A Shopping Guide for Hitting the Outdoors
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, casting a line in a mountain stream, pedaling down a forest trail, or paddling one of North America’s oldest rivers, the right gear can make all the difference. Fortunately, Transylvania County is home to a variety of locally owned outfitters and outdoor retailers staffed by people who spend their days exploring the same trails, rivers, and forests you’ll be visiting.
Need a last-minute rain jacket? Looking for a bike rental? Want advice on trail conditions or the best fly patterns? These local shops can help you gear up and get outside.
Mountain Biking and Cycling
From world-famous mountain biking trails in Pisgah National Forest to scenic road and gravel routes winding through the mountains, Transylvania County is a cyclist’s paradise. Whether you’re bringing your own bike or looking to rent one, local bike shops can help you find the gear, repairs, and local knowledge you need for a great ride.
Gear Up
No bike? No problem! Rent quality bikes from Earth Mountain Bicycle. They also offer bicycle repairs, retail, coffee, and local beer.
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.
Sycamore Cycles in Pisgah Forest is your go-to shop for Specialized bikes and cycling gear from a friendly and knowledgeable staff.
CykelWorx is conveniently located in Downtown Brevard. They offer top-tier brands, service, and repairs.
Find high-quality equipment for your adventure and grab a local brew at Weevil Outdoor Gear & Beer. They are located in Pisgah Forest.
Hiking & Camping
With more than 110,000 acres of public lands, 250 waterfalls, and countless opportunities for backcountry and campground adventures, Transylvania County is a haven for hikers and campers alike. From short waterfall walks and day hikes to overnight stays in Pisgah National Forest, local outfitters can help ensure you’re prepared with the gear and knowledge you need.
Gear Up
Before pitching a tent or hitting the trail, grab some essentials and fuel up with freshly brewed coffee from The Outpost at Lake Toxaway.
D.D. Bullwinkel’s Outdoors has been outfitting adventurers in downtown Brevard for decades, offering footwear, apparel, backpacks, camping equipment, hydration systems, hiking accessories, and expert local advice. Grab a trail map and enjoy a local brew at their upstairs taproom, the Map Room.
Check out SylvanSport’s impressive and unique collection of pop-up campers, trailers, and other quality camping accessories.
Fly Fishing
Home to more than 421 miles of fishable trout streams, Transylvania County is a dream destination for anglers. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher or casting for the first time, local outfitters can help you find the right gear and conditions.
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
From the headwaters of the French Broad River to quiet mountain waterways and family-friendly tubing routes, Transylvania County offers a variety of ways to experience life on the water. Whether you’re interested in kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, or a relaxing float, local outfitters provide rentals, guided trips, instruction, and insider knowledge to help you make the most of your adventure.
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.
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.
Pura Vida offers guided kayaking and canoe trips, as well as equipment rentals for adventures on area waterways.
Tubing
Whether you’re looking for an exciting family-friendly day on the river or a relaxing float with friends, local outfitters provide rentals, instruction, and insider knowledge to help you make the most of your adventure.
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.
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.
More Than Gear
One of the best reasons to shop locally is the knowledge that comes with every purchase. The people working in these stores aren’t just selling gear—they’re hikers, cyclists, anglers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts who spend their free time exploring the same places you’re planning to visit.
Before heading out on your next adventure, stop by one of Transylvania County’s local outfitters. You might leave with a new piece of gear, but you’ll almost certainly leave with a few insider tips, too.
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.
