Rosman is an outdoorsy small town on the French Broad River
Located at the headwaters of the French Broad River, Rosman is a small Western North Carolina town that’s a hub for river recreation. “Our area draws people who are really outdoorsy,” says Susan Campbell, a Realtor and broker with Allen Tate/Beverly Hanks who’s sold homes here since 2017. “Transylvania County overall is known as the Land of Waterfalls — there are over 250 waterfalls in this area that you can hike to.” Gorges State Park and Pisgah National Forest are two popular hiking spots bordering Rosman, and the French Broad River — which stretches north through Brevard and Asheville — is known for its trout fishing and gentle current.
Water recreation on the French Broad River and hiking in state parks
Rosman’s location at the headwaters of the French Broad River makes it a popular place for river recreation. Several businesses here rent inner tubes and kayaks and lead fly fishing and hiking trips. The over 7,700-acre Gorges State Park is nearby, providing over 50 miles of hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and mountain views. The Pisgah National Forest is also close and offers more hiking opportunities. The 22-acre Rosman Community Park is in town and has ball fields and a playground. Champion Park Pool is near the community park and is open to the public during the summer months. The town is planning to develop the areas around the park and pool to improve river access.
Remote cabins surrounded by trees and mountains
Most homes are outside of town on narrow, forested roads, many of which are gravel. There’s plenty of space between neighbors, giving a feeling of remoteness. Many of the late 20th and early 21st century houses embrace cabin and A-frame architectural styles, with timbering, wood interiors and multi-story windows. Most have porches to take in views of the mountains and the surrounding forest. Prices typically range from $300,000 to $900,000, though some luxury properties can be as much as $1.5 million. Manufactured homes range from around $90,000 to $300,000. Undeveloped land ranges from around $10,000 to $150,000.
A few places to shop and dine
Rosman’s town center has a few spread-out businesses, including two popular plant nurseries: Colonial Acres Nursery, which specializes in native plants, and Henderson’s Greenhouse and Nursery, which also sells local produce. The Country Skillet, a diner serving breakfast and burgers, is one of the few restaurants here. Acapulco Mexican Restaurant serves classic Mexican comfort food. Just outside town, Forks of the River Taproom has a dozen beers on tap and a rotating schedule of food trucks. Grocery stores include La Tienda Mexicana and Jarrett Brothers IGA. More grocery and dining options are in Brevard.
The Assault on Carolinas brings cyclists through town
The Assault on Carolinas bike race is one of the area’s largest events. The race, which has 100K and 50K routes, starts in Brevard and passes through Rosman, where people line the roads to cheer on the cyclists. “It’s a pretty aggressive, mountainous ride,” Campbell says. “It’s been at capacity for the last several years, and people sign up a year in advance.”
All of Rosman’s public schools earn a B
Kids can start school at Rosman Elementary and then attend Rosman Middle; both earn a B from Niche. Rosman High also earns a B and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 9-to-1. High schoolers here can join the SkillsUSA program, where they can take classes in carpentry, masonry and welding and then demonstrate those skills in regional competitions.
A car-reliant community about 15 minutes from Brevard
U.S. Routes 178 and 64 are Rosman’s main thoroughfares. Brevard is about 9 miles away, and Asheville is a 43-mile trip. Houses of worship are spread throughout the community and include Rosman Baptist Tabernacle and Zion Baptist Church. Transylvania Regional Hospital is 11 miles away, and Asheville Regional Airport is a 28-mile drive.
Some risk for flooding and Hurricane Helene recovery
Homes near the French Broad River and in low-lying areas are at risk of flooding. In September 2024, Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in the area, including flooding, downed trees and blocked roads. “Now, so many months after the storm, there is evidence of it in certain places, but we are back up and running,” Campbell says.
Written By
Annie Franklin
