Bracken Preserve

Bracken Preserve is a valuable asset to the Brevard Community in Transylvania County, North Carolina. By allowing this forest to flourish and persist, to continue to age naturally and without impediment the city has not only protected a valuable resource, but created a place for the community to gather, adventure, and experience nature together.

The City of Brevard purchased the almost 400 acre property in the early 20th century and the city drew its water supply from creeks within the mountain. While the city considered harvesting timber or developing the property, none of these plans came to pass and the city decided in the early 2000’s to permanently protect the forest through a conservation easement.

The forest of Bracken Preserve is estimated to be around a century old in 2026 with various forest types continuing to mature unimpeded. The preserve is a mix of oak-pine, mixed upland hardwood, and cove forest types with species ranging from maple, birch, and hemlock to red, black, scarlet oak, pitch and table mountain pine.

One bit of unique history is that part of Bracken is one of the first known places in Transylvania County to be settled by freed slaves. The descendants from the first families formed a small but thriving community, known as Pinnacle because they intentionally settled higher ground to bring relief from the spread of typhoid fever. This community is the namesake of Pinnacle Trail. Visitors to Bracken can now explore over 7 miles of trails within the preserve, including access for mountain biking.