You’ll Find Plenty of Things To Do in Brevard, North Carolina- Enjoy Brevard’s Charming Main St, Hikes To Waterfalls, and Cold Mountain Streams
Brevard and Asheville, NC have been our go-to North Carolina mountains towns for a quick weekend getaway.
Brevard is located just 33 miles from the popular (and sometimes too crowded) mountain town of Asheville, NC but has similar access to great hiking trails, a plethora of waterfalls (250!), the French Broad River, and a couple of breweries to enjoy afterward.
In addition to being a hub for fantastic hiking, Brevard is also known for its mountain biking with plenty of trails in nearby Pisgah Forest.
And although Brevard’s downtown may only be a couple of blocks long and wide, it is fairly packed with small cafes, shops, restaurants, and a couple of breweries so it’s perfect for a walk around.
It’s the ideal town for a couple’s retreat or getting the family outdoors with its access to easy hiking trails and scenic mountain vistas.
With its proximity to popular Asheville, it could even serve as a base camp for a day trip to Asheville’s infamous Biltmore Estate and Gardens.
This Weekend In Brevard Itinerary covers all the details: where to stay, eat, and additional fun things to do in Brevard and nearby. Read on!
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Where To Stay In Brevard, NC
You have two great locations to choose from when spending the weekend in Brevard:
Downtown Brevard where you can enjoy being within walking distance of its restaurants, cinema, and shops (and still just 14 miles -roughly 22 minutes from Dupont State Forest). Lodging in this area will mostly consist of vacation rentals and B&Bs like the Inn at Brevard.
The vacation homes in the Cedar Mountain Community offer a mountain feel and is the closest location to Dupont State Forest. If you’re wanting a cozy mountain cabin type of stay, this is a good lodging option.
Downtown Brevard Lodging
If you want to walk to shops and restaurants, this is where you should stay. It’s only a 25 minute drive to all of the hiking and biking opportunities found at Dupont State Forest and a short drive to Pisgah National Forest as well.
Here is a sampling of vacation rental options within walking distance to downtown Brevard.
Downtown Brevard House, Walkable To Downtown Restaurants, Brewery’s And Shopping. 2 bedroom/2 bath, sleeps 7. VRBO 896188. Walk to everything but fairly private.
Downtown Brevard Cottage – Hot Tub / Echo / Pets. VRBO 659507. 3 bedroom/2 bath, sleeps 6. Within a 10 minute walk to town and all it offers. One of the more popular downtown rentals.
3 bedroom accommodation in Brevard. VRBO 2310320. 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Sleeps 8. Need room for the family? Easy walking distance to everything. A nice updated home.
Hotels In Brevard
Although there aren’t many hotels in the area, Holiday Inn Express & Suites is less than a 5 minute drive to downtown Brevard restaurants and shops.
If you’d like a unique, retro-style hotel, check out the recently renovated Sunset Motel. It gets great reviews, is affordable, and walkable to downtown. They offer a standard 2 queen room and a 1000 square foot cottage.
Cedar Mountain Lodging
The Cedar Mountain community is located at the door step of Dupont State Forest. It is a short drive to the popular waterfall hikes and its homes are tucked away in mountain laurel.
You can stay in a lovely, very quiet, and private setting but still enjoy wonderful food at Cedar Mountain Cafe and Cedar Mountain Canteen located within a minute’s drive.
If you wish to venture to Brevard from here, it’s only a 20 minute drive. Summer Haven. VRBO 360522. We stayed at this 3 bedroom/2 bath home, sleeps 4. Would absolutely return and loved being just 1 mile from Dupont State Forest.
We really enjoyed the covered front porch for card games and explored the nearby outdoor Faith Memorial Chapel, just a short walk from the house. Better yet, we could bring our golden retriever with us on this vacation!
Cardinal`s Nest – Modern Cabin Near Dupont State Park. VRBO 3020735. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, sleeps 8. Located less than 3 miles from Dupont State Forest. Note that there are 85 steps to reach the property from its parking area. It provides a treetop experience though!
Pisgah Forest Luxury Lodging
Pilot Cove offers luxurious cabins on 64 acres of land with direct access to hiking and mountain bike trails. It’s an expensive basecamp but just may be worth it as it’s only 10 minutes from downtown Brevard restaurants and shops. Modern meets nature here.
Pilot Cove, 2 Bedroom– VRBO 1050084. 2 bedroom, 1 bath sleeps 6. Directly bordering Pisgah National Forest at the Highway 276 gateway, Pilot Cove offers unrivaled access to Pisgah’s renowned trails, roadways, rock walls, and trophy waters. Nice modern design in a private setting but convenient to everything.
Davidson River Campground
Davidson River Campground is a large, fairly crowded campground on the Davidson River. It’s a great location though being so close to town (just a 10 min drive). Remember to bring bikes to bike the trail along the river.
For tent campers, try to get a site in the no-generators Poplar Loop. You can reserve a site in advance-definitely recommended for weekend visits.
Tip: Checkout nearby Ecusta Brewing. Food trucks and cold beer. 49 Pisgah Highway
Day 1- Welcome to Brevard!
Roll into town and park the car. Brevard’s condensed area and quaint small town feel make it a super fun area to explore.
Brevard’s downtown is perfect for strolling with shops, restaurants, antiques and art galleries, breweries, and even a gem mine for the kiddos. Stroll down Main Street to window shop and enjoy the relaxing downtown vibe.
Street parking is free for 2 hours, and there are a couple of free public lots one block behind Main Street.
Day 1- Lunch In Downtown Brevard
Eat lunch at one of the many places along Main Street or just off of it.
The Square Root has been voted #1 for 13 years in a row, so that’s always a good bet although it may be a bit upscale.
If you are just looking for a burgers and wings kind of place, head to Papa L.E.W.
They don’t have an extensive menu but what they do, they do really, really well.
For a cozy place for sandwiches and homemade soups, check out Mayberry’s.
Day 1- Stroll Downtown Main St.
After lunch, stroll down Main St. to window shop, pop into art galleries, antique stores, and enjoy the relaxing downtown vibe.
Just outside of downtown, you might want to check out Underground Salvage Co, a huge warehouse of antiques and unique items. 228 W French Broad St.
Spot A White Squirrel!
Be on the lookout for Brevard’s beloved and rare white squirrels that are unique to this town (they even have a festival in their honor each May!)
We never saw one during our visits, but it’s not uncommon to spy one. Your kiddos will definitely want one of the many white squirrel souvenirs sold throughout town.
Crystal Mountain Gem Mine
Crystal Mountain Gem Mine‘s 52 foot long indoor water flume will bring out the prospectors in all of you. Grab a Little Miner Bucket (1 gallon) and strike gold! Our girls had a blast here. Be sure to check their website for current hours.
Brevard Brewing
Brevard Brewing, known for their post-hike thirst quenching lagers, is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Brevard. No food served here but local eateries will deliver it to you.
Day 1- Dinner
If you’re not planning to cook at your vacation rental, consider stopping by Oskar Blues Brewery for dinner. They have a nice outdoor patio, and a food truck is parked at the brewery daily to serve a variety of burgers.
You can also schedule a free tour of the brewery.
Dale’s Pale Ale is their flagship beer, and they can their own line of sodas “B. Stiff & Sons” for all to enjoy. 342 Mountain Industrial Drive.
Day 2- Waterfall Hikes Near Brevard
If you need some motivation to get your tweens and teens on the trail, perhaps dangle the fact that the Hunger Games movie was filmed at nearby Dupont State Forest.
Here, you can visit Triple Falls, the most recognizable mountain scenery in the movie.
Dupont State Forest offers plenty of other hiking and mountain biking trails to explore as well, more than enough for several weekends of exploration.
Day 2- Breakfast Near Dupont State Forest
Get up early to beat the crowds at Dupont State Forest. Have breakfast in Brevard or go to Cedar Mountain Cafe conveniently located near the entrance of Dupont. Opens at 8am Monday-Sunday.
They make everything in-house and it’s super yummy with indoor and outdoor seating. Closed on Tuesdays. 10667 Greenville Hwy.
Day 2 Morning- Hike in Dupont – High Falls, Triple Falls, and Covered Bridge
Dupont State Forest has it all: mountain biking, hiking, waterfalls, and lakes. The most famous hike in Dupont State Forest is highlighted here, but there are many more miles to explore if you have time.
Stop by the Visitor Center at High Falls Access Area to get the lay of the land first if you want.
To begin the hike, park at the High Falls Parking Area (Buck Forest Road) and you will be able to hike to both High Falls and Triple Falls Trail and make a stop at the Covered Bridge.
You can continue on to Hooker Falls if you’d like to round out your walk or save it for later. See map below.
Directions To High Falls Parking Area
From Cedar Mountain (US 276)- Turn north and go 2.5 miles on Cascade Lake Road and then turn right on Staton Road at the DuPont State Recreational Forest sign.
Follow Staton Road 1.3 miles to the High Falls Access Area on the right.
From the High Falls parking area, begin your hike by going past the gate and hike along Buck Forest Road for about 1/3 mile. The trails are clearly signed as well.
For more info including directions to the park’s access areas (parks), check out Dupont’s informative website.
Day 2- Lunch Near Dupont State Forest
If you didn’t pack a picnic, you can grab lunch at Cedar Mountain Cafe until 2pm. Remember, it is located just outside the boundaries of Dupont State Forest, so it’s super convenient for today’s activities.
Day 2 Afternoon – Symmes Chapel or Visit A Swimming Hole
This afternoon, you have good options! You can take in the magnificent views at Symmes Chapel or visit a swimming hole at Hooker Falls or Fawn Lake.
Symmes Chapel, aka “Pretty Place”
If you want an incredible photo shoot, it’s worth the long, windy drive up the mountain for this breathtaking and remarkably peaceful view.
If your kids still wake up at the crack of dawn, this would be a wonderful place to shoot a sunrise! It’s beautiful any time of day though.
Fred W. Symmes Chapel is part of the YMCA Camp Greenville. It welcomes visitors to enjoy the Chapel during daylight except when it is in use for campers’ Sunday and Monday morning worship services, or for another reserved event (weddings, dedications, memorial services, etc.)
Tip: Make sure to check their website to make sure you can visit–i.e. no wedding events, etc.
Note: To get your bearings, Cedar Mountain Cafe is a short 1.5 miles from the turn-off for the YMCA Camp Greenville.
Hooker Falls Swimming Hole
Do the kiddos want to swim? The 12-foot waterfall, Hooker Falls, creates a great swimming hole on hot summer days. Hooker Falls is easy to access via a 1/4-mile trail from the Hooker Falls parking area. See map above.
You will come to an observation deck above the falls first. Then continue on the trail to the pool in front of the waterfall.
In the summer, it’s a very popular swimming hole and was a bit too crowded for my taste, but it didn’t dampen the girls enthusiasm whatsoever.
Note: This is the only waterfall area in DuPont State Forest that is safe for swimming. There are porta-potties at the parking area. You can find nicer restrooms at the Visitor Center a short drive away at the High Falls access parking area.
Fawn Lake
Located in Dupont State Forest, this small lake is reached in less than a 1/2 mile walk from the parking area. The water here is generally a little warmer than the stream-fed swimming holes, and it has a pier that leads to the deeper section of the lake.
After parking at the Fawn Lake Access Area, take the main trail/gravel road less than ½ mile to Fawn Lake.
Day 2- Evening & Dinner
If you like live music, check out what’s happening at Cedar Mountain Canteen and Cedar Mountain Moonshine, two small and family-friendly places across the street from each other in Cedar Mountain.
They sometimes have food trucks there, or you can grab something to go from Cedar Mountain Outpost just down the road.
If you rented a cabin in the woods, I would head back there for dinner to enjoy a night by a fire if you can.
If you are staying in downtown Brevard, just head to Main Street and see what looks good.
Quixote Fine Cuisine is a good choice. For something more casual, a slice of pizza at Big Mike’s might be the way to go.
Day 3- One Last Waterfall And Departure
Pack up, have breakfast, and stop at Moore Cove Falls on your way out of town.
Day 3- Breakfast in Brevard
Grab a coffee and assorted baked goods to go from Bracken Mountain Bakery located at 42 S. Broad Street.
It was mentioned in Southern Living as one of the best bakeries in the South and it is a well deserved honor.
Sunrise Cafe is another good spot for a hearty breakfast, but note that they are closed on Sundays.
Day 3- Moore Cove Falls
This easy 1.5 mile round trip hike will take you to Moore Cove Falls where you can walk behind the waterfall. Pretty cool!
It’s just a 17 minute drive from the Bracken Mountain Bakery.
The trail begins on the bridge side of the info board. Cross the wooden foot bridge across Looking Glass Creek and head uphill for a short distance. That’s the steepest part of the trail.
At the top, head to the right and follow the yellow blazes on the trees.
Moore Cove Falls 
General area of Moore Cove Falls
Tip: The hike is located roughly 6.5 miles on the right along Highway 276 just past Looking Glass Falls but before Sliding Rock.
There are no signs on the highway for the hike, but an information board near the parking lot will let you know you’re in the right place.
Directions to Moore Cove Falls Trailhead
From the intersection of Highway 64, 280 and 276 north near Brevard, take Hwy 276 north for about 6.5 miles, past The Hub Bike Shop and Tavern, then past Davidson River Campground.
Pull off in the paved area on the right side of the road, just before a stone bridge.
More Things To Do In Brevard, NC
Float Trips
Want to get out on the water? Headwaters Outfitters offers several different water adventures including a 2-3 hour lazy tube float down the cool water of the French Broad River. Reservations recommended. A fun activity for the whole family (ages 4+).
Mountain Biking
Brevard is known as a mountain biking town with trails in both Pisgah Forest and Dupont. Located just down the road from Davidson River Campground, The Hub will set you up with everything you need including bike rentals, trail info, cold draft beer, and even food trucks.
Day Trip To Asheville, NC From Brevard
Biltmore Estate
If you’ve been wanting to visit the famous Biltmore House and Gardens, Asheville’s largest attraction (literally!), it is less than a 1 hour drive (34 miles) from Brevard.
Spend a day at Biltmore Estate exploring the 8,000 acre estate with tours of the 250-room castle, the trails, the gardens, and the farm.
Also see our Weekend Getaway To Asheville for more ideas.
Sierra Nevada Brewing
On your way back to Brevard, be sure to make a stop at Sierra Nevada Brewing in their Mills River location.
This wonderful brewery is about a 30 minute drive from Brevard. You can take a tour of the brewery (kids must be 12 and older to take the tour and you must sign up in advance).
Or, if you just want to relax in their beautiful setting and enjoy some fantastic food and beer, they are open for lunch and dinner.
This place is HUGE with a farm-to-table restaurant boasting 400 indoor seats, a big outdoor dining terrace, outdoor bocce courts, and plenty of tasty beers on tap.
You could spend an entire afternoon here hanging out. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River, NC.
Hiking Trails On the Blue Ridge Parkway Near Brevard
If you want to experience an incredibly scenic drive to hike to some of the most incredibly scenic mountain vistas, hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway just outside of town.
If you are here in the fall, this would be a great opportunity to see the fall foliage.
I’m always a sucker for an easy hike to a mountain bald, and our family hike on the Art Loeb Trail to Black Balsam Knob was amazing. It’s a short hike, perfect for kids at just 1.4 miles round trip, and leads to 360 degree views of the Smoky Mountains.
You can continue on the trail for a longer hike if desired as it’s also a popular backpacking trail. Milepost 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Tip: Two more easy yet amazing hiking options on the Blue Ridge Parkway are located nearby- Sam Knob (yet another easy trail to a mountain bald) and Graveyard Fields (a loop hike with waterfalls).
Rainy Day Activities
(Fortunately, we had cloudy but nice weather during our trip and did not need to sample these activities. If you do, let me know your thoughts!)
Co-Ed Theater, Main Street, Downtown-This 75 year old theater is located downtown at 79 W. Main St. The prices are great for first run movies ($6.5 matinees, $7.50 evenings). Shows typically run daily at 1pm, 4pm and 7pm.
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI)– I’m personally very curious about this activity located just 30 minutes from Brevard.
Here’s their website blurb:
“Explore a 200-acre former NASA facility — Tucked into the scenic mountains of the Pisgah National Forest, the 200-acre PARI campus is a former NASA facility packed with activities for people of all ages. Enjoy scenic mountain views, hike nature trails, see Space Shuttle artifacts and satellites, visit a world-class collection of rare minerals and meteorites— and more, much more!!!””
Got to try it out! Let me know!
Have Fun On Your Weekend Getaway In Brevard And Happy Trails!
Between family-friendly biking trails, a downtown theater, a plethora of waterfalls and hiking trails, mountain biking, plus a charming downtown with great food and a casual vibe, you will have a fantastic weekend in Brevard, NC.
So load up the minivan, unplug those devices, and go have yourself a weekend of fun and family togetherness!
No time to plan a family vacation? We’ve already done it for you!
See our North Carolina Mountain Towns book on Amazon!
The North Carolina mountain towns of Asheville, Brevard, and Bryson City provide the perfect combination of outdoor fun, terrific local restaurants and craft breweries, and charming downtowns.
