
Free landscape desktop wallpaper image of Clingman's Dome covered in fog at sunset in the Smoky Mountains National Park. This image was taken by nature and landscape photographer, Dave Allen.

Fred W. Symmes Chapel (also known as "Pretty Place" because of its amazing view) is one of the many buildings that make up YMCA Camp Greenville. It was given by Mr. Fred W. Symmes for the enjoyment of the boys (and now girls) who camp here each summer and is the spiritual center of the camp. The current chapel was constructed in 1941 with several additions and improvements made in subsequent years. Camp Greenville has been in existence since 1912 and covers 1600 acres. It is a year-round operation serving as a Summer Camp, Environmental Education Center, Group & Conference Center, and facility for weddings.
The Chapel is located on private property owned by the YMCA Camp Greenville (a branch of the YMCA of Greenville, SC). Camp Greenville welcomes visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Chapel during daylight - except when it is in use for a Camp event (Sunday morning worship services by campers or groups), or for another reserved event (weddings, dedications, memorial services, etc.). Typically the chapel is booked throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. We strongly recommend calling the camp office to check the schedule prior to visiting to avoid conflicts with weddings or other privately scheduled events at Pretty Place!
Fees for use of the chapel help to maintain the area, as well as assist with camperships (scholarships to help provide experiences for children who might otherwise not be able to enjoy a camp experience due to some type of hardship). Donations are welcome. Please contact the camp office at 864.836.3291 for information regarding contributions.
We hope you enjoy the peace and serenity you will experience upon visiting the Symmes Chapel - "Pretty Place"!
The Chapel is located on private property owned by the YMCA Camp Greenville (a branch of the YMCA of Greenville, SC). Camp Greenville welcomes visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Chapel during daylight - except when it is in use for a Camp event (Sunday morning worship services by campers or groups), or for another reserved event (weddings, dedications, memorial services, etc.). Typically the chapel is booked throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. We strongly recommend calling the camp office to check the schedule prior to visiting to avoid conflicts with weddings or other privately scheduled events at Pretty Place!
Fees for use of the chapel help to maintain the area, as well as assist with camperships (scholarships to help provide experiences for children who might otherwise not be able to enjoy a camp experience due to some type of hardship). Donations are welcome. Please contact the camp office at 864.836.3291 for information regarding contributions.
We hope you enjoy the peace and serenity you will experience upon visiting the Symmes Chapel - "Pretty Place"!


Carl Sandburg was a famous poet who moved to Flat Rock, NC in 1945 to have peace and solitude and to have a spectacular place to continue his writings.
The estate was named "Connemara". Carl Sandburg published over one third of his works while living at Connemara, and it was at this house that he died of natural causes in 1967.
His wife, Lillian raised prized Chikaming dairy goats on the vast property. People have been coming to Connemara to see the goats for many years, and they are still there today!
Today at the Carl Sandburg Home
Today the Carl Sandburg Home is a National Historic site. The estate offers a beautiful place to go when you want to get away, a world away. There are over 5 miles of hiking trails on 264 acres, including 2 ponds, pastures and 2 mountains.
This area is very popular during the leaf season and offers a beautiful view of Hendersonville's fall foliage.
The park is open from 9am to sunset all year long. Tours of the historic home are offered daily. Visitors are encouraged to tour the grounds and enjoy the beautiful solitude it has to offer.
Park entrance is free of charge. Guided house tours are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors. Children 15 and under are free.
The estate was named "Connemara". Carl Sandburg published over one third of his works while living at Connemara, and it was at this house that he died of natural causes in 1967.
His wife, Lillian raised prized Chikaming dairy goats on the vast property. People have been coming to Connemara to see the goats for many years, and they are still there today!
Today at the Carl Sandburg Home
Today the Carl Sandburg Home is a National Historic site. The estate offers a beautiful place to go when you want to get away, a world away. There are over 5 miles of hiking trails on 264 acres, including 2 ponds, pastures and 2 mountains.
This area is very popular during the leaf season and offers a beautiful view of Hendersonville's fall foliage.
The park is open from 9am to sunset all year long. Tours of the historic home are offered daily. Visitors are encouraged to tour the grounds and enjoy the beautiful solitude it has to offer.
Park entrance is free of charge. Guided house tours are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors. Children 15 and under are free.

Each year many people come to Hendersonville, North Carolina to experience the fall foliage and the spectacular display of beauty and diversity in nature.
This time of the year is a busy time for visitors who want to explore Western North Carolina and enjoy the vibrant colors of the fall leaf change. The scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway and elsewhere during the fall season are mesmerizing and out of this world beautiful.
The fall color season begins at the end of September and goes through the end of October; however, some tourists will come in late September or early November to miss the crowds.
This time of the year is a busy time for visitors who want to explore Western North Carolina and enjoy the vibrant colors of the fall leaf change. The scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway and elsewhere during the fall season are mesmerizing and out of this world beautiful.
The fall color season begins at the end of September and goes through the end of October; however, some tourists will come in late September or early November to miss the crowds.
The difference in the elevation here in Hendersonville and the many different species of trees found here in the Blue Ridge Mountains are what make the autumn views exceptionally good in this area of Western North Carolina. The peak in color changes to different areas from week to week depending on the elevation, which means there are always areas to visit that are in the peak of thier transition.
Each fall season the trees in the deciduous forest respond to shorter days and cooler nights by beginning preparations for their dormant winter ahead.
This festival of color offered by nature's changing of the leaves is certainly one of the greatest shows on earth, making this area a spectacular destination for any trip during the fall season.
Each fall season the trees in the deciduous forest respond to shorter days and cooler nights by beginning preparations for their dormant winter ahead.
This festival of color offered by nature's changing of the leaves is certainly one of the greatest shows on earth, making this area a spectacular destination for any trip during the fall season.



Now Open - 2 Miles From Highlands - A Must See When The Leaves Change In Fall
The Biltmore House is open to guests as a museum house and has guided tours available.The Gardens at the estate are worth the trip by themselves. Designed by America's foremost landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmsted, the gardens are expertly cared for and a tribute to Olmsted's genius.The Winery has been operational since 1985 producing award winning estate wines, with wine tasting and a store on the premises.