Buncombe sits on a 15 acre tract off Highway 251, six miles north of Asheville. The entire facility is under one roof. The building consists of a dormitory with administrative offices, a dining hall and some storage. All inmates assigned to the prison are within five years of their release date or parole eligibility. Inmates may also participate in substance abuse treatment programs.
Inmates work in a number of jobs.
They may be assigned to Department of Transportation road crews or work under contract for local government agencies. Inmates may also be assigned to maintenance or kitchen duties. Inmates nearing parole may participate in work release, leaving the prison for the part of the day to work for a business in the community. Take a right at the stop sign and then turn left onto N.C. 251. Drive about four miles and the prison road is on the left, just past the county landfill.