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Visiting Brevard and curious about the best hikes to tackle? I’ve compiled a list of all my favorites from this stunning area.

Hiking in Brevard, NC has become one of my all-time favorite pastimes. When we first moved to the Southeast, this was one of the closest hiking areas to me, so I spent a lot of time here.

Now that we’ve moved, I’m even closer! I gravitate toward this area a lot because there are amazing swimming spots, some incredible hikes with great payoff in views, and a few iconic waterfalls that never get old.

1. Looking Glass Rock

Looking Glass Rock is an iconic feature known throughout the Carolinas. Doing this hike is a feat, but well worth the effort.

I’ve done this trail numerous times and I love it every single time. The hike is challenging, but the views at the top are so good.

The incline is nothing crazy, just a continuous uphill climb that becomes monotonous after a while.

2. John Rock

John Rock is a great option if the mileage for Looking Glass Rock feels daunting. The alltrails map says 4.7 miles, but you can do it in a little under 4 if you hike to the right on the loop and go straight to the lookout.

The back half of the loop really isn’t interesting, and I recommend just doing an out-and-back to avoid it. This trail did experience some damage from Hurricane Helene in the way of downed trees, so don’t be surprised if you see that while you’re hiking.

3. Triple Falls Trail

Triple Falls trail is perfect because you not only get to see the Triple Falls, but you also hike past High Falls. The combination of these two makes the hike twice as satisfying.

Triple Falls is absolutely beautiful, but I’m partial to High Falls because you can go down to the bottom. On a warm day, this is one of the best places to swim in all of North Carolina.

4. Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is easily one of my favorite waterfalls in North Carolina. I’ve done this hike numerous times and thoroughly enjoyed it every time.

Since the waterfall is rather strong, it’s important to follow all signage and absolutely do not swim here.

Additionally, snakes are rather common in this area, so always watch where you’re walking and keep a close eye on children/dogs.

5. Daniel Ridge Loop

Daniel Ridge Loop has my all-time favorite swimming hole. The full hike is a great workout, but if you just want to visit the swimming hole, veer left at the split and hike approximately one mile.

The full hike has a beautiful waterfall about .5 miles to the right. If I were to do it again, I’d go out and back to the waterfall and then head over to the swimming hole. There’s really nothing to write home about on the back half of this loop.

6. Cove Creek and Caney Bottom

Cove Creek and Caney Bottom trail have a few smaller waterfalls as well as many swimming spots. The amazing thing about trails in this area is that water is abundant, and you can often find a private spot to take a dip.

To get to the main falls, there is a more moderate trail that may require both hands to be free. Otherwise, the trail is in relatively good condition post-Hurricane Helene and doesn’t involve major elevation gain or loss.

7. Looking Glass Falls

Looking Glass Falls is a stunning waterfall that is highly accessible for most. There’s a viewing platform at the top that is great for people with disabilities or if stairs aren’t in the cards.

If you are capable of taking on a few flights of stairs, definitely make the walk down to the bottom to see the waterfall in all its glory.

This waterfall is incredibly popular because of the ease of access as well as how popular it is. Expect to share this with other visitors unless you arrive early in the morning or are visiting late in the evening.

8. Wintergreen Falls

I discovered Wintergreen Falls years ago and was pleasantly surprised. This hike is often overlooked for the nearby waterfalls, but it is just as stunning.

I love this hike in the spring because the flowers surrounding the waterfall pop off. It’s also a great place to cool off as the pool at the bottom is about 4-5 ft. deep.

If you’re looking for a quieter, less packed hiking option, then this is a great choice!

9. Turkey Pen Gap (proceed with caution)

Turkey Pen Gap is an iconic trail that follows part of the South Fork Mills River.

Although this trail is technically open post-Hurricane Helene, I wouldn’t currently recommend it to a friend because the bridges were destroyed.

Once the bridges have been rebuilt (there is no clear timeline on this), then the trail will be more enjoyable. Personally, I would check the most current AllTrails reviews to see what the status of the bridges is.

10. Frying Pan Mountain Lookout Tower

Frying Pan Mountain Lookout Tower is a well-known and well-loved lookout tower in the area. It has beautiful views from the top, but fair warning, the top is often closed because the tower isn’t the safest.

I still love the views from the stairs and think it’s worth the hike just for those. If the top is open, exercise caution and share the space with other visitors.

It is really hard to get this spot to yourself at sunset unless you go on a weekday.

11. Upper Log Hollow Falls

Upper Log Hollow Falls is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a hike slightly off the beaten path that still has a good payoff.

This is just far enough from the main drag of 276 that it doesn’t get nearly the amount of foot traffic as other hikes in the area. It also doesn’t have a ton of parking, which significantly limits the number of people who can hike it at once.

The waterfalls on this are beautiful, and when I visited, I brought a hammock to enjoy the quiet. I didn’t see anyone until I was on my way back to the car, which is sometimes my preference.

12. Graveyard Fields

Graveyard Fields is a great hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway that’s not too far from 276. The trail is gorgeous during both the spring (flower season) and fall (color season)

I don’t do this hike often since I tend to prefer quieter trails, but if you don’t mind sharing the trail with other people, it’s an excellent day hike.

The loop is relatively easy, but if you only have a short amount of time, I’d recommend going down to the lower falls.

13. Black Balsam Knob

Black Balsam Knob is a stone’s throw away from Graveyard Fields so I’d encourage you to combine them into one day trip itinerary if you have the time/ability.

This hike has one of the best payoffs in terms of views in all of North Carolina. Since it’s so high up, it often has inclement weather, but the rain typically passes quickly on a good day.

The sunset here is stunning and well worth the long drive back in the dark. If you do choose to hike this as golden hour, I highly recommend carrying bear spray with you and packing a head lamp!

14. Devils Courthouse (CLOSED)

Devils Courthouse is a truly special overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway that was unfortunately impacted by Hurricane Helene. The section of the parkway that provides access to this spot is still undergoing repairs, but you can check the status here to get real-time status.

Once this is safe to visit again, you should do yourself a favor and add it as a pit stop while you’re up on the parkway.

15. Moore Cove Falls

Moore Cove Falls is a great family-friendly option that is right off of 276. This is a unique waterfall in the area because you can walk behind it!

The trail itself is very easy and good for all ages. If you do choose to go behind the waterfall, please exercise caution as the closer you are to the waterfall, the more slippery the rocks.

I typically choose to visit this in the spring since the experience is much different depending on the current rainfall. The waterfall has a lower water flow and is much prettier after a bout of rain!

16. Pink Beds Loop

Pink Beds Loop is a great trail if you love vegetation and different wildflowers! The trail doesn’t have any major views, but it is often bursting with flowers during the May/June time frame.

Rattlesnakes are common on this trail, so watching where you step is essential. Also, it’s important to remember to leave no trace on a trail like this and don’t pick the wildflowers!

17. Courthouse Falls

Courthouse Falls is an incredible place for swimming if you appreciate a good cold plunge! The trail is a 35-minute drive from downtown Brevard and is located at the end of a gravel road.

The water here is chilly, but the swimming hole is deep and so fun to jump into! People tend to visit this and camp out for the day, which often leads to trash getting left behind. Please don’t be that person!

FAQs: Hiking in Brevard, NC

Where to hike in Brevard, NC?

Anywhere mentioned above is a great option! Areas to explore include Pisgah Forest surrounding 276, Dupont State Forest, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

How many waterfalls are in Brevard, NC?

There are 250 different cascades in Transylvania County, where Brevard, NC, resides.

Is Brevard, NC worth visiting?

Absolutely! This is one of the best mountain towns for hiking in all of North Carolina. It’s also an incredible area for mountain biking, fly fishing, and climbing.

How hard is the hike to Looking Glass Falls?

Looking Glass Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to access in the state. You can enjoy it from the viewing platform at the top or take the few flights of stairs to the bottom to appreciate the sheer power of this waterfall.

Wrap-Up: Hiking in Brevard, NC

If you’re trying to decide if hiking in Brevard is worthwhile, I hope this post convinced you! This is truly one of my favorite outdoor destinations in North Carolina, not just for hiking but also biking, climbing, and fishing!

Don’t forget to support local by stopping downtown to get lunch or dinner! Lastly, always practice leave no trace while recreating outdoors.

Read More:

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