Brevard, North Carolina is known for many things. It’s a mountain biker’s paradise with over 300 miles of biking trails throughout the forests in Transylvania County. It’s also right in the middle of the Land of Waterfalls. But not many people new to Brevard would ever guess it is also home to white squirrels. Needless to say, there are so many unique things to do in Brevard, North Carolina, a.k.a. the White Squirrel Capital of the World.

The city of just under 8,000 residents actually set up a squirrel sanctuary to protect its most unique residents...
Google/Mike D
The cute little white squirrels that fill the parks and city with so much joy.
Beth Myer / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images
One might think a white squirrel must be some sort of albino. And while albino squirrels DO exist, the squirrels in Brevard lack the pinkish-red eyes attributed to true albino squirrels. The squirrels here have dark eyes - and that's not all.
The Brevard squirrels are actually an evolved — or mutated-gene — version of the Eastern Gray Squirrel.
Flickr / -ted
Most of them are marked with some patch of gray on top of the head and many have a narrow little gray line down the back.

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It's estimated that Brevard's total squirrel population (both gray and white) is anywhere from 3,000-5,000 squirrels.
Andrew Heke / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images
Further, it's thought that approximately one-third of the total population has the mutated gene making it part of the evolved white squirrel pack.
If you're wondering when they first arrived in town, the official story is 1949.
mtshots / iStock / Getty Images Plus
That was the year a carnival passed through town and its two white squirrels escaped. They ended up with a local resident who kept them in captivity and tried his best to get them to breed, but with no luck. Eventually, they were both back out in the wild and that's when they finally started to breed. And the rest is history!
If you're thinking about exploring Brevard and celebrating the white squirrels, then you won't find a better squirrel festival anywhere (seriously) than Brevard's annual White Squirrel Weekend festival.
Facebook/Heart of Brevard
The two-and-a-half-day weekend event usually takes place in late May or early June.
Facebook/Heart of Brevard

Did you know North Carolina is home to the white squirrel capital of the world? Have you ever been to Brevard – and if you have, did you see a white squirrel? Share your photos in the comments, or post them to our North Carolina Nature Lovers group. We’d love to see them!

Check out a short video of an adorable White Squirrel in action when you watch the brief video below:

While you’re in the region scoping out the white squirrels or checking out the White Squirrel Weekend, set aside some time to hit up one of the many many waterfalls in North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls, too. As you can see, there are so many unique things to do in Brevard, North Carolina!

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things to do in brevard, north carolina

Beth C. | March 22, 2023

What are the best mountain towns in North Carolina?

One of the best things about living in or traveling to North Carolina is getting to experience the mountains. North Carolina offers so much in the way of mountain biking, climbing, hiking, and scenic, high-altitude drives. Not to mention all the small towns located in the mountains. Some of our favorite mountain towns in North Carolina include the following:

  • Boone -- a college town that boasts year-round mountain views
  • Saluda -- a quaint town just a quick drive from Asheville, North Carolina
  • Blowing Rock -- one of the most beautiful towns and main streets in North Carolina
  • Brevard -- the gateway to endless recreational adventures
  • Hot Springs -- a historic town with natural hot springs

 

Does North Carolina have any hidden gems?

North Carolina has lots of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Some of them include the following:

  • Saluda
  • Marshall High Studios -- located just 25 miles outside of Asheville
  • Secret Falls -- a stunning waterfall inside the Nantahala National Forest
  • Jones Lake State Park in Elizabethtown
  • Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne in Asheville
  • Newbold-White House in Hertford
  • Blue Ridge Distilling Company in Bostic
  • Linville Gorge Wilderness in the Pisgah National Forest
  • Navitat Canopy Adventures in Barnardsville
  • Mirlo Beach in Rodanthe
  • Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden in Wilmington

 

Curious to check out these off-the-radar destinations? Check out our list of the best hidden gems to visit in North Carolina.

 

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