Falling in Love with Brevard, NC: A Guide to Waterfalls, Food, and More

Over the last several years, I have fallen in love with Brevard, North Carolina.

It started with a three-week road trip through the Carolinas and Tennessee in 2024. At the time, I was going through some hard life changes and wanted a trip that felt like a refuge. I wanted peace. Quiet. Mountains. A place where I could slow down for a little while and just breathe.

One of those weeks brought me to Brevard. Located between two great places – Asheville, NC, and Greenville, SC. I’m telling you, Brevard is the perfect home base! 

I stayed in an Airbnb tucked into the mountains, and almost immediately, I understood why people fall for this little corner of North Carolina. Brevard was also a practical choice. Lodging was generally more affordable than in nearby Asheville, making it a great home base for exploring the mountains. But affordability wasn’t the only thing that drew me in.

Downtown Brevard had exactly the kind of small-town mountain charm I love. Locally owned boutiques, quirky shops, coffee houses, breweries, and restaurants surrounded people who clearly loved being outside.

And this is definitely a mountain town. Locals and visitors alike walk around in hiking clothes and outdoor gear, ready to head off toward the next trail, waterfall, or scenic overlook. An unmistakable adventurous spirit lives here, but it doesn’t feel pretentious. Brevard feels friendly, relaxed, and very approachable.

I’ve been back. When an opportunity arose to visit Brevard again, I jumped at it. 

I already knew from my first visit that I wanted to return. Brevard is also just about 30 minutes from Cleveland, South Carolina, where I discovered Pretty Place Chapel, one of the most scenic chapels I’ve ever visited. It’s tucked into the mountains and overlooks an absolutely gorgeous landscape. Pretty Place became incredibly meaningful to me. I loved it so much that I got the view tattooed. It was my very first tattoo. So yes, there’s a little piece of Brevard and the surrounding mountains permanently attached to me now. That’s how much this area means to me.

So let me tell you about the places, people, and experiences that make Brevard one of my favorite mountain destinations. Grab your itinerary notes because you’re going to want to add a few of these stops to your next trip.

Brevard and Transylvania County, NC, have over 250 waterfalls. If you only have time for one waterfall, make it Looking Glass Falls. This is my favorite waterfall in the area.

It’s also one of the most accessible waterfalls I’ve visited, a major bonus if you’re traveling with people who have different mobility levels or simply don’t want to tackle a strenuous hike. You can see the waterfall from the roadside, and pull-off parking areas are nearby. You don’t have to hike to see it.

For an even better view, head down toward the bottom of the falls. There’s a viewing area where you can take fantastic photos. Just be prepared for it to be cooler and mistier down there. You’re standing beside a massive waterfall, after all. Bring a jacket if you’re visiting on a cooler day, and watch your footing around the rocks.

Travel tip: Looking Glass Falls is one of those rare attractions where you can get a spectacular experience without spending half your day hiking.

Check out my video of Looking Glass Falls.

Before heading deeper into Pisgah National Forest, stop at the Pisgah Ranger Station & Welcome Center. This is a useful first stop for visitors because you can find:

• Restrooms
• Maps
• Information about the area
• Rangers who can answer questions
• A gift shop
• A small museum

If you’re unfamiliar with the area, this is a great place to get oriented before heading out on the roads and trails. It’s also a good reminder that cell service can be spotty once you’re deeper into the forest. Download your maps and information before you need them.

Ready to get a little wet? Sliding Rock is a quintessential North Carolina mountain experience.

This natural rock water slide sends you down a smooth rock surface into a chilly pool below. And yes, you absolutely can do it as an adult. Admission is affordable, and parking is available once you enter the recreation area. From there, it’s a short walk to Sliding Rock. There are also seating areas, changing areas, and restroom facilities.

Sliding Rock can get busy in the summer, so plan accordingly.

And let’s talk about the water temperature. It’s cold. Like, really cold. But that’s part of the experience. If you aren’t ready to launch yourself down a natural water slide, you can still enjoy the area, watch others take the plunge, and hang out beside the creek.

One of the best ways to experience this part of North Carolina is to get in the car and drive. From the Pisgah National Forest area, you can connect with the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the country’s most iconic scenic drives. This is not a drive you want to rush.

Overlooks and pull-offs dot the Parkway, giving you plenty of chances to stop, stretch your legs, take photos, and soak in the mountain views. Depending on where you drive, you can also head farther south toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife. The mountains are home to black bears, bobcats, and plenty of other wildlife. You can also spot elk in parts of the broader region, particularly on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains. Of course, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. That’s part of the fun. Keep your distance, never approach wildlife, and always follow posted regulations.

After a day of hiking, chasing waterfalls, and driving mountain roads, head to downtown Brevard, where the town’s small-town personality shines.

Downtown is walkable and packed with locally owned shops, boutiques, bookstores, coffee shops, and restaurants.

And then there’s the town’s most famous little resident… the white squirrel. Brevard is known for its population of white squirrels, and you’ll find them featured in everything from local businesses to souvenirs. Here are a few of my favorites:

• O.P. Taylor’s: If you’re traveling with kids or you’re simply a kid at heart, don’t skip O.P. Taylor’s. This colorful toy store is packed with games, toys, books, and plenty of things you probably didn’t know you needed until you walked through the door. It has that wonderful old-school toy-store feel that makes browsing just as much fun as shopping.

• A Blast from the Past: If you love nostalgia, this is your kind of stop. A Blast from the Past is filled with vintage finds and memorabilia that will make you stop and look at things you haven’t thought about in years.

• White Squirrel Shoppe: Naturally, you need a souvenir featuring Brevard’s most famous resident. The White Squirrel Shoppe is a fun place to browse for gifts and locally inspired items.

• Highland Books: Bookstores are always one of my favorite stops in a small town, and Highland Books is worth adding to your Brevard itinerary. Grab a book for the rest of your trip, browse the shelves, and give yourself permission to slow down for a little while.

• Brevard Marketplace: Another great stop to browse local goods and find something to take home.

• Rocky’s Corner Market: Add Rocky’s Corner Market to your list if you want another local shopping stop while exploring downtown.

Where to Get Coffee in Brevard

Coffee is practically a travel essential for me, and Brevard has some adorable options. One thing I love about this town is that coffee doesn’t always mean walking into a traditional brick-and-mortar shop. You’ll also find small coffee trailers and mobile coffee stops scattered around town. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Cup & Saucer: One of my favorite stops. They make their own syrups, and a lovely outdoor seating area lets you sit and enjoy your coffee. There’s also a charming little courtyard behind the coffee shop, giving you another spot to relax.

• The Velvet Cup: If you’re looking for coffee and something sweet, put The Velvet Cup on your list. It’s a coffee truck known for mini donuts and espresso drinks, a pretty fantastic combination.

• Brew Cycle Coffee: Another local coffee option worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for something quick before the day’s adventures.

• Pisgah Coffee Roasters: For coffee lovers who prefer locally roasted beans, add Pisgah Coffee Roasters to your itinerary. It’s another great way to get your caffeine fix before heading into the mountains.

Where to Eat in Brevard

After all that hiking, waterfall chasing, and coffee drinking, you’ll need food. Here are a few places to add to your Brevard dining list that I’ve approved! 

• Pisgah Bakehouse: A great option when you’re craving baked goods, breakfast, or something delicious to fuel your day.

• Smoke On BBQ: Because sometimes a mountain adventure requires barbecue. Add Smoke On BBQ to your list for a casual meal after a day outdoors.

• The Pisgah Inn: If you’re driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, make time for the Pisgah Inn. It’s seasonal, so check ahead before planning your stop, but the views alone make this a memorable place to visit. Few things are better than sitting down for a meal with the mountains stretching out in front of you.

• Morning Social: Another option for breakfast or brunch while you’re exploring Brevard.

Where to Stay in Brevard

One of the things that originally attracted me to Brevard was the variety of lodging options. Because Brevard can be more affordable than staying directly in Asheville, it makes a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains.

Here are a few places to consider:

• Pilot Cove: Offers a modern mountain-lodge experience surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest. It’s a good choice if you want to feel tucked into nature while still having access to Brevard and the surrounding attractions. It’s located just outside the Pisgah National Forest entrance. 
  • Check out my video for Pilot Cove

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brevard: For travelers who prefer familiar hotel amenities, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a convenient option. It’s especially useful if you’re looking for a straightforward home base for exploring the area and want free breakfast, swimming, and easy parking. It’s also located just outside the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest. 

• Sunset Motel: For a more classic roadside-motel experience, consider the Sunset Motel. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a mountain road trip that includes a locally owned motel.
  • Check out my video of the Sunset Motel