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Hike, Run or Bike
Bracken Preserve:
For a leg-burning trail run, check out the loop
at Bracken Mountain Preserve that clocks in at
approximately 6 miles, with 1000’ of elevation gain.
Bracken Mountain Preserve is a beautiful 395 acre
section of public land, and the trail winds through a
great section of forest that has only been open to
the public since July of 2012. Starting on the Bracken
Mountain Trail and doing the loop clockwise, you’ll
stay to the left where Brushy Creek Trail comes in.
At the back end of the loop, you can take a right
on Mackey Ridge Trail to cut over to Brushy Creek
trail, which is a short cut that knocks off 0.14
miles. Or, continue on past Mackey Ridge to take
a right on Brushy Creek Trail to head back to the
parking lot. Directions from Brevard:
From downtown, take West Main Street for one
block to a right on Caldwell Street.Take the next left
onto Probart Street, towards Brevard Music Center.
Continue on Probart Street for a mile to a right onto
Music Camp Road. Follow into the gravel to the end, at
the parking lot for Bracken Mountain Preserve.
Discover The Cradle
Forestry: The 1.3 mile long
Of
Forest
Festival Trail blends Dr. Schenck’s forestry
experiments with forest work today while allowing
for discussions on many topics, including how
plants grow, decomposition, forest issues, and
past transportation methods. Highlights include
Swim
River:
The
Davidson
There are lots of nice
swimming holes and sliding rocks on Davidson
River to explore. We recommend this family
friendly spot due to safe access to the river, the
nice picnic spots and flush toilets (always a plus
when in a national forest). After a dip in the
river, check out the Pisgah Center for Wildlife
Education where guests can feed the fish, explore
great family-friendly hiking trails and learn more
about the wildlife found in the Pisgah National
Forest. Wildlife education programs for the
public and groups are also available. Admission
is free to explore their various mountain wildlife
exhibits. (828-877-4423) Directions from
Brevard: Head to Pisgah Forest and turn left
on Hwy 276 for 5 miles to the Coontree Picnic
Area on your left. If you want to stop by the Pisgah
Center for Wildlife Education, head up Hwy 276
another 0.5 miles. Bear to the left onto Forest
Service Road 475 for 1.5 miles to the Pisgah Center
for Wildlife Education.
Local Brew: Head downtown to
sample Brevard Brewing Company’s
specialty lagers at 63 E. Main St. in Brevard. The
Oskar Blues Brewery (tours available) and
Taproom