Our Outdoor Adventure? Endless.
You say you like the outdoors and wonder about our Outdoor Adventure possibilities? They are endless! Hike, bike, walk, paddle, cycle, camp, fish, climb, golf, ride, gem mine or just take in the breathtaking mountain beauty. From State Parks to National Forests you’ll find thousands of acres of possibilities for adventure including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, Roan Mountain, Linville Falls and Grandfather Mountain to name a few! We are smack dab in the middle of the “three peaks” of Roan, Grandfather and Mt. Mitchell so you know you will find lots of outdoor adventure here!
On The River
If you are seeking a chance to get your toes wet, you won’t have to look far! From a leisurely tube ride to a wild rafting adventure, you can choose your dose of wet fun! There are several water guides available in the region to help you and your family have a safe and memorable day of fun.
Whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking are both highly popular sports in the region. The fun begins in the northwest corner of Mitchell County, where the Nolichucky River Gorge opens. The nine-mile six hour trip through the 750 foot deep gorge offers Class III rapids, depending on the water levels. Spruce Pine’s Riverside Park has public access ramps for canoeing and fishing piers for catching the big one! Bakersville’s Cane Creek is a picturesque spot for trout fishing and the paved walking path provides one mile of scenic creek sidewalks.
You Get A Line!
Our many creeks, rivers and their tributaries classified as native trout waters, offer excellent fishing holes. If you’re eager to catch muskie or small and large mouth bass, the North Toe River is a great spot for your fishing adventure. Cane Creek in Bakersville and the North Toe River in Spruce Pine are favorite fishing spots for local folks and visitors alike.
The Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Program was established by the General Assembly in 2007 as a means to encourage trout fishing as a heritage tourism activity. Both Spruce Pine and Bakersville have been designated as a part of this North Carolina pilot program. Through this legislation, interested participants can purchase a 3-day $5 fishing license for residents or non-residents to fish in these waters. In addition, rods and reels are available to the public to check out for free of charge and you get to keep the tackle and box! A Troutacular festival is held each year the first Saturday in June in both Spruce Pine and Bakersville to kick off the trout fishing year!
Get Your Boots On!
Is hiking or backpacking your thing? Then you’ll love the mountain trails found in our region. Craft your Adventure on the Roan Mountain Trails. Roan Mountain and the Roan Mountain Highlands straddle the North Carolina/Tennessee border just a few miles outside of Bakersville. Hikers in the know will recognize the famous Appalachian Trail that crosses Roan Mountain. Roan Trails include the Cloudland Trail, Gardens Trail (the worlds’ largest rhododendron gardens) and the Appalachian Trail. And of course, with the Blue Ridge Parkway meandering right through our county, you can access many of the Parkway trails within minutes.
Try Your Luck!
Known as the most important mining area in the world, Spruce Pine is a rock hound’s dream come true. Numerous gem mining establishments await you where you can pan for treasure and even have your treasure cut and polished into jewelry you can wear! The area gem mines are famous as some have been featured on The Travel Channel, one was actually mined by Tiffany’s Jewelers, some have famous gemologists on staff, and one has been gem mining for almost 200 years! Don’t miss the annual North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival held the beginning of August each year. This four day festival features dealers from across the country selling gems, minerals, crystals, fossils and of course beautiful fine jewelry. A must stop on your trip is the Museum of NC Minerals, located in Spruce Pine and adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Get Your Wheels Turning!
If you love nothing more than jumping on your bike and hitting the roads, then we are your new best kept secret! Cyclists and motorcyclists love our twists, turns, grades and slopes! The Blue Ridge Parkway is of course a favorite route, but have you tried the Roan Moan course? And if motorcycling is your passion, then have we got a road for you! Known as the Diamond Back, Hwy 226 A offers motorcyclists a ride to remember! So get your wheels turning on our roads this year!
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