Brevard North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Brevard, North Carolina.
1. Crystal Mountain Gem Mine
FAMILY TREASURE HUNTING ADVENTURE
Crystal Mountain Gem Mine is an indoor gem mining attraction offering a green bucket option for visitors to hunt for treasures. The mine provides educational gem identification services, helping guests learn about their discoveries. It's an ideal destination for families looking for fun activities that combine entertainment with learning about geology.
2. The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas
HONORING MILITARY HERITAGE
The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas showcases an impressive collection of artifacts and donated memorabilia spanning from World War I to the War on Terror. Visitors can explore multiple exhibits detailing the experiences and sacrifices of service members throughout American military history. The museum serves as an educational resource and tribute to veterans from the Carolinas region.
3. Connestee Falls
EASILY ACCESSIBLE NATURAL BEAUTY
Connestee Falls features beautiful cascading waterfalls located just steps away from the parking area, requiring minimal hiking. The falls offer gorgeous views year-round, with particularly stunning vistas during periods of higher water flow. Visitors appreciate the accessibility of this natural attraction, making it perfect for those who want to experience the region's waterfalls without a strenuous hike.
4. Oskar Blues Brewery Brevard
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Oskar Blues Brewery Brevard offers visitors brewery tours showcasing their craft beer production process in a lively atmosphere. The brewery regularly features food trucks on the premises, allowing guests to pair delicious local food with their beer tastings. Visitors can sample a variety of their renowned craft beers while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this popular brewing destination.
5. Brevard Brewing Company
DOWNTOWN CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Brevard Brewing Company is a local brewery located in downtown Brevard offering a selection of handcrafted beers. The brewery provides a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can enjoy freshly brewed beverages while experiencing the charm of the town. Their location in the heart of Brevard makes it a convenient stop during exploration of the downtown area.
6. Art Loeb Trail
SCENIC MOUNTAIN HIKING
Art Loeb Trail is a renowned hiking path offering spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding wilderness. The trail traverses diverse terrain including ridgelines, forests, and mountain peaks, providing hikers with varying levels of challenge and natural beauty. It attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking for immersive experiences in the pristine natural landscapes around Brevard.
7. Transylvania Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
Transylvania Farmers Market brings together local farmers, artisans, and food producers offering fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and specialty foods. The market creates a community gathering space where visitors can connect directly with the people who grow and create local products. Visitors enjoy the opportunity to experience authentic local flavors and crafts representative of the Brevard region.
8. Pounding Mill Overlook
BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VISTAS
Pounding Mill Overlook provides visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains from a convenient roadside stopping point. The overlook is especially popular during fall when the changing foliage creates a spectacular tapestry of colors across the mountain landscape. Photographers and nature lovers frequently visit this spot to capture the beauty of the region's natural scenery.
9. Downtown Brevard Sculpture Walk
PUBLIC ART TRAIL
Downtown Brevard's Sculpture Walk winds through the charming town center showcasing 20 unique works of art depicting animals native to the area. Visitors can follow the self-guided tour using maps available at the Visitor Center to discover these artistic treasures throughout downtown. The walk provides both cultural enrichment and a structured way to explore Brevard's vibrant downtown district.
10. McGaha Chapel
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
McGaha Chapel is a beautifully preserved historic chapel completed in 1872 that maintains much of its original architectural elements. The chapel features hand-pressed glass windows, weatherboard siding, a front-gable roof, and boxed eaves that showcase 19th-century craftsmanship. Maintained by the Transylvania County Historical Society, it offers visitors a glimpse into the religious heritage of the region.
11. Silvermont Mansion
HISTORIC ESTATE AND PARK
Silvermont Mansion is a 33-room colonial revival mansion built in 1917 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion sits within an 8-acre park that features tennis courts, playgrounds, and walking trails for public enjoyment. Visitors can book guided tours through the Transylvania Heritage Museum to explore the historic interiors and learn about the Silversteen family who built this impressive estate.
12. DuPont State Recreational Forest
WATERFALL WONDERLAND
DuPont State Recreational Forest is home to multiple spectacular waterfalls including Triple Falls, High Falls, and Hooker Falls accessible via an extensive network of hiking trails. The forest's 10,000+ acres offer visitors opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and swimming in natural settings. Famous as a filming location for movies like The Hunger Games, the forest combines natural beauty with recreational activities just a short drive from Brevard.
13. Pisgah National Forest
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Pisgah National Forest encompasses over 500,000 acres of mountainous terrain with cascading waterfalls, old-growth forests, and miles of scenic trails. Visitors can explore attractions like Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock natural water slide, and the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. The forest offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing in a pristine natural setting near Brevard.
14. PARI (Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute)
SPACE SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTER
PARI is a former NASA tracking station turned educational center featuring massive radio telescopes and space science exhibits. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about astronomy, space exploration, and the site's history working with NASA and the Department of Defense. The institute offers educational programs, night sky observations, and interactive exhibits that make space science accessible to the public.
15. Blue Ridge Parkway
AMERICA'S FAVORITE SCENIC DRIVE
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers stunning vistas and access to numerous recreational opportunities across the mountains near Brevard. The 469-mile scenic roadway features overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas, and cultural exhibits highlighting the region's natural and human history. Easily accessible from Brevard, the parkway provides visitors with one of America's most celebrated driving experiences through the ancient Appalachian Mountains.