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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The Ultimate Guide to Water Activities in Brevard & Transylvania County, NC Summer approaching means warmer temperatures and a corresponding urge to cool off. Luckily, there’s no shortage of ways to do just that in the Land of Waterfalls. The Adventurist invites you to discover the many ways you can paddle, fish, swim, tube, slide, and generally have the time of your life in our refreshing rivers, stocked streams, and alluring lakes. Read on to learn what it takes to go with the flow. Waterfall Hunting Waterfalls abound throughout the county thanks to numerous tributaries that flow down from some of the highest peaks east of the Rocky Mountains. Consider Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, and Gorges State Park as sensible starting points. For an overview of the most popular falls in each public land, click here. You can also pick up a copy of our Adventure Guide and Waterfall Map at the Visitor Center on 175 East Main Street in downtown Brevard, or access it here. And please remember while our waterfalls are beautiful, the areas around them can be dangerous. Protect yourself and your loved ones by learning how to Be Waterfall Wise. Paddling & Paddleboarding The French Broad, the third oldest river in the world, offers multiple ways to travel as far as your heart and paddle will take you and is the ideal place to build your paddling skills. Its consistent current and gentle rapids make for an ideal day on the water, whether you’re a...
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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...
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Taps & Trails: Pairing Mountain Biking Trails with Local Craft Breweries Pairing Mountain Biking Trails with Local Craft Breweries Brevard and Transylvania County serve up incredible mountain biking and amazing craft beers. So, what better way to ring in North Carolina’s Year of the Trail than with a “Taps and Trails” pairing. We’ve picked five trails and matched them with five brews that share similar characteristics. We called on avid mountain biker and in-the-know beer connoisseur Ben Hardy to help us out. 1 1 Pairing #1 Brewery: Brevard Brewing CompanyBeer: Bohemian Pilsner, 4.9% ABVTrail: Ridgeline, DuPont State Recreational Forest Why they go well together:“Ridgeline is a classic local trail in DuPont. It’s probably on the top five list of anyone who’s ever ridden around Brevard, and you’ll quickly understand why. Ridgeline is all fun and flow. Riders of any skill level should find plenty of enjoyment. The trail has enough whoops and berms to keep it exciting, but it’s smooth and gentle all the way down.” “BBC’s Bohemian Pilsner is a classic style brewed with respect to tradition. It’s the perfect refresher after a day of riding, guaranteed to keep the fun rolling. Just like Ridgeline, this beer is a smooth character, packed with flavor, but not over the top. You’ll want to keep it flowin’.” About Ridgeline About Brevard Brewing Company: Opened in 2012, BBC holds the distinction of being Brevard’s first craft brewery. It’s also notable for the dedication and passion owner and brew master Kyle Williams...
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Gears and Gills Double your fun by combining two favorite outdoor activities. The public lands in Transylvania County serve as the backdrop for myriad outdoor activities. For many, it means an opportunity to combine their favorite hobbies. Here are three great starter tips. 1 1 KEEP IT SIMPLE Brevard resident Christian McLauchlin is a passionate mountain biker. But he also enjoys wetting a line from time to time. He likes nothing better than to combine his two passions, especially in the summer. “In the summer you don’t need boots and waders,” McLauchlin says. “So, all you really need is your flies, rod and reel and a pair of good sandals.” The minimal gear can easily be carried in a small backpack. What McLauchlin likes most about using his mountain bike is that it can take him to places he wouldn’t fly fish otherwise. “It allows you to get into places that people can’t get to from their car or that would require a long hike,” McLauchlin says. The appeal is obvious: fewer people, more fish and a more enjoyable experience. 2 2 DISCOVER TENKARA If you want to go super minimalist on fly fishing gear, Kevin Howell at Davidson River Outfitters suggests looking into the art of tenkara. Originating in Japan, this ancient form of fly fishing relies on very simple equipment that can easily be broken down or telescoped to fit in a small backpack. In Japanese, the word “tenkara” translates into “fishing from the skies.” Tenkara...
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Cabin Fever Five Fun Facts about Brevard’s Summer Camps Each summer, Transylvania County hosts thousands of young people from all over the nation and world at the many summer camps in and around Brevard. Ranging from days with backpacks and bug juice to internationally renowned music programs, Brevard’s summer camps are a treasured part of our history and a large contribution to what has made our community so beloved for generations. As we round out the end of care-package season, here are five things you might not know about Brevard’s summer camps: 1 1 SUMMER CAMPS HAVE A RICH HISTORY. Hundreds of children of all ages come to Brevard every summer. The relationship between summer campers and the larger community can be felt all over town, from the camp-specific flavors of ice cream at Dolly’s near the entrance to Pisgah National Forest to the shops downtown that offer camp care packages. The sounds of happy voices filling the forests and waterways with laughter, joy, and imagination echo the seemingly limitless possibilities of summertime when you’re young at heart. 2 2 Brevard’s first summer camp opened in 1913. Camp French Broad opened its doors in 1913, and Camp Sapphire arrived a year later in 1914. Keystone Camp, the area’s first camp for girls, which is still producing new generations of happy campers, started two years later in 1916. 3 3 The Brevard Music Center was originally called Transylvania Music Camp. James Christian Pfohl moved his summertime Davidson Music School from...
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How To Float Your Boat (or Inner Tube): Jump in 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 two great ways to go with the flow on our storied waterways. 1 1 Tubing on the Davidson River Pisgah National Forest The Davidson River parallels US-276 as it journeys through Pisgah National Forest, giving you lots of convenient put-in and take-out options. But if you’ve never tubed the Davidson and don’t own tubes, we recommend this trip: Rent your tubes from Davidson River Rafting at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. Drive up US-276 and park your car at the Davidson River Campground. Put in at the bridge (commonly referred to as the Job Corp bridge). From here you’ll have an hour-long float down the Davidson. When you’re done, you can retrieve the car by walking the Eastatoe Trail (on the opposite side of the river from US-276) back to the Davidson River Campground– just a 10 minute walk. X 2 2 Explore the French Broad River The French Broad River and its many tributaries offer boundless opportunities for paddlers, from exciting class 4 and 5 rapids to placid flat water. But if you want a fun, low-key introduction to the river’s many charms, we recommend a half or full day excursion offered by outfitters such as Headwaters Outfitters and Pura Vida Adventures. Each company offers trips that take care of the equipment, portaging and...
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4 Tips From A Fly Fishing Champ: Get Hooked There are 500 miles of fishable trout waters within a one-hour drive of Brevard. No wonder avid anglers come from every point on the compass to test their skills here. We sought out Kevin Howell, past National Fly Fishing Masters Champion, to offer some tips on the best places to test your fly fishing prowess. A Transylvania County native, Kevin knows most of the fish on a first name basis. 1.) “To fly fish in North Carolina, purchase a North Carolina State Fishing license and a Trout Stamp. Both can be bought here. For more detailed advice, instruction and gear, check out Headwaters Outfitters and Davidson River Outfitters.” 2.) “If you’re a beginner, I would recommend heading over to the East Fork of the French Broad just outside of Rosman or to the Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest. Both of these are delayed harvest streams. From October to June, the state of North Carolina stocks these waters, so if you can get a good drift, you’re gonna catch a fish. Both streams are catch and release, artificial lure only.” Directions to East Fork: From downtown Brevard, go 7.8 miles on US-64 West and take a left on US-178 South/Pickens Highway. Go approximately 2 miles, then take a left on East Fork Road. After less than a mile, the road and the stream will converge and run roughly parallel for several miles, with several pull-offs along the way. A...
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