About Us

A panoramic view of rolling green mountain ridges, with the pinks and oranges and blues of a sunset coloring the sky.

The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) is a non-profit land trust conserving unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland, scenic beauty, and places for all people to enjoy outdoor recreation in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, enduring for future generations.

We achieve this through long-term conservation relationships with private landowners and public agencies, and by owning and managing land as nature preserves. We are committed to creating and supporting equitable, healthy and thriving communities for everyone in our region.

Since 1974, SAHC has protected more than 90,000 acres. 

 Two hikers stand with backs toward viewer, facing a waterfall cascading 20 ft. off a rock cliff, surrounded by mature forest.