A 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 premier 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
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.
Get the biking gear, rentals, outdoor equipment, and cold beer on tap at The Hub — right at the entrance of Pisgah National Forest.
Located in the Brevard Lumberyard District, Squatch Bikes and Brews services bikes and also offers rentals. While there, you can also enjoy a local brew.
Get the best cycling gear and rentals for your needs from a friendly, knowledgeable staff at Sycamore Cycles.
Next Venture is the place for the sustainably-minded shopper to get either new or gently used gear while also offering full-service bike repair.
Stop by DuPont Bike Shop in Hiker & the Hound to get gear, bikes, and bike repair service right at the front door of DuPont State Recreational Forest.
Find high-quality equipment for your adventure and head back for a crisp, local brew at Weevil Outdoor Gear & Beer.
Hiking & Camping
Sleep under the stars and immerse yourself in mountain beauty with a camping trip to Gorges State Park or Pisgah National Forest. These areas are also well known for incredible hiking trails, like Rainbow Falls Trail, John Rock Trail, Devil’s Courthouse, and Looking Glass Mountain Trail, just to name a few.
Gear Up
Before pitching a tent or hitting the trail, fuel up with freshly brewed coffee from The Outpost at Lake Toxaway.
Get your hiking and camping gear at D.D. Bullwinkel’s Outdoors in Downtown Brevard. Grab a trail map and enjoy a local brew at their upstairs taproom, the Map Room.
Just at the edge of DuPont State Forest, Hiker & the Hound carries the quality outdoor goods necessary for an enjoyable hike for yourself, the kids, and your four-legged explorer.
Old equipment deserves a new life. Find secondhand, name-brand gear and a rotation of awesome inventory at Next Venture Outdoors.
Check out SylvanSport’s impressive and unique collection of pop-up campers, trailers, and other quality camping accessories.
Fly Fishing
Transylvania County has some of the most talked-about fly fishing waters in the Southeast. The Davidson River, known for its brown trout, carves its way through the mountains of the Pisgah Ranger District. It’s a favorite spot for anglers, providing the perfect backdrop for a day on the river or a relaxing evening casting a line.
Gear Up
What better place to gear up for a fishing trip on the Davidson River than Davidson River Outfitters? They are located on the river at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and carry a full line of fly-fishing gear and apparel.
Located at mile zero of the French Broad River, Headwaters Outfitters is your one-stop-shop for all things fishing and water sports in Transylvania County.
Paddling
Not every scenic path in Transylvania County is on land — some go with the flow of our area rivers. The way that the French Broad River meanders through Transylvania County is nothing short of spectacular, making it perfect for paddling. There are over 30 miles of river to explore with 6 access points throughout the county, and countless views that will make you say “Wow!”
Gear Up
Before tackling the French Broad River, get expert guidance and high-quality gear at Headwaters Outfitters.
Tubular Tubing & Outdoor Adventures
Rent a canoe or kayak at Tubular Tubing before heading out for a day on the water.
Score a great deal on secondhand paddling equipment from the informed staff at Next Venture Outdoors.
Pura Vida offers guided kayaking and canoe trips, as well as equipment rentals for adventures on area waterways.
Tubing & Paddle Boarding
If a slower pace sounds just right, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a relaxing day on the water. Whether you’re tubing down the French Broad or Davidson Rivers, paddleboarding across a scenic mountain lake, or cooling off in a local swimming hole, our friendly guides and outfitters can help you make the most of it.
Gear Up
For a laid-back float on the French Broad River, Brevard Tubing has you covered with their photo-worthy pink tubes. Shuttle services are available.
Headwaters Outfitters is the perfect launch spot for a day of tubing the French Broad River. Shuttle services are available.
Tubular Tubing & Outdoor Adventures
Conveniently located near Champion Park in Rosman, Tubular Tubing offers great access to the French Broad River. Shuttle services are available.
White Squirrel Paddle Boards offers stand-up paddleboard rentals for self-guided trips.
Davidson River Rafting
Conveniently located at Dolly’s Dairy Bar, Davidson River Rafting offers an easy way to explore the clear waters of the Davidson River.
Purchase a tube from The Outpost at Lake Toxaway and float down the river at your own pace.
Wai Mauna offers guided stand-up paddleboard adventures, self-guided rentals with a shuttle service, and convenient delivery to many of the area’s scenic lakes.
Leave It Better
As a visitor to our public lands, all explorers have a responsibility to care for the forests and parks that we all share. After getting the proper gear for your adventure, be mindful of the impact that you and your new equipment have on our natural resources. Do your part to “Leave It Better” and ensure these beautiful natural assets are here for generations to come.
Be sure to Leave It Better when visiting forests and waterways by following these tips:
- Pick it up.
- Pitch in.
- Prepare yourself
- Protect habitats.
- Politeness, please.
- Preach what you practice.
