Hi, I’m Sue and I’m a wildflowerholic. It’s been about 16 years since these uncontrollable urges to be in the woods and with the flowers began. I know I’m in trouble the moment I feel a hint of spring in the air. I will take any opportunity to find a nearby trail and start looking for Nature’s signs – bloodroot, spring beauty, sharp-lobed hepatica. These are always among the first to blossom.

Located about 45 minutes north of Asheville, Burnsville sits at the base of some of the highest peaks in the East, including Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet.

Whenever people ask about kid-friendly activities or a place where their children can run around near downtown Burnsville, Kid Mountain always tops the list. As much as I have recommended it, I realized I had never actually visited it myself.

To start the year, Blue Ridge Outoors asked readers to cast ballots for their favorites: top trails, scenic destinations, exciting races, and local businesses boosting the region’s vibrant outdoor culture. And with the results in, we present our annual Best of the Blue Ridge Awards, a superlative snapshot of what’s shaping the adventure scene in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Read on to learn more about this year’s big winners.