Sorry I didn't see my first post I thought it got deleted. Please ignore if you've already posted a reply. Thanks Brenda

we've camped all around the southern side of asheville over the course of many yrs. it all depends on what you're looking for. there are lots of waterfalls on the southern side of 40, in the pisgah forest region. dupont forest is a must see if you are anywhere close. a lot of the last of the mohicans was filed there and it's full of great hiking trails. there are 5 stunning waterfalls within a reasonably easy half hour walk. http://dupontforest.com/ you can't camp there. if you do visit that area, be sure to see 'pretty place'- just ask directions once there; it's 5 mins from dupont. it's an open air chapel at the tip top of a mtn, right along a cliff. made of stone and wood, with 180 degree views. stunning. but, a campground just a few mins from dupont is http://www.blackforestcampground.com/ . has a bunch of stuff & is quiet. the owner is a bit bossy for my taste but fairly easy to avoid. because of her, the place is very well kept. it has lots of activities- a pool, playground, rec hall & more. plus the best pancake breakfasts to be found. we stayed at a place on the eastern side of asheville along 40 that was nice and close to a lot, near black mountain. right on a small mountain creek. more rustic than some of the others. the link is: http://www.campingnc.com/campground/ another old favorite is http://www.kiz.com/campnet/html/zp/nc/0738/0738pics.htm. they have tame huge trout in their stream that they feed each day, and a neat stone pagoda/fireplace gathering area. mostly rv'ers & older folks, though we didn't feel unwelcome with kids. there's a playground. a place we stayed many yrs ago near brevard that was quaint and quiet with lots of rec opps right there is: http://www.cascadelakerecreationarea.com/ last but not least, our very favorite campground is a place called earthbound lodging in canton, about 45 mins west of asheville. 5 mins from the parkway- and a very good area to do bike riding. right on a creek where you can tube. wonderful people who own & run the place. can't recommend it highly enough. http://www.earthboundlodging.com/amenities.htm if you are on the parkways and pass mt. pisgah inn, stop for the view and wonderful restaurant. that's how we end our camping trip each yr- we spend 1 night there. the food is very reasonable, tastes great, they get all types in there, and it's got a whole wall of glass with 180 degree views from anywhere in the restaurant. there is a campground across the rd, but we've never stayed there, so i can't tell you how good or bad it is. wherever you go, have fun!! tammy

This looks like a western red cedar to me... Thuja plicata J

Well Im from the other side of the country, but im in zone 7 also. Don't know much about your tree, but I grow corsicon mint here in my garden. It is high traffic tollerant and it smells great, stays green and is very compact matted little tiny leaves. You probably could try irish moss also. Hope this helps, good luck!