Ensconced in a region of Southern Appalachia known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” this quaint mountain town is beloved for its outdoor offerings and even more so for its live music scene, which is anchored by the renowned Brevard Music Center. This premier training facility for musicians also hosts opera, classical, and bluegrass concerts all summer long in venues around town including stately concert halls, open-air auditoriums, and a dazzling gazebo near the historic courthouse. After the shows, visitors wander the lively downtown, dipping in and out of local shops, galleries, and tasty restaurants.

Brevard’s location is also convenient for exploring Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, and Gorges State Park, where forest hikes to sun-dappled vistas and scenic waterfalls abound. Other popular activities in the surrounding parklands include mountain biking, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and overnight camping.

Summers are warm and humid, while winters cool down considerably, with the wind picking up a bit and snow occasionally falling between late November and mid-March. With the right clothing and gear, outdoor adventure in the nearby parks and forests is possible year-round, and the fall colors are absolutely lovely in September and October. With the rainier days between May and August, waterfalls tend to become even more impressive. You may also want to book one of the area’s vacation rentals to align with one of Brevard’s famous festivals. By far the most popular is the summer-long concert series put on by the Brevard Music Center between June and August, but there’s also the White Squirrel Music Festival over Memorial Day Weekend, Halloweenfest, and the Old Time Music Competition in August.

Waterfall Hikes

Pisgah National Forest, a temperate rainforest, receives upwards of 90 inches of rain a year, and as a result features more than 250 waterfalls. The most popular destination is Looking Glass Falls; you can get the best views in the region by hiking to the top of Looking Glass Rock. Sliding Rock is a favorite for splashing around in a summertime swimming hole. For more information on waterfalls, check out the Pisgah Forest Hiking and Waterfalls Map.

Cycling

Brevard is an epicenter of mountain biking in the United States, with easy access to 300 miles of single track crisscrossing the forests and parks stretched over surrounding Transylvania County. Road biking is also a popular endeavor, and there are plenty of bicycle shops, guides, and rental gear to be found around town.

White Squirrels

Local legend has it that thanks to careless error on the part of a visiting carnival in the 1950s, a couple of white squirrels escaped in this region and their descendants have called it home ever since. These unusual ivory creatures can be found scampering around the town and are particularly prevalent on the Brevard College campus. Their likenesses are also easy to spot in the town’s gift shops.