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Brevard Named a 2025 Top Adventure Town by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

Oct 29, 2025 10:55AM ● By WNC Business

Photo Courtesy of Explore Brevard – Mountain Biking in Pisgah National Forest.

The Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority (TCTDA) announced that Brevard was recently crowned a Top Adventure Town in the Small Town category by readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. After being nominated several times and clinching the runner-up spot in 2024, this year marks the first time that Brevard has won this coveted title—edging out popular destinations like Gatlinburg, TN; Hendersonville, NC; and Pigeon Forge, TN.

The Top Adventure Towns contest is an annual competition among adventure-centric communities across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Each year, Blue Ridge Outdoors invites readers to vote for their favorite outdoor destinations across four population categories: Tiny Town (under 3,000), Small Town (3,001–16,000), Medium Town (16,001–75,000), and Large Town (75,001+). The 2025 contest began with 100 destinations and garnered nearly 20,000 votes across three rounds of online voting.

“Outdoor adventurers have known for decades that Brevard and Transylvania County are top-tier destinations,” said Clark Lovelace, Executive Director of the TCTDA. “There are so many draws to our area. We’re North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls, we have miles of world-class hiking trails, our mountain biking is unmatched on the East Coast, and the headwaters of the third-oldest river in the world flow right through our backyard. This is truly an outdoor paradise.”
Brevard and the surrounding area are known widely for the countless outdoor recreation opportunities and authentic culture. By the numbers, Transylvania County’s outdoor assets include:

  • 250 waterfalls

  • 11+ miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway

  • 110,000+ acres of public lands—over half the land in the county

  • 420+ miles of fishable trout streams

  • 350+ miles of singletrack

  • 1,000+ miles of trails

Transylvania County is also known for its deeply ingrained outdoor culture. Mountain bikers can head into Pisgah National Forest from Downtown Brevard without ever leaving their bike. The area is brimming with knowledgeable guides, exceptional outfitters, and bike shops that double as taprooms. No matter where a visitor travels in the county, there’s always a trail or a waterfall nearby.

“It’s great to have this Top Adventure Town title to reflect what many have already known about Brevard for years,” continued Lovelace. “We want to thank everyone who voted for us, and for folks who haven’t yet, we hope to see you in Transylvania County soon.”

Source: Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority. 


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