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Burnsville is located in Yancey County just 35 miles northeast of Asheville, along US Hwy 19-E and the Mt. Mitchell Scenic Byway. This small town is surrounded by the highest peaks in eastern America, including Mt. Mitchell, and offers big adventures, iconic charm, endless outdoor experiences, and starry, dark skies. 

A small town of about 1,667 people, Burnsville is nestled in a valley surrounded by the highest peaks in eastern America. Known for its rural-artistic vibe, downtown Burnsville offers a walkable Main Street, independent shops and restaurants, a brewery, colorful street murals, and quaint art galleries. The historic downtown has a public Town Square, a popular gathering space for the community. Adorned with stately trees and lush grass, the land for the public square was donated in 1834 by John “Yellow Jacket” Bailey. The statue of Otway Burns was placed in 1909. 

Burnsville, NC

The annual Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair transforms the streets around Burnsville’s Town Square into a festival for craft and art lovers. Established in 1956, Crafts Fair is held on the first Friday and Saturday in August and features more than 200 vendors and performers including craft demonstrations, bluegrass, and acoustic music, food vendors, and a one-of-a-kind selection of handmade arts and crafts from artisans across the country. 

Burnsville is the Home of Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River (6,684 feet). Mt. Mitchell is part of the Black Mountain Range which includes six peaks among the ten highest in the eastern United States. Mt. Mitchell State Park has an observation deck, museum, camping, and hiking trails. Mt. Mitchell's summit offers unmatched, ever-expansive views. 

Burnsville, NC

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy fresh air, clean rivers, and cool waterfalls. With nearly 100 miles of hiking trails in Yancey County, and one of the country's first state parks, there's no better place to explore. Located at the Mayland Earth-to-Sky Park, the Bare Dark Sky Observatory allows the community to view the moon, planets, and stars while experiencing the wonders of the universe. The observatory is recognized by CNN as one of the 23 best places in the world to stargaze.

Bare Dark Sky Observatory Hours & Fees
Adult Tickets: $20 from June 1-October 31, $15 from November 1-May 31.
Child Tickets: $5 (12 and under)

Burnsville, NC

Self-guided Quilt Block Trails are a great activity for exploring the scenic byways and country roads of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Burnsville’s nine trails showcase approximately 150 blocks, one of the largest concentrations anywhere in the U.S. These self-guided driving trails take folks into the countryside to view colorful quilt blocks adorning barns, buildings, and churches. In downtown Burnsville, visit the Quilt Block Sundial, the largest vertical sundial in North Carolina and the only quilt block sundial in the world.

Burnsville, NC

Across this relatively small region are hundreds of artists and crafters making unique, original objects in clay, glass, wood, metal, and fiber as well as other mediums. The Toe River Arts Gallery located in downtown Burnsville showcases local artists with changing exhibits and a gallery shop. Toe River Arts sponsor the Toe River Studio Tour, a self-guided tour of studios and galleries in the Toe River Valley region. Visit Explore Burnsville for more arts and culture.

Burnsville, NC

Every Saturday during the season, dedicated farmers and artisans deliver the finest in local produce and farm-related crafts at the Yancey County Farmers Market adjacent to the Town Square. 

Homeplace Beer Co. is a popular spot for locals and visitors in downtown.

Burnsville, NC

With fast and reliable internet, remote worker solutions, free wi-fi locations, a pioneering spirit, and a welcoming attitude, Burnsville is the ideal place to visit, work, or live. 

The famous art school Penland School of Crafts is just 13 miles east. The Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville is a small professional theatre with shows from April through December.

Yancey County (where Burnsville is located) is full of old and new Agri-Tourism experiences. Visit local farmers' markets and farms to purchase fresh produce of the season & delicious homemade treats. And in late November and December, cut your own mountain-grown Christmas tree.

The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is 19 miles away, via NC Highway 80 south. Go five miles north to Crabtree Falls and 11 miles south to the entrance of Mt. Mitchell State Park. While the address for Mt. Mitchell is Burnsville, it's a 35-mile drive since you need to go all the way around the mountain for the entrance from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The great village of Spruce Pine is just 14 miles east on US 19.

Burnsville is about 35 miles northeast of Asheville. It's an easy drive (45 minutes) up I-26 West toward Tennessee. Take exit 9 onto Highway 19 East and go about 16 miles. See more of our 40 Coolest NC Mountain Small Towns.

Burnsville B&Bs & Things To Do

Crabtree Falls

(3 miles round-trip, moderate) This gorgeous 70-ft. waterfall along the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 339), near Linville Falls, is accessed by a very scenic, loop woodland hiking trail.

(3 miles round-trip, moderate) This gorgeous 70-ft. waterfall along the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 339), near Linville Falls, is accessed by a very scenic, loop woodland hiking trail.

Roan Mountain Appalachian Trail

Note: Roan Mountain Recreation Area will be closed during repairs for the 2024 season. The area to be closed includes the rhododendron gardens, Roan High Bluff, Cloudland parking area, and… read more

Note: Roan Mountain Recreation Area will be closed during repairs for the 2024 season. The area to be closed includes the rhododendron gardens, Roan High Bluff, Cloudland parking area, and Cloudland Trail. Carver’s Gap and the Appalachian Trail will remain open, but there is limited parking at Carver’s Gap.

(1 to 7 miles, moderate hike) Famous for its spectacular natural gardens of…

Mt. Mitchell Deep Gap Trail to Mt. Craig

(Up to 9 miles round-trip, moderate) Our favorite quick hike at Mount Mitchell is the Deep Gap Trail to Mt. Craig, a two-mile round-trip hike. Continue on the Deep Gap Trail for another 3.5 miles… read more

(Up to 9 miles round-trip, moderate) Our favorite quick hike at Mount Mitchell is the Deep Gap Trail to Mt. Craig, a two-mile round-trip hike. Continue on the Deep Gap Trail for another 3.5 miles. For a more challenging hike, take the 5.5-mile Mt. Mitchell Trail from the Black Mountain Campground.

Southern Appalachian Anglers

Take a full-service, guided fly fishing or bass fishing trip near Asheville. You can enjoy the Appalachian Mountains by boating and/or wading in North Carolina's stream-fed lakes and rivers.… read more

Take a full-service, guided fly fishing or bass fishing trip near Asheville. You can enjoy the Appalachian Mountains by boating and/or wading in North Carolina's stream-fed lakes and rivers. Professional fishing guides ensure exciting fishing on the best pristine rivers in WNC.

Toe River Arts Gallery, Burnsville

The TRAC (Toe River Arts Council) Gallery in downtown Burnsville showcases local artists with changing exhibits and a great gallery shop. See work from over 150 artists and craftspeople in a… read more

The TRAC (Toe River Arts Council) Gallery in downtown Burnsville showcases local artists with changing exhibits and a great gallery shop. See work from over 150 artists and craftspeople in a variety of media: clay, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, fiber, wood, sculpture, mixed media, and more. 102 West Main Street, Burnsville

Mt. Mitchell Scenic Byway

Starting at the top of Mt. Mitchell, drive 52 miles among the peaks and valleys of Yancey and Madison counties, through the Toe River Valley and Burnsville. This area is a mecca for artists with… read more

Starting at the top of Mt. Mitchell, drive 52 miles among the peaks and valleys of Yancey and Madison counties, through the Toe River Valley and Burnsville. This area is a mecca for artists with many galleries and artist studios. Along the drive, pass 46 Western NC Quilt Trails blocks.

The Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville

See musicals and plays from late spring through fall at the longest continually-operating seasonal theater in North Carolina. Ticket prices for adults range from only $18-$22 per show.

See musicals and plays from late spring through fall at the longest continually-operating seasonal theater in North Carolina. Ticket prices for adults range from only $18-$22 per show.

Hike the Highest Trails in the East

With more than 100 miles of public hiking trails, including the highest trails in the eastern United States, Burnsville has been called the Hiking Capital of Western North Carolina.

With more than 100 miles of public hiking trails, including the highest trails in the eastern United States, Burnsville has been called the Hiking Capital of Western North Carolina.

Burnsville Vacation Rentals

Find places to stay around Burnsville including top cabins, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, and more!

Find places to stay around Burnsville including top cabins, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, and more!

Tier 2

Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair

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The streets around Burnsville’s town square are filled with 200 juried crafters displaying nearly every kind of handmade craft imaginable. Located 35 miles northeast of Asheville.

The streets around Burnsville’s town square are filled with 200 juried crafters displaying nearly every kind of handmade craft imaginable. Located 35 miles northeast of Asheville.

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