Brevard, North Carolina: The Land of Waterfalls & Gateway to Pisgah National Forest

When most folks think of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, they picture sweeping overlooks, misty valleys, and winding mountain roads. But tucked away at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest is a town that offers a little more magic than your average mountain stop. Welcome to Brevard, North Carolina — lovingly known as the Land of Waterfalls.

Why is Brevard called the Land of Waterfalls?

It’s not just a catchy name. Brevard sits in Transylvania County, which boasts an incredible 250 waterfalls scattered across four protected areas. These include:

• Pisgah National Forest
  
• DuPont State Recreational Forest
  
• Gorges State Park
  
• Headwaters State Forest 

Each one offers unique scenery, trails, and that sweet sound of rushing water echoing through hardwood forests. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a weekend explorer, or just someone looking for a scenic place to relax, there’s a waterfall here for you.

One of the most iconic spots is Looking Glass Falls — possibly the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina. It’s easy to see why. It’s located right off the roadside and is stunning in any season. In fact, the falls are named after nearby Looking Glass Rock, where, during the winter months, ice forms a slick mirror surface that reflects sunlight like a looking glass. You can catch a glimpse of this breathtaking rock formation in this 4K video tour of Pisgah National Forest.

That clip will give you an idea of why so many outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and casual visitors keep returning to this area.

Hiking in Brevard: Trails for Every Skill Level

If you’re the type who wants to earn your mountain views, Brevard has over 1,000 miles of trails for you to explore. Pisgah National Forest is a hiker’s dream — home to scenic trails that weave through hardwood forests, across ridgelines, and past waterfalls.

Some of the most popular hikes include:

• Looking Glass Rock Trail — A challenging but rewarding 6-mile round trip that leads you to sweeping panoramic views. On a clear day, you can even spot Mount Pisgah in the distance.
• Twin Falls & Clawhammer Falls Loop — This 6.7-mile loop lets you knock out five waterfalls in one trip and winds you through Pisgah’s lush, fern-filled forests.
• Moore Cove Falls Trail — A family-friendly 1.2-mile trail that leads to a stunning 50-foot waterfall. What makes this one special? You can actually walk behind the falls.

And for the serious hikers out there, Pisgah is home to the Art Loeb Trail — a strenuous, bucket list-worthy 30-mile trek that takes you up to Black Balsam Knob, one of the highest peaks in the Great Balsam Mountains.

Beyond the Trails: Brevard’s Downtown Charm

But Brevard isn’t just for backcountry adventurers. This small mountain town has a quirky, creative energy all its own. Take a stroll through downtown and you’ll find:

• Colorful murals and street art
  
• Live music and outdoor festivals
  
• Locally-owned shops and galleries
• Plenty of spots for a post-hike coffee or craft beer

Oh, and don’t be surprised if you see a white squirrel scurrying across the street. No, you’re not imagining things. Brevard is known for its unusual population of white squirrels. They’re so beloved that there’s even a White Squirrel Festival every year.

The story goes that a local resident was gifted a pair of white squirrels back in the 1940s. They were released into the wild and — lucky for us — have thrived ever since, becoming Brevard’s unofficial mascots.