Discover the Land of Waterfalls:

Hiking, Fly Fishing , and Outdoor Adventures in & around Brevard, NC

Nestled in the heart of Western North Carolina's breathtaking Transylvania County, Brevard—known as the "Land of Waterfalls"—offers an unparalleled playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by the lush Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest, this area boasts over 250 cascading waterfalls, miles of scenic trails ranging from easy family strolls to challenging backcountry treks, and some of the Southeast's premier trout waters. Whether you're chasing misty cascades like Looking Glass Falls and Triple Falls, exploring hidden gems on foot, or casting flies for trophy rainbows and browns on the legendary Davidson River, Brevard delivers endless natural beauty, serenity, and adventure for every level of explorer.

🌲 National & State Parks

Pisgah National Forest (USFS)

  • Massive outdoor playground surrounding Brevard

  • Known for mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, scenic forest roads, and river access

  • Great for kids due to picnic areas, ranger stations, wide open spaces and great hiking

    DuPont State Recreational Forest

  • Excellent family-friendly biking on wide gravel roads

  • Open forest areas for exploration and picnics

  • Popular with beginner riders and kids on bikes

    Blue Ridge Parkway

  • Scenic drive with overlooks, picnic areas, and short nature stops

  • Ideal for families who want outdoor views without strenuous activity

    Gorges State Park (day trip)

  • Large state park with rugged terrain and river corridors

  • Opportunities for hiking, exploration, wildlife viewing, and picnic adventures

🌲 Pisgah National Forest – Hikes & Waterfalls

🥾 Easy & Accessible

  • Looking Glass Falls – 60 ft roadside waterfall, viewing platforms, minimal walking (~0.1 mi from parking).

  • Moore Cove Falls – 50 ft, 1-mile round-trip loop, fern lined boardwalk trail, magical walk-behind waterfall.

  • Graveyard Fields Loop – 1–2 miles, gentle trail with small cascades and open meadows.

🌄 Moderate Loops

  • Daniel Ridge Falls Loop – 1-mile round-trip, striking multi-tiered fall on a scenic loop through dense woods—a rewarding hidden gem.

  • Cedar Rock Falls (Cat Gap Loop) – 2.5-mile loop, secluded forest waterfall.

  • John Rock / Cat Gap Loop – 2–3 miles, scenic overlooks of Looking Glass Rock.

  • Log Hollow Falls (Pisgah): Soft, photogenic flow reached via an easy forest service road—great for a gentle, scenic stroll.

🔴 Challenging

  • Art Loeb Trail (full or day segments) – 10+ miles for day-hike segments; Epic multi-day or day-hike National Recreation Trail with ridges, balds, and views (e.g., near Black Balsam Knob or Davidson River)—can be strenuous but stunning for more experienced hikers

  • Cove Creek Falls – ~5 miles round-trip, remote beauty deep in vibrant Pisgah woods, requiring more exploration on scenic trails for solitude seekers

🌳 DuPont State Recreational Forest – Hikes & Waterfalls

🥾 Easy & Accessible

  • Hooker Falls – 12 ft waterfall, deep pool, short flat trail (~0.25 mi), picnic and swimming-friendly.

  • Bridal Veil Falls – Broad, film-famous waterfall, very easy access (~0.2 mi round-trip).

  • Wintergreen Falls – 20 ft cascade, peaceful hardwood forest (~0.5 mi round-trip).

  • Fawn Lake Loop – Easy flat loop around lake (~1.5 mi), family-friendly.

🌄 Moderate Loops

  • Triple Falls / High Falls Loop – 3–4 miles, dramatic 3 tiered waterfalls with short staircases.

  • High Falls: The forest's tallest at 120 feet of powerful granite slide—just a half-mile from the visitor center with overlooks and base access.

  • Bridal Veil + Triple Falls Connector – ~3 miles, scenic forest and river views.

  • Big Rock Trail – 4–5 miles, moderate elevation, open meadows.

🔴 Challenging

  • Three Lakes Trail Extended Loop – 7+ miles, secluded forest and lakes.

  • Grassy Creek / Stone Mountain Loops – 6–8+ miles, remote loops with elevation changes.

With 500+ miles of trout water, Brevard is a fly-fishing paradise—mostly rainbows, browns, and brookies in clear mountain streams. Focus on technical, clear water with small flies and stealth.

Top Local & Iconic Spots

  • Davidson River (Pisgah): One of NC's premier trout fisheries—crystal-clear freestone with trophy rainbows, browns, and wild brookies. Catch-and-release/fly-only upper sections (~14 miles) offer glassy pools and riffles; lower hatchery-supported areas hold bigger fish (~easy access via US-276).

  • Pigeon River (East/West Forks): Scenic with strong rainbow, brown, and brook populations in wild upper sections (hike-in in Shining Rock Wilderness) and stocked stretches—varied pocket water and runs (~20-40 miles north/east).

Secluded & Intimate Creeks

  • Big Laurel Creek: Peaceful hatchery-supported valley stream for escaping crowds, targeting rainbows, browns, and occasional smallmouth in riffles/pools—wade or bank fish in a remote mountain setting (~1+ hour north near Hot Springs/Madison County).

  • Looking Glass Creek: Overlooked tributary with tight, technical pocket water for colorful wild rainbows and browns—convenient short hikes or roadside access near the famous falls.

Varied & Lake/River Alternatives

  • White Oak River: Blackwater change-up for bass, catfish, perch, and some upper trout—relaxed fly or light setups in slower tannin waters (farther east, less trout-focused).

  • Lake James: Large reservoir with miles of shoreline for boat/shore fly fishing (streamers for bass), plus walleye/crappie—great for diverse species and activities like boating/swimming (~50+ miles northeast).

🎣 Fly Fishing Adventures

Outdoor Sports: Biking, Rafting, Climbing

🚴 Biking Adventures (Very Popular in Brevard)

Pisgah Mountain Bike Trails

  • World-class riding with options for kids and beginners

  • Mix of gravel roads, beginner loops, and scenic rides

The Bike Farm (Pisgah Forest)

  • Bike rentals and guided rides

  • Great for families new to mountain biking

The Hub / Pisgah Tavern Area

  • Bike-friendly gathering spot

  • Easy access to forest roads and kid-appropriate rides

  • Fun post-ride atmosphere for families

⛰️ Rock Climbing (Family & Beginner Options)

Looking Glass Rock Area (Pisgah National Forest)

  • Classic granite climbing area

  • Suitable for guided family climbing experiences

Brevard Rock Gym (Indoor/Outdoor Transition)

  • Great intro for kids before heading outdoors

  • Often paired with outdoor climbing trips

🚣 River Rafting & Paddling (Nearby)

French Broad River (near Asheville – short drive)

  • Family-friendly whitewater rafting options

  • Calm float sections available for younger kids

  • One of the most popular rafting rivers in the Southeast

Headwaters Outfitters

  • Guided rafting, paddling, and river adventures

  • Known for beginner and family trips

🛟 Tubing (Very Kid-Friendly)

Davidson River Tubing

  • One of the most popular summer activities for families

  • Gentle river flow, ideal for kids and first-timers

  • Easy access right near Pisgah Forest

French Broad River Tubing (Lower Sections)

  • Relaxed float trips with outfitters

  • Great for older kids and teens