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...
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Destination Trip Tips Discover the Best of Transylvania County with Trip Tips from Catalina Noreña Catalina Noreña, Photo by Juan Diego Reyes. Catalina Noreña is a hiker, camping enthusiast, and mountain biker and the leader of Club de Exploradores, a free, bi-lingual outreach program that recruits middle school aged students from the Hispanic communities of Transylvania County and surrounding areas to go on monthly, all-day adventures in Pisgah National Forest. Read on for her recommendations of notable spots to visit and tips for visiting Transylvania County. Trip Tip Host: Catalina Noreña Outdoor Passion: Hiking, Camping, Mountain Biking North Carolina Location: Pisgah Forest, NC Paved path at the Cradle of Forestry What’s one of the most overlooked areas to recreate? The Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest. It is a beautiful site full of fun educational programs for all ages. One thing I really like about it is the accessibility piece; it has paved trails with moderate inclines that take you to beautiful historical buildings and sites. Fun for the whole family and it’s right by the Pink Beds picnic area which is another one of my favorite places to visit with friends and family. What’s your favorite season to recreate in NC and why? I love all seasons here but I gotta say, there’s something very special about winter time in this area. The views are pretty spectacular without the foliage. Catalina with Club de Exploradores, Photo by Juan Diego Reyes What level of experience is needed...
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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...
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