Though it’s just a small mountain town, there are so many fun things to do in Brevard, NC. It’s a great destination for outdoor adventure, charming shops, delicious restaurants and fun breweries.
You’ll find everything from waterfall hikes to antique shops, Brevard College and the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. There are also a few annual festivals that bring visitors from both near and far.
It’s easy to fall in love with Brevard because it has the perfect small-town vibe but is surrounded by so much adventure. This guide shares the top things to do in Brevard, from relaxing
What You’ll Find In This Article
- Downtown Brevard
- Pisgah National Forest
- Waterfalls Near Brevard
- Brevard Bike Path
- Brevard Music Center
- Sycamore Flats
- DuPont State Forest
- Breweries In Brevard
- Mountain Biking
- Sliding Rock
- Looking Glass Falls
- Moore Cove Falls
- Day Trip To Asheville
- Antique Shops
- Farmers Market
- White Squirrels
- Visit Saluda, NC
- Heritage Museum
- Visit Hendersonville
- Lumber Arts District
- Playgrounds
- Fly Fishing
- 1950’s Diner
- River Tubing
- Golfing
- White Squirrel Fest
- Summer Music Festival
- Arts In March
- Independence Day Celebration
- Halloweenfest
- Christmas Parade
Things To Do In Brevard, NC
Below you’ll find a list of top things to do in Brevard, North Carolina featuring outdoor adventures, local attractions, shops, and more that are loved by locals and visitors alike.
Enjoy a day in Brevard’s charming downtown
Downtown Brevard is the perfect size to explore in one day. There are plenty of shops to pop in and out of, but not too many for it to get overwhelming. All are located in a few blocks of the downtown area and it’s very walkable.
We recommend grabbing a coffee and pastry from Cup and Saucer (it’s our favorite Brevard coffee shop!) or from Bracken Mountain Bakery before exploring. If you are looking for a great meal to start the day, check out our guide to breakfast in Brevard.
A few of our favorite shops downtown are O.P. Taylors (local toy shop), Brevard Marketplace (antique shop with vendor booths), D.D. Bullwinkel’s Outdoors, Highland Books and Theophilus (apparel and gifts.)
Grab lunch at Jordan Street Cafe for great outdoor seating, or head to Quixote Fine Cuisine for authentic Mexican food.
Enjoy strolling, shopping and dining in this small and picturesque mountain town!
Visit Pisgah National Forest
Did you know that one of the entrances to Pisgah National Forest is only ten minutes from downtown Brevard? Though it’s technically in Pisgah Forest, NC, it’s right at the city’s border.
You can be as adventurous (or not) as you like in the Forest. The first stop once you enter (Sycamore Flats) is actually a great one to rest and relax. You’ll find picnic tables, a grassy meadow and the Davidson River.
There are so many great hikes and things to see as you drive along Pisgah Highway. And if you drive long enough, you’ll eventually run into the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Waterfalls In Brevard
There are over 250 waterfalls in and near Brevard, though some are more accessible than others. And some are kept secret by local explorers!
A few of the popular waterfalls near Brevard include Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Rainbow Falls, Triple Falls and Hooker Falls.
Brewery Hop On Brevard’s Bike Path
Thanks to the Brevard Bike Path, exploring Brevard’s vibrant brewery scene becomes an active and eco-friendly adventure. Sample craft beers at different breweries, all while enjoying the fresh air and scenic views along the path. It’s a perfect recipe for a fun and memorable day out.
A few of our favorite stops are Oskar Blues and Ecusta Brewing. The Hub and Pisgah Tavern are also a great stop for bike and beer enthusiasts. They have a daily food truck and are located just at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest.
Brevard Music Center
The Brevard Music Center is a venue and premier summer training program. They host a summer music festival every June through August, with nightly shows (excluding Sunday.)
Nearly half of the Summer Festival concerts are free and open to the public. Ticketed events start at $24. You can bring your own food and drinks for a pre-concert picnic on the lawn.
The Brevard Music Center’s campus is over 180 acres and they host over 700 students each summer. These students come to learn from distinguished faculty and renowned guest stars.
Sycamore Flats
Sycamore Flats is an excellent destination to splash in a river, picnic and explore. It’s located just past the entrance to Pisgah National Forest in Brevard and is actually the very first stop in the Forest.
Sycamore Flats is one of our favorite things to do with kids in Brevard.
You’ll find a great picnic area at Sycamore Flats, as well as restrooms, river access for splashing, tubing and fly fishing, and tons of space to roam around.
If you are looking to make a day of it, check out our itinerary for a loop through Brevard up to Pisgah Inn. It includes a stop at Sycamore Flats for a picnic and is such a fun way to spend the day.
Hike To Waterfalls In Dupont State Forest
Dupont State Forest is a popular hiking destination near Brevard. Dupont State Forest is home to some of Western North Carolina’s most spectacular waterfalls.
You can park at the main parking lot at the Visitor Center or the Triple Falls Parking Lot.
Both parking lots provide access to easy hiking trails that take you past High Falls, Triple Falls and Hooker Falls, each of which are worth a stop. If you’re up for more hiking check out the covered bridge or hike even further to Grassy Creek Falls or Bridal Veil Falls.
Brevard Breweries
There are several breweries worth visiting in Brevard.
Perhaps their most well-known one is Oskar Blues. They have a brewery and taproom with a daily food truck and space to explore. They have a great selection of beer and merchandise.
Another nearby brewery in Brevard is Ecusta Brewing Company. They actually moved into a new location and have Tex Mex food on site. Get a flight and try the Kung Fu Tacos!
Another brewery worth mentioning is actually Brevard Brewing Company downtown. They have a few packaged snacks or you can bring food from a local restaurant. Brevard Brewing Co. makes it really easy to know what you are getting with very standard brew names (ex. Premium Lager, American IPA, etc.)
Mountain Biking In Brevard
Did you know that Brevard is the cycling capital of the south? Adventure seekers travel from all over to experience some of the best riding in the US. You’ll find hundreds of miles of trails within a 30-mile radius of town.
There are two different areas for mountain biking near Brevard: Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. Pisgah offers bigger climbs and descents, and the trails are rated more difficult than DuPont’s.
If you are a beginner or maybe just not quite an advanced rider, consider visiting DuPont State Forest to test out their trails. You’ll find shorter climbs, tons of downhill rides and lots of beginner-friendly trails.
For more details, check out this spotlight on mountain biking in Brevard by Singletracks.
Visit Sliding Rock
Located in Pisgah National Forest, Sliding Rock is a 60-foot water slide that ends in an 8-foot deep pool of water. There are two observation platforms. The recreation area is operated by Naventure.
Sliding Rock is a popular attraction, so there is a gatehouse at the entrance that accepts cards (preferred), cash and checks. Entry is $5 per person and includes parking and restrooms. Be advised: the parking area can fill up!
Sliding Rock is closed during high water and severe weather. It’s officially open Memorial Day to Labor Day and operates under an ‘enjoy at your own risk’ status during the off season.
Looking Glass Falls
If an easy to access waterfall is on your Brevard to-do list, our recommendation is Looking Glass Falls. It’s a 10 minute drive from the entrance to Pisgah National Forest.
Parking is alongside the road and you can walk right up the main observation area. If you’re up for it, take the stairs down for a close up view. Looking Glass Falls is gorgeous any time of year, but especially during the summer and fall.
PS: Stop by Velvet Cup on the way into Pisgah National Forest for coffee and mini donuts!
Moore Cove Falls
One of our favorite easy hikes near Brevard is Moore Cove Falls. It’s just a mile past Looking Glass Falls on Pisgah Hwy.
Moore Cove falls is a 1.2 mile out and back trail, with a waterfall at the turnaround point. It’s an especially beautiful hike during the summer months when everything is so green.
We recommend going early on a hot summer day– cool mornings and a quiet trail can’t be topped. But don’t worry, Moore Cove Falls is a great option for any time of year.
Day trip to Asheville
Only 45 minutes away, Asheville is the perfect place to take a day trip from Brevard. There are a host of things to do in Asheville, from taking a trolley tour around town to brewery hopping.
Known for its foodie scene, Asheville is home to world-class restaurants and eateries. Check out these must-dos if it’s your first time visiting Asheville.
Go Antiquing In Brevard
Brevard is an antiquer’s dream because there are so many great antique shops close together. A few of our favorites are Brevard Marketplace (7,000 sqft of vendor booths), Mantiques for rustic finds and Blast From The Past for unexpected treasures (and fudge!)
You can definitely make a fun day out of antiquing with a few stops for coffee and fudge along the way. We share details on the shops mentioned above and all of the other great shops in the area in our guide to Brevard’s antique shops.
Transylvania Farmers Market
The Transylvania Farmers Market is a year-round farmers market held in downtown Brevard. It is located at 200 East Main Street and operates on winter hours (Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm) through May when they switch back to their regular schedule.
You’ll find fresh produce, pickles, trout fillets, bread, juice, donuts, mushrooms, soap, flowers and more.
We typically go to farmers markets in Asheville, but enjoy popping into Brevard’s when in the area. It’s a small market but very charming and makes for such a fun morning out!
Spot A White Squirrel
You have probably heard that Brevard is home to a population of white squirrels! You’ll see them just like you see other squirrels around, though they stand out a bit more.
But they aren’t albino squirrels! They are eastern grey squirrels but a mutation in their genes causes their coats to be white.
You’ll find white squirrel souvenirs in pretty much every shop downtown. There’s even The White Squirrel Shoppe if you really want your fill.
As far as where to spot white squirrels in Brevard, everywhere and anywhere. We lived downtown for several months and didn’t see any for the first few weeks and then we started seeing them daily.
And if you can’t get enough of these crazy creatures, don’t miss the White Squirrel Festival held annually in downtown Brevard.
Day trip to Saluda
You will find the charming mountain town Saluda, NC just under an hour from Brevard. Though it’s small, we think Saluda is a hidden gem mountain town that is worth visiting. This is especially true if you are driving near it on I-26 anyway.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Saluda feels like a town right out of a Hallmark movie, with a general store serving ice cream, antique shops and art galleries, and several delicious eateries.
Check out our Day Trip to Saluda, NC itinerary for ideas of things to do!
Transylvania Heritage Museum
The Transylvania Heritage Museum is a county museum with artifacts, photos and exhibits that detail the county’s history.
The Museum conducts Guided Walking Tours on the second Saturday of each month from April to October. The cost is $5 per person and children 10 and under are free. Reservations are required.
The museum is closed annually from mid-December to mid-March.
Visit Hendersonville, NC
Hendersonville is a very charming mountain town near Brevard. It has a large variety of shops and eateries located in an easily walkable downtown area. There are several coffee shops, an old-school bakery, breweries and even the Hands On Children’s Museum.
Check out our list of things to do in Hendersonville for day trip inspiration!
Brevard’s Lumber Arts District
Brevard’s Lumber Arts District is a small area near downtown with a few restaurants and shops. It’s home to our favorite place for brunch in Brevard (Morning Social) and a really great architectural salvage shop (Underground Salvage Co.)
Playgrounds In Brevard
Speaking of fun things to do with kids in Brevard, NC, check out the local playground! Franklin Park is located just east of the main downtown area and is a great place for kids to burn off energy.
The playground has a ton of fun equipment and feels like a castle. You’ll also find covered picnic shelters and a nature walk that is the perfect length for little ones.
If you love visiting playgrounds like us, you may enjoy our guide to playgrounds in Asheville.
Go Fly Fishing in Brevard
Transylvania County is actually a great destination for fly fishing. There are over 500 miles of trout streams within an hour of Brevard, so you are sure to find a peaceful spot to spend the day.
Transylvania County recommends the Davidson River, Little River, Avery’s Creek and North and South Forks of the Mills River for fly fishing near Brevard. Consult this NC fishing and trout waters map if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Another great resource is Headwaters Outfitters, located in Rosman. It’s only about 10 minutes south of downtown Brevard and they have everything needed for fly fishing. They even offer guided trout wade fly fishing trips, both 1/2 day and full day, and in private and public water.
Visit an Old-School Diner
Rocky’s Soda Shop announced they were closing in August 2023. However, as of February 2024, Rocky’s is marked as temporarily closed. We aren’t sure what the future holds for this great place but we are hopeful it’ll come back.
You’ll love stepping back in time at Rocky’s Soda Shop. This old-school diner is located downtown and is such a fun experience! It’s an especially fun thing to do in Brevard, NC with kids.
You’ll find all of the classic diner fare (hot dogs, grilled cheese…) in a nostalgic soda shop atmosphere. Don’t forget a milkshake or banana split. Rocky’s is definitely the most fun place to grab dessert in Brevard!
Go River Tubing in Brevard
If you are looking for something on the water but maybe a bit less adventurous than Sliding Rock, consider a float down the French Broad River! Headwaters Outfitters offers a lazy 1-2 hour tubing adventure that is perfect for those ages 4 and up. The average water temperature in the summer is 65 degrees and the river is 6″ to 4′ deep in the area.
Headwaters supplies everything you need, including transportation once you arrive for the perfect day!
Golf at Connestee Falls
The semi-private Connestee Falls Golf Club offers an 18-hole course with beautiful mountain views. It’s located south of Brevard and was designed by George Cobb. The course is located at the Connestee Falls planned community and it’s just 6 miles southwest of Brevard.
White Squirrel Weekend
A weekend festival in honor of Brevard’s famous white squirrels! You’ll find live music, local food, a beer garden and tons of vendors.
The 2024 White Squirrel Weekend is May 24-26 (Memorial Day Weekend.) It kicks off downtown and lasts through the weekend.
Summer Music Festival
The Summer Music Festival is mentioned above but deserves another shout-out. The Brevard Music Center hosts an annual festival each with different performances every night.
A lot of the performances are free and it’s such a fun activity in Brevard for the whole family. Head to the Music Center’s site for Summer Music Festival details and tickets.
Arts In March
Arts in March is a local event in Brevard that celebrates arts and culture. It’s traditionally held the last weekend in March each year. You’ll find open houses, art demonstrations, live music and special offers.
Independence Day Community Celebration
Brevard hosts a fourth of July celebration each year with crafts, live music, food vendors and children’s activities downtown. The Independence Day Community Celebration is an all-day street festival and firework show in partnership with The City Of Brevard, Transylvania County and Transylvania County Tourism.
There’s a bike parade, classic car show and flag-raising during the day complete with a reading of the Declaration of Independence. At night, sit back and enjoy the fireworks extravaganza. The recommended viewing point for fireworks is Brevard College’s Campus and Jailhouse Hill (Broad St. from E. Main St. to French Broad St.).
Brevard’s Halloweenfest
Spooky things are happening in Transylvania County! If you are looking for something to do with kids in Brevard this Halloween, check our their Halloweenfest! This family-friendly event features food vendors, bounce houses, a para, a pumpkin carving contest and a costume competition.
Halloweenfest is typically the Saturday before Halloween and it kicks off in the morning.
Brevard Christmas Parade and Holiday Stroll
If you want to feel like you live in a Hallmark movie, then make plans to attend this year’s parade and holiday stroll in downtown Brevard. There’s an official tree lighting ceremony, live music, food trucks, Santa, caroling s’mores and even a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. It’s a family-fun event and will get you right in the holiday spirit.
