“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. 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
Mountain Love Song Shannon Whitworth and Woody Platt offer up their Valentine’s Day Tips If you’re looking for a sweet spot to spend your Valentine’s Day, then Transylvania County is the natural choice. The waterfalls. The high peaks. The windy paths, which can transition from thick evergreen foliage, even in winter, to quiet forest glades are about as close to fairytale romance as you’re going to get, absent animated bluebirds and a friendly unicorn. It’s pretty easy to fall in love in Transylvania County; it’s maybe even easier to fall in love with Transylvania County. Just ask the locals. Wife and husband Shannon Whitworth and Woody Platt are widely known for their impressive multi-hyphenate artistic careers (she is a singer-songwriter as well as a celebrated visual artist; he is Grammy®-winning bluegrass musician, professional fly fisherman, and was a founding member of the Steep Canyon Rangers). But at home in Brevard, they are also dedicated parents and passionate advocates for what makes the place they live so special. Q&A Q&A: With Valentine’s Day approaching, what are your favorite romantic spots around Transylvania County? Shannon: My idea of the perfect Valentine’s Day is heading into the woods or hitting a trail that leads to some wonderful water. Woody: I love the waterfalls and rivers, both the obvious and the more tucked away. Nearly every walk or hike you take in our county can lead you to a romantic location. photo: courtesy of Seyl Park Q&A Q&A: What makes a good date night in Brevard/Transylvania County?Any... 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
Red Spruce & Carolina Flying Squirrel A 78-Foot Red Spruce from Pisgah Travels to DC as the US Capitol Christmas Tree The assortment of fir trees and evergreens that thrive in the higher elevations of Brevard and Transylvania County is one of the area’s most scenic and treasured signs of life in our mountains. Among these, the red spruce stands tall and is particularly important not just to our area but to the region beyond. Known as the “Redwoods of the East,” North Carolina’s red spruce is the largest conifer indigenous to the Southern Appalachians. Its spindly, high-reaching branches rise up like an island in the sky over the high tops of the Blue Ridge, providing color and texture to the landscape and a critical pocket ecosystem for flora and fauna, among them Carolina Northern Flying Squirrels, which are listed as federally endangered. These delightful, furry aviators enjoy a symbiotic relationship with the red spruce via a particular underground fungus. These fungi provide water and nutrients for the trees and receive sugars in return. The squirrels then spread the spores through the forest, which helps the red spruce. Many decades of logging and wildfires led to a precipitous decline in the Appalachian red spruce by the middle of the 20th century. In 2013, Transylvania County’s Southern Highlands Reserve (SHR), a nonprofit, high-elevation native plant garden and research center, undertook a partnership with the Nature Conservancy to restore red spruce trees to the Southern Appalachians. Two years later, in 2015,... Read More
Four Fantastic Fall Drives Whether you’re behind the wheel of a fancy convertible or the family minivan, a fall driving tour of Transylvania County is an unforgettable experience. Sure, you can speed through these routes and see plenty of sights, but the ideal way is to take your foot off the gas and plan to make several stops along the way. 1 1 TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY LOOP (3 – 7 hours, depending on stops) When it comes to driving tours, this is the Big Kahuna. It serves as both a wonderful introduction to the county and a splendid opportunity to see fall color thanks to the dramatic elevation changes along the route. To start, enter Pisgah National Forest on US 276 and begin heading north. You’ll encounter a number of great attractions and stops, including the Pisgah Ranger Station and Visitor Center, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and the Cradle of Forestry. Once you’re on the Blue Ridge Parkway, numerous overlooks offer up stunning views of the Blue Ridge mountains and the awesome rock monolith of Looking Glass Rock. We especially recommend Pounding Mill Overlook (Milepost 413.2), Graveyard Fields (Milepost 418.8), and Devil’s Courthouse (422.4). Come off the BRP at NC 215 for a winding trip back down into the valley. This stretch also offers abundant opportunities to discover why Transylvania County is known as the Land of Waterfalls, including Courthouse, Bird Rock, Mill Shoals, and French Broad Falls. Head east on US 64 and you’ll be back in... Read More
Rocking and Rolling Gravel Cycling in Transylvania County Brevard/Transylvania County is justifiably renowned for its mountain biking and road cycling. But there’s a lesser known – yet equally superb – cycling activity that’s gaining popularity. Best of all, there’s no better place on the planet to try it than right here. The sport is gravel biking. You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers! Q&A Q&A: What is gravel biking? Think of gravel biking as a hybrid between mountain biking and road cycling. In most cases, gravel biking takes place on an unpaved road with bikes that are similar to road bikes, but with wider and/or treaded tires. Q&A Q&A: What’s the point? In a word: fun. Gravel bikes enable you to explore deep in the woods while riding on non-technical surfaces. So, in many respects, you get the benefits of mountain biking without the technical challenges of maneuvering around large rocks and roots. Q&A Q&A: Why is Transylvania County such a great place to gravel bike? Thanks to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest, there are literally hundreds of miles of well-maintained gravel roads, often referred to as “Forest Service” or “FS” roads. The opportunities for deep exploration into pristine corners of our county are multiplied many times over when your mode of transportation is a gravel bike. Q&A Q&A: What kind of bike do I need? Thanks to the growing popularity of gravel biking, manufacturers offer a wide range of gravel-specific bikes featuring wider tires and a... Read More
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