Easy Summer Getaway 3 Hours from Atlanta

How to Spend 3 Days in the "Land of Waterfalls"

Just 3 hours north of Atlanta, nestled between the lush Pisgah National Forest and scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll find the charming mountain town of Brevard, NC, affectionately known as the Land of Waterfalls. With over 250 cascading waterfalls and 100,000 acres of pristine forest, this is a nature lover's paradise! It's also home to a bustling downtown filled with unique shops, restaurants, breweries, and a vibrant art scene.

I collaborated with local guides to create the perfect 3-day summer getaway from Atlanta. You can pick and choose your adventure and do as much (or as little) as you like. But whatever you do, do NOT sleep on this beautiful, family-friendly area in Western North Carolina!

*Disclosure: This content was created in partnership with Explore Brevard - as always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting this page!

Looking Glass Falls - a roadside waterfall less than 15 minutes from downtown Brevard

DAY ONE: Tubing, Town, and Tiny Bars

10 AM: Tubing the French Broad River

If you leave Atlanta around 7 AM, you'll be floating down the river by 10. I booked my tubing adventure through Headwaters Outfitters (25 Parkway Rd, Rosman, NC, on mile 0 of the French Broad River). This 1-2 hour peaceful float makes a wonderful introduction to Brevard! You'll travel down gentle Class II rapids, perfect for first-time tubers. If you prefer a little luxury with your river cruise, opt for the large tube with a bottom and headrest.

TIP: Book in advance, especially if you're traveling on the weekend. There are on-site changing rooms, a full outfitter shop, a coffee trailer, and a taproom with rotating food trucks.

Headwaters Outfitters with kayak, canoe, and tube rentals plus a shop, coffee, taproom, and rotating food trucks.

12 PM: Lunch

After changing at Headwaters Outfitters, head downtown to Rocky's Grill & Soda Shop (50 S Broad St, Brevard, NC), which has been in business since 1941. I heard I had to try a hot dog or the Rachel sandwich, so I opted for the Rachel on white (instead of rye) -- and it was stuffed with turkey, melty cheese, and grilled to buttery perfection.

Save room for a milkshake or one of their outrageous sundaes--including the White Squirrel Sundae with moose tracks ice cream, peanut butter sauce, marshmallow, hot fudge, club peanuts, whipped cream, and a cherry on top!

Rocky's Grill & Soda Shop in downtown Brevard has been open since 1941

1 PM: Find a White Squirrel

The rare white squirrel is the unofficial mascot of Brevard. Locals say your best shot at seeing one is at Silvermont Mansion (364 E Main St, Brevard) or Brevard College (1 Brevard College Dr, Brevard). I wandered the mansion grounds, and although I didn't see a white squirrel, I did enjoy the property's gardens, including a tennis court and playground.

FUN FACT: Legend has it these snowy creatures escaped from a carnival truck that overturned in Florida and made their way to Brevard as a gift for a local resident. The breed is so rare that the community has passed ordinances to protect them.

Silvermont Mansion is a great place to try to find the famous white squirrels

3 PM: Check-In

I stayed at The Campbell House (243 W Main St, Brevard) right in the heart of downtown and within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants. It was a comfortable space with beautiful porches and patios, and the location made it super easy to explore on foot! If you're traveling as a family, there are also cabins and vacation rentals nearby. Visit here for the most comprehensive list.

The Campbell House is a guest house within walking distance of downtown Brevard

4 PM: Explore Downtown

Downtown Brevard is filled with unique galleries, shops, and even a vintage cinema from the 1930s that shows free summer movies for kids! Some of my favorite stops were Newfound Artisan (22 W Jordan St), Starfangled Press (36 W Jordan St.), Theophilus (44 E Main St), White Squirrel Shoppe (6 W Main St), and MANtiques (68 W Main St).

Also, inside Hunters & Gatherers (40 W Main St), you'll find "the smallest bar in the USA" -- saloon doors, saddle seat and all. There are only 5 chairs in the bar, so if one's open, grab it!

The White Squirrel Shoppe, inside the "smallest bar in the USA," and another view down main street

6:30 PM: Dinner with a View

There are lots of places to eat in town, but for a special treat, take the 35-minute drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Pisgah Inn (reservations required). The food is delicious (I had the fresh beet salad and trout), and even if you can't manage a reservation, it's a must for the views! You'll find an observation deck, gift shop, and Adirondack chairs overlooking the mountain.

The Pisgah Inn is one of only two lodges on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway (the other is in Virginia)

8 PM: Sunset & Stargazing

If you dined at Pisgah Inn, you're well-positioned for stargazing at Frying Pan Tower. A 25-30 minute hike leads to breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bring a flashlight and a jacket as it gets cool after sunset.

NOTE: The tower top is sometimes locked, so climb at your own risk and comfort level. I was unable to experience this hike for myself as the fog rolled in by the time I left the restaurant. An alternative option for views is Pounding Mill Overlook, which has easier access, but is not west-facing for sunsets.

DAY TWO: Natural Wonders & Local Flavor

8 AM: Breakfast

I loved Cup & Saucer (36 E Main St)! Everything from their rotating variety of sweet and savory scones, fluffy biscuits, gluten-free baked goods is made from scratch -- right down to the blueberry jam. And, they offer some clever coffee flavors, including a lavender peppercorn latte. Make sure to pop down the alley to their new Mercantile space for more seating.

The owner-operated Cup & Saucer is a gem in the heart of downtown Brevard

10 AM: Sliding Rock + Looking Glass Falls

THIS is pure mountain magic! Sliding Rock, located less than 15 minutes from downtown Brevard, is a gentle 60-foot slope that ends in a pool of water and offers three different paths down, ranging from slow to medium to fast. During the season, entrance is $5 per person and includes restroom facilities and lifeguards on duty, making it a family-friendly activity for anyone who can swim. Arrive early to beat the summer crowds; this is a popular destination!

TIP: Picnics are not allowed at Sliding Rock, but you will find many pull-over areas with tables along the way. Water shoes are recommended.

Sliding Rock -- the coolest way to spend a morning in North Carolina

And, when you're here, don't miss Looking Glass Falls just minutes before Sliding Rock. This roadside waterfall is stunning, and I stopped here several times during my visit. Take the short walk down the stairs and you'll find a popular swimming spot at the base of the falls. I'll be trying this on my next visit!

Looking Glass Falls -- a roadside waterfall where people swim at the base

12 PM: Lunch

As soon as you bite into your food at Pisgah Bakehouse (1980 Asheville Hwy, Brevard), you'll know why this is such a popular restaurant. They offer brick-oven breads, wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and more. On the recommendation of the woman working behind the counter, I ordered a blackened chicken pimento cheese sandwich, and I would drive back to Brevard just to eat this sandwich again, it was that good.

TIP: If you're running late, call ahead to place your order.

Pisgah Bakehouse and my unforgettable pimento cheese and chicken sandwich

1 PM: Blue Ridge Parkway Jeep Tour

The Brevard area remains fully accessible and welcoming to visitors, with Asheville Jeep Tours  (92 Hendersonville Hwy, 1 minute from the Pisgah Bakehouse) offering great ways to experience the open section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I enjoyed having a local guide (Bryan was the best) to fully experience the views without having to do any of the driving! I took the Blue Ridge Parkway Tour, but they also offer off-road experiences with hikes and waterfalls.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Tour with Asheville Jeep Tours

5 PM: The Yard & Lumberyard District

If you're visiting on Thursday, check out Trailside Market (284 Railroad Ave, Brevard) in an area called The Yard. You'll find local vendors offering fresh, local produce and goods -- so you can take home a taste of the mountains!

Next door to The Yard is the Lumberyard District (170 King St, Brevard), home to 185 King Street, an indoor/outdoor, dog-friendly venue featuring live music, food, and brews from on-site Noblebrau Brewing. I loved this spot -- a friendly vibe, and it's an easy walk or short drive from downtown.

The Lumberyard District is a few minutes walk (or 2-minute drive) from downtown Brevard

DAY THREE: Natural Wonders & Local Flavor

9 AM: Breakfast

Start at Canto 34 Coffee Lounge (114 W Main St, Brevard), then swing next door to Blue Ridge Bakery (86 W Main St.) for a pastry. If you're hungrier, try Morning Social (170 King St) in the Lumberyard District for heartier options.

Morning Social in the Lumberyard District

10 AM Waterfall Hike

Save the best for last -- three spectacular waterfalls on 1 hike! Park at the Hooker Falls lot in DuPont State Forest for a short walk to your first waterfall, then from the same parking lot, hike to Triple Falls and finally to High Falls. Everything is very well marked. Don’t skip the base view trail between Triple and High Falls—it’s one of the most beautiful waterfall views I’ve ever seen. From start to finish, the entire experience took me about 2 hours (including sitting to enjoy the view).

TIP: If you don't have time for the hike to High Falls, you can access it by parking at the other Visitor Center parking lot, which is just .5 miles from the falls.

THREE waterfalls in one hike -- this hike is incredible! Hooker Falls, Triple Falls and High Falls

12 PM: Until Next Time...

On your way home, stop at Cedar Mountain Outpost (8431 Greenville Hwy, Brevard) for a sandwich, soup, or pizza in their lovely café, or visit Cedar Mountain Moonshine (10754 Greenville Hwy, Cedar Mountain, NC) for a moonshine slushy (or non-alcoholic "shineless" slushy). They also have a coffee cart if you need to fuel up for the drive home!

Cedar Mountain Outpost and Cedar Mountain Moonshine are both only a few minutes from the waterfall hike

This is one of the easiest and most rewarding summer getaways you can take from Atlanta. The temps are cooler, and the shade + river + waterfalls make such a nice respite from the city's heat. I went as a solo traveler, but it's ideal for couples, families, and your dog! Drop me a line if you have any questions and tag me in your waterfall pics!

I used the Explore Brevard website to help plan my trip. There is SO much more to do here, from biking trails and horseback riding to museums and events. Visit their website for all the current happenings and more ideas for a great mountain getaway!

The best morning spent at the base of High Falls - don't miss this hike!

Thank you again to Explore Brevard for sponsoring this trip and supporting this page!

xoKerry