Brevard, North Carolina, is a quaint town, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for its natural attraction and outdoor recreational pursuits. It is a gateway to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest where hiking, mountain biking, and waterfall exploration activities abound.
Additionally, the town boasts a vivid arts scene, historic sites, and local festivals. The Transylvania Heritage Museum and Whistlestop Market are among Brevard’s major attractions providing a blend of culture and entertainment. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat, whether for a weekend getaway or a long vacation.
This article explores the top 20 things to do in Brevard North Carolina, a beautiful picturesque town.
1. Hike To Looking Glass Falls
Hiking to Looking Glass Falls is a beautiful journey that offers amazing views. Located within Pisgah National Forest, the trail to the falls isn’t very long or difficult, thus it is perfect for all skills level hikers. As you walk along the marked-out path, you will come across lush forest scenery and soothing sounds of water.
At its end lies a stunning 60-foot waterfall that dramatically falls over rocks, capturing one’s attention completely. Photographers and those seeking peace can find good spots around the falls where they can relax. Looking Glass Falls allows you to enjoy tranquility in a picturesque natural landscape.
2. Explore Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest is one of North Carolina’s stunning forests located along a mountain range that is about 71 miles long, covering an area of approximately 500,000 acres making it an ecosystem perfect for outdoor lovers and hiking fans.
It encompasses countless breathtaking features such as pristine lakes, rivers, and streams that flow like veins through the land drawing life and beauty from earth.
The national forest accounts for more than 250 trails that can be explored by foot or vehicle depending on the location. Visitors may find some of the most exquisite waterfalls and breathtaking views, making it a popular attraction in Brevard, North Carolina.
3. Visit Crystal Mountain Gem Mine
Going crystal mining in Brevard, North Carolina, is a great way to have fun and learn. Visitors can mine for gems and fossils from rocks in this tiny area where they may find treasures such as emeralds rubies sapphires or even amethysts! They bring everything that is needed and help visitors choose their destinations.
Additionally, there is a souvenir shop managed by the mine workers, selling distinctive jewelry and well-polished stones. This is an excellent chance to learn about geology and grab North Carolina’s mineral heritage.
4. Enjoy A Craft Beer At Oscar Blue Berries
The experience of drinking craft beer at Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, North Carolina is amazing. Oskar Blues has come up with some experimental brews and it has a nice, relaxed environment. Craft beers are sold including hoppy IPAs as well as smooth stouts. Live music and food trucks frequently feature at the brewery’s outdoor seating area which is quite inviting.
Make sure you sample their first beer Dale’s Pale Ale or one of the limited-time offerings. It is a good place to sit back, drink some beer and talk to people while taking in the flavors of fine beer against picturesque backgrounds.
5. Explore Downtown Brevard

Walking around downtown Brevard, North Carolina is delightful and contains shops, galleries, and restaurants that are not anywhere else found. It is famous for art and you can visit either Haen Gallery or Red Wynf Gallery to see local artworks. Some of the best cafes include Rocky’s Grill & Soda Shop and The Square Root.
The beautiful parks in this town are worth visiting as one can find their white squirrels that attract many people’s attention. Downtown Brevard represents a good blend of rural warmth and artistic liveliness due to its warm disposition towards visitors with its lively cultural life.
6. Hike The Art Loeb Trail
Trekking along North Carolina's Art Loeb Trail is no walk in the park; it’s difficult and exhilarating. The trail runs roughly thirty-one miles through Pisgah National Forest, displaying breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The main attractions along the way include scaling Black Balsam Knob’s peak, coursing through Shining Rock Wilderness, and walking over some grasslands that give way to panoramic scenery.
It is named after Art Loeb, a passionate hiker, and environmentalist, and is divided into four sections with distinctive terrains of different levels of difficulty. This makes it an ideal choice for experienced walkers on their quest to experience the exquisite wilderness of western parts of North Carolina.
7. Visit The Brevard Music Center
The Brevard Music Center in North Carolina gives one a cultural exposure that is sinful or so on October 2023. The festival is famous for its summer music festival at the center which offers many kinds of performances, such as orchestral concerts, opera, chamber music, etc.
The venue sits amidst the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains offering an amazing view to listen to good music. It is also used as a prestigious training ground for upcoming musicians thus every performance features both professionals and amateurs alike. If you are a classical music lover or just want to have a nice evening, you will definitely get something memorable from Brevard Music Center.
8. Relax At Connestee Falls

Nestled deep within the limestone caverns of North Carolina lies Connestee Falls instilling peace and tranquility to everyone who visits it. The soft wind caresses your face at dusk while you watch how beautiful the 85-foot drop of water hugs rocks as it tumbles downwards. Just steps away from civilization there is this fantastic forest where you can disappear from life’s troubles for hours.
In addition, close observation platforms offer perfect photo moments alongside relaxation time due to sights and sounds emanating from natural resources surrounding them. On lazy afternoons read books or listen music here – there is nothing better than looking up at the trees swaying above you.
9. Experience Whitewater Rafting On The French Broad River
An exhilarating adventure awaits, as you experience whitewater rafting along the French Broad River in North Carolina. The river caters to everyone from novice enthusiasts to seasoned partners with its calm water and exciting rapids. Gliding through class II and III rapids is accompanied by an amazing view of pristine forest cover, stony outcrops, and several species of animals.
Local outfitters offer guided trips, that guarantee safety and have all the tools needed to make the journey more enjoyable. Whether you are looking for something that will quicken your pace or want something beautiful, white-water rafting along the French Broad River allows you to rekindle your relationship with nature.
10. Explore Sliding Rock
It’s a thrilling and cool journey to explore the Sliding Rock located in the Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. This natural water slide features an evened-out 60-foot long rock slope culminating into an eight-foot deep pool filled with frigid waters. It’s a summer favorite for people of all ages to slide down the rocks and crash into the water below.
During peak seasons, lifeguards are around and there are lavatories alongside. Sliding Rock is one way of experiencing the Pisgah National Forest’s scenic beauty whose appearance should be earmarked by all who want some fun outdoors and relaxation from stressful situations.
11. Discover Hidden Waterfalls

In Brevard, North Carolina, there exists a multitude of well-concealed waterfalls. Courthouse Falls, which can be found at the end of a brief trek from Forest Service Road 140, boasts a drop of 45 feet into a lovely pool.
Further down Cathey’s Creek Road lies the breathtaking Cathey’s Creek Falls which are just beyond your reach after walking along the moderately difficult paths. Both locations are tranquil and don’t attract large crowds, providing for an amazing experience with these waterfalls. The hike to these waterfalls is one of the must-do things to do in Brevard North Carolina.
12. Visit The Veterans History Museum Of Carolinas
The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas is situated in Brevard, North Carolina, and is a place that takes you deep into the area's military heritage This museum contains displays ranging from artifacts, uniforms, and personal accounts of war veterans covering every war since World War I until now. It’s a site for paying homage to service men and women while learning more about them.
This museum has been expertly organized to give visitors both knowledge-based and emotional understanding regarding the lives lived by former soldiers. Visiting this site not only provides one with an opportunity to learn but also pays tribute to courageous acts shown by ex-soldiers from South Carolina and North Carolina.
13. Enjoy A Picnic At Silvermont Park
Silvermont Park, in Brevard, is the perfect place for a nice family picnic! This historical 33-acre estate has everything from beautiful gardens to shaded picnic areas and walking paths. The stunning Silvermont Mansion is situated in the middle of this park allowing you to see why it’s so charming.
For kids, there is a playground and those who enjoy sports can use tennis and basketball courts too! It’s a lovely environment for spending time outside surrounded by nature and history. Just carry your food basket, choose a nice corner to sit in, and start enjoying your meal slowly in a calm environment like the one found at Silvermont Park. Families, individuals, or couples looking for peace will find refuge at this park.
14. Go Mountain Biking

Brevard, NC, is the best place to go for mountain biking. There are many miles of trails found in Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest that can be accessed by anyone regardless of their level of expertise. Some popular trails such as Ridgeline, Black Mountain, and Cedar Rock give exciting rides with breathtaking scenery like waterfalls, dense woodlands, and vast landscapes.
Local bike shops offer rentals, guided tours and trail advice to help you make the most out of your adventure. No matter if you have been riding for years or just starting out, Brevard’s mountain biking paths guarantee an invigorating experience deep inside Mother Nature.
15. Visit The Transylvania Heritage Museum
The Transylvania Heritage Museum in Brevard, NC is an institution that aims to safeguard and present this place’s vivid scenario dating back centuries ago, making it an ideal tourist destination. Its homely remaking structure tells how people grew socially, economically, or culturally over time within the region.
The museum also runs educational programs together with traveling exhibitions that concentrate on particular aspects of the past, making visiting here a popular things to do in Brevard North Carolina.
16. Enjoy Fresh Produce At The Whistlestop Market
Whistlestop Market, located in Brevard, NC, is where visitors can enjoy fresh produce and local products. This charming market offers a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs sourced from surrounding farms. Besides fresh produce, the market also has homemade jams; local honey; baked goods, and handcrafted artisan products.
The friendly atmosphere blended with an unwavering commitment to supporting local agriculture makes this place worth visiting for shopping and exploration. If you need to get ingredients for a certain dish or want to browse around, Whistlestop Market gives you a taste of the agricultural wealth found in the community.
17. Take A Scenic Drive On The Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys scenic drives, especially near Brevard, North Carolina. Nicknamed "America's Favorite Drive," this 469-mile stretch of road boasts breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. Just outside Brevard are attractions such as Looking Glass Rock and Graveyard Fields.
Autumn along this route is especially stunning due to vibrant colors transforming the foliage in the hills into one big painting. Not only does it have numerous overlooks but there are also hiking trails and picnic areas dotted throughout it all.
18. Go Fishing In The French Broad River
Fishing on the French Broad River close to Brevard in North Carolina presents a fulfilling moment for fishermen at any skill level. Various fish species live in this river, such as smallmouth bass, trout, and catfish. Standing at distinct sites along the river presents an opportunity to catch one’s desired marine animal due to its clear waters blended with the scenic environment.
The most appealing locations are around Pisgah National Park and Davidson River junction. Fishing guides plus equipment rentals are provided by local businesses, including advice concerning which are better water bodies for these sorts of activities. You are assured an unforgettable fishing excursion whether fly fishing or casting from land into this river.
19. Visit The Pounding Mill Overlook
The visit to Pounding Mill Overlook located along the Blue Ridge Parkway close to Brevard in North Carolina, is a pleasant experience. This scenic overlook presents astonishing vast perspectives of the Appalachian Mountains at any time of the year. It is suitable for photography, picnics, or getting lost in its natural beauty.
The site can be reached easily allowing visitors to enjoy peaceful moments while taking in these breathtaking views. It collection of scenic beauty and availability makes it a popular Brevard North Carolina destination.
20. Explore The DuPont State Recreational Forest

The DuPont State Recreational Forest, in Brevard, North Carolina has various outdoor programs. Commonly regarded as an ideal spot for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor adventure; it boasts over 80 miles of pristine trails. The major attractions are the captivating triple falls, high falls, and bridal veil falls.
Hikers can use High Falls Loop and Lake Imaging Trail, while cyclists can ride on Big Rock or ridgelines. The forest is also an excellent location for fishing because of its clear lakes and streams. If you’re looking for breathtaking views, exhilarating treks through rugged terrain, or quiet natural spaces then look no further than DuPont State Recreational Forest which has something to suit all tastes.