Brevard is famous for more than a single attraction.
It is known as North Carolina’s “Land of Waterfalls” and is also one of the best biking destinations in the United States.
Situated at the entrance of Pisgah Natural Forest, Brevard has already earned its name as a notable tourist destination.
The city’s bustling culture, pleasant weather, and scenic beauty have contributed to its popularity.
With a population of around 8,000 citizens and 5.12 square miles of area, Brevard is the perfect place to visit if you want to pause your fast-paced, busy life.
Interested to know more about this place?
Here are the 20 best things to do in Brevard, North Carolina:
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Nothing could be better than Pisgah Natural Forest to kick off your tour of Brevard.
This vast 500,000 acres of pristine forest is a worldwide attraction.
The natural forest used to be the property of George W.Vanderbilt.
Many consider the place the birthplace of modern forestry in the United States.
Pisgah also boasts the highest mountain peaks to the east of Mississippi.
Pisgah natural forest has two of the first designated forest areas of the Eastern United States, the Shining Rock and Linville Gorge.
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The entire forest is grouped into three ranger districts.
On either side of the Blue Ridge Parkway, south of Asheville, lies the Pisgah Ranger District.
Northwest of Asheville along the North Carolina/Tennessee state line and northeast of Asheville, including Mount Mitchell, comprises the Appalachian Ranger District.
Further, Northern and Eastern areas, like Linville Gorge, are part of the Grandfather Ranger District.
You can go on hikes through the trails of Pisgah Natural Forest.
Along the way, you will see majestic waterfalls and hike up the tallest peaks east of Mississippi.
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Haen Gallery, located on Main Street, provides a unique art experience for visitors.
The gallery has been open for over two decades and houses a variety of artwork from local and international artists.
Explore more than 100 pieces of art created from various mediums, including oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, and jewelry.
Visitors are sure to be wowed by the selection at the Haen Gallery.
From beautiful paintings to stunning sculptures, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.
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The Art Loeb Trail is situated inside the Pisgah Natural Forest and deserves special mention.
It is a 30.1 miles long trail with terminal points at Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp in the North and Davidson River Campground in the South.
On this trail, you will find some of the most breathtaking views of the high Appalachian Balds.
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Some of the highest peaks in the trail are Black Balsam Knob (6,214 ft), Tennent Mountain (6040 ft), and Pilot Mountain (5095 ft).
The base of the famous Cold Mountain also touches the trail.
It is one of the most popular hiking trails in America and is on the bucket list of most hikers.
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The Inn at Brevard is a beautiful mountain retreat that offers the perfect escape from everyday life.
It boasts over 14 luxurious rooms, each uniquely decorated to ensure a comfortable stay for every guest, and provides stunning views of nature and serenity.
The Inn at Brevard is happy to display historical images throughout the inn and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
You will be transported to the past to the antebellum south’s charm while unwinding in contemporary accommodations.
When visitors aren’t relaxing in their spacious rooms or enjoying the breathtaking views, they can take advantage of the numerous amenities offered by this unique inn.
Various activities are also available steps away from The Inn at Brevard, such as hiking trails, fishing spots, cycling paths, golf courses, and more!
The Square Root is an up-and-coming restaurant that locals cannot seem to get enough of.
The vibrant atmosphere and excellent service have made it a go-to place for dinner or drinks for a night out.
It provides indoor and outdoor seating options – perfect for those who want to enjoy the warm North Carolina weather while dining.
The menu features classic dishes with updated flavors, like their popular Lobster Mac & Cheese appetizer and creative desserts that will make your mouth water.
With its unique twist on traditional Southern cuisine, the establishment has quickly become a favorite spot for visitors and residents alike.
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O.P. Taylor’s is an iconic go-to spot for locals and tourists alike.
The original store features more than 6,000 square feet of hands-on adventure and is situated in the lovely downtown area of Brevard, North Carolina.
Customers can explore a curated selection of products from well-known brands and local artisans who specialize in handmade items unique to the area.
The store also features interactive activities like live music performances and story times for children, bringing even more charm to their shopping experience.
For generations, O.P. Taylor’s has served as a cornerstone of life in Brevard, providing shoppers with everything from toys to books to clothing and more!
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Transylvania County purchased Connestee Falls in 2008; since then, it has been open to the public all day a week.
Connestee Falls is an 85-foot waterfall from where you can see the famous ‘Silver Slip.’
The Silver Slip is where Batson Creek Falls meets Connestee across a ravine.
Apart from the stunning waterfall, the place has beautiful lakes and a championship golf course.
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Enjoy yourself at the grand clubhouse, hiking trails, pickleball, pool, and tennis courts, and reenergize your wellness center.
Connestee Falls is a popular residential area for people who want to settle in a peaceful, picturesque place.
It will be worth your time to visit Connestee falls.
Brevard Music Center is an educational and performance facility that offers a unique summer experience.
It ranks among the nation’s top summer training programs and festivals, and it is located on a 180-acre site that is picturesque and forested.
They aim to inspire creativity by offering exceptional instruction for aspiring professionals and hobbyists alike.
Students can access world-renowned faculty members, instrument classes, private lessons, masterclasses, and workshops.
Brevard Music Center also hosts public performances throughout the summer, featuring its staff and student musicians from North America.
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Brevard is famous for its breweries.
People flock to them after returning tired from the hikes and camps in Pisgah natural forest.
Locals and tourists alike are fans of the famed Brevard breweries.
Craft beer is their specialty; you should not miss it if you love beer or alcohol.
The Brevard Brewing Company is one such brewery that has mastered the art of distilling lager beers.
They offer seasonal beers along with regular ones.
Oskar Blues Brewery is another modern brewery in Brevard.
The brewery also organizes bike events like the Fletcher Flyer, the White Squirrel Cycling Classic, and the Looking Glass Tour.
Located right at the entrance of Pisgah natural forest, the Ecusta Brewing Company is a tourist favorite.
They also have a taproom ideal for getting some rest after finishing your hike or biking trail.
If the thought of mining your gems excites you, you should not miss the experience of visiting Crystal Mountain Gem Mine.
They have brought the experience of going through dirt and soil to uncover your gems at the heart of Brevard.
You get to keep all the gems you uncover.
It is trendy among children, but adults love this fun and educational activity.
When mining in Crystal Mountain Gem Mines, you will find sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and more.
The place is open all seven days of the week, from 10 am to 6 pm.
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A visit to the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas is an excellent opportunity to educate yourself about the people who gave outstanding service to the country and learn about some historical moments of America.
Here, you will find unique artifacts, uniforms of service branches, photos from overseas and the home front, and more related to the country’s military history.
Famous curator Emmett Casciato looks after the museum.
There are artifacts from the first and second World Wars, Korean War, Vietnam War, Afghanistan, and Gulf Wars, and more unique items.
It is a unique educational experience for everyone, and visiting the place might spark your child’s curiosity about the country’s history and glory.
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Silvermont Park & Mansion is an 8-acre downtown county park.
It is attached to the famous Silvermont Mansion, a 33-room Colonial Revival mansion constructed in the early 1900s.
You can access the museum on the second floor of the mansion.
The museum will educate you about the era of the original Silvermont mansion family, the Silversteens.
Public tennis courts, a basketball court, and a new playground, along with beautiful gardens and winding trails, attract tourists to this place.
There are two gardens- a woodland garden and a learning garden.
The former has many native plants and trees and is full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Visitors can also experience an ornamental conifer garden and a rain garden.
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Log Hollow Waterfall is a 4.0-kilometer-long back trail that is moderately trafficked.
Hikers and tourists prefer visiting the place between May and September yearly because hikes during other times can get tricky.
But that should not deter you in any way because the rewards are well worth the meager hardships.
You can see four waterfalls if you go through the trail.
Two of them, Log Hollow and Logging Road Falls, can be reached quickly and are kid friendly.
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Discovery and Upper Log Hollow Falls are slightly difficult to reach as the hiking trail is not as easy.
But you can still quickly get there and enjoy the calm and beauty.
Log Hollow Waterfalls is perfect for seasoned hikers and campers.
Beginners should also visit the place to get a taste and maybe return later with more preparation.
For some organic North Carolina-grown fresh produce, consider visiting the Whistletop Market.
They have introduced new gourmet items, wines from around the world, and unique items made by local artisans, which you will not get anywhere else.
The motto of this gourmet shop is ‘Eating with Integrity,’ and all their products are selected with this vision in mind.
All their products are available seasonally, which means everything you see here is fresh from the farms.
Like many breweries in Brevard, they also brew their craft beer.
Founded in 2015 by a former dental hygienist and a former chef, this market gives you the best of North Carolina products.
Whether you love shopping or not, visiting this place will complete your tour of Brevard.
South Broad Park is a beautiful park located at Broad Street, Brevard.
It is a cozy spot in the middle of the city.
You can enjoy some quiet time there after shopping and eating in the city’s various locations.
To see a fantastic range of flowers, visit the park during Spring.
Located at 189 West Main Street in Brevard, NC, the Transylvania Heritage Museum is a non-profit museum established in 2007.
It is open to the public from March to mid-December.
You can visit it from Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Thomas D.England founded the old house that houses the museum today.
You can get a guided walking tour across the museum and access many educational resources.
You must visit this place if you want to know about the history and people of North Carolina.
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This waterfall gets its name from Slick Rock Creek, where it falls.
It is not a perennial waterfall, and flow may reduce to trickles depending on water availability.
It is located on beautiful wooden terrain and is a great place to relax and wind down.
The waterfall is 35 feet long and can be accessed easily from the Pisgah national forest parking lot.
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Within just 1 hour south of Asheville, you will reach a spot known as Pounding Mill Overlook.
It is one of the best overlooks in all of Blue Ridge Parkway.
You can see the Pisgah National Forest’s pristine greenery and catch a glimpse of the iconic Looking Glass Rock.
Before you visit, make sure you check the weather reports.
Get there just in time to witness the majestic sunrise, and we guarantee you won’t regret waking up before the sun.
Seeing two 100-foot-tall waterfalls at the same time is not a common sight.
You can witness this unique phenomenon while you are in Brevard.
The Buckhorn Gap Trail in Pigsah National Forest will get you to the viewpoint from where the twin waterfalls can be seen.
You have to start your hike from the Avery Creek Trailhead; from there, you have two trails.
One is a 4.5 miles hike, and the other is 6.5 miles.
Pisgah Forest Stables even offer guided horseback rides to Twin Falls for anyone aged 12 and above.
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The Allison-Deaver house is on the National Register of Historic Places list.
This house gives you the vibe of old-time Transylvania and is a great place to discover local history.
Benjamin Alison made the house in 1815, and it was the oldest standing frame house in the area for a long time.
As of now, the building serves as a House Restoration Museum.
While you are here, experience an excursion through the house and its new furnishings incorporating coastal architectural touches.
The open grounds and newly opened Gash walking trail add a unique charm to the place, attracting many tourists yearly.
It has been a part of the North Carolina Civil War Trails program since 2008.
Visiting the place is an opportunity to delve into the history and present of Brevard.
Brevard, NC, is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore nature, experience culture, and enjoy delicious food.
Whether you’re into adventure sports or strolling through galleries, there’s something for everyone in Brevard.
You won’t be disappointed, from kayaking to biking to eating local cuisine.
It has something different to offer every season, so pack your bags and explore all Brevard has to offer!
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