Brevard lies within North Carolina’s Transylvania County, which is home to over 1,000 miles of trails.
One of my favorite treks is Moore Cove Falls. It’s located in the Pisgah National Forest, less than half an hour from Brevard. I think it’s unique because visitors can walk behind the waterfall. Plus, the hike is only 1.5 miles round-trip, so it’s a relatively easy journey to tackle.
If you’re willing to drive a bit farther, I also enjoy hiking at Black Balsam Knob, Sam Knob, and Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower, which are all less than an hour from downtown.
And finally, to see a seasonal sunset phenomenon known as the Shadow of the Bear, I suggest driving about 45 minutes west to Whiteside Mountain, near Cashiers, North Carolina.
From mid-October to early November, typically between 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., the sun sets behind the mountain, creating a shadow that looks like a bear.
This story was originally published on October 25, 2025, and most recently updated on September 10, 2026.
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