Guide to Spring in Pisgah National Forest and Brevard NC

 

Spring has sprung, as they say, in Pisgah National Forest! This is one of the best seasons to vacation in Brevard and Transylvania County, whether it’s for wildflower viewing, hiking, fly fishing, kayaking, festivals, or other outdoor adventures. Like all seasons in Pisgah, Spring promises in its distinct way to be a great time to visit the area. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip and excursions among these gorgeous mountains and forests.

Trees & Wildflowers

Trees in Western North Carolina start to leaf out in April and May, and the wildflowers? Where do we begin? With more than 1,600 blooming plants in these mountains, we have one of the best climates in the world for wildflower blooming. March is the start of the Spring bloom season, with most of our notable, awe-inspiring, and spectacular shows of color happening between April and June. You can even expect to see things in bloom as late as October in our temperate climate! Here are some of the most commonly-known blooms you can find here in the Pisgah area month-by-month in Spring (some bloom for much longer than the typical starting month listed here):

• March: daffodils, irises, buttercups, and yellow violets
• April: dogwood, trillium, redwoods, tulip
• May: crabapple, mountain laurel, flame azalea, violets, and magnolia
• June: pink and white rhododendrons

Spring Hikes & Outings

• Cradle of Forestry in America opens again for the season in April. This heritage site is the birthplace of science-based forest management. Programs include interactive exhibits, drama, interpretive trails, nature programs, guided tours, crafts, and more
• Pink Beds is actually named for its springtime array of brilliant pink blooms and is an excellent hike or trail run to do this season. This is a relatively flat loop hike across a mountain bog. It’s a pretty spectacular Spring outing and is located right next to the Cradle of Forestry. Directions can be found here. 
• If you decide to venture up to Asheville, try the Biltmore Estate (here’s an excellent guide to the blooms you can expect to see there throughout the year) and the North Carolina Arboretum for their incredible gardens.
• Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the overlooks. Much of the Parkway closes during the Winter, but most sections reopen by May, and some earlier. The National Park Service updates this list of parkway openings and closures daily, so that before you head out for the day you can make sure you’re in for gorgeous overlooks and a relaxing drive instead of a “Road Closed” sign.
• Enjoy some of the best sunsets in Western North Carolina. Mild Spring temperatures mean a more comfortable experience when the sun drops below the horizon! Here are a few spots for prime sunset viewing, and there are plenty close to Pilot Cove as well.

Spring Activities 

• Fly fishing: Spring is an incredible time for fly fishing in the area, especially because scheduled stream stocking usually happens around March. Here’s our guide to fly fishing near Pilot Cove and Brevard.
• Waterfalls: With Spring showers comes excellent water flow. This can create ideal days to view our many waterfalls in the area. Looking for waterfall hikes near Pilot Cove? Here are some ideas to get you started.
• Kayaking: Due to high water levels, it’s also a great season for kayaking in our area! Check out our guide to water sports in Transylvania County.
• Mountain biking and road cycling: You’ll experience great temperatures for biking on our mountain roads and trails during Spring! Check out our guide to biking near Pilot Cove.
• Dine out, shop, and explore Brevard and the surrounding area: Here are some ideas to get you started. Plenty of our local restaurants are currently open (make sure to call ahead to confirm) or have takeout options. Or stay in and cook in your fully-equipped Pilot Cove cabin’s kitchen! Area stores include outfitters, art galleries, gift shops, and much more.
• Hiking, rock climbing, and so much more is always in season in Pisgah. Explore our guides to your year-round options here.

Spring Events

While the COVID pandemic has altered or canceled some events around the country, we are optimistic that more of our fantastic events will come back soon. Some already plan to take place in 2021!

• Arts in March is an annual event held in (you guessed it) March in historic downtown Brevard. The weekend event celebrates local arts and culture, showcasing studios and galleries, special menus at local restaurants, live music, and more.
• White Squirrel Festival: This fun street festival held annually in May in downtown Brevard honors its namesake with free concerts, a Memorial Day parade, street festival, food and art vendors, and more.
• Asheville Yoga Festival: Local and nationally-acclaimed instructors come together in July to offer more than 90 practices, including yoga, meditation, outdoor recreation, and more.
• Mountain Biking and Cycling Events: Check out the 13th annual Pisgah Stage Race in April and a number of other race season events over at Pisgah Productions.
• Explore the Brevard events calendar
• Learn more about Brevard and all it has to offer

However you choose to spend your days when you’re visiting Pisgah in the Spring, we know you’ll have no shortage of options! We look forward to seeing you at Pilot Cove.