Known for being the Land of the Waterfalls, Brevard and Transylvania County has much more than gorgeous cascades. Their "all-America" Main Street is full of local shops, galleries and great restaurants. A stately courthouse sits on the square, with a gazebo where community concerts are held. Since the town is located between Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest and Gorges State Park, find endless outdoor adventures with hiking, mountain biking, waterfall hunting, fishing and scenic drives.
While downtown hosts many fun festivals, find much to explore year-round. Favorite stops include O.P. Taylor toy store on the square and D.D. Bullwinkle's General Store.
Its most famous local resident are the white squirrels. Don't forget to take home a souvenir! The white squirrels are not albino. because they have dark eyes. It's a rare breed that has flourished here since being arriving in the 1950s.
At Rocky’s Grill and Soda Shop (50 South Broad St), sit at the 1941 lunch counter to enjoy old-fashioned soda fountain creations, milkshakes and their famous Pimento Cheese.
Brevard is located along scenic Highway 64. It's a popular hub for adjacent Pisgah National Forest. Since much of the area is a temperate rain forest with 90+ inches of rain a year, it's home to 250+ waterfalls. The most visited is roadside Looking Glass Falls (pic) and summer favorite Sliding Rock. Hike to the top of iconic Looking Glass Rock or to waterfalls of DuPont State Forest. To find more nearby hiking and waterfalls nearby, see our Pisgah Forest Waterfall & Hiking Map.
Head west on Highway 64 toward Cashiers for Lake Toxaway, Gorges State Park and the Nantahala National Forest, home to Panthertown Valley and Schoolhouse Falls.
For a small mountain town, Brevard has more than its share of culture. It is home to the world-renowned Brevard Music Center (and its amazing summer music lineup) and the Paul Porter Center at Brevard College.
PARI (Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute) is an internationally-known science and space research center is near Brevard in Pisgah National Forest. Visit for a tour of this former NASA campus with space artifacts, minerals, meteorites and events for star gazing. Read all about PARI.
Go to the Brevard Website for many more things to do.
Downtown Brevard Events & Festivals
White Squirrel Festival
Approximately 20,000 people go nuts in Downtown Brevard for the White Squirrel Festival on Memorial Day weekend each year! See plenty of arts and crafts, hear live music, eat plenty of food and watch the Squirrel Box Derby. Read more!
July 4, 2018: Fourth Celebration
The Fourth of July Celebration includes a big street festival, fine arts showcase, live music, bicycle parade, hot dog eating contest and cruisers auto show 9 AM-5 PM. Afterwards, the festivities move to nearby Brevard College for a concert and fireworks.
October 27, 2018: Halloweenfest
Since Brevard is located in Transylvania County, where else is better to honor Halloween? Flight of the Vampire 5K, 10K and Children’s Fun Run take off at 7 AM. At 10 AM, join the Costume Contest and Parade. You'll also find Chili Cook-off and Pie Bake-off, street vendors, a Pumpkin Carving Contest, Haunted House, Masquerade Ball, Boo-T-Ful Me fashion show, Mountain Music Mash competition, Ghost Tours and more!
December 1, 2018: Christmas Parade & Twilight Tour
The annual Christmas parade begins at 3 PM down Broad Street through downtown Brevard. At 4 PM, the Twilight Tour kicks off with craft vendors, live music, tree lighting and food trucks. The Brevard College Lessons & Carols concert at 7:30 PM in The Porter Center is free to attend. Go to their Website for more holiday season events.
Directions from Asheville: I-26 to exit 40/Highway 280/Airport exit toward Brevard. Downtown Brevard is 33 miles from Downtown Asheville. For a super scenic drive, take the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway from Brevard to or from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
See more of our Coolest NC Mountain Small Towns. Hendersonville is 20 miles east and Cashiers is 28 miles west.
Brevard Things to Do
