Hiking Trails, Scenic Camping, And Small-Town Charm Await In This North Carolina City

North Carolina feels like it was built for people who love being outside. From the Atlantic coastline to the soaring peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, this state pulls visitors in from every direction. Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone draws more visitors annually than any other national park in the country. But away from that spotlight lies Brevard.

This charming mountain city is located in Western North Carolina and serves as the county seat of Transylvania County, dubbed the "Land of Waterfalls" with more than 250 cascading throughout the area. The 10,000 acres of public land and massive 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest serve as the gateway to countless adventures, making Brevard a place where hikers and campers can settle in.

Brevard sits about 127 miles from Charlotte and 168 miles from Atlanta. If you're flying in, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is 55 miles away, while Asheville Regional Airport is only 20 miles (a quick 26-minute drive). The town was named after Colonel Ephraim Brevard, M.D., who served as both a surgeon and officer during the Revolutionary War. While Transylvania County was established in 1861, Brevard wasn't officially incorporated until 1868. With a population of about 8,000, Brevard is one of the best North Carolina mountain towns to visit for majestic views, and downtown is packed with the kind of small town charm that laid-back travelers crave.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Brevard is one of the must-visit destinations around the world for avid hikers, thanks to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest, each offering scenic trails that sit comfortably above 4.5-star reviews on AllTrails. In Pisgah, you can wander the 5.2-mile Pink Beds Loop, climb toward big views on the 4.7-mile John Rock Loop, and the 0.3-mile Looking Glass Falls is an easy hike worth your time. Meanwhile in DuPont, the 0.8-mile Hooker Falls is a family-friendly trail. Because you're in Brevard, you'll discover more hiking options than you can fit into one trip. Whether it's the national forest or state parks, you're guaranteed mountain views, waterfall spray, and the chance to spot wildlife.

Camping in Brevard will reward you with falling asleep to the sound of waterfalls while waking up to forest views. Pisgah National Forest is the heart, with plenty of tents and RV camping sites. Davidson River Campground is a visitor favorite, but it's currently closed for renovations until May 2026. Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping operates year-round, with prices ranging from $38 to $54 per night. Whichever campground you choose, follow fire safety measures, as wildfires are common in Transylvania County.

Brevard feels warm and welcoming from the moment you step into downtown, and the best way to soak up the charm is by exploring the Brevard Sculpture Walk. You'll encounter 25 public sculptures depicting the region's connection to music and arts, along with indigenous animals like elk, deer, otters, and the famous white squirrels. You can also catch glimpses of white squirrels around town, but your best bet for spotting them is near Brevard College. For the full white squirrel experience, plan your visit around White Squirrel Festival.

Brevard's outdoor fun doesn't end with hiking or camping, as the city's dining and shopping scenes are equally impressive. You can grab steak or burgers at Key Falls Inn while dining steps away from a cascading waterfall, or head to Pisgah Bakehouse for salads and sandwiches made with local ingredients. The famous 185 King Street serves up mouthwatering menu items and hosts live music throughout the week, making it perfect to unwind after a day on the trails. The locally roasted coffee at The Square Root (voted the best restaurant in Brevard for 16 years straight) is worth trying, and their outdoor patio offers a relaxed atmosphere for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For beer lovers, Brevard Brewing Company has a fantastic selection of local brews (though we'd recommend saving your pints for evening relaxation at your campsite).

Shopping in downtown Brevard is an experience on its own. If you're here for the trails, D.D. Bullwinkel's Outdoors has clothing, hiking gear, and sturdy footwear. For fun shopping that both kids and adults will enjoy, O.P. Taylor's Toys is a southern gem that makes adults feel like kids again, and actual kids probably try to leave with half the store.

The best time to visit Brevard? That would be any time of year. The city hosts events year-round, and there's always something to explore — whether you're hiking its many trails, camping under the stars, or browsing the shops and galleries downtown. Brevard is one of those places you need to visit in your lifetime for an unforgettable North Carolina escape.