Between Alleghany and Transylvania County: waterfalls and ferns

Alleghany County, starting from Cumberland Knob, embodies the full cultural heritage of the Appalachians. Whilst Doughton Park offers numerous hiking trails, it is in the small town of Sparta, along its Main Street, that you can easily strike up a conversation in the many cafés with fellow travellers passing through the Blue Ridge Parkway: the farmers in this area are the leading producers of Christmas trees in the US and proudly display their trunks in the boots of their cars, whilst at the same time extolling the course of the New River as one of the oldest in the world and the towering granite dome in Stone Mountain State Park, scaled by climbing enthusiasts. Brevard and Transylvania County are also well worth a stop for their abundance of natural waterfalls gushing from the forests of Pisgah, DuPont and Gorges: by taking a detour along the Scenic 276 South Fine Art and Craft Corridor, a stretch of road approximately 21 kilometres long, you’ll come across art galleries, artistic and educational workshops, shops and fresh local produce. Brevard is also renowned for its craft breweries, such as Griffon & Sphynx and Ecusta Brewing. Certainly, the Moore Cove Falls Trail, which begins not far from Looking Glass Falls, will delight those who love the feel of ferns brushing against their feet as they walk along small raised walkways. Meanwhile, the trail to the summit of Mount Pisgah offers breathtaking views over the forests of Transylvania County.