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

Cruise into Fall Color Whether you’re behind the wheel of a fancy convertible or a family wagon, these two driving tours showcase the best of what Transylvania County has to offer in the autumn. Sure, you can speed through these routes, see plenty of sights and take in some breathtaking color, but the ideal way is take your foot off the gas and plan to make several stops along the way. Remember: the trees at a higher elevation change color earlier than those below, so enjoy the view from the top! Transylvania County Loop(3-7 hours, depending on stops) If you want a grand tour of all of Transylvania County’s most gorgeous fall leaf color, this is it. Begin in downtown Brevard, where you can get helpful information about our area at our Visitor Center and fortify yourself with coffee and sweet rolls from one of our local bakeries or cafes before setting out. Your route takes you into the yellow and red-dappled Pisgah National Forest where you can get sidetracked by any number of great attractions, from Looking Glass Falls to Sliding Rock to the seasonally-hued Cradle of Forestry. Top out on the Blue Ridge Parkway and follow it south through brilliant splashes of rich hues on the surrounding mountains. Numerous overlooks offer up the spectacular fall color of the Blue Ridge mountains at peak season, and the awesome rock monolith of Looking Glass Rock. At Devil’s Courthouse, stretch your legs on a trail that summits on a granite... Read More

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. 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. 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... Read More