Parks & Nature
The hike is easy, short and very rewarding. Spectacular waterfalls and views!
Check National Park Services for alerts and closures: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/linville-falls-mp-316.htm
434 locals recommend
Linville Falls
The hike is easy, short and very rewarding. Spectacular waterfalls and views!
Check National Park Services for alerts and closures: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/linville-falls-mp-316.htm
Linville Caverns was opened for public touring in 1937. Since that time many upgrades to the pathways and lighting system have enhanced the safe touring experience that now exists. Courteous and experienced guides take you into the subterranean world, giving you the history of the caverns and allowing you to view the grand work of nature. We invite you to visit often and experience the beauty of these age-old mountains from the inside!
317 locals recommend
Linville Caverns, Inc.
19929 U.S. 221Linville Caverns was opened for public touring in 1937. Since that time many upgrades to the pathways and lighting system have enhanced the safe touring experience that now exists. Courteous and experienced guides take you into the subterranean world, giving you the history of the caverns and allowing you to view the grand work of nature. We invite you to visit often and experience the beauty of these age-old mountains from the inside!
Crabtree Falls is located at Milepost 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
155 locals recommend
Crabtree Falls
39000 Blue Ridge PkwyCrabtree Falls is located at Milepost 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Duggers Creek Falls
Linville Falls RoadBeautiful waterfalls
Roan Mountain is the home to the largest naturally growing rhododendron garden in the world? Can you imagine 600 acres of blooming rhododendron? It’s breathtaking and it’s a definite must see!
Rhododendron Gardens
State Road 1348Roan Mountain is the home to the largest naturally growing rhododendron garden in the world? Can you imagine 600 acres of blooming rhododendron? It’s breathtaking and it’s a definite must see!
Just outside of Bakersville, Roan Mountain isn’t just one mountain but contains five mountain peaks, and is roughly divided into two sections by Carver’s Gap. The first section — composed of Roan High Bluff and Roan High Knob — lies west of Carver’s Gap and is characterized by a thick coniferous forest. This part of Roan is shaped something like the body of a double-humped camel, with the “humps” being High Bluff and High Knob. Tollhouse Gap lies between the two peaks, and contains the Rhododendron Gardens, the largest of its kind in the world.
14 locals recommend
Roan Mountain
Just outside of Bakersville, Roan Mountain isn’t just one mountain but contains five mountain peaks, and is roughly divided into two sections by Carver’s Gap. The first section — composed of Roan High Bluff and Roan High Knob — lies west of Carver’s Gap and is characterized by a thick coniferous forest. This part of Roan is shaped something like the body of a double-humped camel, with the “humps” being High Bluff and High Knob. Tollhouse Gap lies between the two peaks, and contains the Rhododendron Gardens, the largest of its kind in the world.
Enjoy breathtaking views all around you as you hike to three different balds. Starting from Carver's Gap, you'll enjoy an easy hike on gravel to your first bald, Round Bald. The hike to Round Bald is very heavily trafficked.
Grassy Ridge Bald
Enjoy breathtaking views all around you as you hike to three different balds. Starting from Carver's Gap, you'll enjoy an easy hike on gravel to your first bald, Round Bald. The hike to Round Bald is very heavily trafficked.
A hike to Laurel Fork Falls is a must do, particularly in early winter. The bare trees make way for a clear view to the Laurel Fork Creek of the Doe River for much of the hike and the melting snow creates a rushing flow of water, delighting both the eyes and the ears.
21 locals recommend
Laurel Creek Falls
U.S. 321A hike to Laurel Fork Falls is a must do, particularly in early winter. The bare trees make way for a clear view to the Laurel Fork Creek of the Doe River for much of the hike and the melting snow creates a rushing flow of water, delighting both the eyes and the ears.
Sightseeing
Bird watching, photography, sightseeing by car
A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special.Don't forget your cameras and binoculars when visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway!
91 locals recommend
Blue Ridge Parkway
A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special.Don't forget your cameras and binoculars when visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway!
We are lucky to be in an area surrounded by so many birdwatching sites.
Orchard at Altapass
Bakersville Creek Walk
Spruce Pine Riverside Park
Linville Falls
Crabtree Meadows
Mt. Mitchell
Black Mountains
You can spend a couple of hours, make a day of it or plan your weekend to cover several of the birdwatching maps. Come back to birdwatch in each of our seasons! Roan Mountain /Yellow Mountain Gap
16 locals recommend
Bakersville
We are lucky to be in an area surrounded by so many birdwatching sites.
Orchard at Altapass
Bakersville Creek Walk
Spruce Pine Riverside Park
Linville Falls
Crabtree Meadows
Mt. Mitchell
Black Mountains
You can spend a couple of hours, make a day of it or plan your weekend to cover several of the birdwatching maps. Come back to birdwatch in each of our seasons! Roan Mountain /Yellow Mountain Gap
Arts & Culture
Sweetgrass Artisan Mercantile is a gallery of original arts & crafts, folk finds and an abundance of artisan goods. Located in the quaint mountain town of Bakersville:
23 Crimson Laurel Way Bakersville, North Carolina 28705
http://www.sweetgrassartisanmercantile.com/
Penland School of Crafts
is an international center for craft education dedicated to helping people live creative lives. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Penland offers one-, two-, and eight-week workshops in books and paper, clay, drawing, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking and letterpress, textiles, and wood. The school also offers artists' residencies, community collaboration programs, and a gallery and information center.
57 locals recommend
Penland School of Craft
67 Doras TrlPenland School of Crafts
is an international center for craft education dedicated to helping people live creative lives. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Penland offers one-, two-, and eight-week workshops in books and paper, clay, drawing, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking and letterpress, textiles, and wood. The school also offers artists' residencies, community collaboration programs, and a gallery and information center.
In Tandem Gallery offers one of the best selections of ceramics,
jewelry and art from all over America and beyond.
In Tandem Gallery
20 N Mitchell AveIn Tandem Gallery offers one of the best selections of ceramics,
jewelry and art from all over America and beyond.
Mica, a cooperative gallery located in downtown Bakersville NC, showcases the work of its 13 members whose creative lives have been nurtured by the energy of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. On display and available for sale is a stunning variety of functional and sculptural ceramics, glass, fiber, metal, and paintings—each piece touched by the unique mark of its maker.
11 locals recommend
Mica - Fine Contemporary Craft
37 N Mitchell AveMica, a cooperative gallery located in downtown Bakersville NC, showcases the work of its 13 members whose creative lives have been nurtured by the energy of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. On display and available for sale is a stunning variety of functional and sculptural ceramics, glass, fiber, metal, and paintings—each piece touched by the unique mark of its maker.
Inside this calm and peaceful gallery you will find yourself surrounded
by exquisite original paintings and limited edition prints inspired by
the simple beauty of the natural world. 433 S Mitchell Ave, Bakersville
Anita's Atelier
433 S Mitchell Ave
Inside this calm and peaceful gallery you will find yourself surrounded
by exquisite original paintings and limited edition prints inspired by
the simple beauty of the natural world. 433 S Mitchell Ave, Bakersville
Sweetgrass Artisan Mercantile is a gallery of original arts & crafts, folk finds and an abundance of artisan goods. 23 Crimson Laurel Way
Sweetgrass Artisan Mercantile
23 Crimson Laurel WaySweetgrass Artisan Mercantile is a gallery of original arts & crafts, folk finds and an abundance of artisan goods. 23 Crimson Laurel Way
Water activities
Rafting kayaking, swimming, fishing,
There are several water guides available in the region to help you and your family have a safe and memorable day of fun on the river. Whether you choose canoeing or tubing down the Toe River or a raucous ride down the Nolichucky…you won’t be disappointed.
30 locals recommend
Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing
2637 NC-226There are several water guides available in the region to help you and your family have a safe and memorable day of fun on the river. Whether you choose canoeing or tubing down the Toe River or a raucous ride down the Nolichucky…you won’t be disappointed.
Selected by North Carolina as Mountain Heritage Trout Cities, both Spruce Pine and Bakersville offer anglers the best in mountain fishing but your chances of catching the big one doesn’t stop there. With miles of public and private waters, your mountain fishing adventure will be photo worthy! Come visit the first weekend in June for the Troutacular! Kids Fishing Event or catch some of the other fishing dates on the calendar including regional and state fishing qualifiers. Call one of our renowned fishing guides to take you to the “sweet spot”…those secret fishing holes that only they know about!
6 locals recommend
North Toe River
Selected by North Carolina as Mountain Heritage Trout Cities, both Spruce Pine and Bakersville offer anglers the best in mountain fishing but your chances of catching the big one doesn’t stop there. With miles of public and private waters, your mountain fishing adventure will be photo worthy! Come visit the first weekend in June for the Troutacular! Kids Fishing Event or catch some of the other fishing dates on the calendar including regional and state fishing qualifiers. Call one of our renowned fishing guides to take you to the “sweet spot”…those secret fishing holes that only they know about!
The Toe River Valley Canoe Trail runs 37 miles down the North Toe River from Riverside Park in Spruce Pine to Poplar. The trail travels through Class I, II and III rapids, passing primarily undeveloped forest and farmland. There are beautiful scenic views of mountains, rapids and valleys. You can spot many types of wildlife along the way including Great Blue Herons, ducks, hawks, turtles, fish and amphibians.
42 locals recommend
Spruce Pine
The Toe River Valley Canoe Trail runs 37 miles down the North Toe River from Riverside Park in Spruce Pine to Poplar. The trail travels through Class I, II and III rapids, passing primarily undeveloped forest and farmland. There are beautiful scenic views of mountains, rapids and valleys. You can spot many types of wildlife along the way including Great Blue Herons, ducks, hawks, turtles, fish and amphibians.
Mountain activities
Cycling, hiking, horse riding, photography
We can’t imagine a more beautiful landscape to cycle than Mitchell County and our surrounding areas. Cyclists love this area for the beautiful views and the exciting climbs and curves.
16 locals recommend
Bakersville
We can’t imagine a more beautiful landscape to cycle than Mitchell County and our surrounding areas. Cyclists love this area for the beautiful views and the exciting climbs and curves.