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Brevard, NC Recognized in Multiple Categories of Regional Awards

Publications Honor Transylvania County’s Trails, Guides, Shops, and Outdoor Icons

Last Updated February 23, 2026

Brevard has been on a lot of folks’ minds lately, and we can’t say that we blame them. Here’s a few awards and accolades we’re proud to announce:

• Top Adventure Town in the Small Town category by Blue Ridge Outdoors: Brevard (Winner)
• Favorite Downtown in NC in NC Tripping’s Best of North Carolina Competition: Downtown Brevard (Winner)
• Best of the Blue Ridge from Blue Ridge Outdoors wins include:
  • Best Main Street or Downtown: Downtown Brevard (Runner-up)
  • Best Place to Raise an Outdoor Family: Brevard (Winner)
  • 14 of our beloved local businesses and attractions also received Best of the Blue Ridge winner and runner-up spots, see full details below
• Brevard & Transylvania County are proud to be a part of the Trail Town Community program through Outdoor NC
• Brevard nominated as one of the Happiest Towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains by Blue Ridge Country

Local Businesses & Outdoor Areas Recognized as Best of the Blue Ridge

A number of Transylvania County’s outdoor destinations and businesses were honored in Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine’s 2026 Best of the Blue Ridge Awards. Each year, readers vote for their favorite places, trails, guides, and outdoor experiences. This year, Transylvania County stood out across multiple categories.

Transylvania County received top honors in the following categories:

• Best Hiking Trail: Art Loeb Trail, Pisgah National Forest, Winner
• Best Waterfall or Swimming Hole: Sliding Rock, Pisgah National Forest, Winner
• Best Climbing Guide: Pisgah Climbing School, Pisgah Forest, NC, Winner
• Best Fly Shop: Davidson River Outfitters, Pisgah Forest, NC, Winner
• Best Outdoor Store: DD Bullwinkel’s Outdoors, Brevard, NC, Winner
• Best Realty: Looking Glass Realty, Brevard, NC, Winner

Transylvania County was also recognized as runner-up in several additional categories:

• Best Coffee Shop: Cup & Saucer, Brevard, NC, Runner up
• Best Public Lands: Pisgah National Forest, Runner up
• Best Bike Shop: The Hub, Pisgah Forest, NC, Runner up
• Best Rentals, Cabins and Cottages: Pilot Cove Lodging, Pisgah Forest, NC, Runner up
• Best Campground: Davidson River Campground, Pisgah Forest, NC, Runner up
• Best Pet Friendly Adventure: Cedar Mountain, NC, Runner up
• Best Main Street or Downtown: Brevard, NC, Runner up
• Best Place to Raise an Outdoor Family: Brevard, NC, Runner up

The Best of the Blue Ridge Awards shine a spotlight on the people, places, and experiences that define outdoor recreation across the region. Winners are selected through an extensive reader-driven voting process that spans several months and thousands of ballots.

“These awards confirm what visitors and residents alike already know, Transylvania County offers one of the most exceptional outdoor experiences anywhere,” said Clark Lovelace, Executive Director of the TCTDA. “From world-class hiking and waterfalls to outstanding guides, outfitters, and local businesses, our community continues to set the standard for authentic, sustainable adventure. Thank you to all of the individuals and organizations who work tirelessly to make our destination so special.”

This latest recognition builds on recent momentum for the area. In 2025, Brevard was named the Top Small Adventure Town by Blue Ridge Outdoors, reflecting the county’s long-standing reputation as a destination where outdoor recreation, conservation, and community all converge.

With more than 1,000 miles of trails, 250 waterfalls, and direct access to Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, and Gorges State Park, Transylvania County has long been celebrated as North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls and a premier destination for outdoor recreation.

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