Local Playgrounds & Parks
So Many Places to Play and Find Adventure!
Getting outside is one of the best things we can do for our children’s physical and mental health! The outdoors inspires creative play, physical challenges, child-led exploration and so much more. See the lists* below by region to explore what play places are in your area!
*Every item on the map above corresponds to a list item with links to additional resources and information.
Lake Toxaway and Balsam Grove
Balsam Grove Community Center
Check out the playground at this active community center. Free WIFI available. Bathrooms available when the community center is open.
8732 Parkway Rd, Balsam Grove
Forest Access from Hwy 215
From Hwy 215 you can access several natural areas, such as Courthouse Falls, many overlook views and trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Western side of Pisgah National Forest.
Gorges State Park
With a beautiful visitor's center, hiking, picnic shelters, creeks and waterfalls this park has many options for families.
Off of Hwy 64, at 976 Grassy Ridge Rd., Sapphire
Lake Toxaway Community Center Playground
Creative play structures and picnic shelter. Bathrooms available @ the community center if it is open.
81 Slick Fisher Road, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
TC Henderson School of Science and Technology Playground
All public school playgrounds are accessible to the public when school is not in session. Enjoy the putt putt course during the summer!
11839 Rosman Hwy., Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
Brevard
Bracken Mountain Nature Preserve
Bracken Mountain Nature Preserve is owned by the City of Brevard and connects to Pisgah National Forest. The city cooperates with Conserving Carolina to maintain the trails and create new ones. Learn more about the trails in Bracken Preserve on Conserving Carolina’s website.
Access all trailheads at 186 Pinnacle Drive, Brevard, NC 28712
Brevard Elementary School Playgrounds
All public school playgrounds are accessible to the public when school is not in session. BES has two playgrounds, the one closer to 276 is for children up to 12, while the one on the back side is for younger children.
399 Greenville Hwy, Brevard, NC 28712
Brevard First United Methodist Church Playground
Two completely fenced enclosure with natural-themed climbing structures, slides and sandboxes (with toys!). Park in College Station and follow the sidewalk along Broad St. Playground is open to the public during non-preschool hours. Preschool is M-F 9-12.
325 N Broad St, Brevard, NC 28712
Franklin Park
Get some energy out on this super fun playground. Public access to the pool in summer for a small fee. Bathrooms available at the pool house year-round.
109 Lakeview Avenue, Brevard, NC
Hap Simpson Park
Enjoy the shaded grassy area, the French Broad River, and the picnic shelter. This spot is perfect for hide-and-seek games and exploring the river's edge.
968 Greenville Hwy, Brevard, NC
Kings Creek at Brevard College
Great kid-friendly creek for wading and picnics. Look for the creek running through campus near the Porter Center- there are foot bridges and a few road bridges that cross over it.
1 Brevard College Drive, Brevard, NC 28712
New Airstrip Recreation Area
Enjoy a nature walk or run that includes a long stretch of the French Broad River! The old airport property at the corner of Gallimore Road and Highway 276 open to the public. Park along the paved portion near the old airport hangar and walk along the 1.5 mile mowed grassy trail.
Railroad Depot and Bike Path/Greenway
Plenty of parking at the Railroad Depot and a paved Greenway walk/bike path that leads all the way to Lowes. The City of Brevard is also in the process of expanding the Greenway to Silversteen Park. Learn more about the Greenway project here.
Silversteen Memorial Playground
Zipline, climbing tower, and tall slide. Need we say more?
4 Hillview Cir., Brevard
Silvermont Park
Lovely nature trail with labeled gardens, a small playground, and tennis and basketball courts, walkable from downtown and the Farmer's Market. Public bathrooms available behind the mansion.
364 E Main Street, Brevard
Rosman
Rosman Community Park
Have a "Phys.Ed" day at home with some running, jumping, and playing! Walking trail, ballfields, a playground and picnic shelter.
2117 Old Rosman Hwy, Rosman
Rosman Elementary School Playground
All public school playgrounds are accessible to the public when school is not in session.
167 Rosman School Rd, Rosman, NC 28772
Champion Park
Pack a picnic and find a shady spot along the river, or visit the pool or playground. This is a common launch point for floating and boating the French Broad River.
38 Main Street, Rosman, NC
Cathey's Creek Access to Pisgah National Forest
Get outside for some nature exploration! There are several pull-offs to access swimming holes, waterfalls, and hiking trails. From Hwy 64 between Rosman and Brevard, take Cathey's Creek Rd which becomes FR471.
Pisgah Forest
Brevard Academy School Playground
As a public charter school, the playground is open to the public when school and summer camps are not in session.
1110 Hendersonville Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
Davidson River Campground and access to Eastatoe Trail/Art Loeb Trail
Great trail for even the littlest kids. The flat path borders the Davidson River and is all-terrain stroller and bike-friendly. About a mile onto the trail, find a sandy beach with shallow water - a great setting for playing and exploring nature. Bring along a magnifying glass and check out the rocks! Two Parking Options: 1) Lowe's at the intersection of 276 and Ecusta Rd. Follow the bike path across hwy 276. The trail follows the river and is a combination of hard gravel, dirt, and boardwalks. 2) Park at Davidson River Recreation Area - Follow 276 into Pisgah National Forest, Davidson River Recreation Area is on the left about a mile from the intersection of 276 and 64.
Jameson’s Joy Memorial Fitness Course
The Ninja Warrior inspired "playground" is off the Greenway trail and is adjacent to picnic shelters, near the Ballfields and the Parks and Recreation Department! Bathrooms available at the ballfield house or nearby Parks and Rec Center during business hours.
Pisgah Forest Elementary School
All public school playgrounds are accessible to the public when school is not in session.
1076 Ecusta Rd, Brevard, NC 28712
Sycamore Flats
Enjoy picnic tables, wading in the Davidson River, and fields and trees for games of tag and hide and seek. Two sets of public bathrooms available. Take the 276 entrance into Pisgah National Forest (by Walmart). Turn Left into the Sycamore Flats picnic area after about .3 miles. Look for the "Sycamore Flats" sign on the right side of 276. If you pass it, don't worry: there are other places to turn around ahead.
276 Pisgah National Forest Pull-offs and Further Up and Further In
Continue past Sycamore Flats and look for many parking pull-offs for Davidson River access. The Visitor's Center, Cradle of Forestry, Pink Beds Picnic Area, Sliding Rock, and Looking Glass Falls, and the Blue Ridge Parkway are very popular. It can also be fun to find your own private adventure at the smaller pull-offs.
Cedar Mountain
Dupont State Forest
Stop at the Aleen Steinburg Visitor Center to get all the information you to hike, explore waterfalls like Triple Falls and Hooker Falls, wade in shallow creeks, and bike on a kid-tested and approved dirt track at Guion Farm. Dupont State forest has many options for families. Check out the Dupont State Recreational Forest website for more information.
All Trails website also has great information on the best hiking trails to waterfalls in Dupont.