Frequently Asked Questions
Several legends exist to account for Jump-Off Rock's name; all seem to involve Indian maidens. The most prevalent is the story of a young Cherokee maiden who often met her Cherokee lover here. When he had to leave for a tribal war, they promised to meet at the Rock on his return. Every evening the maiden climbed to the rock to watch for her lover.
Incorporated
The Town of Laurel Park was incorporated on February 28, 1925.
Location
The Town lies at the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains just west of Hendersonville, North Carolina, 26 miles south/southeast of Asheville, and 44 miles north/northwest of Spartanburg.
Vision
“The Town of Laurel Park values its people, its strong sense of community, and its mountain environment. The Town envisions a future where balanced decisionmaking results in a quality community where people have choices. Our Town is responsive to the needs of residents today and adapts to serve our neighbors of tomorrow.”
History
The late 1800's saw the beginnings of what is now the Town of Laurel Park with the construction of summer cottages, inns, camps, and recreation areas around the lakes on the lower slopes of Echo Mountain. By 1903, a rail line had been built up Fifth Avenue in Hendersonville to bring day-trippers and summer visitors to Rainbow Lake to enjoy swimming, boating, dancing, camping, and gambling at the Laurel Park Casino.
The Town's tax rate for fiscal year 2025 is 39.5 cents per $100 of valuation.
Each year Henderson County assesses the value of real estate and personal property. Starting with the 2019 tax year, Henderson County will bill and collect all taxes for the Town of Laurel Park. Tax bills will include both Henderson County taxes and the municipality tax on one combined bill. All bills are payable to Henderson County Tax Collector. For information about your taxes, you may contact the Henderson County Tax Office at (828) 697-5595.
For information about prior year taxes you may call Tamara at Laurel Park Town Hall at (828) 693-4840.
Bills are usually sent out in mid-September of each year, based on the value of the property as of January 1, and using the tax rate set each June by the Town Council as part of the annual budget.
