Brevard, North Carolina

Overview

Brevard, North Carolina, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a charming hub for arts and culture. Known as the "Land of Waterfalls," it boasts over 250 stunning cascades. This small town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, a vibrant downtown, and a thriving arts scene, including the renowned Brevard Music Center. It's also famously home to a rare population of white squirrels, adding to its quirky charm.

Top Attractions

DuPont State Forest

Explore breathtaking waterfalls like Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls, popular for hiking and filming locations.

Pisgah National Forest

Vast wilderness offering extensive trails for hiking and mountain biking, scenic drives, and camping.

Brevard Music Center

A prestigious summer institute and festival featuring world-class classical music performances.

Downtown Brevard

Charming streets lined with independent shops, art galleries, local restaurants, and the famous white squirrel statues.

Sliding Rock

A natural 60-foot slippery cascade you can slide down into a cool pool, a popular summer attraction.

Local Breweries

Enjoy craft beers at local favorites like Oskar Blues Brewery and Brevard Brewing Company.

Unique Stories & Facts

• Home of the White Squirrels: Brevard is famous for its population of rare, white squirrels, often seen around town.
• Land of Waterfalls: Transylvania County, where Brevard is located, boasts over 250 waterfalls.
• Music Mecca: The Brevard Music Center is a world-renowned summer music festival and institute.
• Filming Location: DuPont State Forest has been a filming location for major movies like "The Hunger Games."

Best Travel Seasons

Popular Activities

• Waterfall Hopping: Explore the numerous waterfalls in DuPont State Forest and Pisgah National Forest.
• Mountain Biking & Hiking: Enjoy world-class trails for all skill levels in the surrounding forests.
• Catch a Concert: Attend a performance at the Brevard Music Center during their summer season.
• White Squirrel Watching: Keep an eye out for Brevard's famous white squirrels around town.
• Downtown Stroll: Browse unique shops, art galleries, and enjoy local eateries.
• Tubing & Kayaking: Paddle or float down the scenic French Broad River.

Famous Buffets Nearby (~20 miles)

• Golden Corral (Hendersonville, 18 miles): A popular chain buffet with a wide variety of options.
• Local Southern Cuisine (Various small diners): While not buffets, many local eateries offer generous portions of classic Southern comfort food.

Casinos Nearby (~30 miles)

• Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee, 60 miles - further than 30 miles but closest major casino): Offers a full casino experience with gaming, dining, and entertainment. (Note: This is further than 30 miles, adjust distance if a closer option exists).

Oddities Nearby (~20 miles)

• White Squirrels: The town's unique population of white squirrels, often seen foraging.
• Sliding Rock: A natural rock waterslide, a truly unique outdoor adventure.
• Art in Public Spaces: Discover quirky sculptures and murals throughout downtown Brevard.
• Forest Festival Trail: A unique walking trail showcasing the history of forestry in the region.

Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 miles)

• Sycamore Flats Recreation Area: Rumors of lingering spirits from past logging camps.
• Local Legends & Ghost Stories: Many old homes and establishments in the area have local tales of hauntings.
• Forest Encounters: Some hikers report strange sounds or apparitions deep within the national forests.

Local Events & Festivals

• White Squirrel Festival (May): A quirky celebration of Brevard's famous white squirrels with live music, vendors, and fun.
• Brevard Music Center Summer Festival (June-August): A long-running classical music festival with performances throughout the summer.
• Art of Fact Festival (Fall): Celebrates storytelling, art, and local culture.
• Halloweenfest (October): Family-friendly event in downtown Brevard with trick-or-treating and activities.

Lodging Options (Types and Recommendations)

Luxury: The Greystone Inn (Lake Toxaway, ~20 miles)

Historic lakeside inn offering elegant stays and fine dining (from $400/night).

Mid-Range: Hampton Inn Brevard

Comfortable and convenient, close to downtown attractions (from $150/night).

Budget: Holiday Inn Express Brevard

Reliable and affordable option with essential amenities (from $90/night).

Camping: Davidson River Campground

Popular campground in Pisgah National Forest with river access (from $25/night).

Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights)

The Square Root

Upscale casual dining with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and creative dishes.

Rocky's Grill & Soda Shop

Classic American diner experience, famous for its burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes.

Quixote Fine Mexican Cuisine

Authentic Mexican dishes in a vibrant setting, popular for its margaritas.

Mayberry's

Comfort food with a Southern twist, known for its hearty breakfast and lunch options.

Travel Tips

• What to Pack: Layered clothing for mountain weather, comfortable hiking shoes, rain gear, and a camera for waterfalls.
• Safety: Be aware of wildlife on trails, check waterfall conditions, and respect nature.
• Accessibility: Some attractions and trails are ADA-friendly, but many outdoor areas may have uneven terrain.

Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles

• Hendersonville (18 miles): Larger town with more shopping, dining, and apple orchards.
• Asheville (30 miles - slightly over but a major hub): Vibrant city known for its craft breweries, art scene, and Biltmore Estate.
• Transylvania County Scenic Byway: Explore more waterfalls and scenic mountain views.
• Gorges State Park (25 miles): Rugged park with spectacular waterfalls and gorges.

Recommended Duration of Stay

3-4 Days: Allows for exploring waterfalls, enjoying downtown, and experiencing local culture.

Target Travelers

• Nature Lovers: Abundant waterfalls, hiking, biking, and scenic beauty.
• Outdoor Adventurers: Perfect for mountain biking, kayaking, and rock sliding.
• Arts & Culture Enthusiasts: Home to Brevard Music Center and a lively arts scene.
• Families: Kid-friendly outdoor activities and unique wildlife viewing (white squirrels!).

Destination Joke

Why did the white squirrel bring a map to the waterfall?

Because he didn't want to get lost in the "Cascade" of choices!

Listen to Our Podcast Episode!

"Brevard's Hidden Gems: Exploring Waterfalls and White Squirrels" - Discover the magic of this mountain town.