Buncombe County Secures 342‑acre Deaverview Mountain via Grants; Plans $1.39 M Master Plan

Buncombe County closed on 342‑acre Deaverview Mountain on March 19 2026, securing a 3,118‑foot summit that frames the French Broad River Valley in 180‑degree panoramas. The county’s project page lists 16 headwater streams, 315 acres under a conservation easement, and a promise of passive recreation such as hiking and nature viewing.

The purchase came entirely from grant money—$4,009,648 from the federal Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership and $4,162,000 from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund—without tapping the county’s own purchase pot. The county earmarked $7.7 million from its Open Space Bond to cover future development and operations, while still seeking additional grants.

On Sept 15, the Board of Commissioners approved a $1.39 million contract with Equinox Environmental to draft a master plan that will map trails, parking, restrooms, and access points. The two‑phase agreement will first conduct community outreach and environmental assessments, followed by engineering designs, and a subsequent third phase is slated to build the infrastructure.

County officials say the park will become the largest in the county’s portfolio, offering residents and tourists alike a new outlet for outdoor education and scenic enjoyment while safeguarding the mountain’s biodiversity. The next milestone is the commencement of the master‑plan work, which is expected to finish early next year, paving the way for the park’s opening once the trails and facilities are in place.