Nature Reserve in Macon, North Carolina

5 found · ← All categories in Macon

Updated October 31, 2026

Highlands Biological Station

Nature Reserve

Highlands, NC

Highlands Biological Station offers free, year-round access to 12+ acres of botanical gardens and trails, with four specialty gardens at 4,118 feet.

  • Free year-round garden and trail visits
  • Learning about southern Appalachian plants
  • Native plant landscaping ideas

Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy

Nature Reserve

Franklin, NC

Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy protects a 112-mile footpath celebrating nature, art, and cultural history.

  • Hiking a 112-mile footpath
  • Exploring nature, art, and cultural history
  • Supporting protection of a public trail corridor

Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary

Nature Reserve

Franklin, NC

Bella View Farm Animal Sanctuary provides lifelong care for disabled goats and more than 90 farm-animal residents at its 25-acre Franklin, North Carolina nonprofit.

  • Supporting disabled goats and farm animals requiring lifelong care
  • Hands-on volunteer work involving feeding, cleaning, bedding, and animal care
  • Sponsoring a sanctuary resident's food, bedding, medical care, and mobility support

Other categories in Macon

Nature Reserve in nearby counties

FAQ

Which nature reserve in Macon County is free to visit?

Highlands Biological Station lists free admission and parking, with its gardens and trails open every day from sunrise to sunset.

What can I see at Highlands Biological Station?

The site includes a botanical garden, Appalachian ethnobotanical garden, moss garden, native-plant displays, and trails focused on southern Blue Ridge biodiversity.

Is Highlands Biological Station's indoor Nature Center open?

The indoor Nature Center is unavailable while repairs continue, with repairs expected to end in 2026. Outdoor gardens and trails remain open.

Is the Bartram Trail a short nature-reserve visit or a long-distance hike?

The Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy centers on a 112-mile footpath, so it is a better fit for longer hiking plans than a brief garden visit.