The Pisgah Conservancy is pleased to announce that Pisgah Passage has been selected as the official name for the 20-mile loop route connecting Pisgah National Forest, Bracken Preserve, and the City of Brevard.
The naming effort drew remarkable public engagement, with nearly 300 submissions received from residents across 11 states. A review committee composed of representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, the City of Brevard, the Transylvania County Tourism and Development Authority, and The Pisgah Conservancy evaluated all entries before selecting Pisgah Passage.
“What a great name for folks to experience their own trip and passage through the area. The name is relevant to the unique place we call home and allows people to explore the county’s natural public lands, as well as the town of Brevard. The Pisgah Passage, it’s our path ‘through the woods’ in Transylvania County.” – Mary Smith, Dispersed Recreation, Wilderness, and Trails Program Manager with the U.S. Forest Service
The name idea was submitted by Brevard resident Maria Whitehead.
“When I sat on my porch swing reflecting on what a fun name might be, I thought of ‘passage.’ It’s both-the physical corridor or pathway, and the act of moving through it. – the trail and the adventure. My family absolutely loves getting to be in this trailhead town and move on our feet or on our bikes from the built spaces to the wild places. We enjoy some part of the trail almost every day!” – Maria Whitehead
As a congratulatory gift for submitting the selected name, Maria received a fine art print of the Davidson River. The print was generously donated by Roger W. Downes Photography.
Pisgah Passage brings together Stony Knob Trail, Joel Branch Road, Horse Cove Road, the Estatoe Trail, the Brevard Greenway, and the Bracken Mountain Trail, forming a continuous route that gives cyclists and hikers easy access to key trails in the Pisgah Ranger District and Bracken Preserve, and to Brevard’s dining and shopping.
“Pisgah Passage is the perfect sequel to the Bracken Preserve and Estatoe Trail connections into the Pisgah National Forest from the City of Brevard. Thanks to the leadership of the Pisgah Conservancy, whose collaboration with local governments and the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority, raised the necessary funds to build the missing link through the Pisgah National Forest, creating this wonderful 20-mile loop through the City of Brevard, Bracken Preserve and Pisgah Natural Forest. If you have not explored this outdoor space, you are in for a treat, as this loop has one of the best experiences our Pisgah has to offer… and it is right here, in our back yard. Yes, this loop underscores our outdoor lifestyle and promotes our natural sense of place.” – Mac Morrow, Brevard City Council Member
The name Pisgah Passage will appear on wayfinding signs throughout the route, helping guide visitors as they explore this unique connection between city and forest.