Brevard, North Carolina, is a hiker’s paradise, boasting some of the most scenic trails in the eastern United States. Also known as the Land of Waterfalls, the area is home to the highest concentration of waterfalls in the region, as well as hundreds of miles of well-maintained trails that you can explore.
From beginner and kid-friendly walks to challenging backcountry treks, Brevard has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll dive into 15 of the best hiking trails near Brevard, highlighting their unique features and what makes them worth exploring.
Easy Hiking Trails Near Brevard, NC
1. Pink Beds Trail

- Length: 6 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Time Required: 2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 337 feet
Known for its easy terrain and unique landscape, you can enjoy the beauty of the area as you traverse this 6-mile loop trail near Brevard, which is suitable for hikers of all skill levels, including families.
Originally named for the abundant blooms of local plants visible from the surrounding mountains, the Pink Beds Valley has now been reforested, making the name more historical than descriptive.
As you hike through the loop, you’ll encounter lush grasses, meandering streams, and beaver dams that have left a remarkable impact on the forest. The trail is open year-round and is a popular destination for birding, fishing, and hiking.
READ MORE: Best Hiking Trails in Boone, North Carolina
2. Estatoe Trail via Art Loeb Trail

- Length: 2.8 miles
- Trail Type: Out & back
- Time Required: 52 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 65 feet
Winding alongside the picturesque Davidson River, this multi-use trail is popular among hikers, walkers, and riders alike. With little elevation gain, the Estatoe Trail and Art Loeb Trail both provide a gentle walk to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
As you traverse the trail, you’ll come across boardwalk sections, which may be slick after rainfall. Take care during your hike and watch for missing boards in some spots. Once you move past the boardwalk, the trail turns into a combination of gravel and dirt, providing ample opportunities to explore the lush landscape and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
Along your journey, marvel at the rhododendron tunnels, relish the numerous views of the Davidson River, and keep an eye out for tubers floating by during the warmer months. This trail is a lovely experience for anyone seeking to spend time outdoors near Brevard without a ton of effort.

3. Graveyard Fields Loop Trail

- Length: 1.3-mile
- Trail Type: Loop
- Time Required: 30 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 144 feet
The Graveyard Fields Loop is an excellent hike for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this hiking trail near Brevard, North Carolina offers a unique blend of natural beauty and history.
The trail’s name comes from the eerily similar appearance of its landscape to a graveyard. After a catastrophic wildfire and significant erosion, tree stumps in the area resemble tombstones, giving the area a striking visual quality.
Featuring an easy difficulty level, the loop trail is approximately 1.3 miles long, with an elevation gain of about 144 feet. Hikers can expect to encounter waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and a variety of plant species while traversing the trail.
One of the main attractions along the Graveyard Fields Loop is the ability to witness two distinct waterfalls: the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls. The hike to the Lower Falls is relatively short and easy, making it a popular destination for families with younger children.
Aside from the waterfalls, the trail also provides excellent birdwatching opportunities and the chance to spot other wildlife in the area. Furthermore, different seasons bring unique charms to the hike – such as berry picking in the summer and spectacular fall foliage.
4. Andy Cove Trail

- Length: .6 of a mile
- Trail Type: Loop
- Time Required: 20 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 72 feet
The Andy Cove Trail offers a great hiking experience for all ages. This 0.7-mile loop trail is considered easy, with an average completion time of just 20 minutes, making it the perfect introduction to the beauty of the Pisgah Ranger District. With a modest elevation gain of 72 feet, you’ll find this route both easily accessible and satisfying.
As you embark on the Andy Cove Trail, you’ll encounter a variety of plants, trees, and animals native to the region. Interpretive signs along the way will help you identify and learn about the flora and fauna you come across. Additionally, the trail offers a unique treetop boardwalk and suspension footbridge, providing visitors with an immersive experience of the forest’s natural beauty.
Recognized both as a National Recreation Trail and a Kids In Parks TRACK trail, the Andy Cove Trail is the perfect destination for families and anyone looking for a short, refreshing hike.
READ MORE: Best Hiking Trails Near Franklin, NC
5. Davidson River Trail to Whaleback Falls

- Length: 2.6 miles
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Time Required: 1 hour
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Davidson River Trail to Whaleback Falls is a gentle and scenic 2.6-mile hike that offers beauty and serenity. The trail follows an old road bed, providing breathtaking views of the river along the way, before reaching the picturesque Whaleback Falls—a perfect place to stop before heading back.
As you make your way down the trail, you’ll enjoy the surrounding forest and openings along the Davidson River. Whaleback swimming hole can be found just below the junction of Cove Creek into the river, adding another inviting spot to pause during your hike.
This trail offers an easy route that takes an average of 1 hour to complete, making it suitable for hikers of various fitness levels.
READ MORE: Best Black Mountain Hiking Trails | Ranked Easy to Hard
Moderate Trails Near Brevard, North Carolina
6. John Rock Trail Loop

- Length: 4.6 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Time Required: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 1066 feet
Surrounded by the lush beauty of the Pisgah National Forest, the John Rock Trail Loop offers a scenic and rewarding experience for hikers near the Brevard area.
As you embark on your hike, you’ll encounter a diverse landscape that includes rhododendron-covered terrain, stream crossings, and steep climbs.
At just under 2 miles into the hike, the trail levels out near the summit, providing a much-needed break from the uphill trek. It’s important to keep your dogs on a leash as the trail features some sheer drops, ensuring their safety along the way.
Notable highlights of the John Rock Trail Loop include majestic views of the surrounding forest, a slick rock overlook, and a picturesque waterfall. These scenic elements make the trail popular among nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
While hiking, you can expect to encounter fellow outdoor enthusiasts, as it is a popular trail in the area.
7. Daniel Ridge Loop

- Length: 4.5 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Time Required: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 813 feet
The Daniel Ridge Loop Trail offers a moderate and scenic hiking experience for hikers. Offering a 4.5-mile loop with an elevation gain of a little over 800 feet, this trail takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and is well-suited for both hiking and mountain biking.
As you embark on your journey, you’ll pass through a picturesque cove hardwood forest and come across the fascinating sight of a hemlock graveyard/nursery. The trail follows an old road upstream and runs parallel to the Davidson River, providing the opportunity to appreciate the serene beauty of waterfalls along the way.
Keep in mind that this popular trail may be shared with other backpackers, campers, hikers, and bikers during your adventure. With its pet-friendly atmosphere and well-marked red blazes, Daniel Ridge Loop Trail is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable outdoor experience in Pisgah National Forest.
READ MORE: 5 Best Caves and Caverns in North Carolina
8. Cat Gap Loop Trail

- Length: 4.6 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Time Required: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 1046 feet
The Cat Gap Loop Trail is a moderately challenging 4.6-mile loop trail in the Pisgah National Forest. The trail offers a mix of cool woods, open vistas, rambling creeks, and splashing waterfalls, making it an ideal destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
You will begin your hike at the trailhead near the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. As you embark on your adventure, expect to climb moderately with an elevation gain of 1,046 feet during the hike. The trail’s lowest elevation is 2,325 feet, and it peaks at 3,365 feet. The varying elevations along the hike provide both scenic views and physical challenges for hikers.
As you explore the Cat Gap Loop Trail, you’ll encounter several points of interest. Early on in your hike, you will cross John Rock Creek and soon after, merge with Cedar Rock Creek. At Cedar Rock Creek, you will find a pleasant cascade and a popular primitive campsite for those who wish to extend their outdoor experience.
Keep in mind that this is a popular hiking area, so you’re likely to encounter other hikers throughout your journey. The trail is open year-round and offers stunning views no matter the season. Additionally, if you’re hiking with a furry friend, dogs are welcome on the Cat Gap Loop Trail, and they may be off-leash in certain areas.
READ MORE: 10 Beautiful Waterfalls Near Murphy, North Carolina
9. Four Falls and the Covered Bridge

- Length: 8.3 miles
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Time Required: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 856 feet
Four Falls and the Covered Bridge is an 8.3-mile out-and-back trail that provides a moderately challenging adventure for hikers seeking somewhere to explore near Brevard.
As you make your way through the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to witness four stunning waterfalls – Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls – each with its own unique beauty. Adding to the charm of the hike, the trail also features a picturesque covered bridge that you’ll cross, further enhancing the experience and providing a perfect photo opportunity.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone looking for a new adventure, the Four Falls and the Covered Bridge trail offers the perfect blend of physical challenge and natural wonder.
10. Bennett Gap Trail

- Length: 5.7 miles
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Time Required: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 1509 feet
Bennett Gap Trail is a popular hiking trail near Brevard, offering stunning views and an exciting outdoor experience for both hikers and mountain bikers. As you embark on this trail, you’ll begin along Avery Creek Road, following the path as it gradually ascends up the mountain and winds through a beautiful forest setting before reaching the return point at Avery Road.
This 5.7-mile trail is not only known for its picturesque landscapes but also for the challenges it presents. If you’re biking, Bennett Gap Trail is best suited for advanced riders looking to improve their downhill technical skills.
Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with multiple mountain view overlooks, like the Pisgah Ledge, Looking Glass Rock, and the Avery Creek Valley.
READ MORE: Best Hiking Trails in Highlands, North Carolina
Strenuous Hikes Near Brevard, NC
11. Art Loeb Trail – North to South

- Length: 29.3 miles
- Trail Type: Point to point
- Time Required: Two to four days
- Elevation Gain: 7312 feet
The Art Loeb Trail is one of the longest, most challenging trails in the Pisgah National Forest. Spanning a distance of approximately 30 miles, this challenging trail allows you to explore the diverse beauty of the forest while traversing ridgelines, climbing peaks, and navigating through dense forests.
As one of North Carolina’s crown jewels of hiking, the trail offers an exceptional experience for both dedicated hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.
On your journey through the Art Loeb Trail, you’ll encounter majestic peaks, including four that rise above 6,000 feet, and breathtaking ridgeline views that stretch for miles.
From its southern starting point at the Davidson River Campground to its northern end at the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp, the trail provides an unforgettable experience thanks to its rugged terrain and picturesque vistas.
Keep in mind that this trail is known for its difficulty, so adequate preparation and planning are essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.
There are also several other hikes you can go on like the Art Loeb and North Slope Loop or the Estatoe Trail via Art Loeb Trail mentioned above, that hit the Art Loeb Trail and are much shorter if you’re looking for a difficult hike that doesn’t take multiple days.
Named after its founder, Art Loeb, a passionate activist from the Carolina Mountain Club, the trail stands as a testament to his love for these mountains. As you embark on your trek along this magnificent path, feel inspired by both the natural beauty and the dedication of those who worked passionately to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
READ MORE: Best Hiking Trails Near Waynesville, NC
12. Farlow Gap Trail

- Length: 6.1 miles
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Time Required: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 1807 feet
This 6.1-mile hiking trail near Brevard is also located in the Pisgah National Forest and is rated as difficult, so it’s not for the faint of heart. The trail starts with a moderate climb as it contours around Fork River Ridge and Daniel Ridge, but from there to Farlow Gap, the trail becomes steep with several switchbacks.
According to geological documents from the 1940s, there was a small mica mine located along the trail. You may notice small flakes of the shiny mineral alongside the trail as you hike. The site has also been referred to as “Furlow Gap” or “Furlough Gap” in old historical records.
The trail itself was likely created by loggers and miners who were active in the area in the early 20th century. It was later adopted by the U.S. Forest Service as a hiking trail and has since become a popular destination for experienced hikers looking for a challenge.
Despite its long history, the Farlow Gap Trail remains largely untouched by human development. As you hike, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pisgah National Forest, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
READ MORE: Best Hikes Near Hendersonville, North Carolina
Explore The Best Campgrounds in Western North Carolina
There are plenty of great campgrounds near Brevard and other Western North Carolina mountain towns such as Franklin, Highlands, Asheville, and Cherokee you’re traveling through North Carolina in an RV or looking to camp in a tent for a few nights.
Take off your hiking boots and relax in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains when you’re done hiking!