The Adventure Collective 2017 WNC Adventure Guide | Page 21

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Perfect Weekend
Adventure Guide
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 Of
Forestry: The 1.3 mile long 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
an ozone garden, antique portable sawmill, and a
1915 Climax locomotive. Climb aboard and ring
the bell! Afterwards, explore inside the Discovery
Center wher e guests can browse the interactive
exhibit hall, the Giving Tree Gift Shop, and the Hob
Nob Cafe. Outdoors, additional walking trails,
seven historic buildings, a 1915 Climax logging
locomotive, an old sawmill, and numerous crafters
all bring western North Carolina’s past to life.
Directions from Brevard: Take NC 280
towards Mills River, and make a left at the stoplight
onto Hwy 276. Continue until you arrive at Cradle
of Forestry.
Swim The Davidson
River: 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
resides in a warehouse just a couple miles from
downtown Brevard and a quick pedal from Pisgah
Forest at 342 Industrial Drive, Brevard.
Head Downtown:
A trip to Brevard
wouldn’t be complete without a stop into
Rocky’s Soda Shop. A staple of locals and tourists
alike, hungry folks flock to Rocky’s for their famous
hot dogs, grilled sandwiches, fresh salads, and tasty
hamburgers for an experience like none other.
This traditional soda fountain mixes up favorites
such as flavored cokes, root beer and coke floats.
For those with a sweet tooth, the assortment of
thick and creamy specialty milkshakes, ice cream
sundaes, and waffle cones are sure to please. With
great food, ice cream and plenty of souvenirs,
Rocky’s is sure to make a trip to Brevard a lasting
memory. Afterwards, check out the many shops in
downtown and be sure to stop into the nearby O.P.
Taylor’s toy shop, a place named one of the top ten
toy stores in the world.
Live Music: Head over to 185 King Street
in the up-and-coming Lumber Arts District to
hear some of the region’s most well-known musicians
taking the stage to deliver their sounds in one of the
area’s most acoustically-pleasing listening rooms. Food
and craft brew round out the offerings to make this a
great spot for a night out. Get There: explore the
up-and-coming Lumber Arts District where you’ll find
the music venue at185 King St., Brevard, NC.
Boundless adventure awaits in
Pisgah National Forest, DuPont
State Recreational Forest
and Gorges State Park.
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