The Ultimate Guide to Water Activities in Brevard & Transylvania County, NC Summer approaching means warmer temperatures and a corresponding urge to cool off. Luckily, there’s no shortage of ways to do just that in the Land of Waterfalls. The Adventurist invites you to discover the many ways you can paddle, fish, swim, tube, slide, and generally have the time of your life in our refreshing rivers, stocked streams, and alluring lakes. Read on to learn what it takes to go with the flow. Waterfall Hunting Waterfalls abound throughout the county thanks to numerous tributaries that flow down from some of the highest peaks east of the Rocky Mountains. Consider Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, and Gorges State Park as sensible starting points. For an overview of the most popular falls in each public land, click here. You can also pick up a copy of our Adventure Guide and Waterfall Map at the Visitor Center on 175 East Main Street in downtown Brevard, or access it here. And please remember while our waterfalls are beautiful, the areas around them can be dangerous. Protect yourself and your loved ones by learning how to Be Waterfall Wise. Paddling & Paddleboarding The French Broad, the third oldest river in the world, offers multiple ways to travel as far as your heart and paddle will take you and is the ideal place to build your paddling skills. Its consistent current and gentle rapids make for an ideal day on the water, whether you’re a...
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View From the Top View From The Top Transylvania County’s most notable Blue Ridge Parkway mileposts The Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic ribbon of road that weaves through Virginia and North Carolina, has been providing drivers, cyclists, hikers, and lovers of panoramic views an unmissable destination for decades. It is called “America’s Favorite Drive,” and the 24 miles that run through Transylvania County are arguably among the most scenic. The Parkway can be easily accessed in Transylvania County two ways. The first is NC 215, along which you’ll also find two worthy stops: Forks of the River Taproom at Headwaters Outfitters and Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. The other route is US 276 through Pisgah National Forest, which boasts iconic spots like Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, as well as the birthplace of forest conservation, the Cradle of Forestry, located just four miles from the parkway. Here are a few of our favorite places on the Blue Ridge Parkway to stop, explore, relax, and take in the views. Photo provided courtesy of Pisgah Inn Best Spot for a Picnic You’ll find picnic tables at several of the overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Transylvania County. One of our favorites is Mt. Pisgah at Milepost 408.6 with 50 picnic sites. In this general area you’ll also find a small grocery store and restrooms (open seasonally) with nearby trails. Best Views (and where to see magnificent sunsets/sunrises) There are twelve Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks in Transylvania County (between Mileposts 406.9 and 423.5) and each of them offers...
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Top Hiking Trails to Explore near Brevard, NC Transylvania County is a hiker’s paradise. Fortunately, each seasons offers wonderful reasons to get out on the trail. Winter’s long range views. Spring’s wildflowers. Summer’s dense green canopy. And autumn’s spectacular color. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite hikes for your next adventure. Since these are our favorites, they also happen to be the favorites of a few other folks as well, which means they can get busy. We recommend tackling these trails in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enhance your enjoyment. To help you decide, we’ve broken them out by category. Some of these trails have the added benefit of taking you to some of our spectacular waterfalls. While everyone loves our famous cascades, they can also be dangerous. We’ve put together a list of easy tips to follow that will help you be Waterfall Wise. And don’t forget to learn how you can Be like Trashsquatch and Leave it Better. All of us here in Transylvania County are passionate about protecting our woods and water. When you practice Leave It Better principles, you’re doing your part to ensure that these special places are here to enjoy for future generations. Kid Friendly Andy Cove Trail: This gem of a trail winds its way back into scenic Andy Cove via a footpath and several cantilevered board walks. Mid-way, you reach a cool 30-foot suspension bridge. You’ll also encounter two small streams while looping back...
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Take A Trip Into The Heart Of Romance Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter getaway or the ultimate romantic experience, Transylvania County has a keepsake box full of great ideas to help you show your sweetheart just how much you care. There’s no better place to up your romance game than in our area, especially in Brevard or historic Toxaway. Here are a few suggestions certain to score major points with your main squeeze. Snuggle Up From rustic cabins to luxury inns, our charming accommodations are sure to light your fire. A Great Gatsby-era, colonial revival treasure, The Bromfield Inn, just a short walk from downtown Brevard, offers luxurious accommodations in a beautiful park-like setting. For a wonderful massage nearby, Elements Wellness Spa in downtown is the perfect place to relax and refresh. If the Toxaway area is more your style, the lovely, historic Greystone Inn is a perfect getaway, where you can enjoy a side-by-side couple’s massage in the spa and then sit by the fire while over looking the lake. Brevard and Transylvania County offer a host of perfect love nests for your Valentine’s getaway. Click here to find your sweet spot, including our winter specials. Dinner Date A cozy, wonderful dinner is at the top of any Valentine’s celebration and for good reason. It’s a chance to connect and enjoy a special meal in a magical setting. If you’re in downtown Brevard, you’ll want to consider The Bohemian with its globally-inspired dishes, and Wild Morel with its French-and Italian-inspired rustic cuisine. In historic Toxaway,...
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Forest Bathing: How To Cleanse Your Spirit As a part of North Carolina’s Year of The Trail celebration, “Wellness and Trails” is the theme for August. In conjunction with that theme, this month’s blog is about Forest Bathing, which has become a popular activity for folks who love the outdoors. If you’re new to the concept, you’ll enjoy this fascinating interview we conducted with Dr. Mattie Decker, a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, mindfulness teacher and a retired professor of education. Q&A Q&A: Mattie, tell us a little about yourself. “I’m a lifelong educator who grew up in Savannah, Georgia. I got my teaching degree from Georgia State University and then went on to teach in rural Appalachia in northeast Georgia. Later, I spent ten years in Colorado. I’ve always had a deep connection with nature, and Colorado deepened that relationship. Ultimately, we moved to Arkansas where I finished my master’s thesis. I then went on to pursue my doctorate at the University of Memphis. Over the years, I’ve also spent a great amount of time in Finland, studying and researching their innovative teacher education program. In Norway, I became a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide.” Q&A Q&A: What is forest bathing and how long has it been around? “Forest bathing is derived from the Japanese practice shinrin-yoku, which means forest bath. It was developed in the 80’s when Japan was in the midst of their tech boom. People were dying from a wide range of diseases in unprecedented numbers....
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Kidding Around: Seven Sensational Family-Friendly Suggestions As we celebrate the Year of the Trail, it’s helpful to remember that some trails just go with the flow. From the 3rd oldest river in the world to numerous tributaries and streams, there are multiple ways to get on the water in Transylvania County. Here are four great ways to enjoy our storied waterways. As we celebrate the Year of the Trail, it’s helpful to remember that some trails just go with the flow. From the 3rd oldest river in the world to numerous tributaries and streams, there are multiple ways to get on the water in Transylvania County. Here are four great ways to enjoy our storied waterways. One of Brevard’s special qualities is its appeal to visitors of every age. This is especially true for kids. Watching a child discover the many wonders of the outdoors is a gratifying experience to which any parent can attest. In addition, Brevard’s summer camps have welcomed children for more than 100 years, introducing them to exciting outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, rock climbing, paddling and more. But even shorter visits with family to Brevard can yield all manner of unforgettable joys, from finding a rare specimen at a gem mine to discovering the secret that explains why we have the largest concentration of waterfalls in North America (some 250 in all). Here are seven sensational suggestions for family-friendly experiences in Brevard that will leave a smile on everyone’s face and memories to...
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7 Easy Ways To Be Waterfall Wise As beautiful as our waterfalls are, they also represent hidden dangers. Every year, there are serious injuries and yes, sometimes even fatalities, experienced at our waterfalls. When visiting North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls, enjoy our beautiful waterfalls, but remember they can be dangerous. Take personal responsibility and don’t take unnecessary risks. Put safety before selfies and follow our recommended safety tips to “Be Waterfall Wise”. If you do this, you will have a great time with awesome memories to share with all your friends and family. Using these safety tips and other educational efforts, the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority works to raise awareness about the dangers of waterfalls through our sustainability committee, Transylvania Always and its “Be Waterfall Wise” program. You’ll also find helpful information, including a short educational video on our “Be Waterfall Wise” page. Since 2016, we’ve been working with key partners including forest managers and supervisors at Pisgah National Forest, Gorges State Park, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Transylvania County EMS, Local Fire and Rescue workers/volunteers, Mission Health, and Local Law Enforcement to educate visitors about safe behavior around waterfalls. As a result, serious injuries and fatalities have declined. But even one incident is too many. We also invite you to find out more about another important Transylvania Always initiative, “Leave It Better.” Inspired by the principles introduced by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, “Leave It Better” promotes six key principles that can help you be a responsible forest visitor....
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Come to Your Senses When you venture into the woods to celebrate North Carolina’s Year of the Trail, we want you to have the richest and most rewarding experience possible. That’s why we’ve enlisted the help of Torry Nergart, conservation easement manager at Conserving Carolina, to give us some insights on how you can get the most from your time on Transylvania County’s treasured trails. Q&A Q&A: Torry, why is it important to try and engage all five senses when you’re enjoying the outdoors? “When I think about engaging the senses, I think about all five of them working together collectively. You could call that ‘mindfulness,’ and one of the easiest places to do that is in the forest. When we find natural connections, it gives us what we’re missing from modern living.” “Personally, I have to burn off a little energy before I can be more mindful. So, I do a trail run or bike a little bit. Both of these activities have a way of burning off a little of the busy-ness. It kind of rattles out the distractions. Then, I’m prepared to take a deep breath and engage all my senses.” Q&A Q&A: What are some plant and animal smells and scents we should be aware of when in the woods? “It’s interesting. When you’re trying to disconnect from the real world, you’re not turning anything off – you’re actually turning on your senses. And that’s especially true for the sense of smell....
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Ask a Ranger Kevin Bischof, Gorges State Park This month, the Adventurist had a chance to sit down with Kevin Bischof, superintendent of Gorges State Park. Located in the southwest corner of Transylvania County, Gorges is considered by many to be one of the crown jewels of North Carolina’s state park system. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Kevin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Cincinnati before receiving a Master of Science in Outdoor Education (with a focus on environmental education) at Indiana University. We caught up with Kevin on an early spring day at the park’s beautiful Visitor Center. Q&A Q&A: Tell us a little about your background, Kevin, and how you came to North Carolina. “After I finished grad school I applied for every federal job and every park job in states where I had visited and wanted to live. I had a seasonal job in Oregon lined up, but I got a call from Jordan Lake State Recreation Area (near Raleigh), and they offered me a permanent job.” “After that, I went to Goose Creek State Park which is out on the coast for a couple of years, then came here to Gorges as a ranger for two years, from 2011-13. Then I went to Lake James State Park for 5 ½ years. I took my first superintendent’s job at Mt. Mitchell State Park in 2018 and was there for 2 ½ years. Then I transferred over to Grandfather before becoming the...
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Waterfalls Worth the Hike One of the great joys of hiking in Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, and Gorges State Park is that there is often a “reward” for your effort: a stunning view, an interesting geological formation or, as the subject of this blog attests, a waterfall. Here are four hikes that will make all that leg work worth it. 4 1 Rainbow FallsPisgah National Forest (with access from Gorges State Park) Recent improvements at Gorges State Park have made this trek a delight. From the parking area at Grassy Ridge, the well-groomed trail descends to the stunning Horsepasture River. When you reach the river, turn right. The trail becomes steeper, but the effort is worth it. The trail skirts around Rainbow Falls, offering up a great view. If you’ve got energy to burn, continue up river to Turtle Back Falls and Drift Falls — a waterfall trifecta! Distance: 3.9 miles roundtripTrails: Grassy Ridge AccessStarting Point: Grassy Ridge Parking Area, Gorges State Park. Directions to trailhead: From downtown Brevard, go west on US 64 toward Sapphire for 18.2 miles. Turn left on NC 281 and go .7 miles. Turn left into park entrance. Proceed to the Grassy Ridge parking lot. All Trails Link 2 2 Twin FallsPisgah National Forest A beautiful, moderate hike delivers you to this doubly satisfying cascade deep in Pisgah National Forest. If you’re looking for a wintertime hike, this one fits the bill, as the views are best when the leaves are...
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