Welcome to Burnsville, NC, where the air is fresh, the temperature is ideal, and the people are friendly. Established in 1834, Burnsville is the perfect small-town mountain getaway, just 40 minutes northeast of Asheville. Burnsville is home to expansive mountain views, a walkable Main Street, colorful street murals, and quaint art galleries. Our friendly, locally-owned brewery, eateries, and restaurants bring quality, one-of-a-kind dining experiences to locals and visitors. Wander historic downtown for the perfect gift, antique, fashion accessory, or the latest in home décor, jewelry, and more. No matter where you go in Yancey County, you’ll feel our warm hospitality.
Burnsville is home to Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet. Mount Mitchell State Park, one of the country’s first state parks, has an easily-accessible observation deck, concessions, a museum, camping facilities, and hiking trails that allow visitors to explore short hikes near the summit and challenging treks to adjacent wilderness areas. Access Mount Mitchell State Park’s unmatched views via the Blue Ridge Parkway, “America’s Favorite Drive” at milepost 355.4 in Yancey County.
With nearly 100 miles of hiking trails, there’s no better place to explore than in Yancey County. Chart your own course or partner with a local outfitter to explore the great outdoors. Find pristine forests, clean rivers, dramatic views, and cool waterfalls, including Crabtree Falls, Roaring Fork Falls, and Setrock Creek Falls. Discover endless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, tubing, and cycling.
After an awe-inspiring day in the outdoors, come back into town to stay at one of our cozy cabins or local inns. Unwind at Mount Mitchell EcoRetreat, a former dude ranch turned mountain escape, or find yourself immersed in history at the newly restored Nu Wray Hotel, reopening in 2023. With high-speed internet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, catching up on work or disconnecting entirely while on your stay are both easily accessible.
Start your morning with an Appalachian-inspired breakfast at Pig & Grits, a local favorite, or grab a coffee at Appalachian Java. Be sure to save your appetite in the evening for a beer at Homeplace Beer Co., followed by dinner at Cast Iron Kitchen, where Chef Chris Hall insists on using only fresh ingredients to create a culinary experience.
Spend the day exploring town at local shops and galleries. Burnsville is home to hundreds of artists and crafters making unique, original objects in clay, glass, wood, metal, and fiber, as well as furniture and musical instruments. The annual Toe River Arts Studio Tour is a free, self-guided tour of artists’ studios and an opportunity to view their work, processes, and studio spaces. Be sure to check out the variety of other stores on Main Street, including Monkey Business, a local toy store that will make you feel like a kid again, no matter your age.
Peer into the night sky at Bare Dark Sky Observatory through the Southeast’s largest telescope dedicated to public use. View wonders of our galaxy and beyond at this certified International Dark Sky Park. Each two-hour stargazing session offers visitors a chance to soak up 360-degree views of the moon, planets, and stars. Take your stargazing adventure indoors at the newly opened Arthur Planetarium, connected to the observatory. View the world’s skies, experience places around the globe, and enjoy laser light shows in the 60-seat planetarium with a 36′ projection dome.
While honoring its deep roots in Appalachia, Burnsville’s pioneering spirit lives on through its diverse variety of experiences for visitors to enjoy.