Burnsville is a gateway to some of the top experiences of their kind, from exploring the heights of East Coast hiking, to casting some of the top trout waters in the state, to getting series, really serious, about your craft.
Day 1
All Day
Hiking. Burnsville is basecamp to some of the most challenging – and rewarding -- hiking in the state, starting with the Black Mountain Crest Trail, the northern trailhead for which is just outside of town along Bowlens Creek. Start at an elevation of 3,100 feet, finish 11 miles later atop Mount Mitchell, at 6,684 feet the highest point in the U.S. east of the Black Hills. While the Black Mountain Crest Trail is open, the southernmost 4 miles is in Mount Mitchell State Park, which remains closed. Another worthy challenge: the Lost Cove Trail, which is about a half hour outside town. This 3.4-mile trail – 6.8 miles out-and-back – crests a ridge after two-tenths of a mile, then heads downhill dropping 2,000 vertical feet in 3.2 miles to the turnaround at the Nolichucky River. Those 2,000 feet would be great if you didn’t have to regain them on the hike back. For that reason, some hikers recommend going just 2.5 miles, to the remains of the Lost Cove community, then turning back for a 5-mile total trip. By hiking the Lost Cove Trail you’ll also be hiking a part of the recently (2022) created 330-mile Appalachian High Route, a loop that includes the Appalachian Trail, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and the Black Mountain Crest Trail.
Day 2
Morning
After spending your first day hiking the rugged Southern Appalachian mountains around Burnsville, you’ll likely be up for something more sitting oriented. Like getting in the car and cruising the nine Quilt Block Trails in Burnsville and Yancey County. These self-guided driving trails take you into the country to view colorful quilt blocks adorning barns, churches, and other buildings.
Afternoon
Fly fishing. Now that you’ve got your legs under you again, why not check out some of those trout waters Yancey and Mitchell counties are known for: Cane River, Price Creek, South Toe River … yes, but where exactly on those rivers? You’ll just have to drop into one of the local guide shops and strike up a conversation (that will likely end with, “Are you available to take me?”).
Evening
Bare Dark Sky Observatory at Mayland Earth to Sky Park. An advantage to being atop the East Coast is that you’re closer to the stars. An advantage to being away from a major urban area is little light pollution come nightfall. Both add up to you enjoying the evening at the Mayland Community College Bare Dark Sky Observatory in the Mayland Earth to Sky Park in Burnsville. The observatory is home to one of the largest public telescopes in the Southeast, and stargazers are welcome even when the Observatory is closed. In either event, plan on one of the most impressive night sky viewing opportunities in the region.
Day 3
Morning
Tubing and paddling (even snorkeling!). The South Toe River is popular with tubers. The U.S. Forest Service’s Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area is particularly popular with tubers, it’s 37-site campground even serving as something of a tubing resort during the warm water tubing season. Paddling options also abound on the river, including some on placid waters for those who eschew public displays of adrenaline.
Afternoon
Penland School of Craft. Feeling creative? The famous Penland School of Craft, 25 minutes from town, offers a range of workshops in a variety of disciplines led by some of the top artisans in their fields. Many classes run for a week, but there are shorter courses in everything from clay and glass to papermaking and photography. There are intro classes for beginners, advanced classes for folks looking to hone their craft. And if you’re shy about throwing a pot yourself, there’s also a gallery and visitor center, where you can admire (and purchase) the work of others.
Day 4
Morning
Explore the arts. According to the Town of Burnsville website, the town and county have “the highest per capita ratio of Artisans in the United States.” Thus, you’ll find plenty of galleries showcasing this work. In fact, you don’t even need to go inside to find art; the Burnsville Gateway, for instance, is a series of colorful glass telescopes, three of which are situated to take advantage of sunrise, three others to enhance an already dazzling sunset. The telescopes are the work of regional public artist Jack Mackie and the Toe River Arts Council and are part of the N.C. Arts Council’s SmART Communities program.
Afternoon
Waterfall Hike. You can’t visit the high country without visiting a waterfall or two. Crabtree Falls, Big Creek Falls, Roaring Fork Falls are but three options. Some only ask a short walk, others are a little more of a trek. All are worth the effort.
Learn more about what you can do in Burnsville.