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.... Read More
Memorable Road Rides: Wheely Fun Transylvania County has earned a worldwide — and well-deserved — reputation for itsspectacular mountain biking. Yet the road cycling opportunities here are just as rich, variedand rewarding, whether you’re a beginner to the sport, a dedicated club rider or a trainingprofessional. Here are three routes (easy, intermediate and challenging) that provide anexcellent introduction to two-wheeled travel in Transylvania County and give you theopportunity to celebrate North Carolina’s “Year of The Trail.” For more road cycling trails,check out Pisgah Map Company’s “Ride Transylvania” map, available here. 1. Easy Name: Walnut Hollow & East Fork River ValleyDistance: 26 milesElevation Gain: 1,542 feetType: Paved RoadStart: Downtown Brevard, Visitors Center Map and Elevation Profile Description: Are you short on time but want to get in a good workout? This popular route fits the bill. Leaving downtown Brevard, enjoy a pleasant six-mile warm up before encountering the legendary climb up Walnut Hollow. But take heart: from the top of thisone-mile climb (average 7.6% gradient), it’s an invigorating descent down to the East Fork of the French Broad River and a scenic valley ride to Rosman and back to Brevard. 2. Intermediate Name: Headwaters LoopLevel: Easy-IntermediateDistance: 20.4 milesElevation Gain: 1,815 feetType: RoadStart: Champion Park, Rosman Map and Elevation Profile Description: While short, this route in the western part of Transylvania County possesses all the qualities that make the “Land of Waterfalls” such a special place to tour. You’ll find convenient parking at Champion Park in Rosman where this ride begins. Along... Read More
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... Read More
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.... Read More
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.... Read More
“Leave It Better” And Be Like Trashsquatch We love Brevard and Transylvania County. And we know that you do, too. That’s why we introduced our “Leave It Better” initiative several years ago. It has been the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority’s (TCTDA) most ambitious and wide-ranging effort to make a profound difference when it comes to protecting the natural resources that bring so much joy and relaxation to visitors. The TCTDA sustainability committee, Transylvania Always, inspired by the “Leave No Trace” principles, developed the “Leave It Better” campaign. Each year, millions of pounds of garbage are left behind in America’s forests, streams and rivers as visitors enjoy public lands. The “Leave It Better” initiative is designed to educate and encourage people to take responsibility for protecting and preserving these fragile natural assets. Transylvania County is over 50% public land, and is home to Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Headwaters State Forest, and Gorges State Park. With the Transylvania Always “Leave It Better” campaign, the TCTDA hopes the public continues to help keep these public lands beautiful and accessible to everyone for years to come. TS TS MEET TRASHSQUATCH The TCTDA’s Transylvania Always committee has its very own forest steward roaming our county. Trashsquatch, a mythical forest dweller, developed out of litter left by visitors to his home, asks public land users to “Leave It Better” and make trash as difficult to find as he is. While you may not see him in the woods, Trashsquatch has... Read More
Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas In 2017, the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas opened in downtown Brevard. The museum is dedicated to honoring the veterans of our armed services from World War I to the present. In the six years since its opening, the museum has grown from a modest initiative to a truly impressive and ever-growing collection of valuable and meaningful military artifacts – from uniforms, medals and citations to a restored 1943 Willy’s Army jeep set against the backdrop of a military APO (American Post Office). We recently caught up with Emmett Casciato, founder and curator of the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas for an insightful Q & A. Q&A Q&A: Emmett, how did you become interested in collecting military memorabilia? I’ve always been engrossed with military history, but I started collecting in 2000. I was teaching school in Florida and my daughter was in the Junior ROTC. I never served a day in my life. It was one of my major regrets. My dad served in WWII and my daughter served in Afghanistan after graduating from West Point. My son-in-law was a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. I said to myself, ‘If I didn’t serve, at least I can serve now in some way. Q&A Q&A: When did you make the decision to open a museum? It was about three years after I started collecting. My house had already become almost like a museum. One of my buddies, his father had served in the China-Burma-India... Read More
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 during North Carolina’s Year of the Trail. It’s a great way to enjoy Mother Nature in her role as landscape artist, nonpariel. Tip: A good wildflower guide is an ideal companion for these walks. There are several excellent guides available, but we’re partial to Rosemarie Shannon Knoll’s superb series, which includes Wildflowers of the Blue Ridge Parkwayand Pisgah National Forest, Wildflower Quick Reference Guideand Wildflowers and Watefalls of DuPont State Recreational Forest. All three titles are available at High Falls Publishing. 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... 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
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
Explore Brevard’s 48-Hour Winter Wonderland If you’re looking to escape the winter doldrums, there’s no better destination than Brevard and Transylvania County. Explore Brevard’s Winter Wonderland itinerary is perfect for a weekend (or weekday) getaway. Our handy accommodations finder and specials page will help you find a great deal and locate the perfect spot to hang your hat – or your wool stocking cap. Day 1 Day 1 Morning – The Enduring Appeal of Pisgah Winters in Transylvania County are typically mild, which means that with the right clothing choices, you can be quite comfortable exploring the outdoors. Better yet, the winter views are generally spectacular with the contours of the mountains even more pronounced. You’ll also see how prolific our evergreens, rhododendron, spruce, and mountain laurel are – great swaths of dense green color provide an appealing contrast to the rest of the forest in its winter adornment. On your first day, start in Pisgah National Forest. Here you’ll find multiple trails of varying lengths and features. Some to consider are Looking Glass Rock, John Rock, Moore Cove Falls and the Pink Beds. We recommend downloading the AllTrails app (free) as a handy way to determine which trails are most appropriate for you interests and fitness level. The Pisgah Forest Ranger Station is also a great resource for information on trails and insights into the local flora and fauna. While there, don’t miss the Andy Cove Trail. It’s a short (less than a mile) hike into a... Read More
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