greenslick was so well-loved by the locals. “We put everything we had in it to try to make the most hardcore, old school, Asheville-bike bro [say], ‘oh, this is actually a rugged trail,’” said Peter Mills, owner and founder of Elevated Trail Design, which completed the rebuild. “It was a challenge. I know some folks didn’t want to bid because of that. But I think we kind of surprised some folks. I mean, I’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback.”
Yes, most of the trails on this list are iconic mountain bike routes that have been around for decades, although three of these classic routes have been rebuilt or extended. But this selection is all-new.
Ride Kanuga Bike Park epitomizes the trend of shuttle-served bike parks being built on private land popping up all around the nation. And what better place to build a dedicated bike park than in mountainous Western North Carolina, which boasts year-round riding?!
Ride Kanuga is located on the west side of Hendersonville and sits on about 200 acres of land leased from the Kanuga camp and conference center. The park offers eight downhill mountain bike trails with about 500 feet of vert separating the trailhead and the top of the mountain. There are two climbing trails and two beginner, two intermediate, and four expert descending trails. The longest descent, the green-rated Evergreen trail, is about a mile and a half long.
Ride Kanuga “fills a unique niche in our mountain bike community,” said Callie Horwath, Brand & Park Manager for Ride Kanuga. “While the area is loaded with tons of great singletrack, we focused on building progressive trails that help riders develop skills in a safe, purpose-built environment. We also have tons of jumps and features, which is also something our area lacks. It’s a family-friendly spot that welcomes everyone from beginners to pros, and we also allow e-bikes—something not permitted on most of the surrounding trail networks. On top of that, we’ve built a strong, tight-knit community among our riders, which keeps the vibe positive and welcoming.”
Your turn: What’s your favorite mountain bike trail in North Carolina?
BLACK MOUNTAIN – Tom Haney can bring “magic” to a still figure.Haney, a Black Mountain resident, is also an artist specializing in automata, which he described as a “kinetic, figurative sculpture” that moves with the help of cranks and levers or motors and weights.“It’s kind of like adding a little bit of magic to a static figure,” Haney said.The Cincinnati native went to school for industrial design and spent the early part of his career designing and building props for te...
BLACK MOUNTAIN – Tom Haney can bring “magic” to a still figure.
Haney, a Black Mountain resident, is also an artist specializing in automata, which he described as a “kinetic, figurative sculpture” that moves with the help of cranks and levers or motors and weights.
“It’s kind of like adding a little bit of magic to a static figure,” Haney said.
The Cincinnati native went to school for industrial design and spent the early part of his career designing and building props for television commercials and photographers.
In 2000, while living in Atlanta, Haney made the move to art full-time starting as an independent artist before moving into galleries. He is now an independent artist again living in Black Mountain. Haney said he makes a living selling his pieces and doing commissions.
He said he got his start in automata by making whirligigs. He was at a show with his whirligigs when he saw another artist making pieces similar to what Haney makes now.
His first automata piece depicts a man on a stage, able to move by someone tapping keys on the front of the diorama. Haney said he didn’t know where the piece was going as he was making it, but he is happy with the way it turned out.
“It was amazing,” Haney said. “It really set me on this path that I’ve been on.”
Haney said he is “influenced heavily” by Southern folk art. While he draws inspiration from these artists, he said he has now created a style of his own.
“Over the years I’ve kind of developed into a little bit sort of my own style where I’m now using polymer clay for the heads,” Haney said. “I’m sculpting my heads. I’m using fabric for the clothes and using various found objects for the sort of settings.”
When creating a new piece, Haney said he starts with the figure and builds around that.
“The figure dictates what the mechanism is going to be,” Haney said. “I can’t just create a mechanism and then try to hope that it works with the figure. … I basically go from there and work backwards and reverse engineer.”
Haney said what he likes about the work is that it involves so many different processes. He said to make a piece, one has to not only carve and sculpt the figure while also painting it and making clothes for it, but also has to work with the mechanisms to get the figure to move.
“I like working with mechanisms,” Haney said. “That’s always a challenge and always kind of a puzzle to solve. … I like the challenge.”
Haney’s work has landed him a feature on the PBS-NC show “My Home, NC.” His episode will air May 22, and his feature is available to view online now.
Haney said his Black Mountain studio is open to visits; he just asks that those interested arrange a time with him first by contacting him on his website tomhaney.com.
He said he has not made a piece he doesn’t like because, even when working on commissions, he works to make sure the piece is something that he enjoys.
“I started out making pieces for myself, something that I want to see and I want to bring to life,” Haney said. “Even with the commission piece, I still make stuff that I like and I want to see and hopefully I think people have been attracted to my pieces.”
Karrigan Monk is the Swannanoa Valley communities reporter for Black Mountain News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
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