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...
Read More
Wildflower Walks Some hiking trails offer big surprises – like hidden waterfalls or dramatic vistas – but some offer smaller, more intimate experiences that can be equally satisfying. Throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains, and specifically in Transylvania County, a wide variety of wildflowers lend vibrant color to our coves and hollows from early spring to late autumn. We talked to two wildflower experts, Rosemarie Shannon Knoll and Marianne Weaver to come up with four outstanding wildflower hikes for you to enjoy. It’s a great way to admire Mother Nature in her role as landscape artist, nonpariel. Art Loeb Trail, Pisgah National Forest DESCRIPTIONAn easy out and back walk of two miles, this spring wildflower walk is close to the entrance of Pisgah National Forest near the Davidson River Campground. The path follows the Art Loeb Trail along the Davidson River. WHAT MAKES IT SPECIALAccording to Rosemarie: “This easy to walk trail is covered with a beautiful carpet of wildflowers in April and May including Trillium, Bloodroot, Toothwort, and a variety of Violets. You will also see Mayapple, Trout Lily, Little Brown Jug, and Foamflower. The Art Loeb Trail connects with the Estatoe Trail for those who want to walk further along the river. The Estatoe Trail is known for its rock walls covered with mosses and lichens. DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEADFrom the entrance of Pisgah National Forest drive one mile on US276. Turn left towards the Davidson River Campground and take an immediate left into the Art Loeb Trailhead parking lot....
Read More
Going With The Flow Often, people think of trails as winding routes across terra firma. Yet the truth is, rivers are the original trails – carved by Mother Nature over eons, they journey across the land following the path of least resistance, resulting in surprises around just about every bend. As we celebrate North Carolina’s Year of the Trail, we want to honor Transylvania County’s first trail: the French Broad River, third oldest river in the world, and its many tributaries. To take us on this journey, we caught up with Jack Henderson, MountainTrue’s French Broad Paddle Trail Manager. Enjoy this Q & A with a passionate advocate for the French Broad River. (Editor’s note: We have paraphrased and edited this interview for brevity.) Q&A Q&A: Tell us a little about yourself, Jack. I’ve been living in western North Carolina since 2010 and have worked for a variety of recreation and conservation groups with focus upon public access and natural resource protection. Prior to joining MountainTrue, I was with RiverLink. Along with Hartwell Carson, who is the Riverkeeper for the French Broad, I help manage the French Broad River Paddle Trail. Q&A Q&A: What makes the French Broad River such a significant, meaningful body of water? It flows from its headwaters within Transylvania County to the confluence with the Holston River where it forms the Tennessee River. It covers a wide variety of ecological, cultural, geological and topographical components in a relatively small physical space. Q&A Q&A: What makes...
Read More
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...
Read More
Leave it Better As you venture forth into our woods and waterways during the Year of the Trail, we invite you to learn more about our “Leave It Better” program. Based on the national “Leave No Trace” principles, “Leave It Better” is designed to inspire explorers of our bountiful natural wonders to leave the land and water better than they found it. This easy-to-follow six-step checklist is something you can put into practice anywhere you roam. Happy trails! 1 1 Pick It Up. Pick up not just what you packed in, but all that you see. Millions of pounds of trash are left behind in our public lands every year. Keep an eye out for litter and be sure to come prepared with gloves and trash bags to assist with safe collection. 2 2 Pitch In. For every 10 hours you spend in the great outdoors, give one hour of service, or donate to an organization that supports public lands. Balancing the amount of time spent enjoying the outdoors with time spent giving back will not only reduce your impact, but also the impact of others. Find a local organization that focuses on an issue that resonates with you, and volunteer or provide a donation to make a difference. 3 3 Prepare Yourself. Leaving it better starts before your visit. Educate yourself on local rules, safety regulations, and trail policies before you visit public lands. Prepare yourself by checking trail closures and weather on the day of your trip. Pack...
Read More
Taps & Trails: Pairing Mountain Biking Trails with Local Craft Breweries Pairing Mountain Biking Trails with Local Craft Breweries Brevard and Transylvania County serve up incredible mountain biking and amazing craft beers. So, what better way to ring in North Carolina’s Year of the Trail than with a “Taps and Trails” pairing. We’ve picked five trails and matched them with five brews that share similar characteristics. We called on avid mountain biker and in-the-know beer connoisseur Ben Hardy to help us out. 1 1 Pairing #1 Brewery: Brevard Brewing CompanyBeer: Bohemian Pilsner, 4.9% ABVTrail: Ridgeline, DuPont State Recreational Forest Why they go well together:“Ridgeline is a classic local trail in DuPont. It’s probably on the top five list of anyone who’s ever ridden around Brevard, and you’ll quickly understand why. Ridgeline is all fun and flow. Riders of any skill level should find plenty of enjoyment. The trail has enough whoops and berms to keep it exciting, but it’s smooth and gentle all the way down.” “BBC’s Bohemian Pilsner is a classic style brewed with respect to tradition. It’s the perfect refresher after a day of riding, guaranteed to keep the fun rolling. Just like Ridgeline, this beer is a smooth character, packed with flavor, but not over the top. You’ll want to keep it flowin’.” About Ridgeline About Brevard Brewing Company: Opened in 2012, BBC holds the distinction of being Brevard’s first craft brewery. It’s also notable for the dedication and passion owner and brew master Kyle Williams...
Read More
Take A Walk On The Wild Side Headwaters State Forest: A Conservation Laboratory North Carolina’s newest state forest was founded in 2018 and represents another iconic destination in Transylvania County. In terms of beauty and features, it’s on par with Pisgah, DuPont and Gorges. However, its remote location and limited access make it a more appropriate destination for adventurers with good wilderness and map-reading skills. We caught up with Assistant Regional Forester Michael Cheek, who oversees this 6,730 acre mountain wonderland for the North Carolina Forest Service to help us understand the importance of Headwaters and the opportunities for visitors to enjoy its unique topography and features — especially as we celebrate North Carolina’s “Year of the Trail.” Q&A Q&A: Michael, what’s distinctive about Headwaters? “Headwaters is located right along the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and the South Carolina border. It’s very remote and has a very “back country” feel to it. You’ll find plenty of trails and lots of solitude.” Q&A Q&A: What’s the key mission of Headwaters State Forest? “Certainly, recreation is a part of it, but our primary focus is on the conservation of the headwater streams that feed into the East Fork of the French Broad River. There are over a dozen named streams feeding into the East Fork, totaling some 50 miles. That’s where our clean drinking water comes from, and these headwater streams are key to that. Part of our mission is also to demonstrate good forestry practices – to show...
Read More
Five Fabulous Hikes There’s no better place to celebrate the Year of the Trail than our little corner of the world. Here in Transylvania County, you can choose to hit the trail in a national forest (Pisgah), a state park (Gorges), two state forests (DuPont and Headwaters) or a charming small town (Brevard). All told, there are more than over a hundred thousand acres of lush woodlands here. An afternoon hike in our part of the world will either soothe your soul or stretch your spirit depending on your path. Below you’ll find five not-to-be-missed hikes. 4 5 Pink Beds Loop Pisgah National Forest Here’s your chance to marvel at the capabilities of the irrepressible “castor canadensis” (more commonly known as the North American beaver) to transform a landscape. This mostly flat 5 mile trail works around bogs and ponds created by these industrious engineers. This high-elevation valley is ideal for a casual ramble. You’ll see lots of native wildflowers and ferns along the way. Be sure to visit the Forest Discovery Center at the nearby Cradle of Forestry, too. Reach the trailhead by entering Pisgah National Forest on US276 and drive north 11.4 miles. Parking is on the right. Level: EasyDistance: 5 milesTrail: Pink Beds LoopStarting Point: Picnic area of Pink Beds Directions: From intersection of US-276/US-64/NC-280, enter Pisgah National Forest. Go 11.4 miles on US-276 North. Turn right into Pink Beds Picnic Area. X 4 4 John Rock Pisgah National Forest John Rock is a local favorite, and with good...
Read More
Go With The Flow 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. 1 1 Discover River Snorkeling Want to try something a little out of the main stream? How about exploring the fascinating aquatic life beneath the surface, guided by a freshwater biologist? Ox Bow River Snorkeling offers trips in Pisgah National Forest that will open your eyes to an underwater world teeming with life – including over 30 fish species, numerous invertebrates (including crayfish) and the protected eastern hellbender salamander. 1 2 Tubing on the Davidson River Pisgah National Forest The Davidson River parallels US-276 as it journeys through Pisgah National Forest, giving you lots of convenient put-in and take-out options. But if you’ve never tubed the Davidson and don’t own tubes, we recommend this trip: Rent your tubes from Davidson River Rafting at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. Drive up US-276 and park your car at the Davidson River Campground. Put in at the bridge (commonly referred to as the Job Corp bridge). From here you’ll have an hour-long float down the Davidson. When you’re done, you can retrieve the car by walking the Eastatoe Trail (on the opposite side of the river from US-276) back to the Davidson River Campground–...
Read More
Leaf Your Worries Behind Five Out-of-the-Car Ways to Get Out and Enjoy Fall Color In Brevard The high mountains and lush forests of Brevard and Transylvania County are particularly spectacular when the leaves start to change. The month of October (and sometimes into November) produces spectacular hues in an ever-shifting palette of reds, yellows, oranges, greens, and near-purples. While you can get a front-row view of the color show from pretty much anywhere in Transylvania County, mild temperatures and easy access to outdoor adventure mean that you can enjoy the season change from a host of thrilling locations. Here are a few ideas to take your leaf game to (sometimes literally) the next level: 1. Paddle the Upper French Broad. Take a trip down one of the oldest rivers in the world, as it runs through a scenic landscape marked by high mountains, lush meadows, and all the colorful flora and fauna that call the area home. The trip is gentle and fun for all ages and abilities (though you might run into a small Class I rapid), so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to bask in the beauty of the season. 2. Cycle the Blue Ridge Parkway. The high twists and turns of the Blue Ridge Parkway have long offered cyclists some of the most rewarding rides and jaw-dropping vistas around. Cooler temperatures and the stunning fall color of the landscape make rides this time of year even more dazzling. 3. Hike to High Falls. DuPont State Recreational...
Read More
Three Wonderful Winter Adventures Be A Cool Rider Cycling in winter months has long been a favorite activity of avid road bikers. There’s less traffic, fewer crowds and real camaraderie among cyclists in the local community. Winters around Brevard often mean lots of mild, sunny days — sometimes temperatures can soar up around 70 degrees — and great views. The Blue Ridge Parkway closes during the winter, which makes its scenic stretches ideal for cyclists. Remember your lights! front and rear lights are required to ride on the Parkway. Find easy access by taking 276 up through Pisgah National Forest. You can park for free at Wagon Road Gap, walk your bike through the gate, and ride like the wind! And if that wind gets a little chilly, no worries, just remember to dress in layers. Pick up cold-weather gear at one of Transylvania County’s many bike shops and outfitters, where you can also get firsthand tips from locals and check on mountain biking opportunities as well. Or join up with the Winter Bike League for group rides and all sorts of expert advice. Find Your Inspiration For arts and culture lovers, Brevard’s thriving local scene provides a little bit of everything for the creative soul. Downtown Brevard’s many galleries feature works of all styles, varieties and media no matter your taste. And while wandering around, you can enjoy the Sculpture Tour, which features more than twenty works scattered throughout downtown. A bit further afield, you’ll find wonderful pottery...
Read More
Getting Here
Videos
General Info
Outdoors
Arts & Culture
Festivals
Event Calendar
