Transylvania County, North Carolina
Transylvania County, North Carolina is a great destination for outdoor adventures, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. From scenic hikes to exciting water activities, there is something for everyone to explore. The Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest both provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature, while Gorges State Park offers a great spot for hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Transylvania County, North Carolina is an ideal destination for those who appreciate the great outdoors.
Top Spots in and near Transylvania County
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Brevard, North Carolina
Hike to John Rock
5.05 mi / 1000 ft gainThis 5 mile loop begins at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and State Fish Hatchery near Brevard, NC. Ample parking is available adjacent to the trailhead with bathrooms and water accessible. Grab a map from inside as well. To start the hike, look at the education center, to the left is t...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Looking Glass Rock
4.65.43 mi / 1572 ft gainThis is a really nice, moderately difficult hike along a cascading creek, up switchbacks, and through wildflower fields. A couple miles in, you'll reach a helipad that is used for rescuing injured rock climbers - Looking Glass Rock is a popular destination for world class climbing. There is a sma...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Camp at Davidson River Campground in the Pisgah National Forest
4.5Pisgah National Forest, in my opinion, is one of the best national forests in the United States. Being just a short drive from Great Smokey Mountain National Park it has all the feel of being in the smokies with more to explore. Pisgah has anything you could want to see or do from tens of water...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Art Loeb Trail
4.830.07 mi / 7467 ft gainStart at The Davidson River Campground just outside of Brevard, NC (276 Pisgah Ranger District). Have a shuttle car or a friend waiting at the Daniel Boone Boy Scout camp for the finish line. Hop on the 30.1 mile long Art Loeb Trail at the trailhead in the Davidson River Campground. Pull into th...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Looking Glass Falls
4.30.08 mi / 0 ft gainLooking Glass Rock located along the Blue Ridge Parkway (North) is one of the largest masses of granite in the Eastern US. It got it's name for the way the sunlight hits its rocky surface when wet, creating a shimmering, reflective, mirror-like effect. The views from this overlook are vast and cl...Read more -
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Drive the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
5.076 mi / 1000 ft gainYou can drive this highway getting different views during the different seasons. Along the drive, have your camera ready for beautiful vistas, Looking Glass Falls, and many adventures along the highway. The views are especially beautiful in the autumn with the leaves changing colors. This route d...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Moore Cove Falls
4.31.28 mi / 223 ft gainThe hike relatively quick and has minimal elevation gain, making it a great hike for the family or a quick stop off if you're planning to do another hike in the same day. This part of the Pisgah National Forest is filled with scenic hikes. Once you've parked your car, cross over the stream via a...Read more -
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Cool Off at Sliding Rock Falls
4.6This natural mountain waterfall and slide in the Pisgah National Forest is a local favorite to cool off in and have a little fun during the warmer months. You can walk up the line to the top of the falls and have a quick wait as others go down this 60 foot boulder. This water varies between 50-6...Read more -
Balsam Grove, North Carolina
Hike to Courthouse Falls
4.70.07 mi / 40 ft gainFirst off, I want to say although the road is gravel it is accessible for 2WD cars you do not need a 4WD car to access this hike. The trail begins just over the bridge that crosses Panther Branch Creek. Just over the bridge there is a pullout where you can park that should fit at least 3 cars. Th...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Skinny Dip Falls
4.81.03 mi / 148 ft gainPark at the Looking Glass Rock Overlook. After enjoying the view of Looking Glass Rock, gear up and head to the right side of the parking area (right side if your back is to the overlook). On the opposite side of the road you'll see a mile marker and a little trail to the left of the marker. Foll...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Graveyard Fields-Black Balsam Knob Circuit
4.49.83 mi / 1522 ft gainWhen the weather is in your favor, these treeless mountain tops will have your jaw on the floor with layers upon layers of Blue Ridge Mountains. This hike can be done in one day, but with panoramic views at multiple points, you'll want to take your time along this link of trails. This ~10-mile l...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Explore Lower Falls at Graveyard Fields
4.3Graveyard Fields got it's name years ago from wind-thrown tree trunks that gave the appearance of a graveyard, until 1925 when an intense fire swept through the area, destroying the stumps. The forest has been recovering ever since.The parking area for Graveyard Fields is located at milepost 418....Read more -
Haywood County, North Carolina
Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail
5.01.56 mi / 305 ft gainThe parking area for Black Balsam Knob is at mile marker 420.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's free to hike here. Take the Art Loeb Trail a half mile until you reach the knob. Along the way you will be walking almost entirely on the bald which is a very pleasant experience. You feel like you're ...Read more -
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Hike to Hooker Falls
4.00.8 mi / 100 ft gainHooker Falls is located in Dupont State Forest in southern North Carolina. The hike is a great hike for kids to go on and to have a picnic. The waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that offers a great place to swim. Along the hike there are also other places you can see the river and you can swim a...Read more -
Little River, North Carolina
High Falls & Triple Falls
4.52.38 mi / 502 ft gainBoth falls provide ample open, flat rock right up next to the massive falls where you can picnic, take photos, or just lounge in the sun and mist. There are signs saying so, but be sure to be careful near the waters edge below the falls - swimming is not allowed as the current can be very strong....Read more -
Balsam Grove, North Carolina
Devil's Courthouse
4.70.85 mi / 246 ft gainThe Devil's Courthouse Overlook and Trail can be one of the best places to see the entire Blue Ridge countryside. Even though it is a short hike, there is a fairly steep incline halfway through, so be prepared to huff and puff a little. It takes anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes depending upon your ...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Transylvania County
Brevard, North Carolina
Kuykendall Group Camp
Overview
Large groups enjoy this cozy mountain campground in the Pisgah National Forest of western North Carolina. Ample opportunities fo...
Brevard, North Carolina
Davidson River
Overview
Davidson River Recreation Area offers camping and outdoor activities for the whole family. The campground boasts several loops o...
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Sycamore Flats Picnic Shelter
Overview
Sycamore Flats Picnic Shelter is located along the Davidson River on the Pisgah National Forest. This picnic area was named for...
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
White Pine South Group Camp
Overview
White Pine South Group Camp is one of two group campsites nestled along Avery Creek in the lush forests of the Appalachian Mount...
Canton, North Carolina
Cove Creek Upper Group Camp
Overview
Cove Creek Upper Group Camp is one of two group campsites nestled along Cove Creek in the lush forests of the Appalachian Mounta...
Canton, North Carolina
Cove Creek Lower Group Camp
Overview
Cove Creek Lower Group Camp is one of two group campsites nestled along Cove Creek in the lush forests of the Appalachian Mounta...
