Discover the Best of Transylvania County with Trip Tips from Catalina Noreñ​a

 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. 

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 to recreate in this area?

You don’t have to be an experienced adventurer or a seasoned hiker or mountain biker to enjoy this area. There are so many places to visit that are easily accessible, have facilities, pretty views, a swimming hole, or easy trails to explore. You can stop by the Ranger Station in Pisgah, the Visitor Center in DuPont State Forest, Gorges State Park Visitor Center, or any local outfitter in town for ideas, maps, and more. I lead a group of Latinx/Hispanic youth called Club de Exploradores and I have been introducing kids from the community to the outdoors for three years now. It has been a very rewarding experience to watch them become more comfortable and to understand that they can be in nature and be exploring without the pressure of fitting into any preconception of what a hiker, biker, or outdoor enthusiast is supposed to be or look like. The forest has something to offer to everyone independent of skill level or experience. 

How long should you plan on visiting the area?

That depends on how many waterfalls, views, trails, brews, and bites you want to enjoy! I say at least a full weekend for sure. 

Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest

What sets the area apart from other destinations?

The unbelievable number of things to do here. We have 250 waterfalls, hundreds of miles of single-track trails, hundreds of miles of fishable trout streams, amazing views, and a beautiful community that cares about this area very much. We have music, good food, breweries, super cool outfitters for people who want to try something new. Amazing local guides, camps, campgrounds. But what I think really makes a difference is the intention and the love that this community has for the area and this is shown through initiatives like Transylvania Always that is working hard to preserve and protect our natural resources and many other grassroots movements and organizations that are making a difference in raising awareness and welcoming everyone. Education is key to conservation and I think we are doing a good job at bringing visitors and locals alike in learning how to recreate and respect this area that so many of us call home.  

What is unique about the facilities and infrastructure of the area?

Accessibility. There is a greenway path, called the Estatoe Trail, that connects downtown Brevard to Pisgah National Forest. Great for all types of wheels and to take nice walks with the dogs. It goes by a dog park, a couple of breweries, a playground, a soccer field; definitely worth leaving the car at home. 

How do you plan ahead and prepare for your recreational activity?

I always make a plan and let at least one person know where I’m going and what time I am expected to be back. I check the weather, pack snacks and water and head out! This applies for all of my outdoor adventures from hiking to riding my bike. I like to carry a pocket knife, a headlamp, a raincoat, and extra layer just in case!

 Catalina with Club de Exploradores, Photo by Juan Diego Reyes

What piece of outdoor equipment is your must have? 

This depends on the activity but a daypack and a bandana are my most favorite ones paired with a reusable sturdy water bottle and wool socks!

How do you put one Outdoor NC Leave no Trace principle in action before/during/or after your activity?

Before: Plan ahead and prepare – It is important to prepare yourself. Always have a plan, check the weather, prepare for the day ahead of you, and always bring snacks and water!

After: Dispose of waste properly – Pack it out. Anything that comes with me leaves with me and if I see someone else’s trash, I’ll try to pick it up. I like to think that I’m helping leave this place better for others to enjoy it too and you know that, that feels very nice too!

I love that our local tourism office has its own version of Leave No Trace, it’s called Leave It Better. Trashsquatch, a forest dweller formed from litter left by visitors to his home, is the face of the initiative and invites everyone to make trash as rare as him.

Enjoying a brew after a ride at The Hub

Favorite place for to visit before or after an outdoor adventure for a meal/coffee/or another beverage? 

My personal favorites after an adventure in Pisgah are:

• The Hub and Pisgah Tavern (bike shop and outfitter)
• Velvet Cup (Coffee and mini donut truck) 
• Headwaters Outfitters and Forks of the River taproom (fly fishing, tubing outfitters)

For an after DuPont adventure I like:

• Cedar Mountain Outpost (great food, wine, and sometimes live music)
• Cedar Mountain Canteen (great beverages on tap and zero waste, employee-owned coop)
• Velvet Cup Coffee Truck (coffee and mini donuts)

If I’m in town then I go to:

• 185 King st for great food, beer, and live music

Share a unique place to stay in the area. Why would you recommend these accommodations?

Davidson River Campground is where I always camped when I first started to visit this area. It’s very conveniently located at the entrance of Pisgah, and has great facilities, and access to trails and the river.

If you are not a camper, you can check out Foggy Bottom Cabins near Dupont and Pilot Cove behind The Hub. 

Other overlooked and under-visited locations in the area to see while in town?

Local guides and companies that can make your experience even better and take you places where not many other visitors go. I would check out Red Wolf Tours for mountain bike tours, Adventure Grown guides for rock climbing, backpacking, and more, Pura Vida Adventures for rappelling, shuttles, guided rides, and more. Davidson River Outfitters for an amazing fly-fishing experience. Support local. 

What is your ‘can’t miss experience’ in the area?

A nice stroll through downtown Brevard to visit and shop at all the little local shops and farmers market on Saturday morning. It’ll set the mood for a great afternoon ahead. 

Insider tip! 

We all go to bed early in this town. If you want to dine out, make reservations ahead of time and plan to go to dinner no later than 7 pm!

Click here to learn more about Catalina’s work with Club de Exploradores on the Find Outdoors website.