Golf Course
On Sherwood’s 18-hole, par 3 course, unlucky shots can land in wildflower beds, native plant areas, or plop right into the Little River. Fun and challenging for all ages and skill levels, the course is open to the public year round. On this course you may find llamas carrying golf bags, and bluebirds nesting in boxes along the fairways. The course is home to weekly play by both men’s and women’s leagues.
The Sherwood Forest Golf Club is a member of Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program, committed to environmental sustainability and best management practices.
Golf carts are available, of course, but llamas are also sometimes an option for hauling bags and clubs. Sherwood’s course hosts several tournaments, to benefit a local charities. Information about hours, fees and course conditions is available by calling the Pro Shop (828.884.7825).
Robin Hood Center
The Robin Hood Center is at the heart of the Sherwood community. The Oak Room is used for lectures and large meetings, but transforms quickly into a space for group exercise, dancing and yoga. Special dinners and winter soup suppers are also held here, thanks to the availability of the service kitchen.
Robin Hood Barn
The Robin Hood Barn has a long history of music, theater and dance. There is probably no better symbol for this community than this large, chestnut building which has remained—through careful tending—from the days when Sherwood was a working farm. (The current golf course was once grazing fields for cattle).
Summer picnics draw hundreds of residents and their families for music, good food and games. Children take center stage at the 4th of July celebration—with a flag parade, water balloons, bubble blowers, and magicians. A putting contest is the traditional finish to the day’s events.
Residents gather for the annual membership meeting at the barn—a chance to greet newcomers, hear about Association projects, and vote on issues affecting the community. Every other year, the forest holds a flea market in the barn, with proceeds supporting local charities.
This rustic old building has seen a lot of weddings and receptions, square dances, cookouts and family gatherings. The Barn is available for private occasions by rental to SFHA members only.
Hiking Trails
Hikers find Sherwood’s 20+ miles of trails both challenging and beautiful. Middle Mountain Trail ascends to 3,300 feet, offering a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the way. Feed Rock Trail climbs to an unusual granitic dome, then descends sharply past caves and a hidden waterfall. Hikers head to Greenwood Trail for wildflowers in the spring, and Perimeter Trail when the leaves change colors in the fall. Each trail delivers a unique forest experience.
Guided nature walks expand knowledge of the ferns, flowering plants and trees which live in this varied ecosystem, and birders delight in the sounds and sights along the trail system.
Lakes
Five spring-fed lakes in Sherwood Forest give residents a chance to canoe, fish and swim in bracing mountain water. Swimmers often head for the smallest lake -Boot Lake, while the docks at Betty Kay and Trout Lakes prove irresistible to those looking for fish.
Small sand beaches at Arrowhead, Betty Kay, Boot and Trout Lakes provide a launch point for young swimmers, and playground equipment at Trout make it a favorite spot for families.
Two Sherwood canoes are placed at each lake for use by residents. Each spring a lottery awards rack space for privately-owned canoes if needed.
Swimming Pool
Families head for the heated pool from May to October. Early morning lap swimmers clear out in time for the water aerobics class three times a week. Ping pong, corn-hole toss and shuffleboard are also available at the pool.
The pool is rarely crowded, and often swimmers have the water to themselves. Private, restful and refreshing…there’s no better place to be on a warm summer afternoon.
In the early evening, the pool can be a place to enjoy a glass of wine with friends or meet for an al fresco dinner.
Tennis and Pickleball
Cool summer mornings find action at the tennis and pickleball courts. The courts were recently reconditioned to assure an ideal playing surface. Match play is scheduled twice a week. It is an easy walk from the courts to the pool.
Community Garden
Gardeners grow organic fruits, vegetables and flowers at the Garden Plots. Perennial flowers such as bee balm, milkweed, calla lilies, daisies and black eyed susans grow in profusion. Serious farmers grow blueberries and grapes, and find the location perfect for raspberries.
A volunteer-built shed houses tools and supplies, and a shared water system provides irrigation as needed. Residents can choose to manage a small or large garden plot.