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Escape the Ordinary: Unusual Outdoor Experiences and Stays
Adventure opportunities of every kind abound in Brevard and Transylvania County. But there is a whole host of under-the-radar experiences awaiting your discovery. Here are some exciting ways to create new memories in North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls.
Dive into a new adventure
Oxbow River Snorkling offers a different way of seeing the natural world: an underwater tour of our mountain rivers and streams. Best of all, you’ll be guided by a freshwater biologist who will help you identify a fascinating variety of native species, including the Eastern Hellbender Salamander. This unique aquatic adventure is best experienced during the spring, summer, and fall.
Escape the daily grind
If you love coffee and you love hiking, Nero Coffee’s Guided Coffee Hikes might be just the thing. This Brevard-based business offers four different hikes and all of them end with a freshly brewed cup of joe perked up especially for you right beside a waterfall. Hungering for an even more satisfying experience? Nero Coffee Hikes has also partnered up with Food for Adventures to offer meals cooked by a waterfall.
Book a llama, mañana
Looking for something truly unique? Then try a llama hike offered by Earthshine Lodge. Their experienced guides will match you and you group up with friendly llamas that you can lead on a 1 ½ hour excursion in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Star light, star bright
Transylvania County is renowned for the dark sky conditions that make star gazing here an out of this world experience. To top it off, we’re home to the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI), the ideal place to learn more about the wonders of the universe. PARI offers monthly star gazing experiences that are perfect for amateurs and professionals alike.
Rope up
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the thrill of rock climbing, there’s no better place to learn than in Transylvania County, home to Looking Glass Rock – one of the premier climbing destinations on the East Coast. Pisgah Climbing School, Pura Vida Adventures, and Fox Mountain Guides offer courses for beginners as well as skill-building courses for more experienced climbers. Want to pick up some rock climbing skills in a more controlled environment? Check out Brevard Rock Gym.
The Blue Ridge Parkway in a whole new way
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a great place to experience anytime of the year. In winter vehicle closures result in some amazing opportunities to hike and bicycle on “America’s Favorite Drive.” Check out current BRP roadway closures and conditions and then plan your hike or cycling adventure accordingly. Many hikers and cyclists access the closed sections of the Parkway via US 276 and US 215. From either of these spots, you can reach several scenic overlooks and a host of trailheads, including Devil’s Courthouse. Enjoy the spectacular long-range winter views in a relaxing, traffic-free environment.
River Rendezvous
The French Broad River Paddle Trail is the perfect combination of adventure and tranquility, tracing the path of the world’s third-oldest river. It has something for everyone from relaxed tubing to backcountry canoeing. The trail runs 140 miles from Rosman, NC to Newport, TN with dozens of riverside campsites along the way. Float down the river by day and gather around the campfire by night, it doesn’t get much better than that. We recommend the Headwaters Discovery trip to experience the best of our county in two days.
Get alert to the yurt
Brevard and Transylvania County possess a wide variety of great places to stay, but one of the more unique ones is DuPont Yurts. Conveniently located just a mile from DuPont State Recreational Forest, these luxurious yurts have it all – heat and AC, fire pits, full kitchens, relaxing decks, wi-fi, and more. There’s no more comfortable way to get back to nature.
Vintage vibes
Our list of unusual stays wouldn’t be complete without a mention of The Sunset Motel, which won USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Award for Best Roadside Motel in 2023. This retro motel, with mid-century modern themes, is situated just an easy stroll from the heart of downtown Brevard.
