Pilot Cove

Tucked away on the edge of the Pisgah National Forest, Pilot Cove is a relatively new option for lodging in Brevard, NC. Offering luxury cabins in a prime location, we were more than excited to go down and check out what Pilot Cove was all about.

First and foremost what is automatically appealing as a mountain biker about Pilot Cove is the location. The property of the cabin’s back right up against the Pisgah National Forest. There is a little flow trail that is located on the property to get you warmed up before heading out to tackle a big day in the mountains. Access to the trails of Pisgah proper is a mere 15-minute bike ride away putting you ate the base of such trails as Bennet Gap and Black Mountain. The road that takes you to the cabins begins in the parking lot of The Hub bicycle shop, so whether you forgot a set of pedals (I may have) or you want to grab a post-ride beverage, The Hub is the spot.

Besides being located in the heart of some of the best mountain bike trails in the country, there is plenty of other recreations and enjoyments right at your fingertips while staying at Pilot Cove. Highway 276 is the gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway as well as being parallel to the Davidson River, offering up some primo fly fishing. While during the winter months the Parkway is gated and closed in sections due to icefall, you are still able to hike and ride a bike there to take in the gorgeous views at sunrise and sunset. Speaking of hiking, there is plenty, and with a vast network of hiking only trails and some amazing waterfalls, it doesn’t take much to find some solitude in the forest.

If craft beer is your thing both Brevard and Asheville, have become homes to some of the finest craft brewers in the game. While big players like Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues and New Belgium have all established facilities in the area, smaller brewers like Ecusta Brewing, which is located just down the street from Pilot Cove offer some wonderfully crafted beverages as well.

As for the cabins themselves, they were lovely and the perfect home base for a weekend of mountain biking. Equipped with a full kitchen, two bedrooms, and a shower and restroom it is far from roughing it. The bedrooms are furnished with ceiling fans and air condition for the summer months, one with a king size bed and the other with two singles. A perfect scenario for a family getaway. There is also a pullout couch to accommodate some extra sleepers, and a hammock is provided to string up on the large back deck overlooking the creek. There are options for 1 bedroom and studio cabins as well.

Upon entering the cabins, you can see right away that these are outfitted with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. The entryway doubles as a mud room, with a concrete floor and lockers to store muddy shoes and helmets. The main cabin’s floor is all hardwood, and a broom and dustpan are provided to keep things tidy throughout your stay. Each cabin is set up with a hose to clean up your bikes and yourself if need be at the end of a long day of riding. In the summer months taking a quick dip in the Davidson River is always a refreshing option before returning. There is also a washer and dryer to keep your trail gear nice and fresh.

The kitchen has everything you need for preparing a meal and eating. There is cookware along with plates, utensils, and glassware. For the morning there is a coffee maker and tea kettle, and there was even a small sampling of local coffee beans waiting for us.

During peak season a cabin will run you $225 a night during the week and $275 a night on Friday and Saturday. Perhaps that sounds hefty for your aspiring dirtbagging mountain biker, who would rather sleep at a campsite or in the back of a station wagon but there is plenty bang for your buck at Pilot Cove. A little simple math between friends and a couple of days at the cabins is cheaper and cozier than your average hotel room. Pilot Cove is open year round, but cabins are limited and tend to book up for the season relatively quick. While they are adding several more units, it is best to plan ahead if you are considering a trip to the area and would like to stay in one of the cabins. I for one have been missing the forest and enjoying a morning cup of coffee on the back deck while listening to the birds and the water from the creek flow by.

For more details and to make reservations, check out Pilot Coves Website.