There’s no better base camp for your outdoor adventure than the “Land of Waterfalls.” Almost fifty percent of the land in Transylvania County is publicly owned and protected, ensuring that you’ll have the chance to enjoy some of the Southeast’s most extraordinary landscapes in places like Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest and Gorges State Park.
Transylvania County: the original “Splashville.”
The county’s unique geography allows for 250 magnificent cascades within a few miles of each other. In fact, few things in the natural world are as awe-inspiring as the sight of water pouring off the side of a high stone ledge and clamoring into a rocky pool beneath. Though your first inclination may be stand and marvel, you might not want to spend too much time at any one waterfall. Not when are 249 others you’ll want to visit.
Choose a higher path.
Whether ascending the side of a mountain, winding through forest glades, or stepping down over mossy stones beside majestic falls, most of our grandest byways are engineered perfectly for two (or four) legged traffic. Transylvania County’s 1000+ miles of trails give hikers of all ages and skill levels the chance to take a turn on the road less traveled.
Shifting gears: a deeply ingrained biking culture
Pick up a cycling magazine or eavesdrop on any conversation between serious bikers and you’ll hear Transylvania mentioned in the same breath as Whistler and Moab for its diversity of cycling opportunities. Pisgah and DuPont boast over 300 miles of epic singletrack, and hundreds more miles of fire roads while Transylvania County offers an endless variety of road cycling options.
Getting Hooked: fly fishing in Transylvania County
Our peaceful waterways, bubbling under the leafy canopies in Transylvania County’s forests, make for an excellent location to practice the art of fly fishing. Several local outfitters offer private streams and solitude for those seeking a trophy fish, while multiple locations provide beginners and experts alike the raw materials for their next whopper of a fish tale.
We’re all wet.
Transylvania County’s rivers, streams, lakes and waterways can cast you off onto a whole other avenue of paddling adventure. The swift waters of the French Broad allow you to follow the river as far as the current will take you. For those looking for a rockier ride, Transylvania’s tributary rivers offer exciting whitewater during high water.
Looking Glass Rock: Are you up for it?
Simply put, Transylvania County offers some of the best climbing in the Southeast. Looking Glass Rock, one of the largest monoliths in North America, is famous among climbing enthusiasts and receives regular coverage in national magazines. It’s massive granite face offers two- to eight-stage climbs of up to 600 feet. Another great spot that’s less heavily trafficked is Cedar Rock, which offers one- to three-pitch climbs of up to 400 feet. Difficulty ratings on both faces range from 5.4 to 5.13.
Get to the heart of it.
As if all of this outdoor adventure weren’t enough, an additional reward awaits your discovery at the end of the day. Downtown Brevard offers a fine, relaxed accompaniment to wilderness exploration and a whole new sort of adventure for any and all inclined to follow their senses through one of “America’s Coolest Small Towns.”
Discover an exciting new artist in one of Brevard’s cutting edge galleries. Sample a new IPA, pilsner or stout at one of our three celebrated local breweries: Oskar Blues, Brevard Brewing and Ecusta Brewing. And when the day is done, relax under the stars at Brevard Music Center or while dining al fresco at one of our celebrated farm-to-table restaurants.
A standing invitation.
The treasures of Transylvania County are enough to inspire a lifetime of discovery. All you need is a sense of adventure – and our free Travel Planner and Waterfall map available here.
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