Explore LEAF's historical festival location.
This special place is enchanting and offers lots of outdoors adventures!
The 1st LEAF premiered Fall 1996, and has become a tradition twice a year, May and October. The name Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) was chosen to honor the lake and the former Lake Eden Inn & Resort. “Arts” embraces a broad creative palate and of course it was to be a “festival”. In envisioning LEAF, we sought to embrace world cultures, reflect the creativity of the Asheville area, and to complement the stunning landscape. The location and size, attendance is limited to 6000 people on site per day, makes LEAF one of the best small festivals in the world. The right place, the right size.
LEAF sits below Mt. Mitchell with mountain lakes and rolling hills. 600 stunning acres feature rustic cabins, large camping fields with mountain views, hiking trails, barns, streams, and lakes for canoeing, swimming, and the zooming zipline.
The place, now Camp Rockmont & Lake Eden Events, was the site of the historic Black Mountain College in the 1940's-50's, one of the main arts & education happenings of the 1900’s. Many of the century's most celebrated artists and thinkers attended the college as teachers or students: Albert Einstein, Rauschenberg, Joseph & Annie Albers, Merce Cunningham, Rothko, and Buckminster Fuller (who designed the 1st geodesic dome here). The Barns were built by BMC students. Prior to BMC, E.W. Grove (of Grove Park Inn & Grove Arcade) developed the land and constructed some wonderful buildings with his trademark native stone fireplaces. For a short time during the BMC era, The Lake Eden Inn & Resort offered a getaway for people seeking its healing waters and refreshing air.
In the 80’s & 90’s, Black Mountain Folk Festival happened on these grounds. In 1995 through a series of unusual life events, Jennifer Pickering, LEAF’s Founder, was encouraged to start a new event. “Having grown up on this amazing land, it was a gift to come back and create a way for others to enjoy this special place”. To dispel a few myths...LEAF does not own Camp Rockmont- we are grateful to be able to rent the facilities twice a year from Rockmont. A portion of the festival grounds are Lake Eden Events where many LEAFers have had their weddings & Barn parties. Lets all take care of this beautiful place together.
This special place is enchanting and offers lots of outdoors adventures!
The 1st LEAF premiered Fall 1996, and has become a tradition twice a year, May and October. The name Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) was chosen to honor the lake and the former Lake Eden Inn & Resort. “Arts” embraces a broad creative palate and of course it was to be a “festival”. In envisioning LEAF, we sought to embrace world cultures, reflect the creativity of the Asheville area, and to complement the stunning landscape. The location and size, attendance is limited to 6000 people on site per day, makes LEAF one of the best small festivals in the world. The right place, the right size.
LEAF sits below Mt. Mitchell with mountain lakes and rolling hills. 600 stunning acres feature rustic cabins, large camping fields with mountain views, hiking trails, barns, streams, and lakes for canoeing, swimming, and the zooming zipline.
The place, now Camp Rockmont & Lake Eden Events, was the site of the historic Black Mountain College in the 1940's-50's, one of the main arts & education happenings of the 1900’s. Many of the century's most celebrated artists and thinkers attended the college as teachers or students: Albert Einstein, Rauschenberg, Joseph & Annie Albers, Merce Cunningham, Rothko, and Buckminster Fuller (who designed the 1st geodesic dome here). The Barns were built by BMC students. Prior to BMC, E.W. Grove (of Grove Park Inn & Grove Arcade) developed the land and constructed some wonderful buildings with his trademark native stone fireplaces. For a short time during the BMC era, The Lake Eden Inn & Resort offered a getaway for people seeking its healing waters and refreshing air.
In the 80’s & 90’s, Black Mountain Folk Festival happened on these grounds. In 1995 through a series of unusual life events, Jennifer Pickering, LEAF’s Founder, was encouraged to start a new event. “Having grown up on this amazing land, it was a gift to come back and create a way for others to enjoy this special place”. To dispel a few myths...LEAF does not own Camp Rockmont- we are grateful to be able to rent the facilities twice a year from Rockmont. A portion of the festival grounds are Lake Eden Events where many LEAFers have had their weddings & Barn parties. Lets all take care of this beautiful place together.
Runs & Hikes at LEAF
"The runs get me up and out and in my body and connect me to people that I later see on the dance floor, at the beach, or at one of the tents. It has become an essential part of LEAF for me.” - Joan | Mass
Hike - Friday 5pm
Hike Camp Rockmont trails with Bruce Mulkey, Shonnie Lavender & friends! Leave no runner behind, explore & have fun. Meet at the Boathouse. Bring water + snacks.
We're RUNNNING or Walking! ROCK the QUARRY Run & Walk- Saturday 8:30
LEAFers know the Quarry as Gate 6. However, it is a large expanse of nature trails and stunning views in the valley. Run or walk your speed in this interesting and historic quarry. There is no charge for LEAFers- just come and enjoy. Bring water + snacks.
Note to Serious Runners:
Rock The Quarry official Fundraising Run happens in September.
Hike Camp Rockmont trails with Bruce Mulkey, Shonnie Lavender & friends! Leave no runner behind, explore & have fun. Meet at the Boathouse. Bring water + snacks.
We're RUNNNING or Walking! ROCK the QUARRY Run & Walk- Saturday 8:30
LEAFers know the Quarry as Gate 6. However, it is a large expanse of nature trails and stunning views in the valley. Run or walk your speed in this interesting and historic quarry. There is no charge for LEAFers- just come and enjoy. Bring water + snacks.
Note to Serious Runners:
Rock The Quarry official Fundraising Run happens in September.
Enjoy the VIEWS at LEAF
