40+ Amazing Things to Do in Brevard NC (Waterfalls + More!)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read more in our Affiliate Disclosure.

Brevard, North Carolina is nestled in the heart of Western NC and is an amazing mountain town. There are plenty of fun things to do in Brevard and Transylvania County, including waterfalls, downtown shopping, dining, breweries, and more!

Just a short 45-minute drive from downtown Asheville, Brevard is perfect for a day trip, but also if you want to seek a romantic getaway for at least a weekend!

We will certainly discuss the more than 200 waterfalls near Brevard, but first, we want to share info on how to find this wonderful small town, what to do, where to eat, and more!

Here’s how we’ve organized this guide to all the great things to do in Brevard:

Where is Brevard, NC?
What is Brevard Known For Today?
Where to Stay
Annual Events (White Squirrel Festival and More!)
Things to Do in Brevard This Weekend (and Most Weekends!)
Unique Tours and Experiences in Brevard
Outdoor Things to Do
Things to Do Near Brevard, NC (Day Trips)
The Best Things to Do in Brevard and Nearby (NC Tripping’s Top 5)

Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a Brevard, NC local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you live in the area and are wondering, “What are the best things to do near me?” we know this guide will help you out!

Where is Brevard, North Carolina?

Before we dig into the best things to do in Brevard, NC, it’s important to understand where it is on a map.

Brevard is in Transylvania County, in the mountains of Western North Carolina. It borders 4 counties in North Carolina and 3 in South Carolina.

Here’s a breakdown of the counties and where each borders Transylvania County:

Buncombe County (and Asheville) to the northeast
Haywood County (and Maggie Valley) to the northwest
Henderson County (and Hendersonville) to the east
Jackson County (and Sylva) to the west

You can visually plan your to-dos in Brevard with our Western NC Map.

What is Brevard Known For Today?

Waterfalls: Brevard is a great base for exploring the hundreds of nearby waterfalls. A couple of the best things to do in Brevard include visiting Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock before searching for even more waterfalls in the area.
White Squirrels: Brevard is also known for white squirrels, which are a white variation of the eastern grey squirrel. They’re believed to have arrived here via an overturned carnival truck. You can find the squirrels around Brevard College (1 Brevard College Dr), Silvermont Park (364 E Main St), and various residential neighborhoods in town. These squirrels have spread to surrounding communities.

Things to do in Brevard NC white squirrel

The town is also an excellent destination for fly fishing and biking, with rivers and lanes galore. Downtown Brevard is home to thriving arts and music scenes, and small businesses catering to all ages, especially families.

Where to Stay in Brevard

Brevard has no shortage of beautiful and unique places to stay.

On my last stay in Brevard, we were in a cabin at Deerwoode Reserve, a 175-acre mountain nature preserve near downtown Brevard. Situated on the banks of the French Broad River, they offer a variety of stays and are a peaceful place to rest in between llama hikes and white squirrel searches.

Deerwoode is the perfect lodging for large groups and events, including weddings, family reunions, celebrations, outdoor gatherings, and more.

Read More: Hotels in North Carolina

Annual Events in Brevard, NC

Speaking of activities the town is known for, here are some of the coolest festivals and seasonal things to do in Brevard.

Spring and Summer

March: To kick off spring, Arts in March takes over Downtown Brevard with open studios and galleries, creator meet-ups, special menus at local restaurants, and more.
May: Memorial Day Weekend’s White Squirrel Festival is Brevard’s best-known event, as it honors some special, cute little creatures. During the weekend, there will be free concerts, a Memorial Day parade, a street festival, and much more.
May to August: The world-renowned Brevard Music hosts a wonderful selection of live music performances in the summer months with a variety of genres, from classical and folk to jazz and opera. Nearly half of these performances are free and open to the public.
July: During the Fourth of July Celebration in Brevard, the fun kicks off early with a 5K and 10K run starting at 8:00 am. A street festival starts at 9:00 am and goes all day long until 5:00 pm. More events during the day include the Community Arts Council-hosted Fine Arts & Crafts Fair, a reading of “The Declaration of Independence,” and, of course, the Fireworks Extravaganza that night.

Fall and Winter

September: Have you ever been to a plein-air festival?! This unique 4-day art event features en plein air-style painting, and you can watch artists painting outside in real time. Artists from across the region come to share their talents during the festival.
October: Didn’t you know that being in Transylvania County meant that Brevard’s Halloweenfest is the most fun fall celebration? Vampires, zombies, and ghosts disguised as runners will run around town during the Flight of the Vampire 5K and 10K. A costume contest and parade, pumpkin carving, and more round out this awesome event in downtown Brevard.
December: Christmas in Brevard begins with the town’s Christmas Parade, which is followed by the Twilight Tour and Pictures with Santa. The fun ends at 5:30 pm with the Lighting of the Christmas Tree.

Read More: Christmas in North Carolina

Top Things to Do in Brevard, North Carolina This Weekend (and Most Weekends)

Throughout most of the year, you’ll be able to enjoy these fun places and things to do in Brevard (and nearby).

Search for White Squirrels

We’ve already mentioned white squirrels in Brevard a couple of times, even touching upon the White Squirrel Festival in our “Events” section. Brevard’s white squirrels arrived when a carnival truck overturned, and while many want to designate them as albino squirrels, they are actually a white variation of the eastern grey squirrel. Searching for these squirrels is actually one of the most fun things to do in Brevard throughout the year, too!

Brevard College, Silvermont Park, and various residential neighborhoods are good places to start. We’ve been told that the squirrels are most active in the early morning or right before sunset. Keep your eyes out and believe us- these squirrels are real!

Things to do in Downtown Brevard

Highway 64 cuts right through Brevard, temporarily turning into Broad Street while doing so. Walking around this street and others downtown tops our list of things to do in Brevard for a few reasons.

There is a great variety of locally owned shops, restaurants, and art galleries. You’ll find a lot of kitschy little spots that complement the town’s art scene and businesses.

Here are a few that we love:

DD Bullwinkel’s Outdoors (60 E Main St, Brevard, NC) is a fantastic outdoor shop and even has a little bar on the top floor.
Highland Books (36 W Main St, Brevard, NC) is an excellent location to scope for your next thrilling read or pick up a book from a local author.
O P Taylor’s Toy Store (16 S Broad St, Brevard, NC) is one of the most unique and extensive toy stores in all of North Carolina! I always leave with an armful of gifts and toys for everyone young at heart in my family.
Starfangled Press (36 W Jordan St, Brevard, NC) is an Appalachian-inspired art store where artist Kristen Necessary has been creating original prints, cards, stickers, and more since 2016.
MANtiques (68 W Main St, Brevard, NC) antiques, but make it MANLY. This antique store has a wonderful selection of vintage sports collectibles and so much more spread over four floors!

Of course, there are many more small businesses to support in Brevard. If you have any favorites to share, we’d love to hear about them!

Silvermont Park

Address: 364 E Main St, Brevard, NC

Silvermont Park is an 8-acre county park at the edge of Downtown Brevard that includes a 33-room Colonial Revival mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Walk the paved trail around the mansion, including the Woodland Garden, and keep your eyes peeled for the famed white squirrels that make their home here.

Visitors can tour the mansion museum on the second floor on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. or Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. March through October.

Our Favorite Restaurants in Brevard, NC

Things to do in Brevard NC Rockys Soda Shop

Brevard’s food and drink scene perfectly matches the town itself: laid-back, outdoorsy, and surprisingly elevated for a small mountain town.

Downtown is packed with cozy cafés, classic diners, upscale date-night spots, and lively breweries, making it easy to spend an entire weekend eating your way through town.

Start your mornings with fresh pastries and artisan breads from Pisgah Bakehouse (1980 Asheville Hwy, Brevard, NC), or enjoy a creative brunch and a specialty latte at Morning Social (170 King St, Brevard, NC).

For casual favorites, Rocky’s Grill & Soda Shop (50 S Broad St, Brevard, NC) delivers nostalgic diner vibes with burgers and milkshakes.

When it comes to dinner, Brevard offers a surprisingly sophisticated dining scene tucked into the mountains. The Bohemian (192 W Main St, Brevard, NC) is a longtime favorite for handmade pasta, seafood, steaks, and an extensive wine list in an intimate downtown setting.

The Square Root (33 Times Arcade Aly, Brevard, NC) serves elevated Southern cuisine with locally sourced ingredients and one of the best patios in town, while Wild Morel (204 W Main St, Brevard, NC) delivers a more refined Appalachian dining experience with seasonal dishes and fine wines just outside downtown

Things to do in Brevard NC downtown Chocolates

Downtown Chocolates (30 Times Arcade, Brevard, NC) is another must-stop culinary experience. With a wonderful array of truffles at reasonable prices, even the smells are decadent!

Craft Breweries and Drinks in Brevard

There are also some nice places in Brevard to grab a craft beer and hang out with friends. Whether you are looking for a casual brew or a more elevated wine experience, there is somewhere for everyone to kick back in Brevard.

Brevard Brewing Company (63 E Main St, Brevard, NC): Downtown favorite Brevard Brewing Company has been handcrafting lagers since 2012, and they don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
Oskar Blues Brewery (342 Mountain Industrial Dr, Brevard, NC): Of course, you can’t leave Brevard without a brew from Oskar Blues Brewery! Enjoy a pint of their famed Dale’s Pale Ale or the lesser-known Hotbox Coffee IPA. Sit under their large outdoor carport with a bucket of peanuts, grab a burger, and make friends around you!
Ecusta Brewing Company (451 Ecusta Rd, Brevard, NC): Another great Brevard brewery is Ecusta Brewing Company. Our favorite is their Flagship Dead Drift, a light but aromatic pale ale. If you’re hungry while pounding a pint, check out Gordingos Kitchen, which serves Mexican-style comfort food. Not a beer drinker? Ecusta Brewing also serves non-alcoholic brews from Athletic Brewing, as well as fermented tea, hard cider, soda, and wine.
The Yard Brevard (284 Railroad Ave, Brevard, NC): has also become a favorite community gathering space, combining food trucks, drinks, lawn games, and live entertainment in a fun outdoor setting that’s perfect for families and groups.

For cocktails and a more upscale atmosphere, Territory Wine Market (110 E Main St, Brevard, NC) serves creative drinks and small plates in a stylish lounge setting, and Wine Down on Main (28 E Main S, Brevard, NC) is perfect for a relaxed evening with curated wines and charcuterie boards.

Read More: The Best Breweries in Asheville

Unique Tours and Experiences in Brevard, NC

These tours and experiences might be our favorite things to do in Brevard.

Llama Hikes in Brevard

One of the coolest experiences you can have when visiting Brevard is taking a llama trek through the forest! During your two-hour trek, you’ll learn about llamas and get your own furry friend to trek with.

These tours are offered in two ways- through Headwaters Outfitters, where they will lead you through two waterfalls in DuPont State Forest, or with Earthshine Lodge in Lake Toxaway, where you’ll explore the trails on their property.

The llama hikes are designed for hikers of all skill levels and ages. Whether you’re brand new to the outdoors or an experienced trekker, taking a llama hike in Brevard offers a super cool way to experience nature.

Herb Farm tour at Gaia Herbs

One of the newest experiences in Brevard is a free herb farm tour at Gaia Herbs. Since 1987, Gaia has been a leading herbal supplement brand, and now visitors can tour the farm to learn about regenerative organic farming, soil health, and how herbs go from seed to supplement.

The herb farm tour at Gaia Herbs is free and offered once a month. Advanced registration is required, and guests will spend about two hours walking around the 250-acre farm.

Guided Coffee Hike (and more!)

On my latest trip to Brevard, I took a guided coffee tour with Nero Experiences. The owner, Katlyn, is an experienced through-hiker and leads visitors of all skill levels on curated, guided outdoor excursions. As we hiked to Moore Cove Falls in Pisgah National Forest, Katyln pointed out different plants and cool outdoor facts. We talked about travel and what it was like for her to through-hike the Appalachian Trail.

Once we arrived at the waterfall, Katlyn set up a cute picnic and then showed me how to filter water directly from the waterfall to make a delicious cup of coffee. She brought all the little details, including freshly made cookies and a bag of her specialty roasted coffee, for me to take home.

I really want to emphasize that this hike is truly for all skill levels. Katyln curates your experience based on what you want to get out of it and your comfort level. It’s truly a unique way to experience Brevard, and I highly recommend Nero Experience for anyone visiting Brevard and wanting to be outdoors!

Outdoor Things to Do Near Brevard, NC

We love downtown Brevard, but we all know there are some wonderful things to do near Brevard.

Chase Brevard Waterfalls

Since it’s known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” chasing beautiful falls tops many folks’ lists of things to do in Brevard, NC! One way to see them is to drive the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway.

Looking Glass Falls

If you’re driving US-276 from Brevard, Looking Glass Falls will be the first major waterfall that you encounter. It’s viewable from the road and is one of our favorite kid-friendly waterfalls. The view is accessible from the road, but there are also stairs leading down to the base of the waterfall.

Sliding Rock

Sliding Rock is a natural waterslide that attracts many tourists during the summer months. Grab your swimsuit and $5 for admission, and slide your heart away! While Sliding Rock is the most popular destination, there are plenty of hidden gems to get you out of all the crowds.

I can confirm that the water is freezing cold year-round! Even on a hot day in May, after a hike.

Moore Cove Falls

Others, like Moore Cove Falls, require a bit of a hike. Thankfully, it is a kid-friendly hike and offers amazing views. Either way, it’s worth the journey to marvel at the gushing water!

French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) and Bird Rock Falls

French Broad Falls NC Image — French Broad Falls.

On the NC 215 side of the byway is the immaculate French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) and Bird Rock Falls. The latter is also known as Cathedral Falls.

French Broad Falls and Mill Shoals Falls near Brevard NC

These falls are technically on private property, but the Living Waters Ministry community allows people to access them. Park on the side of the road and just remember to be respectful of the environment as you marvel at the epic view!

Sunburst Falls

Sunburst Falls is a breathtaking roadside waterfall along the NC Highway 215 section of the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway.

The waterfall cascades over multiple tiers before descending into the valley below. It passes through a historic stone bridge dating back to 1937.

DuPont State Recreational Forest

DuPont State Recreational Forest offers 86 miles of trails for hikers, some available to mountain bikers and horseback riders.

Seeing three waterfalls in one hike on the Triple Falls hike loop tops most people’s list of “Brevard, NC things to do.” That hike starts either from the Hooker Falls or High Falls (Visitor Center) parking lots.
You can also reach Bridal Veil Falls from the High Falls Parking Lot. The path to it is actually one of our favorite mountain biking trails in NC! The 2.2-mile trail (4.4 miles round trip) ends at a 120-foot waterfall that has also been featured in several movies filmed in North Carolina.
Reach the 20-foot Wintergreen Falls after a 1.5-mile hike through the quieter side of DuPont.

Pro tip: stop in Cedar Mountain Outpost for a bite or coffee before or after your hike!

Gorges State Park

Gorges State Park sits next to Pisgah National Forest and is about 30 minutes away from Brevard. It is also NC’s westernmost state park.

Gorges is part of a temperate rainforest, receiving more than 80 inches of rain per year. Elevation changes so quickly inside the park that it cools the moving air, raising humidity and creating clouds and rain.

Most notably, Gorges State Park leads to the beautiful Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls. While these waterfalls are within Pisgah NF, hikers will start their hike at Gorges State Park.

Cradle of Forestry

We mentioned the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway earlier because it’s the road that passes Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, as well as other waterfalls in the area. But you’ll want to make sure to pull over at the Cradle of Forestry.

The Biltmore Forest School was founded in 1898 to “preserve, develop, and make available to this and future generations the birthplace of forestry and forestry education in America” and is now the Cradle of Forestry.

Open from early April through November, this historic site offers visitors a chance to learn about life in forestry school in the early 1900s, explore well-curated exhibits, and walk the paved trails.

Blue Ridge Parkway Stops Nearby

The Forest Heritage Byway intersects with the Blue Ridge Parkway, and a few stops along our most popular scenic road are within an hour’s drive from Brevard.

Devil’s Courthouse (Mile Post 422.4, 45 Minutes Away): Short and strenuous, Devil’s Courthouse is mostly paved and takes you to a rock overlook at 5,720 feet.
Richland Balsam Overlook (MP 431.4, 55 Minutes Away): For starters, this stop is the highest point of the Blue Ridge Parkway road at 6,047 feet. From here, you can hike the summit of Richland Balsam (6,292 feet) via a moderate 1.5-mile loop.
Graveyard Fields (MP 418.8, 50 Minutes Away): Graveyard Fields is one of the few trailheads with a toilet. Beyond that reason to stop, the Graveyard Fields Loop Trail is an easy hike to a spectacular waterfall. Graveyard Fields is also popular in July and August for the wild blueberries!

Black Balsam Knob (MP 420.2, 50 Minutes Away): Black Balsam Knob is one of our favorite kid-friendly hikes near Asheville. The fact that this 6,000-footer is easily accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway is an added bonus! Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain are part of the longer Art Loeb Trail that winds along luscious mountain balds for scenic views. You can hike half a mile up to the first balds, or see more on a 5-mile loop.
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower (MP 409.6, 45 Minutes Away): Built in 1941 by the US Forest Service, Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower provides 360-degree views from the stairs. The 1.5-mile round-trip hike is super easy, and the views are epic!

Cycling in Brevard

Brevard is known as the “Cycling Capital of the South,” with more than 300 miles of trails, and is named one of the top 20 mountain biking towns in the country. Transylvania County boasts 11+ miles of cycling on the Blue Ridge Parkway, 125 miles of dedicated road cycling routes, and 350+ miles of single track!

In DuPont State Recreational Forest, there are more than 100 miles of trails from easy forest roads to thrilling, heart-pumping curves.

Brevard also has cycling trails for all ages and skill levels! The Estatoe Trail is perfect for kids and even for e-bikes, with 6+ miles of greenway.

If you are a cyclist, then you’ll want to bookmark the Assault on the Carolinas, an annual fundraiser by the Rotary Club of Pisgah Forest with 50k & 100k options.

Some more information for cycling in Brevard:

Bike Rentals and Gear near Brevard:

Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

Things to do in Brevard NC PARI satelite

Things to do in Brevard NC PARI children

PARI, or Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, is an observatory located near French Broad Falls in Balsam Grove. What was once the birthplace of modern satellite technology, PARI now specializes in STEM education and remains a world-class research facility.

Stay in their cabins, check out the event calendar, or book a private tour!

You can’t visit PARI without permission, so please call ahead if you’re interested.

More Places Near Brevard (Western NC Day Trips)

These towns and the area’s biggest city (want a guess?) are perfect if you are living in Brevard or have a lot of extra time.

Hendersonville

Hendersonville is known for having some of the best NC wineries (one example is Burntshirt Vineyards). Of course, there are quite a few orchards to go apple picking every late summer/early fall.

If you’re around during Labor Day, the NC Apple Festival is probably one of the best things to do in Hendersonville. Throughout the year, you can enjoy downtown Hendersonville, eat at local restaurants, and drive out to Jump Off Rock in nearby Laurel Park.

Flat Rock

Flat Rock sits south of Hendersonville and is where you can explore the Carl Sandburg Home. This National Parks site was the home of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and his wife for the final 22 years of his life.

There are a few trails to explore, too, and we consider the Glassy Mountain Trail among the best hikes in Hendersonville and its surroundings.

Drive the Waterfall Byway

As if there was just one road full of waterfalls near Brevard, you can also drive the section of US-64 known as the Waterfall Byway! This 98-mile route begins in Rosman (15 Minutes Away) and runs all the way to Murphy, 2-1/2 hours away and near our westernmost border with Tennessee.

Roughly 200 waterfalls surround this stretch of road, including Toxaway Falls, Bridal Veil Falls (not the one we mentioned, which is inside DuPont State Forest), and Dry Falls.

Cashiers

North Carolina Waterfall Byway Stops Silver Run Falls — Silver Run Falls.

Cashiers is the gateway to one of our favorite NC mountain escapes, Bear Lake Reserve. Filled with shops, boutiques, and the beautiful Village Green, there is always something to explore in this lovely town.

We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger or wings!

There are also some amazing hikes and waterfalls near Cashiers, NC, including Silver Run Falls.

Upper Whitewater Falls

If you have some extra time and want to see the most epic waterfall around, head over to Jackson County. That’s where you’ll find Upper Whitewater Falls, just down the road from Silver Run Falls.

Upper Whitewater Falls claims to be the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River (fun fact!), though there seems to be some controversy surrounding that.

Read More: Waterfalls near Asheville

Panthertown

Panthertown Valley is a 6,311-acre backcountry wilderness area in Jackson County, near Cashiers (and Sapphire) about 40 minutes from Brevard.

The valley is also part of the Panthertown-Bonas Defeat bear sanctuary, so be mindful of how to safely interact with bears.

Panthertown and Panthertown Valley are open throughout the year, and you can explore their well-connected network of trails. These paths lead to valleys, gorges, mountain bogs, domes, waterfalls (like Schoolhouse Falls), and more.

Asheville

Brevard is a perfect day trip from Asheville. Flip it around, and you can use Asheville as a great base to explore Brevard!

Some of our favorite things to do include:

Walks around Biltmore Estate (especially during Christmas)
Amazing meals at the city’s restaurants and breweries
Visits to outdoor spots like the WNC Nature Center and the North Carolina Arboretum

Waynesville

About an hour away from Brevard, Waynesville is another fun spot to explore. Whether you’re walking around Main Street or Frog Level, there’s always a great small-town vibe here.

The Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts, also in Waynesville, is open from May to October and is home to a nice collection of furniture, quilts, and more. From April to October, you can also stay at The Swag, one of NC’s most unique luxury resorts.

Interesting Waynesville events include October’s Apple Harvest Festival and Folkmoot, a huge celebration of both Cherokee and Appalachian cultures.

Throughout the year, though, Waynesville is home to great local businesses and some of our all-time favorite restaurants! Don’t sleep on this small town near Brevard.

The Best Things to Do in Brevard and Nearby (NC Tripping’s Top 5)

We made some tough decisions when picking the best Hendersonville attractions. Nevertheless, here’s what we think are the best of the best, in alphabetical order:

Forest Heritage Scenic Byway
DuPont State Recreational Forest
O P Taylor’s
Ecusta Brewing
Gorges State Park

More Brevard NC Things to Do and Travel Guides

I hope you can visit this wonderful spot in western North Carolina. If you have, what did you think of it? If not, which of these lovely things to do in Brevard would you start with?

Regardless of whether you’ve been or are planning to visit Brevard, we’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section below or by email!

Don’t forget to share your Brevard, NC travels in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group!

Also, don’t forget to check out our collection of NC travel guides that cover these Brevard adventures and more! Here are a few of them.

Brevard Travel Guides

Waterfalls Near Brevard

3 thoughts on “40+ Amazing Things to Do in Brevard, North Carolina (Waterfalls and More!)”

Dianne Craig

July 22, 2023 at 11:27 am

Is the Cradle of Forestry still open to the public? We love the history of the state’s first forest rangers.
Log in to Reply
- Carl Hedinger
  
  July 23, 2023 at 3:31 pm
  
  Hi Dianne, great question!
  
  The Cradle of Forestry is typically open from Spring through Fall, Wednesday through Monday (10 am-5 pm). Hope that helps! Thanks for reaching out.
  Log in to Reply
Sarah Dearbaugh

December 22, 2023 at 7:20 am

Hey! Next time you’re in the area stop into Cedar Mountain Moonshine Distillery! We are the only distillery in Transylvania county—small batch, family-run!
Log in to Reply