The Land of Waterfalls, Transylvania County, NC

When planning a trip to Western North Carolina, most people expect to find fantastic hiking, mountain biking and fishing. What they don't know is that hidden in Transylvania County, about 40 minutes south of Asheville, is one of the greatest natural wonders in the Southeast, an unimaginable abundance of waterfalls.

Because of its unique geography, Transylvania County, The Land of Waterfalls, has approximately 250 beautiful cascades within just a few square miles. Ranging in size from the thunderous 400 foot drop of Whitewater Falls, the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains, to the tranquil beauty of Moore Cove, which you can walk behind, the diversity of waterfalls in Transylvania County truly defies belief.

Perhaps the most well known of the county's falls is Looking Glass, a handicapped-accessible 60-foot cascade located next to U.S. 276. If you're willing to do a little hiking, however, you'll be amazed by the power of Triple Falls and High Falls, and the eerie serenity of the mountain-top Bridle Veil Falls.

More than a third of Transylvania is covered by Pisgah National Forest, Gorges State Park and Dupont State Forest, which means there are countless other wonders to explore. The county has hundreds of miles trails for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The world-class rock climbing and fishing in Transylvania have received accolades in numerous national magazines.

Transylvania is also home to The Cradle of Forestry in America and the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, which provide year round fun and educational opportunities for both children and adults. These one-of-a-kind attractions offer interactive exhibits, educational trails, and workshops on everything from snakes to wetlands to bird watching.

The town of Brevard, Transylvania's county seat, has a refreshing variety of shops, antique stores, art galleries and restaurants. Brevard also has two truly extraordinary surprises that one would never expect to find in a small mountain town, the Brevard Music Center and Brevard College's Paul Porter Center for Performing Arts. Throughout the year, these venues produce world-class jazz and classical concerts, musicals and operas, attracting renowned performers such as vocalist Marilyn Horne and Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart.

Between its incredible diversity of activities, and a landscape distinguished by an extraordinary concentration of waterfalls, Transylvania is far more than just a quaint Appalachian community. Whether you're looking for fun and adventure, peace and quiet, or a little bit of both, any mountain vacation would be incomplete without a visit to one of the state's greatest natural wonders, The Land of the Waterfalls. For more information visit www.visitwaterfalls.com, or call 1-800-648-4523.