Pisgah Forest is the gateway to Brevard’s outdoor recreation
Named after a nearby national forest, Pisgah Forest offers a feeling of seclusion near hiking trails and trout-filled rivers. “Communities in Pisgah Forest tend to have a bit more acreage, a bit more privacy, and there’s some stunning mountain views,” says Jason Shepherd, a Realtor and broker with Looking Glass Realty who’s sold homes in the area for 11 years. “It’s the gateway into Pisgah National Forest.” Located in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, just outside of Brevard, Pisgah National Forest is an over 500,000-acre area known for its waterfalls and trails. Two rivers and more state parks are nearby, making Pisgah Forest a hub for outdoor recreation in the area.
Surrounded by state parks known for trails and waterfalls
“The great thing about the region as a whole is we have Pisgah National Forest to the west, DuPont State Recreational Forest to the east, and Gorges State Park to the south,” Shepherd says. “It truly is an outdoor enthusiast's dream location.” All these areas are well known for their hiking and mountain biking trails, which weave through the Appalachian Mountains. Waterfalls are common here, and Looking Glass Falls is one of the area’s most photographed. The French Broad and Davidson Rivers flow through the community and are popular for tubing, swimming and trout fishing. The City of Brevard Sports Complex is nearby, where kids can play soccer and Little League baseball. “Our weather in this area is very temperate,” says Susan Campbell, a Realtor and broker with Allen Tate/Beverly Hanks who’s sold homes here since 2017. “Normally, in the summer, we have very few days that hit 90, and in the winter, we usually don’t get below 45.” The steady climate helps keep residents outside year-round, and it also attracts those looking for vacation homes or an active place to retire.
A mix of starter homes and luxury estates
Most of Pisgah Forest’s wooded properties are at least an acre, and some have mountain views. They sit far apart along narrow country roads and gravel backroads. “It’s a healthy blend of luxury mountain estate properties as well as starter homes,” Shepherd says. Mid- to late-20th-century ranch-style and cabin-style homes are common, and the area’s luxury 21st-century custom homes are reminiscent of A-frame styles, with wood-paneled interiors, multi-story windows and elevated porches. Views, condition and size all affect price, which can range widely from $300,000 to $950,000. Spacious custom homes with notable views generally cost between $950,000 and $2.1 million.
Some stores and restaurants nearby, but most are downtown
Pisgah Forest is mostly residential, though there are a few local restaurants close to Brevard. The Hub and Pisgah Tavern is a hybrid bike shop and taproom that has a rotating selection of food trucks. Hawg Wild Smokehouse and Taproom serves barbecue in a casual atmosphere. National retailers like Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement are nearby, and grocery stores like Aldi and Ingles Market are downtown. “Pisgah Forest is conveniently located within five to 10 minutes to downtown Brevard,” Shepherd says. “The community as a whole has a large arts focus, so there are a lot of local artisans, from Grammy award-winning musicians to world-class potters and painters.” Downtown’s walkable Main Street is lined with galleries, locally owned specialty stores and places to eat.
The annual White Squirrel Weekend in downtown Brevard
“The White Squirrel Weekend is probably our largest festival, with local vendors and nationally recognized musicians,” Shepherd says. The white squirrel, which is related to the common Eastern Gray Squirrel, is a local celebrity and can be spotted on Brevard College’s campus. Over Memorial Day Weekend, the community gathers downtown to celebrate this rare animal with live music, squirrel costumes and food trucks.
Public schools mostly earn Bs
Kids can start school at Pisgah Forest Elementary, which earns a B-minus from Niche, and then go to the B-plus-rated Brevard Middle. Elementary and middle school students can enter the lottery for the A-minus-rated Brevard Academy, a public charter school for kindergarten through eighth grade. Brevard High earns a B-plus, and students here can join around 10 musical ensembles, including the concert choir and the wind symphony.
A car-reliant area about 4 miles from Brevard
U.S. Route 64 is the main thoroughfare in the area, and Old Hendersonville Highway and Wilson Road are other main roads. Brevard is roughly 4 miles away, and Asheville is a 32-mile trip. Houses of worship include The River Church and Brevard Church of Christ. Transylvania Regional Hospital is about 2 miles away, and Asheville Regional Airport is a 17-mile drive.
Variable flood risk and Hurricane Helene’s impact
Properties near the French Broad and Davidson Rivers might be in a Special Flood Hazard Area, a FEMA-designated zone of high flood risk. Homeowners here might have to buy flood insurance. In September 2024, Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding, downed trees and washed out roads. Campbell says that neighbors came together to help each other out in the aftermath. “I don’t know another word for it other than inspiring,” she says, adding that while there is still evidence of the storm in some places, the Brevard area has mostly recovered.
Written By
Annie Franklin
