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Take a Drive In Brevard This Fall

Take a Drive In Brevard This Fall

Take a Drive In Brevard This Fall Fall is a stunning time to visit Transylvania County, and we are ready to welcome you!  So, whether you’re cruising in a sleek convertible or packing the family into the minivan, a fall drive through Transylvania County is an experience you won’t want to miss. Now more than ever, it is important for you to Explore Responsibly by being mindful of your footprint and making choices that support our community. Make sure to stop by our locally owned shops, restaurants, and attractions, all eager to provide you with a warm and memorable experience. We encourage you to book a night or two in one of our many lodging options.  PISGAH HIGHWAY TO CRADLE OF FORESTRY AND BACK Pisgah Highway, US 276, 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 the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest on US 276 and begin heading north. You’ll encounter several great attractions and stops, including the Pisgah Ranger Station and Visitor Center, Looking Glass Falls, and the Cradle of Forestry. Sliding Rock Recreational Area is currently closed for the season.  Once you reach the Cradle of Forestry, a 6,500-acre site nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, you can stop by the Discovery Center to learn about the history of forest conservation and management in Pisgah National Forest. It is filled with informative and interactive displays... Read More
Explore The Cradle of Forestry

Explore The Cradle of Forestry

Explore The Cradle of Forestry With the Ghost of Tommy Hodges Photo Courtesy of FIND Outdoors Let’s hear a little about you, Tommy. I’m Tommy Hodges, and if you’ve heard my name before, you probably know it’s tied to one of the biggest mysteries ever to come out of Biltmore Forest School. You see, back in October of 1903, I vanished without a trace, and no one’s been able to figure out what happened to me since. I was just a regular student, full of curiosity, generosity, eager to lend a helping hand and always entertaining folks by telling stories. That crisp fall morning started like any other, full of wonder and I decided to take a walk along the familiar trails near the campus. Little did I know that this ordinary stroll would turn into something that would baffle everyone and become a part of school legend. Now, here I am, a name in a story that’s captivated imaginations and sparked all sorts of theories. No one really knows where I went or why I never came back. But if there’s one thing I can say for sure, it’s that my disappearance has left behind a mystery that no one seems to be able to solve. How am I speaking with you now, over a hundred years since my disappearance? Well, that’s just another piece of the mystery.    Inside the Biltmore Forest School Tell us about The Cradle of Forestry. The Cradle of Forestry in America is... Read More
Gear Up for Adventure: Shopping Guide for Hitting the Outdoors

Gear Up for Adventure: Shopping Guide for Hitting the Outdoors

Gear Up for Adventure Shopping Guide for Hitting the Outdoors What’s your favorite way to play in Transylvania County? Maybe that’s not a fair question. After all, it can be tough picking your favorite activity in an outdoor adventure mecca. Our corner of the mountains has some of the top rock climbing and mountain biking in the Southeast, renowned fly fishing, and scenic hikes that are always worth the trek. It doesn’t get much better than that! Well, it can get a little bit better with the right gear. With premiere outdoor adventures come top-notch outdoor outfitters, ready to help you gear up for any excursion. We’ve paired up a few of our favorite adventures in Transylvania County with local, knowledgeable outfitters to set you up for success in the outdoors. Mountain Biking Transylvania County is one of the premier destinations in the country for mountain biking. A lesser-known gem for going off-road is the Bracken Mountain Preserve, which has approximately 9 miles of multi-use trails. The adventurous single track of Bracken acts as a kind of connector between the bustling town of Brevard and the wide-open spaces of Pisgah National Forest, making it a perfect spot for mountain biking. Gear Up: Earth Mountain Bicycles No bike? No problem! Rent quality bikes from Earth Mountain Bicycle. They also offer bicycle repairs, retail, coffee, and local beer. Plus, they’re the only bike shop on Main Street in Downtown Brevard. The Hub Get the biking gear, rentals, outdoor equipment, and cold... Read More
Chills & Thrills in Transylvania County

Chills & Thrills in Transylvania County

Chills & Thrills in Transylvania County With the Halloween season almost upon us, the Adventurist thought you might enjoy hearing about some of the spooky legends of Transylvania County. As Halloween approaches, we recomend you share these local stories around a campfire deep in the woods. And be sure to rustle up some s’mores to comfort your jangly nerves as you ponder those mysterious shadows that seem to be dancing out there in the darkness, just beyond the light cast by the flickering flames… The Legend of Tommy Hodges Transylvania County’s most famous, still unsolved case involves a young forestry student at the old Biltmore School (now the Cradle of Forestry) by the name of Tommy Hodges. The young man went missing one night, under mysterious circumstances, and was never found again. Every year, the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest recreates this tale with an interactive, theatrical experience that invites audiences to truly become part of the tale.  The Headless Man of Williamson Creek Sometime during the Civil War, a group of Union soldiers were discovered camping alongside Williamson Creek near Brevard. Nearby Confederate officers were sent to investigate, and upon seeing the men, killed them. One of the soldiers was decapitated and when the bodies were buried, they could not find the head. Not long after that, locals began reporting mysterious sounds and occasional sightings of a headless man near Glen Cannon Falls at night. He roamed the creekside, mourning his fallen comrades and searching for... Read More
Five Fabulous Hikes

Five Fabulous Hikes

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
Fifteen fun ways to chase away those rainy-day blahs.

Fifteen fun ways to chase away those rainy-day blahs.

Fifteen fun ways to chase away those rainy-day blahs. Inclement weather put a hitch in your outdoor plans? Not to worry. Here are fifteen “satisfaction guaranteed” ways to enjoy yourself in Brevard while you’re waiting for the sun to reappear.Have fun! 1 1 VETERANS HISTORY MUSEUM OF THE CAROLINAS Filled with unique and historic military artifacts, this free museum honors our country’s military history and celebrates the contributions of men and women from every branch of service. In addition to a collection that includes WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and War on Terror artifacts, the museum mounts regular temporary exhibits.  Click here, for location, times and information. 2 2 CO-ED CINEMA Since 1934, the Co-ed Cinema has been Brevard’s go-to destination for first-run movies. Step back in time at this classic old-fashioned theatre and sample the latest films from tinsel town. Find out what’s showing here. 3 3 TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY LIBRARY There’s always something fun happening at this state-of-the-art facility located in downtown Brevard. Whether you want to find a good book to snuggle up with or take part in one of the regularly scheduled events (story times, music performances, craft classes), the Transylvania County Library is a great place to relax and explore. 4 4 TRANSYLVANIA COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL (TCArts) If you love art, TCArts is the place for you. Here you’ll find a regular rotation of exhibits by local and regional artists. If you’re inspired to create works of your own, TCArts offers pottery classes and other opportunities... Read More
Leaf Your Worries Behind

Leaf Your Worries Behind

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
Five Fabulous Fall Hikes

Five Fabulous Fall Hikes

Five Fabulous Fall Hikes For visitors to Brevard and Transylvania County, a walk in the woods takes on a whole new meaning. With a national forest (Pisgah), a state park (Gorges), two state forests (DuPont and Headwaters) making up over a hundred thousand acres of lush woodlands, 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. 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. JOHN ROCK PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST John Rock is a local favorite, and with good reason. This well-marked loop summits along the smooth granite face of John Rock and affords breathtaking views of Looking Glass Rock and the distant ridgeline of the Pisgah Range to the northwest.... Read More
Top 10 Waterfalls

Top 10 Waterfalls

Top 10 Waterfalls When you’ve got 250 waterfalls from which to choose, the competition gets pretty tough. We ranked our Top 10 Transylvania County waterfalls based on beauty and accessibility. 10 10 Moore Cove Falls Pisgah National Forest Wind your way through fern banks and mature forest to this lovely cove. It’s all quite enchanting — as are the falls themselves, which cascade like a thin vell over a rock grotto. X 9 9 Wintergreen Falls Dupont State Recreation Forest A lesser-known gem tucked away in a quieter area of DuPont but quite easy to get to, although you will need to be careful on the rocky trail leading to the base of the falls. X 8 8 Hooker Falls Dupont State Recreation Forest This picturesque ledge-style waterfall tumbles into a pool that’s darn near perfect for swimming. The flat sandy banks make getting in and out of the Little River a cinch. Featured in the hit movie, The Last of the Mohicans. X 7 7 Upper Bearwallow Falls Gorges State Park A moderate one-mile hike on a well-maintained trail brings you to a safe and roomy viewing platform that offers up a long-range look at this remote waterfall in Gorges State Park. X 6 6 Turtleback Falls Pisgah National Forest Located a short hike upriver from Rainbow Falls (see #3), Turtleback has a laidback, calming vibe that makes it a nice contrast to its more famous sibling. X 5 5 Batson Falls Connestee Falls, Transylvania County A kid-friendly... Read More