by: Catherine Lemel
Photo courtesy of visitnc.com
The mountains of Western North Carolina have a unique and wonderful beauty. The Jocassee Gorges were named one of ‘50 of the worlds last greatest places’ by National Geographic in 2012. These places are right at the doorstep of Brevard and they have so much to offer that is completely free to the public.
Besides the endless trails and water holes that the Gorges State Park, the Pisgah National Forest, and Dupont State Forests have to offer, there are also fun educational activities that can be done for only a few dollars.
In the Pisgah National Forest, there are countless things you can do. The Cradle of Forestry, located in the heart of the Pisgah National Forest, will have its opening ceremony on April 11th and from then on will have countless exhibitions and celebrations such as the International Migratory Bird Day Celebration which celebrates the return of warm natured birds to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Both activities cost $5.00 per person. There is also the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, which offers an assortment of classes that are completely free to the public.
The Dupont State Forest has a Tour de Falls that will be happening May 2nd and 3rd. This is a great way to go out and see the beautiful waterfalls that this community is known for. The event will be a twelve mile shuttle bus tour that will take visitors to see the most popular sights such as Bridal Veil Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls. This event is free to the public.
For more information on these activities and more, visit the Cradle of Forestry, the Pisgah Center For Wildlife, and Dupont State Forest’s websites. Go out and explore our local mountains!