Plan a relaxed river day at Coon Tree Picnic Area—natural pools, jumping rocks, and a forest loop—load the family into a roomy Tara Explorer 2+2 and beat the crowds.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | US-276, Brevard, NC 28712 |
| Facilities | Picnic Tables, River Access, Parking Area, Grills / Fire Pits |
| Recreation Features | Natural swimming pools, riverside jumping rocks, loop hiking trail |
Tucked into Pisgah National Forest along US-276, Coon Tree Picnic Area is a classic Brevard basecamp for families who love water, woods, and easy access. You’ll find shaded picnic tables near the Davidson River, convenient parking, designated grills / fire pits, and immediate river access for wading or cooling off. Come prepared: there is no potable water on site and no permanent restroom facilities, so pack all the water you’ll need and plan accordingly.
The evening before, prep picnic and grillables, chill drinks, and portion trail snacks. In the morning, load food and water into the Tara Explorer 2+2 fridge and stash blankets, towels, and lawn games in its storage bins. Aim for an early start—arriving before mid-morning helps secure parking, a quiet table, and mellow time by the river before day-trippers roll in.
Pull into the Parking Area, pick a picnic table, and set a simple station: cooler in the shade, water jug on the table, trash bag clipped for easy pack-out. Take a quick orientation walk so everyone knows where the grills are, where the river access is gentlest, and how to reach the loop trail. If you have little explorers, set a “base” rule (within sight of the table) and establish simple signals for regrouping.
Start with a slow amble along the water. The natural swimming pools and jumping rocks are photogenic and refreshing—scope depth and current before anyone jumps, and skip it entirely if conditions are questionable. Younger kids can wade at the shallow edges and hunt for minnows near calm pockets. Water shoes with grip are your friend on slick rock.
Ready to stretch your legs? The Coontree Loop Trail is a woodsy circuit with steady elevation changes and a couple of stream crossings. Many hikers prefer a counterclockwise direction for a gentler climb and a smoother finish. Expect classic Pisgah textures—hemlock and hardwood shade, rhododendron tunnels, and birdsong echoing off ravines.
Feeling strong? Watch for the Overlook Rock spur. If time and energy allow, extend your outing by about 1–1.5 miles to reach broader views, then drop back to rejoin the loop. Keep snacks, a small first-aid kit, and extra water in a daypack; cell reception can be spotty, so snap a photo of the trail map before you set out.
Head back to your table by late morning to fire up a grill / fire pit for a simple cookout. Lay a tablecloth, keep raw and cooked foods separate, and set a hand-wash station (water + biodegradable soap or wipes). There is no trash service—pack out everything, including produce stickers and twist ties. Between bites, let kids cool off at the river’s edge (with supervision) or sketch the forest in a small notebook.
After lunch, slip back to the river. Seek shallow gravel bars for safe wading and photo-ops. Avoid deep pools, strong current, and slick boulders. If legs are lively, complete the loop section you haven’t walked yet, or explore one of the short spur paths near the entrance for ferns, fungi, and the scent of sun-warmed pine. If energy is dipping, spread a blanket in the shade and let the water’s white noise do its thing.
This itinerary shines when logistics are simple. The Tara Explorer 2+2 makes one-trip unloads easy—cooler, water, towels, games—and its comfortable seating turns the US-276 drive into part of the adventure. With everything stowed neatly, you can transition from road to river in minutes and keep focus where it belongs: shared time outdoors.
Coon Tree Picnic Area balances easy river access with a satisfying forest loop, a perfect combo for families who want playtime and a little mileage. Arrive early, claim a shaded table, and build the day around water, food, and an unhurried walk in the woods. With thoughtful prep—and the cargo flexibility of a Tara Explorer 2+2—you’ll spend less time juggling gear and more time making memories along the Davidson River.
