More land conserved in Hickory Nut Gap The property includes a heritage apple orchard. SAHC photo A recently completed conservation project in Hickory Nut Gap connects to an existing 1,500 acres of conserved land in southwestern Buncombe County. The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy project protects a heritage apple orchard, open pasture and forested hillsides around Sherrill’s Inn, a designated Historic American Building. While the easement area will not be open to the public, it is prominent in the view from the Drover’s Road Scenic Byway, a state-designated scenic route from Fairview to Bat Cave. Many of the views from that road have already been protected by the SAHC.