When most people visit the Brevard area, sightseeing gets hyper focused on the many waterfalls in the area. Google Maps alone depicts more than 20 waterfalls within a 10-mile radius of Brevard. But there’s another often overlooked sightseeing opportunity and it’s found on the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway.
This 79-mile scenic route trails through the Pisgah Ranger District and some nearby areas.
While this wonderful little road is often traveled, in part, by those chasing waterfalls near Brevard, many people don't realize the route exists, and therefore they turn around after seeing a waterfall and head straight back to Brevard. But stick with the road and take it all the way to near Canton.
From Brevard you'll navigate to the crossroads of US 64 and US 276 and then turn onto 276 to link up to the start of the scenic route.
If driving straight through to the other end, the journey could take approximately two or three hours, depending upon traffic.
However, you're sure to want to stop at the many overlooks and attractions found on this scenic road.
Waterfalls are aplenty, even ones that are simple mountain cascades, like this one, can be found roadside.
One of the first places you'll encounter is the Pisgah Forest Ranger Station and Visitor Center.
Pull in here to get information about the area and a map of the route which also shows some of the highlights at which to stop as you make your way from one end to the other - and then back. The Pisgah Ranger Station and Visitor Center is located at 1600 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768.
Next up: a pullover on the side the road that serves as a parking area so you can have peek at Looking Glass Falls.
In season, this is a very popular spot and parking is at a premium. If you have your heart set on seeing this one, then you should plan this scenic drive for a weekday (as opposed to a weekend), and try to get here early in the day to avoid the onslaught of other sightseers.
Then, it's back on the road to continue the journey.
The western terminus of this scenic route stops at the Big East Fork Trailhead near Canton. But there's much to see before you get to this point!
Expect waterfall after waterfall, picnic shelters, scenic overlooks, and trails... lots of trails.
You could essentially spend an entire day exploring the sights along this 79-mile underrated scenic drive in North Carolina.
Pack a picnic! Very near the western end of the route you'll find the Pink Beds Picnic Area.
This gorgeous resting spot includes 21 picnic tables, two shelters, and a few trails to explore while you're stretching your legs. It's open year-round and reservations are only required for the two shelters; otherwise, all is fair game to those who arrive to find an empty table. Learn more about Pink Beds
here .
The next time you’re in or near Brevard, explore this scenic drive that encompasses US-276 and all that this lovely road has to offer for nearly 80 miles outside of Brevard. You’ll love it! Learn more about this scenic drive in North Carolina from the U.S. Forest Service . See more photos and read reviews at AllTrails .
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