Along the twisty roads of North Carolina, you’ll find over a million acres of thick forest growth to explore on Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. Plentiful opportunities for historical experiences, outdoor recreation, and local culture await you along this vibrant byway.
Start off your trip by visiting the town of Brevard, named after a Revolutionary War colonel and surgeon who drafted the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Stop for a souvenir of your trip or simply relax in this tree-shaded town located within the Pisgah Forest. While moving along the forest roads, keep your eyes open for more stops along the way.
To learn about the start of forestry in the United States, stop at the Cradle of Forestry in America, located inside Pisgah National Forest. The discovery center offers a wide range of chances to learn about the Pisgah Forest through informational movies and exhibits. Learn about forest fires by riding the fire-fighting helicopter simulator, then go underground to find out which animals live under the forest floor. Various trails around the facility will lead you to historic buildings and scenic places located within the forest.
For a dose of local history, don't miss the Allison-Deaver house, also located along the byway. Built in the early 1800s, this is the oldest frame house in western North Carolina that is still open to visitors today. It was originally built by Benjamin Allison and later sold to William Deaver after a fire nearly destroyed it in 1830. Over a century later, an anonymous donor again saved it from destruction. The Allison-Deaver house is now maintained by the Transylvania County Historical Society.
Some of the more scenic areas in the forest can only be accessed by trails, such as Shining Rock Wilderness. This area earns its name from the white quartzite rock that stands at the peak of the 5,940-foot summit. The trails spreading out around the wilderness area provide you with panoramic images of mountain peaks covered with a riot of colors. A well-liked area for both experienced and novice hikers, Shining Rock Wilderness offers access to other popular trails, such as Mountains to Sea, Graveyard Fields, and the Art Loeb Trail.
Be sure to visit spectacular Looking Glass Falls, named for a monolithic face of granite that gleams like a mirror because of the water that seeps out of the stones. Sliding Rock Falls, another water-friendly site along the byway, is nicknamed 'Nature's Waterfall.' Sliding Rock is a great place to stop and cool off in the summer. You're welcome to put on your swimsuit, take a slide down the falls, and relax in the seven-foot deep pool that is at that bottom. Lifeguards supervise the area, so don't be afraid to take the plunge.
From beautiful mountain scenery to rich local history, Forest Heritage Scenic Byway has a number of activities for any traveler. By the time you leave, it will be with a deeper understanding of the history of the forest, the people that once lived there, and those that are working today to make it as enjoyable and full of life as it was in the past.
