Upcoming Events - Stay Tuned
Hands-on Craft Weekend
Try your hand at glass, ceramics, painting, and more. Learn from some of the region's talented craftspeople.
Apr. 10 - 11, 2026
Burnsville Plein-Air Festival
Take out your paintbrushes and sense of adventure for Burnsville's first Plein-Air Festival.
May 12 - 16, 2026
Glass Blowing Demo Weekend
Watch the region's best glass blowers and take the opportunity to blow your own piece of glass.
Feb. 27 - Mar. 1, 2026
BE ready for outdoor adventures.
If being outdoors raises your energy and your spirits, Burnsville truly is the place to BE.
There are countless places to enjoy streamside seats while listening to the sounds of
rippling water. Given the county’s extraordinary biodiversity, visitors don’t have to
wander far to witness colorful wildflowers and wildlife. Thanks to our certified dark sky
community, star gazers can catch an evening show from the comfort of their own
lodging or on the grounds of the Bare Dark Sky Observatory, home to the largest public
telescope in the southeast. Area guides offer a variety of outings such as mushroom
identification and foraging, fly fishing, kayaking, hunting for orchids and other
wildflowers, and more.
Mount Mitchell State Park
The highest peak east of the Mississippi River (6,684 feet),
Mt. Mitchell's summit offers unmatched, ever-expansive views. The park has an observation deck, museum, camping, and hiking trails.
Photo by Sam Dean
Burnsville
Town Square
A gathering place for the community, the land for the public square was donated in 1834 by John “Yellow Jacket” Bailey. The statue of Otway Burns was placed in 1909.
Photo by Sam Dean
Bare Dark Sky Observatory
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.
Photo by Jeremy Bare
Yancey County Farmers Market
Every Saturday during season, dedicated farmers and artisans deliver the finest in local produce and crafts at the Yancey County Farmers Market.
Snakeroot
Eco Tours
The naturalists and outdoor guides at Snakeroot Ecotours offer custom hikes and off-the-beaten-path adventures, including evening strolls to see blue ghost fireflies.
Burnsville
Anglers
Burnsville’s Premier Fly Fishing Guide Service offering professional guided fishing trips for the novice and the expert.
Loafers Glory
Rafting & Tubing
Loafers Glory offers fun for the whole family with river excursions for ages 4 and up.
Southern Drifters Outfitters
Helping you make the most of your time outdoors, whether you are camping, rafting, hiking or fishing, Southern Drifters Outfitters offers a wide variety of outdoor brands and guided fishing tours.
NC Outdoor
Adventures
NC Outdoor Adventure Company (NCOA) is located alongside the Toe River in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western NC. With tours, adventures and classes for all ages NCOA offers year round fun for the whole family!