Brevard is located in North Carolina’s Transylvania County, home to more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails.
One of my favorite hikes is Moore Cove Falls. It is located in the Pisgah National Forest, less than half an hour from Brevard. I think it is unique because visitors can walk behind the waterfall. Plus, the hike is only 1.5 miles round trip, so it’s a relatively easy trip to tackle.
If you’re willing to drive a little further, I also like to hike Black Balsam Knob, Sam Knob, and Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower, all less than an hour’s drive from downtown.
And finally, to see a seasonal sunset phenomenon known as the Bear’s Shadow, I suggest driving about 45 minutes west to Whiteside Mountain, near Cashiers, North Carolina.
From mid-October to early November, usually between 5:30 PM and 6:15 PM, the sun sets behind the mountain, creating a shadow that resembles a bear.
This story was originally published on October 25, 2025 and last updated on September 10, 2026.
