Looking for the best things to do in Brevard? You’ve come to the right place! This article covers outdoor adventures, small-town activities, and several hidden gems.
I’m a local to Western North Carolina and grew up in the town of Brevard. This charming destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains is home to some of the top nature attractions in North Carolina. Don’t miss the best of “The Land of Waterfalls” with my comprehensive guide!
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24 Best Things to Do in Brevard
Downtown Brevard
Browse charming local shops throughout Brevard’s quaint but vibrant downtown.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Downtown Brevard is cute and steeped with small mountain town charm. It’s one of the best towns in Western North Carolina. Unique gift shops, art galleries, and great local restaurants make up the main hub of Brevard. There are also other downtown staples, including a coffee shop, bookstore, and toy store.
Drop by Cup & Saucer for coffee in the morning. Shop downtown at O.P. Taylor’s Toy Store, Highland Books, and the White Squirrel Shoppe, among other places. Bracken Mountain Bakery is a personal favorite. The Square Root and Falls Landing are my go-to restaurant recommendations.
Looking Glass Falls
Snap photos of this picturesque waterfall from an accessible deck or its base.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (828) 877-3265 | Website | Entrance: Free
Looking Glass Falls is one of Brevard’s best-known attractions. It’s also one of the most popular waterfalls near Asheville.
Looking Glass Falls is conveniently located about five miles into Pisgah Forest. This roadside waterfall is super accessible and a great option for older folks and those with mobility issues.
There’s an observation deck you can snap photos from. However, I recommend walking down the steps to the base of the waterfall for a closer view.
Note that parking can be an issue. I often see cars lined up way down the road from the waterfall itself. It’s best to visit Looking Glass Falls early in the morning or on a weekday if you can.
See White Squirrels
Keep an eye out for Brevard’s unofficial mascot and furry friend.
Brevard, North Carolina is known for being the home of white squirrels. And no, they’re not albino — they’re actually white squirrels!
Local lore says that carnival trucks were visiting Brevard from Florida in 1949. One of the animal trucks turned over and some white squirrels got loose. The rest is history.
Brevard College is a great place to go scouting for white squirrels, but you’ll find them all over Transylvania County. You’ll also notice that these furry creatures are a bit of a motif all around downtown Brevard. We even have a White Squirrel Festival inspired by them!
Sliding Rock
Slide and splash down this popular, natural waterslide in Pisgah Forest.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: Open seasonally | Entrance: $5 per person
Visiting Sliding Rock is one of the most popular things to do in Brevard, NC. This is especially the case if you visit in the summer, which is one of the best times to visit North Carolina.
Sliding Rock is a natural waterslide. It’s located within Pisgah Forest and is easy to reach by car, so there’s no hiking involved. The basic premise is this: you walk up to the top of the sloping waterfall, sit, and slide down into the cold pool of water below!
Just beware that the water is always cold. Older kids (think ages 5-15) will especially enjoy Sliding Rock but adults love it, too. Regardless, Sliding Rock is sure to be memorable.
Pisgah National Forest
Explore Brevard’s forest backyard by hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and more.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free
Pisgah National Forest is Brevard’s backyard. The entrance to Pisgah Forest is less than 10 minutes from the heart of downtown Brevard.
This forest is home to endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, camping, swimming, rock climbing, and more. You can also access the Blue Ridge Parkway from Pisgah Forest.
Visiting Looking Glass Falls, exploring the Cradle of Forestry, and dining at the Pisgah Inn are some of my top recommendations. Pink Beds, Graveyard Fields, Devil’s Courthouse, and the Art Loeb Trail are popular hiking trails worth checking out.
📚 Related Reading: North Carolina Packing List
Chase Waterfalls
Catch stunning views and revel in beautiful cascades right in Transylvania County.
Transylvania County is home to over 250 waterfalls, earning it the nickname “The Land of Waterfalls.” Unsurprisingly, chasing waterfalls is one of the best things to do in Brevard, NC.
Pisgah National Forest, Gorges State Park, and DuPont State Forest (technically not Transylvania County) are the best places to find waterfalls.
Looking Glass Falls (Pisgah), Rainbow Falls (Gorges), and the “ three waterfall hike” that includes Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls (DuPont) are all great waterfalls to visit.
Mountain Biking
Cycle past scenic forests and rivers, and peddle through varied terrain.
Mountain biking is one of the best things to do in Brevard, NC, especially if you’re a biking enthusiast. Brevard was recently named one of the best mountain biking destinations in the USA ( source).
Daniel Ridge Loop and Bent Creek are good mountain biking trails in Pisgah Forest. Lake Imaging Loop and Ridgeline Trail are good mountain biking trails in DuPont State Forest.
Cradle of Forestry in America
Visit an interactive Appalachian heritage museum in Pisgah National Forest, complete with hiking trails.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (828) 877-3130 | Website | Season: Open early April – early November | Entrance: $6, adults, $3 children
The Cradle of Forestry is known as the “birthplace of forestry in America.” It’s a historic area within Pisgah Forest. Here, you’ll find preserved buildings that used to make up the Biltmore Forest School, three easy walking trails, and a discovery center for kids.
The walking trails are paved and accessible, making the Cradle of Forestry a great option for families with children and the elderly.
Forest Heritage Scenic Byway
This 79-mile scenic byway through Pisgah Forest features stops at popular waterfalls and hiking trails.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free
The Forest Heritage Scenic Byway is a nearly 79-mile-long byway in Western North Carolina. This scenic route includes stops at scenic overlooks, picnic areas, campgrounds, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
The Forest Heritage Scenic Byway shows off some of the best of Pisgah Forest, specifically. And a section (arguably the best section) of the byway is located right near Brevard.
The Cradle of Forestry, Looking Glass Falls, Davidson River Campground, and Pink Beds are a few popular stops. My recommendation is to start at Brevard’s entrance to Pisgah Forest and make stops at these places and others as you go.
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O.P. Taylor’s Toy Store
Let your kids play and test out toys in this downtown Brevard toy store.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (828) 883-2309 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tue – Sat, 12 pm – 5 pm Sun, Closed Mon
O.P. Taylor’s Toy Store is a kid’s dream come true. This awesome, interactive toy shop is located in the heart of downtown Brevard. Visiting O.P. Taylor’s is one of the best things to do in Brevard, NC if you’re traveling with children.
The interactive aspect of O.P. Taylor’s is what sets it apart. There’s no need to worry about your kids being extra careful here. The toy store is made for them. There are interactive stations and toy samples set up everywhere so your kids can play and shop.
Highland Books
Browse and sit down for a read at this cozy and charming local bookstore.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (828) 884-2424 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Tue – Sat, 10 am – 4 pm Sun, Closed Mon
Highland Books is Brevard’s go-to bookstore. It’s located in downtown Brevard and has that charming, small-town bookstore vibe you’d expect. Cozy couches invite visitors to sit and read, and there’s an impressive selection.
Browse genres like mystery, romance, non-fiction, and more. There’s even a local section with books about Western North Carolina, as well as books written by local authors. Gift shop items are also sold here.
Silvermont Mansion and Park
This early 1900s mansion is home to gardens, recreational areas, and a small museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (828) 884-3166 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm Mon – Fri, Closed Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free
Silvermont is a small mansion in Brevard. It was originally built in the early 1900s and belonged to the Silversteens, a prominent local family.
The Silvermont mansion is a colonial revival-style home with 33 rooms. Today, Silvermont is a local gathering place for the community. It’s home to a small museum, tennis courts, a basketball court, gardens, and a walking trail.
Hawg Wild BBQ
Get your Carolina barbecue fix at this local joint that serves Eastern and Western-style barbecue.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (828) 877-4404 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 8 pm Tue – Sat, Closed Sun & Mon
Hawg Wild BBQ is my go-to barbecue restaurant in Brevard. I’ve been coming here for years and enjoy the selection of . Classic Southern sides like fried okra, collard greens, and hushpuppies are on the menu, too.
Hawg Wild BBQ is conveniently located at the entrance to Pisgah Forest. This makes it perfect for lunch or dinner after your outdoor activities. You can also enjoy ice cream across the street at Dolly’s Dairy Bar after enjoying your barbecue.
Dolly’s Dairy Bar
Indulge in a scoop or two of ice cream at this no-frills, local favorite ice cream shop.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (828) 862-6610 | Hours: Open seasonally
A summer trip to Brevard just isn’t complete without a stop at Dolly’s Dairy Bar. “Dolly’s,” as locals call it, is a local ice cream shop located right at the entrance to Pisgah Forest.
The ice cream at Dolly’s is always fresh, tasty, and a little nostalgic. Dolly’s has a real mountain town, no-frills vibe to it. Order your ice cream and relax with friends at the picnic tables or on front porch rocking chairs.
Just be mindful that Dolly’s is a popular summer camp spot. It can get super busy in the summer!
DuPont State Recreational Forest
Hike, bike, and chase waterfalls throughout this recreation area just outside of Brevard.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (828) 877-6527 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free
DuPont State Forest is another great place to go for outdoor recreation. It’s located about 20 minutes away from Brevard and is home to some of the best waterfalls and hiking trails near Asheville.
The “three waterfall hike” (Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls) is the most popular hiking trail for visitors. The Wintergreen Falls trail and Bridal Veil Falls trail are also good hikes. Reasonover Creek trail to Lake Julia is a hidden gem that’s good for more experienced hikers.
Fly Fishing
Catch-and-release trout in Brevard’s clear, cool waters.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (828) 877-4181 | Website
Fly fishing on the Davidson River is a popular activity in Brevard. The cold mountain stream is filled with brown brook and rainbow trout. The Pisgah Forest Fish Hatchery is a popular place to go.
Note that you’ll need a North Carolina State Fishing license and Trout Stamp to fish here. Fly fishing in the Davidson River is catch-and-release only. Head to Davidson River Outfitters (linked above) if you’re interested in fly fishing and don’t know where to start.
The nearby rivers of Avery Creek, the French Broad River, and Little River are popular places to go fly fishing, too.
Tubing Down the Davidson River
Spend a summer afternoon floating down the Davidson River in Pisgah Forest.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (828) 862-6610 | Hours: Open seasonally
Tubing down the Davidson River is one of the best things to do in Brevard, NC if you visit between June through September.
The Davidson River is relatively calm along its stretch in Pisgah Forest. This makes it perfect for families to go tubing. The river meanders through the scenic forest and you can customize your tubing route, depending on how far you want to go.
Rent your inner tubes at Dolly’s Dairy Bar. Call ahead for details and more information.
👉 Pro Tip:Always rent bottomless tubes over the inner tubes with bottoms. The tubes with bottoms always seem to get stuck while tubing.
Try Local Breweries
Sample craft brews and relax at Brevard’s casual, friendly breweries.
Be sure to try out local breweries when visiting Brevard. Brevard’s neighbor, Asheville, has some of the best breweries in the region. It’s no surprise that Brevard has its share of good beer, too.
Head to Brevard Brewing Company for a good IPA or German-style beer downtown. Oskar Blues is an indoor/outdoor brewery just outside of town. Ecusta Brewing Company is another good local brewery with indoor/outdoor seating and an onsite restaurant.
White Squirrel Festival
Celebrate Brevard’s favorite furry friend at this bustling downtown festival.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free
The White Squirrel Festival is one of Brevard’s best festivals. It takes place in downtown Brevard every year during Memorial Day weekend. The White Squirrel Festival is an ode to Brevard’s famous white squirrels, as its name suggests.
This free festival is a fun event and perfect for the whole family. “White Squirrel Weekend” brings live music, games, and food to Brevard’s downtown area.
Mountain Song Festival
Tap your feet and move along to live bluegrass and folk performances.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (828) 243-3496 | Website | Entrance: General admission tickets only
Mountain Song Festival is a well-known annual festival in Brevard. It takes place each year in September at the Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium at Brevard Music Center just outside downtown.
People gather for the Mountain Song Festival to enjoy the best of Western North Carolina’s music scene. Expect bluegrass, old-time, folk, jazz, and other acoustic mountain music genres. The lineup always features the band Steep Canyon Rangers and other regional talent.
Fun fact: Actor Steve Martin plays the banjo for the Steep Canyon Rangers!
Transylvania Farmers Market
Shop directly from local farmers and makers at this small but well-rounded downtown market.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (828) 548-0660 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 12 pm Saturdays (May-Oct) | Entrance: Free
The Transylvania County Farmers Market is Brevard’s local market. It shouldn’t be missed if you’re in town on a Saturday! It’s a great place to grab groceries, a treat on the go, or even a souvenir.
This farmers market is buzzing with produce and products by local farmers and makers. You’ll find goodies like fresh mushrooms, baked goods, and seasonal produce, along with local crafts like corn husk dolls and wood jewelry.
Antique Shopping
Shop for antiques and hunt for hidden gems at Brevard’s handful of antique shops.
Hours: Vary
Brevard has some surprisingly good spots for antique shopping if you know where to look. Head to MANtiques and Country Creations in downtown Brevard. These shops carry antique furniture, tchotchkes, and regional antique items.
Stop by Underground Salvage Co. in Brevards’ Lumberyard Arts District if you love a DIY project. This warehouse contains antique home items and furniture, as well as old doors, wood, and other items to repurpose.
Co-Ed Cinema
Catch new and old movies at this old-school, one-screen-only cinema in downtown Brevard.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (828) 883-2200 | Website | Hours: Showtimes vary | Tickets: $8, adults, $7 under 13, $7, seniors, $7 matinee
Co-Ed Cinema is Brevard’s one-stop shop movie theater in downtown Brevard. It’s as simple and old-school as it gets.
Co-Ed Cinema is a one-screen theater. Generally, it only shows one movie title at a time. However, tickets are affordable and you can nab all your favorite movie treats like popcorn, soda, and candy at the concession.
Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas
Honor local and regional veterans and see war memorabilia at this downtown Brevard museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (828) 884-2141 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 3 pm Tue – Sat, Closed Sun & Mon | Entrance: Free
The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas is a small history museum in downtown Brevard. It’s located within the Transylvania County Courthouse building.
The museum is run by friendly volunteers and showcases historic artifacts and mementos from WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terror.
FAQs About What to Do in Brevard
What are the best things to do in Brevard?
The best things to do in Brevard, NC include walking through downtown Brevard,chasing waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest, and looking for white squirrels.
What are the best things to do in Brevard with kids?
The best things to do in Brevard with kids include going to Sliding Rock in the summer, visiting O.P. Taylor’s Toy Store, and trying Dolly’s Dairy Bar. Exploring Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest are also good things to do.
What is Brevard, North Carolina known for?
Brevard, North Carolina is best known for being the “Land of Waterfalls” and being the home of white squirrels.
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I hope you enjoyed this roundup of the best things to do in Brevard, NC! Brevard truly is a special place and it’s sure to charm those who visit. Read my guide on the best places to visit in North Carolina for more local travel ideas.
