Temperatures are rising, flowers are blooming, and outdoor adventures are calling at our Western North Carolina community. Spring is back and so are endless ways to enjoy recreation outside while soaking up some sun. While our Mill Spring, NC, temps are pretty mild all year round and invite you to enjoy outdoor activities anytime, spring brings a special kind of magic to Bright’s Creek.
From taking a dip in our saltwater-heated swimming pool to playing pickleball or embarking on an afternoon walk, there’s an activity for everyone at our mountain oasis. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on the incredible hiking and biking opportunities that our area has to offer. We had the pleasure of chatting with two Bright’s Creek members and homeowners who are passionate about outdoor recreation—and sharing it with our community. Scott Fischer, entrepreneur and motorsports enthusiast brings his love of biking to Bright’s with his collection of e-bikes and knowledge of cycling. Member Ron Tunkel has deep roots in the area and is an avid hiker and nature enthusiast.
Get to know more your neighbors, and discover our scenic network of hiking and biking trails in NC in this month’s edition.
All About E-Biking with Scott Fischer
Scott, tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to fall in love with the great outdoors.
I’ve been coming to beautiful Lake Lure for twenty years and officially started calling Bright’s Creek home last May. I spend half the year in Florida and the other half here at Bright’s Creek. I’ve been in the Harley Davidson business just about my whole life and developed a deep love for motorsports. I love cycling and discovered e-bikes as the perfect solution for rugged mountain terrain. E-bikes offer a high level of performance and really even out everyone’s ability to ride. They’re a great way to take in the spectacular sights in the area while being outside and getting some exercise in, too.
Tell us about your own personal bike collection and your Bright’s Creek biking routine.
Bright’s Creek is an unbelievable place for outdoor activities. Our community has a really extensive network of horse trails, logging trails, as well as hiking and biking trails. There’s also an amazing state-funded mountain bike trail right outside our gates.
My personal collection consists of TREK e-bikes as well as German Haibikes. I ride around the Bright’s Creek area every day. It’s a spectacular place to ride!
How can more members join in on biking around Bright’s Creek?
People traditionally think of Bright’s Creek for its amazing Tom Fazio golf course. It’s an exceptional place to play, but there are also so many other opportunities for golfers and non-golfers alike to enjoy the outdoors here.
There are a few other members with e-bikes and mountain bikes here, but I’d really love to get a formal, more robust outdoor recreation group started. I’m happy to share my e-biking experiences and even let fellow members get a feel for the bikes with my own collection. I really want to expose e-biking and mountain biking to the community!
Hiking Around Bright’s Creek with Ron Tunkel
Ron, tell us about your background and how you came to love hiking.
I have roots in the area after moving to Hendersonville in the 70s. I came from a really congested, busy area and was searching for space. My wife and I fell in love with this area—it felt like a little slice of heaven. After moving to Bright’s Creek during the pandemic, we now live here all year round and I have the opportunity to spend time outdoors anytime I want to—which is often!
You’re a community hiking lead here. Tell us about exploring the Bright’s Creek area on foot.
Here at Bright’s, we can hike all year round. I lead a group of about 15 community members on guided nature hikes every month. It’s an incredible activity, especially during the cooler months when you may not want to be poolside but you still want to spend time outdoors.
I love the woods, hiking, history, and lore, so being a hiking club leader was a natural fit. There are so many marvelous hiking trails here for all abilities, each with stunning views that change with the seasons.
What can someone expect during a guided hike with you and the Hiking Club?
What I love most about hiking in NC is that you can find whatever you want on a hike. Ours are customizable, so you can go on a leisurely walk, measured by miles or time, or get in a more strenuous workout. Hikes can be anything you want them to be, but they’re a great way to care for your mind, body, and soul health.
I plot out each hike and make it accessible for everyone in the group. I’ll begin each adventure with a short preview of what the group can expect on our journey. We’ll stop at certain points to take in the views, from the mountains and cliffs to unique formations, abandoned mines steeped in history, and foliage in the area. We’ve seen turkeys, deer, hawks, a bald eagle, and more—even historic graveyards. It’s really important that we respect the animals and the rich history of the Mill Spring area.
We’re stewards of the land and always remove any litter we might find along the way. Our Bright’s Creek members are very mindful. Hiking together also gives people a sense of safety and community. Fun is doubled when it’s shared. Everyone brings their own special knowledge on our hikes as well. Sometimes people can even see their homes from a completely new perspective! It’s a lot of fun.
Hiking is just an incredible way to relax, reconnect with nature, clear your mind, and keep your body healthy. It’s a joy to do it with my Bright’s Creek neighbors, and we invite anyone interested to keep an eye on Clubster for details about our upcoming hiking schedule.
Are you ready to explore the endless entertainment that Bright’s Creek has to offer? Uncover a world of unlimited possibilities at Western North Carolina’s premier golf and outdoor recreation community.
Contact our real estate team directly at (828) 600-5132 to book your Discovery Tour today.
