Land of Waterfalls for All

If you have limited mobility, it’s still possible to experience many of Brevard and Transylvania County’s most magical natural attractions. Here is a list of nine don’t-miss attractions and activities that are easily accessible if you use a wheelchair, a walker, or need other physical assistance. 

9 Super Attractions for Everyone

 

Looking Glass Falls
One of the most photographed waterfalls in the country (photo above),  Looking Glass Falls is situated just off US 276 in Pisgah National Forest. There is limited parking along a strip leading up to the falls, but the area experiences fairly rapid turnover. While there is no designated accessible parking, there are curb ramps that make it easy for wheelchairs to reach an excellent viewing platform adjacent to the falls. Read more about Looking Glass Falls. 

Whitewater Falls
At 411 feet, Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains and one of the most accessible. There are two designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot at the south end of the trail. Both are van-accessible with striped access aisles. The trail surface is paved asphalt and smooth. It is wheelchair-friendly to the first observation deck, which affords a nice, long-range view of this spectacular waterfall. Read more about Whitewater Falls. 

Sliding Rock
Welcome to Mother Nature’s very own Slip n’ Slide. The Sliding Rock Recreation Area includes four designated spaces that are van-accessible with striped access aisles and curb ramps. A paved trail surface takes you to the waterfall viewing area adjacent to Sliding Rock and provides a perfect perch from which to enjoy watching children and adults make the exciting 60-foot journey down the rock to the chilly pool at the base. There is a $4 per person fee to enter this area. Note: Sliding Rock is temporarily closed due to damage from Tropical Storm Fred. See our Sliding Rock guide.

Connestee Falls/Batson Creek Falls
Situated on US 276 South, this pretty, 85-foot waterfall is accessible via a 50-yard boardwalk that leads to a nice overlook. From here, you can also catch a glimpse of Batson Creek Falls which joins with Connestee to form “The Silver Slip.” Read more about Connestee Falls. 

Brevard Area Trail System
This five-mile paved trail has several access points, most notably the Brevard Depot Park at 390 Railroad Avenue. The most scenic part of the trail extends from the entrance to Pisgah National Forest to the Davidson River Campground and follows the beautiful Davidson River. This one-mile section of the trail is groomed gravel and is best for motorized wheelchairs. Accessible parking can be found at the Lowes Home Improvement parking lot. 

Gorges State Park Visitor Center
This 8,600 sq. ft. facility serves as a wonderful introduction to the Jocassee Gorges with a large hands-on education area with museum-quality exhibits on geology, wildlife, and history. Relax in the rustic lounge with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. There is a scenic loop road around the park that includes a wheelchair-friendly overlook that takes in views across Jocassee Gorges. You’ll also find several accessible picnic spots and, opening in the spring of 2022, a new campground that features an accessible campsite, cabin, and RV site. Read more about Gorges State Park. 

Cradle of Forestry
This 6,500-acre historic site is a hidden treasure. It features the Forest Discovery Center with fascinating interpretive exhibits on the history of the modern forestry movement, along with engaging films and a first-rate gift shop. Best of all, there are 3.8 miles of wheelchair-friendly trails that lead to multiple historic buildings dating from the late 1800s, a 1915 Climax logging locomotive, and several informational kiosks. The Cradle offers accessible parking spaces but not near the entrance. There is a convenient roundabout for drop-offs, but there is no curb cut between the parking area and the entrance ramp. Read more about the Cradle of Forestry. 

Davidson River Campground
Located in Pisgah National Forest on US 276, Davidson River Campground is a large-level camping facility with dozens of drive-up sites that are accessible, along with showers and restrooms. Davidson River Campground also offers accessible fishing spots adjacent to the Davidson River, one of the top 100 trout fishing tributaries in the US.  Reservations and more here.   



Sassafras Mountain
The new observation tower on Sassafras Mountain offers panoramic views of three states – North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. And thanks to its mobility-impaired trail and ramp, all visitors can drink in its vistas. Interestingly, the circular viewing platform (which has a compass rose etched on its surface) is bisected by the state line separating North and South Carolina. For directions and additional information go here.  

Check out these attractions on ExploreBrevard.com. Read more about Brevard, including fun events like White Squirrel Weekend and Brevard Music Center Summer Festival.