Coontree Picnic Area & Swimming Hole: One of Brevard’s best swimming holes and a great place to stop for a picnic in Pisgah National Forest is found at the Coontree Recreation Area in Pisgah National Forest, located just outside of Brevard on US 276. While there are a lot of nice swimming holes and sliding rocks on Davidson River to explore, we recommend this family friendly spot due to safe access to the river, the nice picnic spots and flush toilets (always a plus when in a national forest). After a dip in the river, check out the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. Admission is free to explore their various mountain wildlife exhibits. The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education offers a variety of classes including fly fishing lessons and offers one of the nicest fish hatcheries in the area.
Directions from Asheville: Take 1-26 E to Exit 40. Turn right on NC 280 towards Brevard. Follow NC 280 for 16 miles to Hwy 276. Turn right on Hwy 276 for 5 miles to the Coontree Picnic Area on your left. If you want to stop by the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, head up Hwy 276 another .5 miles. Bear to the left onto Forest Service Road 475 for 1.5 miles to the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education.
