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Bracken Preserve
Bracken Preserve, also called "Bracken Mountain," is a 395-acre property owned by the City of Brevard. The City has owned the property for over a century, but it didn't open to the public until July of 2012.
Bracken is located due west of downtown Brevard. In fact, if you stand on Main Street in downtown Brevard and look westward, you will see the distinct mountain range framed by the buildings along Main Street. Bracken is adjacent to Pisgah National Forest and its trails connect to Forest Service Road 475-C, which provides access to the Fish Hatchery and the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education.
Volunteer Opportunities
In partnership with the City of Brevard, Conserving Carolina organizes the "Friends of Brevard Area Trails" group that maintains, cleans, and enhances Brevard's trails, greenways, and blueways.
Sign up for volunteer opportunities here!
Rules and Regulations
- Trails in Bracken are for hiking and non-motorized biking only.
- No fires.
- No hunting or fishing.
- Dogs must be leashed.
- No drones.
- Remove all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Bracken Camping Registration Form
History of Bracken
1910-1915
The City of Brevard purchases 4 parcels of land totaling 395.64 acres on the headwaters of both Brushy Creek and Bracken’s Creek, which form part of the headwaters of the French Broad River Basin. This property was the first public water supply source for the City of Brevard, used until the city began to withdraw from Cathey’s Creek in 1979.
1987-1988
According to an appraisal and timber examination, the City considers developing or selling the property.
FEBRUARY 2004
Brevard City Council determines the property should be preserved while providing public access for low impact recreational activities.
AUGUST 2005
The North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund awards the City of Brevard a $1.04 million grant to fund the establishment of a permanent conservation easement on the Bracken Mountain Property.
DECEMBER 4, 2006
Council adopts the Bracken Mountain Master Plan. The Master Plan provides a framework for the preservation of the property and for the development of the property for recreational purposes.
JANUARY 2007
The City of Brevard and the State of North Carolina execute and records a conservation easement agreement for Bracken, preserving the property in perpetuity.
Work to develop Bracken for recreational purposes begins with negotiations to secure right of way into the property from Pinnacle Drive. Many neighboring property owners, including the Josephine Renzulli family, Brevard Music Center, and the WNC Service Corporation, were instrumental in creating legal access to the property.
JANUARY 2012
Trail construction begins on Phase 1 trails.
JULY 2012
Bracken Preserve officially opens for recreational use.
MAY 2018
City Council passes Resolution No. 2018-13 endorsing the expansion of the Bracken trail system by building three new additional trails.
AUGUST 2019
Pinnacle Trail officially opens for use.
MAY 2022
The City starts a fundraising campaign in coordination with Conserving Carolina for the purchase of an additional 34-acre property close to the main trailhead area, which would allow for the creation of additional, more moderate trails.
To report trail issues such as downed trees or bridges in need of repair, contact the City of Brevard Public Works Department at 828-884-2171.