ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County has completed the purchase of the 342-acre Deaverview Mountain property, paving the way for what is expected to become the largest public park in the county.

County officials announced Thursday that the land acquisition, completed in partnership with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, will preserve the prominent mountain while eventually opening it for public recreation and environmental education. The property is not yet accessible to the public.

“Deaverview is a treasured part of our community,” Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Director Allison Dains said in a statement. “Protecting it as a public park ensures that residents and future generations can experience and be inspired by this unique landscape.”

The purchase was funded primarily through grants from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program and the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, awarded to the county and the conservancy.

With the deal finalized, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation plans to begin the design process by issuing a request for qualifications. Officials say development of the park will take place in multiple phases, with initial design work expected to begin this summer.

Conservation leaders say the project marks a significant milestone in efforts to protect the mountain, which has long been visible from landmarks across the region, including Blue Ridge Parkway and Biltmore Estate.

“We’re grateful for this partnership with the county and the opportunity to combine conservation and recreation on this beloved mountain,” said Michelle Pugliese, land protection director for the conservancy. “It will be permanently protected and made available for adults and kids alike to explore.”

The property includes a 3,118-foot peak, sweeping views of the French Broad River Valley, 16 headwater streams and space suitable for hiking and other low-impact outdoor activities.

Efforts to preserve Deaverview Mountain date back years. In 2023, a conservation-minded buyer secured the property and entered into a three-year agreement with the conservancy, allowing time to arrange a permanent conservation plan.

SAHC Executive Director Carl Silverstein said the mountain has long held cultural and scenic importance for the region.

“It’s part of our collective imagination and history,” Silverstein said, noting its visibility across Asheville and its presence in historic “Land of the Sky” imagery dating back decades.