The Ultimate Guide to Water Activities in Brevard & Transylvania County, NC

Summer approaching means warmer temperatures and a corresponding urge to cool off. Luckily, there’s no shortage of ways to do just that in the Land of Waterfalls. In this month’s Field Notes, The Adventurist invites you to discover the many ways you can paddle, fish, swim, tube, slide, and generally have the time of your life in our refreshing rivers, stocked streams, and alluring lakes. Read on to learn what it takes to go with the flow.

Waterfall Hunting

Waterfalls abound throughout the county thanks to numerous tributaries that flow down from some of the highest peaks east of the Rocky Mountains. Consider Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, and Gorges State Park as sensible starting points.

For an overview of the most popular falls in each public land, click here. You can also pick up a copy of our Adventure Guide and Waterfall Map at the Visitor Center on 175 East Main Street in downtown Brevard, or access it here. And please remember while our waterfalls are beautiful, the areas around them can be dangerous. Protect yourself and your loved ones by learning how to Be Waterfall Wise.

Paddling & Paddleboarding

The French Broad, the third oldest river in the world, offers multiple ways to travel as far as your heart and paddle will take you and is the ideal place to build your paddling skills. Its consistent current and gentle rapids make for an ideal day on the water, whether you’re a beginning canoer, an intermediate paddleboarder, or an advanced kayaker.

You can rent a boat and gear from our local outfitters or bring your own. Multiple put-in and take-out options allow you to customize your adventure. Use the French Broad River Paddle Trail website to plot your course. Or leave the planning to the professionals and book one of the many tour options offered by several guides and outfitters in the county.

Fly Fishing

The Davidson River is regarded as one of the Top 100 trout streams in the United States. But that’s just the beginning. Transylvania County is the perfect base camp for anglers. In all, there are 500 miles of fishable trout streams within an hour of Brevard.

If you’re hooked on angling, learn some fly fishing tips from a local champion, Kevin Howell. He provides lots of sage advice, as well as some ideal honey holes to explore and where to find them.

Tubing

There’s nothing better on a late spring or early summer day than a lazy float down a cool mountain river or stream. In Transylvania County, the go-to spots for this family-friendly activity are the Davidson River near the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and the French Broad River. There are several outfitters who can set you up with everything you need for a relaxing float.

Sliding Rock

For decades, Sliding Rock has served as a rite of passage for thousands of children who are ready to brave the chilly waters of Looking Glass Creek and take the plunge down a 60-foot waterslide into a pristine mountain pool. Because of its popularity, we recommend visiting Sliding Rock early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially on weekends during the summer. Lifeguards are on duty from Labor Day through Memorial Day.

Swimming

Looking for a beautiful mountain lake to swim in that requires just a short hike? Look no further than one of DuPont State Recreational Forest’s beautiful lakes. One big advantage is that the water temperature of the lakes is generally more moderate than other stream-fed swimming spots.

Of course, no matter where you roam in Transylvania County in search of its magical water wonders, you’re encouraged to Leave It Better. Do your part to keep our rivers and waterways free of trash.