Conveniently located adjacent to Pilot Cove at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest, The HUB is a full-service bike shop stocking everything you need for your mountain or road cycling needs. Brands include Santa Cruz, Transition, Evil, Ibis, Norco, and Chromag. Backcountry Outdoors is an outdoor gear shop located within walking distance. Also stop in for a pint at the Pisgah Tavern, stocking a variety of craft beer options to unwind after a day in the saddle.
GUIDES
BIKE RENTALS
RADIO STATIONS
WATER SPORTS
LOCAL EVENTS
DUPONT STATE FOREST
BREWERIES
TOUR GUIDES AND SHUTTLES
ARTS + SHOPPING
REAL ESTATE
Altamont Property Group, lead by Collin O’Berry, is a top-rated real estate group with offices in Asheville and Brevard NC. Through data-driven market knowledge, attention to detail, active communication, trust, and professionalism, our commitment to clients is uncompromising. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or invest, the team offers a premier level of service to accomplish your real estate goals throughout Western North Carolina. Collin is also a Managing Partner of Pilot Cove.
Practice Areas : Residential, Luxury, Land Tract, Investment, Commercial, Development.
RESTAURANTS & WATERING HOLES
OUTDOOR RECREATION ATTRACTIONS
The Blue Ridge Parkway is among the greatest treasures in Western North Carolina, not to mention one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in America. The 469-mile road stretches from North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. It’s often dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” earning more than 15 million visitors every year.
Some of those visitors are tourists from far-flung corners of the world, who choose to drive along the route and stop at a number of the stunning scenic overlooks. Others are locals who are always looking for new places to hike, camp, and explore. No matter who you are or what brought you to the Blue Ridge Parkway, this guide will provide you with ample ideas on how to spend your time once you’re here. And best of all — all of these ideas are just minutes away from Pilot Cove!
This guide focuses specifically on locations and activities closest to Pilot Cove, located between Highway 191 at Brevard Road and US 74 in Waynesville, North Carolina. This section of the Parkway is one of the most spectacular, reaching the highest elevations of any motor road in the Eastern US above 6000’.
A Brief History of the Blue Ridge Parkway
In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Skyline Drive in Virginia. At that time, the senator from Virginia, Harry Byrd, suggested connecting that site with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. And thus, the Blue Ridge Parkway was born. Leaders from Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee came together to plan and fund the proposed highway.
Like any great idea, The Blue Ridge Parkway faced its share of controversy. The City of Asheville heavily protested the original plan, insisting that the parkway pass through their city to help their struggling economy. Eventually, they gained approval, and with a budget of $16 million, a combination of private contractors and public works programs were employed to make the parkway a reality.
The project hit another snag when World War II struck; by the 1950s, only half of the Blue Ridge Parkway was completed. So the National Park Service launched Mission 66, a development plan to complete the highway by 1966. They were mostly successful, completing all but 7.7 miles. That final stretch, at Grandfather Mountain, was protested due to the risks to Grandfather Mountain’s Terrain. After much negotiation, the Linn Cove Viaduct was completed in 1987, constructed in such a way that it protected the mountain’s ecology.
And thus, the Blue Ridge Parkway was completed!
Stunning Views of the Blue Ridge Parkway
While many of the visitors to this area are outdoor enthusiasts, enjoying the Blue Ridge Parkway doesn’t require strenuous outdoor activities. There are endless scenic overlooks along the parkway that are easily accessible by car. Scenic overlooks are an excellent place to take a break from the car, enjoy stunning mountain views, and practice your photography skills. In the busy season, you can also mingle with fellow Blue Ridge Parkway travelers. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the scenery, look no further than any of these incredible overlooks:
- Beech Gap Overlook
- Cherry Cove Overlook
- Chestnut Cove Overlook
- Cradle of Forestry Overlook
- Cowee Mountains Overlook (incredible views!)
- Devil’s Courthouse
- East Fork Overlook
- Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
- Graveyard Fields Overlook
- Log Hollow Overlook
- Looking Glass Rock Overlook
- Pink Beds Overlook
- Pisgah Ledge Overlook
- Pounding Mill Overlook
- Richland Balsam Overlook — The highest point on the parkway!
- Wagon Gap Road Overlook
Bonus: If you fall in love with the view and want to stay overnight, these overlooks (and many more like them) are mere minutes from some of the region’s best lodging, including Pilot Cove.
Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway near Pilot Cove
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers access to hiking trails that are suitable for everyone from families and beginner hikers to experienced explorers. Whether you’re looking for an easy 1-mile route or the starting point for a long-distance trek, the Blue Ridge Parkway has plenty of options for you. Here are some of our favorites:
Buck Springs Trail: If you’re looking for a moderate challenge, Buck Springs Trail could be for you. It’s a 6.2-mile trek one way with moderately steep climbs. It culminates at the Mount Pisgah parking area, from which you can reach the apex of Mount Pisgah or continue on to Asheville from the Shut-In Trail. It is intersected by Barnett Branch and Section 2 of the Mountains to Sea Trail.
Mount Pisgah Trail: Despite being a much shorter trek than Buck Springs Trail (just over 2 miles round trip), it’s not an easy hike. However, the steep, rocky climb to the summit of Mount Pisgah is well worth the effort. The path is rife with colorful flowers, and the views from the top are breathtaking. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the region, and Mount Pisgah is one of the most historically significant peaks in Western North Carolina.
Fryingpan Mountain Tower Trail: This 1.5-mile round-trip hike is gentle but continuously steep, making it a moderate choice. During spring and summer, the trail is ablaze with wildflowers and blueberries, adding charm and color to the path. And from the peak, there are stunning views of Fryingpan Mountain and the surrounding area. The historic fire lookout tower at the top is a popular tourist destination and adds to the scenery.
John Rock Hike & Cedar Rock Falls: The John Rock Hike is a 5-mile loop, with a longer entry and a shorter return trip. The hike ascends about 1,000 feet to a summit of 3,320 feet, and include not only scenic wildflowers but also access to Cedar Rock Falls along the way. It intersects with several other trails and is close to many other trails and swimming holes. You can access it from the John Rock Hike Parking Area.
Mountains to Sea Trail: For the most experienced adventurers, the Mountains to Sea Trail offers a long-distance hiking option all the way from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Outer Banks. The trail is over a thousand miles long (1,175 to be exact), so unlike the other options here, it’s certainly not suitable for a day trip! However, sections of the trail are accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway if you want to explore the early trails, and they intersect with other nearby trails, allowing you the freedom to spend as much (or as little) time as you want.
Devil’s Courthouse: For those seeking a family friendly short hike with incredible views, don’t miss Devil’s Courthouse! Follow the paved trail from the parking area to the summit to enjoy sweeping vistas over the surrounding mountains. There is a lot of history and folklore here too, including the Cherokee legend spoken to early mountain settlers about the devil holding court in a cave within the mountain.
Camping Along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Pilot Cove
For those who can’t get enough of the scenery, there is no better way to enjoy nature in all its splendor than by camping at the Mount Pisgah Campground. It’s one of the top-rated campgrounds in the nation, and it offers 125 campsites – some of which require reservations and many of which are available for walk-ups. You can camp with tents or RVs, depending on your preference – and you can camp solo or with large groups. The campsites come with fire pits and access to bathrooms and showers to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. The campground also has access to swimming holes, hiking trails, and local accommodations such as restaurants and museums. The peak season runs from May to October, so expect plenty of other campers within those months, and reserve your spot ahead of time if possible.
Family-Friendly Activities on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Pilot Cove
There are many family-friendly options for recreation along the Blue Ridge Parkway, including many of the hiking trails and scenic overlooks we discussed above.
If your family loves to swim, check out local attractions such as Moore Cove Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Skinny Dip Falls, and Sliding Rock.
You can also access numerous educational resources, such as the Cradle of Forestry in America Heritage Site, which celebrates early forestry and conservation efforts in this region. You can look about environmental stewardship and sustainability through educational exhibitions, art and drama performances, guided tours, crafts, and more.
And just a short drive away is the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, which teaches visitors about the history and cultural significance of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can tour the Green Building known for its cutting-edge conservation technology, and they even have a theater that shows The Blue Ridge Parkway – America’s Favorite Journey. The film will give you a closer look at parts of the parkway you may not have been able to see otherwise.
There are many reasons to visit the magnificent Blue Ridge Parkway, and no matter what type of traveler you are, we guarantee that you will find something to love about this place. Come see us at Pilot Cove, and we can point you to even more local treasures!
The Blue Ridge Parkway has long been recognized as the most scenic road in the United States. Managed by the National Park Service, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 469 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The Blue Ridge Parkway is easily accessible from Pilot Cove via a 15 mile scenic drive or bike ride along Highway 276.
A dedicated year-round downhill MTB park just outside of Mars HIll NC, about an hour from Pilot Cove. Over 1000′ of vertical elevation drop on purpose built downhill trails! Reservations Required. Please check website in advance for open dates, rates, availability, and requirements for the park. A must visit for downhill riders during their visit to Western NC!
OUTDOOR RECREATION EVENTS
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
The Blue Ridge Parkway is among the greatest treasures in Western North Carolina, not to mention one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in America. The 469-mile road stretches from North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. It’s often dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” earning more than 15 million visitors every year.
Some of those visitors are tourists from far-flung corners of the world, who choose to drive along the route and stop at a number of the stunning scenic overlooks. Others are locals who are always looking for new places to hike, camp, and explore. No matter who you are or what brought you to the Blue Ridge Parkway, this guide will provide you with ample ideas on how to spend your time once you’re here. And best of all — all of these ideas are just minutes away from Pilot Cove!
This guide focuses specifically on locations and activities closest to Pilot Cove, located between Highway 191 at Brevard Road and US 74 in Waynesville, North Carolina. This section of the Parkway is one of the most spectacular, reaching the highest elevations of any motor road in the Eastern US above 6000’.
A Brief History of the Blue Ridge Parkway
In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Skyline Drive in Virginia. At that time, the senator from Virginia, Harry Byrd, suggested connecting that site with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. And thus, the Blue Ridge Parkway was born. Leaders from Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee came together to plan and fund the proposed highway.
Like any great idea, The Blue Ridge Parkway faced its share of controversy. The City of Asheville heavily protested the original plan, insisting that the parkway pass through their city to help their struggling economy. Eventually, they gained approval, and with a budget of $16 million, a combination of private contractors and public works programs were employed to make the parkway a reality.
The project hit another snag when World War II struck; by the 1950s, only half of the Blue Ridge Parkway was completed. So the National Park Service launched Mission 66, a development plan to complete the highway by 1966. They were mostly successful, completing all but 7.7 miles. That final stretch, at Grandfather Mountain, was protested due to the risks to Grandfather Mountain’s Terrain. After much negotiation, the Linn Cove Viaduct was completed in 1987, constructed in such a way that it protected the mountain’s ecology.
And thus, the Blue Ridge Parkway was completed!
Stunning Views of the Blue Ridge Parkway
While many of the visitors to this area are outdoor enthusiasts, enjoying the Blue Ridge Parkway doesn’t require strenuous outdoor activities. There are endless scenic overlooks along the parkway that are easily accessible by car. Scenic overlooks are an excellent place to take a break from the car, enjoy stunning mountain views, and practice your photography skills. In the busy season, you can also mingle with fellow Blue Ridge Parkway travelers. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the scenery, look no further than any of these incredible overlooks:
- Beech Gap Overlook
- Cherry Cove Overlook
- Chestnut Cove Overlook
- Cradle of Forestry Overlook
- Cowee Mountains Overlook (incredible views!)
- Devil’s Courthouse
- East Fork Overlook
- Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
- Graveyard Fields Overlook
- Log Hollow Overlook
- Looking Glass Rock Overlook
- Pink Beds Overlook
- Pisgah Ledge Overlook
- Pounding Mill Overlook
- Richland Balsam Overlook — The highest point on the parkway!
- Wagon Gap Road Overlook
Bonus: If you fall in love with the view and want to stay overnight, these overlooks (and many more like them) are mere minutes from some of the region’s best lodging, including Pilot Cove.
Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway near Pilot Cove
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers access to hiking trails that are suitable for everyone from families and beginner hikers to experienced explorers. Whether you’re looking for an easy 1-mile route or the starting point for a long-distance trek, the Blue Ridge Parkway has plenty of options for you. Here are some of our favorites:
Buck Springs Trail: If you’re looking for a moderate challenge, Buck Springs Trail could be for you. It’s a 6.2-mile trek one way with moderately steep climbs. It culminates at the Mount Pisgah parking area, from which you can reach the apex of Mount Pisgah or continue on to Asheville from the Shut-In Trail. It is intersected by Barnett Branch and Section 2 of the Mountains to Sea Trail.
Mount Pisgah Trail: Despite being a much shorter trek than Buck Springs Trail (just over 2 miles round trip), it’s not an easy hike. However, the steep, rocky climb to the summit of Mount Pisgah is well worth the effort. The path is rife with colorful flowers, and the views from the top are breathtaking. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the region, and Mount Pisgah is one of the most historically significant peaks in Western North Carolina.
Fryingpan Mountain Tower Trail: This 1.5-mile round-trip hike is gentle but continuously steep, making it a moderate choice. During spring and summer, the trail is ablaze with wildflowers and blueberries, adding charm and color to the path. And from the peak, there are stunning views of Fryingpan Mountain and the surrounding area. The historic fire lookout tower at the top is a popular tourist destination and adds to the scenery.
John Rock Hike & Cedar Rock Falls: The John Rock Hike is a 5-mile loop, with a longer entry and a shorter return trip. The hike ascends about 1,000 feet to a summit of 3,320 feet, and include not only scenic wildflowers but also access to Cedar Rock Falls along the way. It intersects with several other trails and is close to many other trails and swimming holes. You can access it from the John Rock Hike Parking Area.
Mountains to Sea Trail: For the most experienced adventurers, the Mountains to Sea Trail offers a long-distance hiking option all the way from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Outer Banks. The trail is over a thousand miles long (1,175 to be exact), so unlike the other options here, it’s certainly not suitable for a day trip! However, sections of the trail are accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway if you want to explore the early trails, and they intersect with other nearby trails, allowing you the freedom to spend as much (or as little) time as you want.
Devil’s Courthouse: For those seeking a family friendly short hike with incredible views, don’t miss Devil’s Courthouse! Follow the paved trail from the parking area to the summit to enjoy sweeping vistas over the surrounding mountains. There is a lot of history and folklore here too, including the Cherokee legend spoken to early mountain settlers about the devil holding court in a cave within the mountain.
Camping Along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Pilot Cove
For those who can’t get enough of the scenery, there is no better way to enjoy nature in all its splendor than by camping at the Mount Pisgah Campground. It’s one of the top-rated campgrounds in the nation, and it offers 125 campsites – some of which require reservations and many of which are available for walk-ups. You can camp with tents or RVs, depending on your preference – and you can camp solo or with large groups. The campsites come with fire pits and access to bathrooms and showers to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. The campground also has access to swimming holes, hiking trails, and local accommodations such as restaurants and museums. The peak season runs from May to October, so expect plenty of other campers within those months, and reserve your spot ahead of time if possible.
Family-Friendly Activities on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Pilot Cove
There are many family-friendly options for recreation along the Blue Ridge Parkway, including many of the hiking trails and scenic overlooks we discussed above.
If your family loves to swim, check out local attractions such as Moore Cove Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Skinny Dip Falls, and Sliding Rock.
You can also access numerous educational resources, such as the Cradle of Forestry in America Heritage Site, which celebrates early forestry and conservation efforts in this region. You can look about environmental stewardship and sustainability through educational exhibitions, art and drama performances, guided tours, crafts, and more.
And just a short drive away is the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, which teaches visitors about the history and cultural significance of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can tour the Green Building known for its cutting-edge conservation technology, and they even have a theater that shows The Blue Ridge Parkway – America’s Favorite Journey. The film will give you a closer look at parts of the parkway you may not have been able to see otherwise.
There are many reasons to visit the magnificent Blue Ridge Parkway, and no matter what type of traveler you are, we guarantee that you will find something to love about this place. Come see us at Pilot Cove, and we can point you to even more local treasures!
Pure, natural, and uncensored artisanal honey from a property bordering Pisgah National Forest. Tours available!
Fun for the entire family with an outdoor education center and recreation opportunities. Also offering weddings and corporate retreats. Located near Lake Toxaway.
The Blue Ridge Parkway has long been recognized as the most scenic road in the United States. Managed by the National Park Service, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 469 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The Blue Ridge Parkway is easily accessible from Pilot Cove via a 15 mile scenic drive or bike ride along Highway 276.
The Whistlestop is a gourmet market and produce stand featuring Carolina grown, raised, and made products. Carrying a wide variety of locally-grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, raw unfiltered honey, spices, nuts, bread, jams, jellies, craft beers, hand selected wines, ice, potted plants, flowers, herbs, starter plants, firewood, birdseed, & Taste of the Wild Pet Food. Located on Highway 276 in between Brevard and Cedar Mountain.
Indoor bowling alley near Downtown Brevard on Rosman Highway.
www.rockinbowl,com
Situated in an old-growth forest, Hemlocks Studio offers creative escapes for small groups and individuals; artists, writers, readers, and more. Take one of the pre-planned escapes or let Hemlocks arrange one for your group.
Early-19th-century movie house featuring first-run films on a single screen. Located in Downtown Brevard.
DuPont State Recreational Forest is the home of more than 10,000 acres of forest, trails, and majestic waterfalls between Brevard and Hendersonville, North Carolina.
Rock gym and guide service located near downtown Brevard.
The official community theatre of Transylvania County.
One of the most magnificent estates in America, if not the world. Located about 45 minutes away from Pilot Cove, near Asheville.
Nestled in Pink Beds Valley is the Cradle of Forestry in America, the birthplace of science-based forest management and a living legacy made possible by George and Edith Vanderbilt of the nearby Biltmore Estate. Some 87,000 aces of the Vanderbilt’s “Pisgah Forest” tract became the nucleus of the Pisgah National Forest, established in 1916. This 6500 acre historic site in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, NC was created by Congress in 1968 to “preserve, develop, and make available to this and future generations the birthplace of forestry and forestry education in America.”
Elements Spa is a wellness spa that provides a holistic and caring environment for your health and well-being. Offering massage therapy, skin therapy, and body treatments. Located in Downtown Brevard.
Crystal Mountain Gem Mine brings you and your family the unique experience of Gem Mining for your very own gem stones, keep everything you find! Located in Downtown Brevard.
Red Wolf Mountain Bike Tours
Guided mountain bike rides throughout the Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest.
www.redwolftours.com/
NCLine Adventures
Guided hiking tours, camping tours, beer and wine tours, fully-equipped van rentals, and more with customized itineraries to your needs. Also custom elopement ceremonies in the beautiful Western NC mountains!
https://www.nclineadventures.com/
Carmichael Training Systems
A great opportunity for guided MTB adventures with top-tier athletes and coaches! Explore the beautiful trails of Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, and Paris Mountain State Park with experienced and certified CTS Mountain Bike Guides. No matter your ability level, we can craft unique half-day, full-day, and multi-day guided mountain bike tours for you. Book a trip with CTS to experience a thrilling ride and get a real taste for the stunning Brevard area MTB trails!
Carmichael Training Services – Guided Tours
The Adventure Fitness Guru
Guided mountain bike trips from an accomplished cyclist, personal trainer, and endurance athlete – Steven McHone. Personalized experiences highlight great trails and provide cycling instruction and fitness consulting, with optional yoga and massage therapy. Have fun and learn how to treat your body well!
http://stevenmchone.com/
Pura Vida Adventures
Full service guide company offering climbing, canyoneering, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking,waterfall tours, adventure race instruction, and paddling trips. We also provide you with an opportunity to see the North Carolina mountains through any variety of these activities over one day or a series of days.
http://pvadventures.com
Wild Carolina Fly Fishing
Guided fly fishing trips from knowledgeable local angler Ross Pritchard.
https://www.facebook.com/Wildcarolinafly/
Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures
Guided mountain bike trips throughout Western NC.
www.pisgahmountainbikeadventures.com/
Pisgah Stables
Guided horseback rides throughout Transylvania County. Open seasonally April – October.
www.pisgahstables.com
Green River Adventures
Whitewater kayaking and rafting guide service.
www.greenriveradventures.com/
The Bike Farm Pisgah
Mountain bike guide and coaching service throughout DuPont and the Pisgah National Forest.
www.bikefarmpisgah.com/
Oxbow River Snorkeling
Oxbow River Snorkeling is the first company to focus on guided river snorkeling in the United States. Our mission is to provide a full scale river snorkeling adventure, while our customers create lasting memories of our ancient watershed. We have designed several tours along the upper French Broad River and its tributaries. You will see examples of different types of aquatic communities and each adventure is packed full of potential surprises around every bend! Come join us as we venture below the surface of some of the oldest rivers in the world and remember to bring your waterproof camera or GoPro!
http://www.oxbowriversnorkeling.com/
White Squirrel Paddle Boards
Check out one of the coolest outdoor experiences in Transylvania County and Western North Carolina with our totally mobile company. We bring the adventure to you! Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) offers a fun, relaxing way to play on the local rivers and lakes. Our guide brings a unique and fun experience to every outing making this an adventure that is just for you!
http://whitesquirrelpaddleboards.com/
Davidson River Outfitters
Conveniently located walking distance from Pilot Cove, this full-service fly fishing shop and guide service offers the gear, expertise, and local knowledge to make the most of your fishing experience.
http://www.davidsonflyfishing.com/
Headwaters Outfitters
Float or fish the majestic French Broad River at your leisure! Located at the confluence of the West Fork and the North Fork of the French Broad River, this full service fly fishing shop also offers guided trips, tubing rentals and shuttle service, a taproom, and canoe/kayak rentals to complete your day on the water.
http://www.headwatersoutfitters.com/
Pisgah Field School
The Pisgah Field School will introduce you to the unique recreational, natural and cultural wonders of Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest and the surrounding landscapes of the Southern Appalachians. Let us guide you around the original backyard and classroom of the Biltmore Estate through hikes, tours, and science-based workshops, while discovering the local businesses and charm of beautiful downtown Brevard, NC. Our staff and expert guides share an enthusiasm for this incredible area and will help to strengthen your appreciation for the natural world and our mountain heritage.
http://cfaia.org/pisgah-field-school-brevard-nc/
Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School
Guided rock climbing excursions and instruction.
http://foxmountainguides.com/
Blue Ridge Hiking Company
Jennifer Pharr Davis founded Blue Ridge Hiking Company to share her love and knowledge of the hiking and to expose people to the majestic beauty of the southern Appalachian mountains. Blue Ridge Hiking Company’s skilled guides hold a high degree of experience, regional knowledge, and professional expertise. We delight in working with beginners and revel in creating a challenge for more adventurous clients. Regardless of the hike’s duration and destination, our company values remain the same: “Respect for self, others, and the environment.”
http://blueridgehikingco.com/