Western North Carolina is known for sweeping views, outdoor adventure, and never-ending waterfalls. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a famous scenic drive known for many of these adventures, but it’s busy. But what if I told you about the Blue Ridge Parkway’s less popular cousin? It doesn’t have sweeping views. It doesn’t have frequent pull-outs. It doesn’t have little history and information signs. But what it does have is character. Spirit. And waterfalls for days.
It’s called Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway, and it’s one of the best things to do in Brevard and near Asheville. There are 15 waterfalls often visited, but over 250 in the area. In addition to the many waterfalls, there are hikes, forestry history, and even an exciting water attraction. Keep in mind when you visit, there are several residential areas along certain sections of the drive.
- Where is Forest Heritage National Scenic Drive? Where is Brevard?
- Pisgah National Forest Human History
- Where to Stay in Pisgah National Forest and Brevard
3a. Lodging
3b. Camping - When Should I Visit Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway?
4a. Winter
4b. Spring
4c. Summer
4d. Autumn - Where to Eat in Brevard
- Accessibility Along Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
- How Long Do I Need to Spend on the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway?
7a. The First Fifteen Miles of Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway - Day Hikes Along Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
8a. Looking Glass Rock
8b. Unnamed Hike by Living Waters
8c. Moore Cove Falls
8d. Cradle of Forestry Trails - Waterfalls Near Asheville Along Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
- Other Things to Do Along Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway near Asheville
10a. Sliding Rock
10b. Cradle of Forestry
11c. Blue Ridge Parkway - Miscellaneous Fun Facts About Brevard and Pisgah National Forest
- Overview
Where is Forest Heritage National Scenic Drive? Where is Brevard? Heck, where is Asheville?!
Asheville
Because Asheville is the main point of reference for many visitors to this area, let’s start there. Asheville is just under four hours from North Carolina’s state capitol, Raleigh. There are numerous ways of getting to Asheville. For plane-lovers, there is a regional airport (Asheville Regional Airport), but it’s small. The likelihood of getting a direct flight there is also small (but growing!), so you are probably better off flying into Greensboro (Piedmont Triad International Airport) and renting a car. It is about two hours from Asheville.
By car, it’s easily accessible from most major cities in the area via several highways an interstates: I-26, I-40 and I-240; U.S. 19/23, 25, 25A, 70, and 74. For a more scenic entrance, consider taking the Blue Ridge Parkway for a portion of the drive. Enter where ever you desire, but make sure to get off at one of the Asheville intersections: US 25, US 70, US 74, or NC 191. Note that the Blue Ridge Parkway begins at the end of Shenandoah National Park‘s Skyline Drive and ends 469 miles later in Cherokee, North Carolina.
Asheville is a hub of fun, be it distilleries, beer, and alcohol, food, art, outdoors, or whatever. It’s unlikely you’ll run out of things to do on a first, second, and possibly third trip, but I personally love getting away for a day or two to surrounding areas. And that’s where Brevard and Forest Heritage National Scenic Drive come in.
Brevard
Brevard is a small town in the North Carolina mountains, but it often gets overshadowed by it’s big siblings, like Asheville and Cherokee. Funnily, it has some amazing outdoor activities that are just as enticing as other places. Brevard is about an hour south west of Asheville via NC-280 E, which makes it one of the best day trips by far in my not so humble opinion. If you want a sneak peak at beautiful views, you can even take the Blue Ridge Parkway and exit at Wagon Road Gap (milepost 412). You’ll get to drive down the first 15 miles of Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway on US 276 as you head south to Brevard.
Also, it’s in Transylvania County which is pretty awesome. Don’t be scared, I’ve never seen any vampires there. Or any references to the supernatural, to be fair (outside of Halloweenfest, of course). It’s really just a name, so maybe it’s not as awesome as my brain makes it out to be…
Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway is a 76 mile drive that has several “starting options.” Waynesville and Rosman are other towns where you may choose to start the drive, but I recommend Brevard because you start off your day trip from Asheville (or special trip just for this!) with immediate wonders. Looking Glass Falls, one of the most popular stops on the trip, also has fewer visitors early in the morning.
From Asheville, you’ll turn right off NC-280 E onto US-276 N. Less than a mile in, you’ll see a beautiful stone pillar with Pisgah National Forest on it. This pillar memorializes the residents of Transylvania County who dies in World War I.
From Brevard, the start of the drive is easily accessible. Find your way to US-64/S Broad Street – it’s the main road through town. You’ll head north towards Asheville, but turn left onto US-276 N quickly. If you pass the Walmart, you’ve gone too far. Again, you’ll see the beautiful memorial just a few minutes down the road, marking the start of the drive.
P. S. I’ll never not link to my Barcelona itinerary where I rant about including how to get somewhere/where it is. Obviously, I’ve continued to include it!
Pisgah National Forest Human History
Pisgah National Forest, near where the bulk of Forest Heritage National Scenic Drive is located, was established in 1916 as one of the first national forests in the east. But this area has a much longer history than that. Much of the Native American history in North Carolina starts on the coast, but by the mid-1700s, Cherokees were being forced westward. Other tribes were moving out of present-day North Carolina, but some stayed and fought with the colonists during wars (e. g. Catawba and Chickasaw people helped quell the Cherokee resistance). At first, the Cherokee had land around the Pisgah National Forest, but as time passed, they lost more and more. In 1819, they signed a treaty to cede much of the land in the area.
In 1838, the Cherokee were forcibly removed, and the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail is a monument to that horror in the Nantahala National Forest. A reservation for the Eastern Band of Cherokee was established, but not until 4,000 (out of 17,000) Cherokees died on the trail. There is much more history and back story, but the gist is this: several tribes moved in and out of that area, some were forcibly removed, and in more recent years stewardship is returning (at least partially) to local tribes. Most of that area will be managed in different counties by the Cherokees, but the cultural values and traditions emphasized in that plan are supposedly going to influence the Pisgah area.
It should be noted that George Vanderbilt (of the famous Biltmore Estate) purchased the land encompassing Pisgah National Forest and the surrounding area from 188-1895. He hired Gifford Pinchot, then Carl Schenck, to manage the forest. Schenck managed to open the first forestry school in the United States named Biltmore Forest School, now the Cradle of Forestry. Vanderbilt also tried selling most of this land to the government from 1912-1913, but he kept it – it was under better care and management by him! When he passed, the government established Pisgah National Forest.
Where to Stay in Pisgah National Forest and Brevard
If you are strictly taking a day trip to Asheville, then this section won’t apply to you! And if you would like a free place to stay (in exchange for giving up some amenities), refer to the camping section.
Lodging
For the closest place to Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway, Hampton Inn Brevard or Holiday Inn Express are fantastic choices. Both are 5 minutes from the start of the drive, with Hampton Inn being marginally closer. These are also the best choices for budget travel in the area, considering cheaper lodging is hard to find.
If you want a more Airbnb-style stay, consider Pilot Cove. It is more on the luxury end of accommodations, but it is unique, beautiful, and you get a cabin to yourself.
For another cabin-y option that’s a bit further from Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway, Ash Grove Mountain Cabins and Camping have slightly more budget accommodations (again, given the area, true budget accommodations are hard to come by, especially in busy seasons).
Camping
Winter Camping
If you want to go camping in the winter, Ash Grove Mountain Cabins and Camping (independent) or Davidson River (Forest Service) are probably your best bet. They are the few sites that stay open for winter camps.
Free Dispersed Camping
However, if you are looking for free camping (yes, it’s legal and “a thing”) throughout the year, there are a few sites along Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway. It’s called dispersed camping, and nearly all the typical amenities at a modern campsite are not offered. No water, bathrooms, etc. Most of the dispersed campsites have been closed recently (hopefully they will re-open), but there is still one near Wildcat Falls. If you route to Flat Laurel Creek Canton (Plus Code 835R+69 Canton, North Carolina on Google Maps), you’ll find a small roadside parking area, but down the hill there are several small camps. Bear in mind, this area is fairly busy with hikers going to see Wildcat Falls and the area. If you are new to this type of camping, the Forest Service has a fantastic resource on dispersed camping.
Standard Camping
There are a few “typical” campsites alone the drive if you are looking for amenities! The most popular is at the beginning of the drive with the other two having less sites and use.
Davidson River Campground is the first standard campground on the drive – it’s just 10 minutes from the center of Brevard. A Forest Service site, it has eight loops of campsites ($28-$56/site) and is open year round. It has multiple hiking/walking trails directly around the site (12.3-mile Art Loeb Trail, 3.7-mile North Slope Trail, and a 1.5-mile walking trail), hot showers, flush toilets, campfire rings with grills, tent pads, lantern hooks, and picnic tables. Recommendations are highly recommended, but there are a few first-come, first-serve sites. They fill up quickly in busy seasons, weekends, and holidays.
Laurel Bank Campground is an independently run campground about 40 minutes into the drive. It’s open May 1st through October 15th with over 100 sites. Their website is down, but they can be contacted through their Facebook page, email, or phone for reservations. They also have goats to join you on your walks along the river or stay, so keep that in mind.
Sunburst Campground is an hour and fifteen minutes into the drive. It’s open from May 1 – late October (exact date determined yearly by the Forest Service). It only has nine sites ($15/night) and is first-come, first-serve. Picnic tables, tent pads, lantern hooks, flush toilets, and firewood (for purchase) are available.
The Best Time to Drive Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
Winter
It’s cold. Very cold. (But only sometimes… it can be as high as 70°F (21°C)! North Carolina weather… gotta love it.) And potentially snowy! That snow can be beautiful, but dangerous. As a result, winter is the least busy time of year for this area (that, and the lack of leaves). While it’s still decently busy, I personally can’t recommend visiting in the winter unless you have extensive experience driving in the snow. If you do, by all means visit! The snow is beautifully fluffy, weather is crisp, and scenes become ethereal. You can even tell if critters have been around (more easily at least).
If you do choose to visit in the winter, make sure to bring the proper gear for hiking (insulated jackets, snowshoes/crampons/microspikes, etc.), drive carefully, make reservations for lodging in advance, and check the weather. Also, look at the surrounding area for holiday-themed activities, like holidays at Biltmore, skiing, sledding, music, art galleries, or exploring downtown (a sculpture hunt? How cool!).
Travel tip: lookout for freezing weather. You may be able to see an incredible site – frozen waterfalls.
Spring
If you aren’t looking for fall foliage, spring is the best time to drive Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway or take a day trip from Asheville. Wild flowers abound, leaves grow, and nature wakes up. While seeing wildlife is rare, you are more likely to see younglings in the springtime (you know, given that that’s when they are born!). The weather is also ideal for outdoor activities and seeing things along the drive – temperatures stay between 40-80°F (4.4-26.7°C). It’s colder in March and increasingly warmer closer to summer. There’s also tons of events, celebrations, and other things to see/do in the surrounding area in the springtime (Biltmore Blooms and White Squirrel Festival to name a few), so it’s a good choice for a well-rounded itinerary.
Summer
Summer is immensely popular here, partly because of the beautiful weather and Sliding Rock. It’s a wonderful season to drive Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway because you’ll see more beautiful flowers, tons of leaves, and the weather lends itself to many stops to see the falls and attractions. Furthermore, Brevard and the surrounding area have plenty of activities to partake in when you finish the drive. From Old Time Street Dances (with instructions included!) to 4th of July Celebrations, there’s plenty to do to your out your summer itinerary too.
Autumn
The full drive is best in autumn because it has incredible mountain leaves and changing colors. It’s also less busy than the popular Blue Ridge Parkway (remember — less busy, not “not” busy). Unfortunately, there aren’t any expansive views of the mountains unless you hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but there are plenty of beautiful views and scenery.
There is one section of the drive that’s extremely popular because of Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls, and Looking Glass Rock (the first 15 miles or so), which is one downside of visiting in the summer or fall. It’s extremely busy (I’d still argue less busy than the Parkway, but it varies)! Once you pass this point of the drive, it’s considerably less crowded. Of course, plenty of people will still be there, but it is less so than other areas.
And of course, I can’t forget the aforementioned Halloweenfest that takes place in the fall in Brevard! Fall is a magical time in the North Carolina mountains for a variety of reasons, so I hope you get the chance to visit at least once during the season.
Where to Eat in Brevard
There are more options for vegan or vegetarian food in Brevard than I was expecting. Don’t get me wrong, there’s no all-vegan restaurant or anything (head an hour north east to Asheville for that), but if you run out of food, want something easy, or just like trying local places, you’ve got a few options.
Mayberry’s Soups & Sandwiches serves exactly what you’d expect – salads, soups, and sandwiches. They don’t have any clearly marked vegan options, but they indicate gluten-free and vegetarian! All the salads are easily veganized (does that surprise anyone?) as is the Kitchen Sink Veggie Burger and Spicy Garden Orzo Wrap. Note: They also serve a generic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but it’s made with their homemade peanut butter! Worth a try I’d say.
The Square Root has been voted the best lunch and dinner restaurant in Brevard for ten years, so it’s great for your omnivorous friends looking for the best. Don’t worry, there are some options for plant-eaters (black bean burger and eggplant club no cheese), too; however, they aren’t marked, so you’ll have to double check with questions!
The Sunrise Café serves breakfast and lunch. Vegan options include a highly edited breakfast burrito, veggie sandwich/wrap, and bagel with black bean hummus.
El Ranchero has tons of Mexican food and a list of dedicated vegetarian options. Everything has some form of dairy, but they should be able to remove it.
They are several other places that come up when searching for places, like Quotations Café and Marco Trattoria, but it will be much more difficult to eat satisfyingly (at least somewhat) at those places.
Always make sure to ask the person helping you what is in things/what they can make vegan. While these things were vegan at the time, restaurants may change their recipe at any time. For those restaurants without designations, it’s always best to check. Specify what vegan means because plenty of places I’ve visited think it’s synonymous with vegetarian! And inform them of any allergies as most food service is helpful with those issues.
Accessibility Along Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
There are few resources for visual or hearing impaired people along the drive, but there is no information that needs read or heard. As for physical accessibility, if you choose to enjoy the ride, there should be no problem. There are several pullouts where there is space to get out and wander around.
Looking Glass Falls has a wheelchair accessible area at the top, but a big set of stairs down to reach the base.
Moore Cove Falls isn’t paved and it has a few iffy areas, but you may be able to navigate to the viewing area of the falls with an electric wheelchair. It’s also a short(er) trail for those who can’t walk far.
Sliding Rock has observation decks, but I’m not sure how accessible they are. As for sliding, that’s a personal choice you’ll have to determine. Keep in mind, there is no easy way to get to the top, and the line up is often long (luckily, it is a ramp).
Sunburst Falls is right off the road, so while you may not be able to hike under the bridge to see the full flow, you can see beautiful small ones above the bridge.
Cradle of Forestry is wonderfully accessible. All the trails are paved, the visitor center is friendly, and there are several parking spots at the front.
Dill Falls is decently accessible. It’s not paved, so electric wheelchairs are best, but it’s relatively flat. It’s also less than half a mile round trip – how’s that for short trails?
If anyone reading has any suggestions or comments, feel free to let me know. I’ve determined these thoughts from my own experiences, which come from informed experience but privilege.
How Long Do I Need to Spend on the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway?
If you want to strictly drive the trail and see a few waterfalls, one day is great. That’s what makes it such a perfect day trip from Asheville! However, if you’d like to go on the longer hikes, see every fall (and/or Looking Glass Rock/Pink Beds/John Rock), or take your time, you’ll need more time. At least two days, if not three. You fitness level/hiking ability will also factor in*. If you are only interested in a short section of the drive (perhaps you started your day trip from Asheville a little late!), the first fifteen miles pack a lot of attractions into a small section.
For driving times: the full loop starting and ending at the stone pillar entrance to Pisgah National Forest is approximately two hours and fifteen minutes, no stops. It can be shortened about 35 minutes by taking the Blue Ridge Parkway.
*To give you an idea, I am moderately fit. However, I have knee issues/general lower body pain when I push myself too hard. I did Looking Glass Falls, Looking Glass Rock hike, and Moore Cove Falls (ran out of day light at that point because I had an appointment earlier in the day), and wore my knees out pretty well. I pushed myself the next day to do a few more hikes to waterfalls (Dill Falls, Wildcat Falls, Cradle of Forestry trails, and French Broad Falls, Mill Shoals, Cathedral Falls, and two unnamed falls (one trail)), but I missed most of the trails that are just off Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway. One more day and I would’ve been able to see more of the others, but still not all of them!
The First Fifteen Miles of Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
Mile 0: Pisgah National Forest stone pillars to mark the entrance.
Mile 0.4: Sycamore Flats Picnic Area along the Davidson River, a popular summer tubing area.
Mile 1.2: Davidson Campground open year-round.
Mile 1.5: Ranger Station and Visitor Center/restrooms. Make sure to stop here if you don’t have a physical map yet. Service is spotty!
Mile 2.1: Forest Service Road 477 on right – to Twin Falls hike and Avery Creek Falls. For Twin Falls, there’s a 6.5-mile loop or 4.5-mile out and back trail to see two 100-ft (30.5m) waterfalls. (Nice hike, but if you have to choose – Dill Falls is more impressive and less time consuming in my opinion.) Avery Creek Falls can either be added to the Twin Falls hike or seen a bit farther down the road.
Mile 4.8: Coontree Picnic Area & Restrooms.
Mile 5.2: Forest Service Road 475 on left – to Looking Glass Rock Hike, John Rock Hike, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, Daniel Ridge Falls, and Cove Creek Falls. John Rock Hike is a five-mile steep loop heading to a mountainous overlook. You can see Cedar Rock Falls with a short quarter mile detour on this trail too! Daniel Ridge Falls is a four-mile loop where visitors can see the top and bottom of a 150-ft (45.7m) fall.
Note: You can add another waterfall to this section by bearing right (from Forest Service Road 475) onto Forest Service Road 475B. About one mile in, there is a pull off on the right and a small sign marking a trail to Slick Rock Falls (stay to the right of the splits).
Mile 5.6: Looking Glass Falls – an extremely popular 60-ft (18m) roadside waterfall.
Mile 6.6: Moore Cove Falls hike – a 50-ft (15m) waterfall you can walk behind.
Mile 7.7: Sliding Rock – an atypical waterfall that is used as a natural water slide.
Mile 10.2: Forest Service Road 475B on left – to Log Hollow Falls. Log Hollow Falls is a cute 25-ft (7.6m) fall that gets much less traffic than others. Add another half mile (one quarter each way) to see the 75-ft (23m) Discovery Falls.
Mile 11.0: Cradle of Forestry (open mid-April to early November) – the birthplace of American forestry with exhibits, historic buildings, and paved trails.
Mile 11.3: Pink Beds – a large bog that features pink rhododendrons and laurels. It’s more green than it used to be, though. There’s a five-mile hike and picnic area.
Mile 15: Blue Ridge Parkway at Wagon Road Gap.
The Rest of The Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
At Wagon Road Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll have two options. Hop on the parkway for 11.6 miles to Beech Gap (you’ll get off at NC 215 and head towards Rosman/Balsam Grove). If you do that, you miss Sunburst Falls and a few others, but you’ll cut about 35 minutes off the whole drive, and experience some of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Continuing on the byway, you’ll drive 10.4 miles to the junction of US 276 and NC 215 passing a few campsites, some towns, and lots of churches (and in my case during elections, political signs. Joy.). Turning left onto NC 215, you’ll pass more of the same scenery until about 9 miles at Lake Logan. The real sites start again three miles past Lake Logan at Little Bird Falls, a small but enjoyable fall just off NC 215. It’s less than half a mile round trip, but parking is limited so be careful.
One and a half miles from Little Bird Falls is Sunburst Falls, another small but lovely waterfall. Less than a quarter mile down NC 215, there will be hairpin or switchback turn in the road with a parking area to the right. Parking here and heading up the very steep trail at the east end of the parking area will lead you to Sam Branch Falls and Wash Hollow Falls.
Two and a half miles down the road is Bubbling Spring Branch Falls and Cascades. I personally didn’t feel safe getting to any of these, but plenty of people do.
Another mile down the road you’ll see a small parking area – this is where you’ll go for Wildcat Falls, a 60-ft (18m) waterfall on Flat Laurel Creek Trail.
For the next three and a half miles, enjoy the drive. Forest Service Road 4663 will be marked and on the right to head to Dill Falls.
Two point seven miles down NC 215, Forest Service Road 140 will be on the left. If the gate is open, you can drive three miles to Courthouse Falls, a narrow 45-ft (13.7m) waterfall. (You’ll have to hike or come back if it’s closed, which it usually is in winter.)
Four miles from the service road, you’ll see Living Waters in the Balsam Grove community. At this stop, you can see the French Broad Falls and Mill Shoals, Cathedral Falls (Bird Rock Falls), and a few smaller cascades.
And that’s the end of the hiking and waterfalls stops along the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway! From here, you can head 17 miles back to Brevard through Rosman, to Asheville, your campsite – wherever! Technically the full loop takes you back to Brevard, but if you want to do something else (the parkway perhaps?), I won’t tell.
Day Hikes Along Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
These are just quick overviews to give you an idea! For more comprehensive guides and info, head to Hiking Along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway!
Looking Glass Rock Trail
Looking Glass Rock Trail is a popular 6.5-mile out-and-back trail that gains 1730-ft (527m) in three miles. The climb up makes for a moderately difficult hike that takes 3-5 hours (potentially less than three if you are an experienced hiker; I took 4-4.5 with several photo stops). At the end, hikers are rewarded with sweeping visions of what seems like endless mountain views.
Moore Cove Falls Trail
Moore Cove Falls Trail features a 50-ft (15m) free fall. While many find it less impressive than the surrounding options, it is still a coveted site because many people walk behind it (despite the signage posted). It’s one of the most accessible waterfalls in the area with it’s trail coming in at 1.2 miles out-and-back. There is very little elevation gain, and most of the trail has been graded. There are still some roots and bumps remaining. The hike takes between 30 minutes and one hour.
Cradle of Forestry Trails
The three paved trails at the Cradle of Forestry are perfect for a bit of history or easy hiking options. They are open from mid-April to mid-November, but exact days vary yearly, so check with the Forest Service first. There is a $6 fee to access these trails (reduced for passholders).
Waterfalls Near Asheville Along Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
These are just quick overviews to give you an idea! For more comprehensive guides and info, head to the full guide (linked as they are finished)!
Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls is an incredibly popular 60-ft (18m) roadside fall. It is extremely busy in the afternoon even in less trafficked times, so try and go early. It’s a long parking area, but please be patient if it is full.
Moore Cove Falls
Moore Cove Falls, the 50-ft (15m) waterfall you can walk behind, admittedly isn’t particularly impressive. At least not in comparison to many cascades in the area. However, it’s easy to get to and people like ignoring the signs to walk by it, which makes it enticing.
Sunburst Falls
Sunburst Falls is another sort-of roadside waterfall easily seen after crossing a bridge over Sam Branch. Just past the bridge, there is a small parking area. It’s big enough for two or three cars, so it may fill up in busy times. There are a few more parking areas farther down NC 215; the next closest is a quarter of a mile past this area. Beautiful cascades are visible from the top of the bridge, which is where I stopped because it was nearly dark. However, another cute fall can be see if you cross the bridge and road. A small trail down a steep hill (please be careful) leads to the creek and a view of lower Sunburst Falls. Feel free to wander down the creek to see other small cascades.
Dill Falls
Probably my favorite waterfall from my last trip, Dill Falls is easy to access as long as the service road is open (usually closed in winter). Technically it’s in Nantahala National Forest, but it counts in this context because it’s right off NC 215! It’s a 50-ft (15m) waterfall separated into Upper and Lower Falls, but neither trail is difficult or strenuous to see.
Mill Shoals
Mill Shoals are one of several breathtaking cascades on Living Waters private property – luckily, they let the public see them! Make sure to be mindful of the signs, however, and don’t venture too much out of where they let people roam. French Broad Falls cascade down next to Mill Shoals. Both fall next to a gorgeous red building on the property, and down the trail a little bit are even more beautiful sites. Cathedral Falls (aka Bird Rock Falls), then two more small falls are down the path.
Quick note about the parking area: if you have a low car, avoid parking in the designated zone just past Living Waters. You may very well scrape the bottom of your car because the drop is so dramatic.
Other Things to Do Along Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway near Asheville
Sliding Rock
Sliding Rock is a 60-ft (18m) natural waterslide that people line up for hours to slide down (I mean, it doesn’t take them hours, but they go up and down for hours!). The area is always open, but is only staffed with lifeguards from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend. From late September to October 31, it is staffed on the weekends. Restrooms are also open during these times, and there is a $4 fee per person.
The area may close due to high water levels or storms at any time, so call 828-885-ROCK (7625) for status updates.
Travel tip: avoid Sliding Rock from 12pm-4pm daily, as that is the peak time. The parking area often fills and will be closed until others leave. That would be a great time to explore other parts of the drive!
Cradle of Forestry
This section is a quick overview! For a more comprehensive guide and info, head to the post.
The Cradle Of Forestry In America not only has three paved trails previously mentioned, but has learning opportunities too. From their informative trails to Citizen Science Lab, Forest Discovery Center (hands-on exhibits and gift shop), Agents of Discovery game, and Adventure Zone, the Cradle could be a day trip in of itself. It is open mid-April to early November (Wednesday-Sunday from 10am-4pm) for a $6 fee.
Blue Ridge Parkway
There is so much to be said about the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s impossible to include it all here. In brief, there are two entrances to the Parkway that intersect with the byway, and the views are breathtaking. The full drive is 469-miles from Shenandoah National Park, VA to Cherokee, NC, but there are consistent pull-outs, hikes, and things to see throughout. It makes a great addition to the byway (unless of course you chose the byway because it’s less busy!).
Silvermont Park and Mansion
Silvermont Park and Mansion is an 8-acre National Register of Historic Place in downtown Brevard. The mansion is a 33-room colonial revival, and it is open to the public. There is a 3/4-mile ADA-accessible trail that features a Woodland Garden, Learning Garden, and a rain garden that manages storm water on the property.
There is also a Walk of History, conifer garden, playground, and tennis/basketball courts on site. Inside the mansion, there are a range of classes and activities on the first floor and a museum on the second, but it has limited hours from March to October (only Thursday from 6-7:15pm and Fridays from 1-4pm).
Additionally, they hold events throughout the year – typically music, but a popular one is Pumpkin Fest.
Miscellaneous Fun Facts About Brevard and Pisgah National Forest
- 75% of the United States population is within one day’s drive of Brevard (all less than 10 hours, with most places less than 8).
- Transylvania County is known as the Land of the Waterfalls
- The Hunger Games (and several other shows/movies like Last of the Mohicans and Oprah) filmed here.
- The largest salamander in North America, the hellbender, lives in the French Broad watershed. They respire through folds in their skin and have low reproductive rates. That makes them extremely sensitive to environmental toxins and siltation in the water, so the fact that they still inhabit the area is imperative and fantastic.
- There is a belief that the French Broad River is the third oldest in the world – but that’s not quite true. While it’s definitely very old, historians and researchers can’t pinpoint exactly how old it is. It is likely in the top five, though!
- The Cradle of Forestry is the first forestry school in the United States.
- About 25% of squirrels in the area are rare white squirrels (yes, they are really white).
Have any more questions? Let me know in the comments! Or, for more immediate interaction follow me on any of the socials: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest!
FAQ & Overview: The Best Day Trip From Asheville
| Where is Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway? | Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, less than an hour south west of Asheville. |
| Where should I start the drive on Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway? | In most cases, Brevard is the best place to start. |
| How much are the fees to drive on the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway? | Free for the drive and most activities, although some attractions (Sliding Rock, Cradle of Forestry) have entrance fees. |
| Humans in Pisgah National Forest | Cherokee are the local nation according to Native Land Digital, but historically several tribes cared for the area. |
| Where to stay? | One of several campsites on the drive or hotels in the surrounding towns. |
| When’s the best time to visit? | Winter is the slowest, and autumn is the most popular, but spring and summer closely follow. |
| Where to eat | The Square Root is top-rated, but Mayberry’s makes their own peanut butter! |
| Accessibility | Looking Glass Falls, Sunburst Falls, and Cradle of Forestry are all easily accessible. |
| When is the Ranger Station open? | From mid-April to early November: open 7 days a week from 9am-4:30pm. Winter hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. Closed holidays. |
| How long do I need to drive the byway? | At least an hour and a half without stopping. To check out some falls or hikes, take at least a day if not three. |
| The best day hikes | Looking Glass Rock, Moore Cove Falls, and Cradle of Forestry trails |
| Other things to do | Swimming/sliding, horseback riding, climbing, learning, and Blue Ridge Parkway. |
| What events or tours are available in Pisgah National Forest | Various programs at the Wildlife Education Center and Cradle of Forestry. |
| Are any roads unpaved or hard to drive on? | There are a few, and most pull-outs are unpaved. Be mindful of the car you bring. |
| Photography tips? | Bring extra batteries, a tripod, and a remote. |
| What amenities are available along the drive? | Campsites/lodging, restrooms, food, potable water at a few places, and even gas. Because there are a few small towns, you’ll get those amenities there, but don’t count on them. |
| What do I do in an emergency? | Get to a ranger station, call them at (828) 877-3265, or call 911 if need be! |
| What about my non-human traveling companion? | Non-human animals are allowed but not on certain trails, so check first. |
| Is driving at night difficult? | There are no lights on the byway, so it can be difficult to drive. However, there are few other cars on the road at that time, so if your lights are decent, it’s not terrible. Be careful driving mountain roads not matter the light. |
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Wow, what stunning views from the byway! It looks like such a breath-taking route! I’m in love with all of the waterfalls too! Looking Glass Falls looks so dramatic! I bet it is an impressive sight when it freezes! French Broad Falls look so pretty too. Thanks for the great guide!
I kid you not when I say I didn’t want to leave! I could’ve spent much longer than the few days I had there. I’m hoping to go back and add more falls! And see a few frozen ones 😀