Today, our American Nomad adventure meanders the scenic backroads of Yancey County, a detour well worth taking. Just forty minutes north of Asheville, this beautiful region invites you into the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, where stories of hope, resilience, and community echo through these old mountains. Yancey County is home to Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak east of the Mississippi. It’s here, on a crisp autumn day, that the blue mist rises and the song of the mountains can be heard in the whisper of the rustling leaves.
At the center of it all is Burnsville, a mountain community anchored in history, the arts, and a perseverance as strong as the mountains themselves.
In today’s adventure we’ll explore Burnsville, first digging into its fascinating history before highlighting fun things to do in the area from mountain trails to cool shops, art galleries and more.
Burnsville – A History Carved by Time and Community
The area of Burnsville and Yancey County has a geologic history going back millions of years.
The human story of Burnsville and Yancey County begins with prehistoric tribes, followed by the Cherokee, whose rich legacy endures through place names, oral traditions, and their descendants in Western North Carolina. European settlers began arriving in the mid-1700s, following a few key routes. Some came south along the Great Road from Pennsylvania, while others traveled from the Carolina Piedmont and other eastern settlements. Still others navigated the passes at Hickory Nut Gorge and Gillespie Gap in Spruce Pine to reach the area.
Drawn by the rich, fertile bottomlands and valleys of the Toe and Cane Rivers, these early settlers built sturdy farms and lived off the land, carving out a life in the rugged mountain terrain.
The region also played a role in the American Revolution. During the war, the legendary Overmountain Men marched through what would become Yancey County on their way to the pivotal Battle of King’s Mountain.
One of the early issues for western settlers was their frontier location, far from the central and eastern political centers of government. This distance left them without equal representation, as the eastern counties—made up of smaller districts with more delegates—often had the power to override the voice of western voters. This is a topic we’ve recently explored on the blog. We saw a similar dynamic at play during our last adventure in Hillsborough, North Carolina, at the Provincial Congress, where these same struggles for fair representation were at the heart of the debate.
In 1833, Yancey County was created from parts of Buncombe and Burke Counties. Its establishment was made possible by a crucial political vote by Otway Burns, a former privateer and hero of the War of 1812. During the war, Burns’s ship, the Snapdragon, wreaked havoc on British vessels along the coast before it was finally captured by the British ship, the Leopard.
Born in Swansboro, a coastal North Carolina town, Burns transitioned from privateering to politics. Although an eastern North Carolina native, he championed the cause of western residents, recognizing their need for fair representation and better-organized county boundaries for court systems. His tie-breaking ‘yes’ vote led to the creation of three new western counties, including Yancey. The county takes its name from Bartlett Yancey, a native of Caswell County. A distinguished North Carolina representative and senator, Bartlett Yancey was also a notable early advocate for public schools for all citizens.
In 1834, local settler John Wesley ‘Yellow Jacket’ Bailey donated land for the town of Burnsville with the promise it would be named in honor of Otway Burns for his crucial role in the county’s creation. Today, a statue of Burns stands sentinel in Burnsville’s Town Square, and a historical marker honors Bailey’s importance as the ‘father of Burnsville’.
Fun fact: The NuWray Hotel in Burnsville actually opened in 1833, even before the town was formally dedicated. It is the oldest continuously operating hotel in North Carolina. More on that in a moment.
Burnsville grew as a farming community and center of Yancey County government proceedings. Mining and the railroad later helped grow industry in the area through the mid-19th century into early 20th centuries.
A County Divided: The Civil War in Burnsville and Yancey County
Did you know that North Carolina initially hesitated on the issue of secession? Many North Carolinians were pro-Union and did not want to leave the United States. They felt forced to secede only after key states like South Carolina and Virginia left the Union. Ultimately, North Carolina would lose more men in the Civil War than any other state.
While the state’s eastern plantation regions were largely aligned with the Confederacy, Western North Carolina was deeply divided. Yancey County, in particular, was split down the middle between Unionists and Confederates. Those who were neutral or did not want to be conscripted into the Confederate army often hid in the mountainous regions to avoid fighting.
In an effort to control this chaos, War Governor Zebulon Vance appointed John W. McElroy as commander of the western “home guard” brigade. Vance, who was born not far away in Buncombe County, tasked McElroy with keeping the peace and enforcing Confederate conscription. However, McElroy himself had already told Vance that “many will go to the mountains before they will go to war,” highlighting the difficulty of his mission in this deeply divided territory.
A Community Divided
Leading up to the Civil War, Yancey County was politically divided, with citizens split on the issue of secession. Once North Carolina seceded, men from the county joined both the Confederate and Union armies. The mountains became a refuge for deserters from both sides, and this internal strife led to a state of near-anarchy in the area.
While no major Civil War battles occurred in Burnsville, several key local skirmishes reveal the deep division that defined this time. On April 9, 1864, with Confederate commander McElroy away from Burnsville, about fifty women from the region raided a Confederate storehouse and took approximately sixty bushels of government-owned wheat. The next day, a band of seventy-five local pro-Union men also stormed the magazine, making off with arms and ammunition. A Confederate force was dispatched to quell the uprising, reportedly capturing 15 men and destroying the property of the ringleader.
One of the more tragic episodes from this time was the murder of Reverend Sam Byrd, a Confederate supporter, who was shot and killed by Unionists near Burnsville in April 1865.
These smaller skirmishes and acts of defiance highlight the personal and community-level struggles of the Civil War in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The conflict here was often more about local feuds and survival than large-scale military strategy, and these events have even inspired a play called An Uncivil Union: The Battle of Burnsville.
Want to learn more about the dynamic history of Burnsville and Yancey County? Here are a few MUST VISIT Museums in the area:
Rush Wray Museum
Travel through Burnsville’s history at the Rush Wray Museum. This wonderful museum run by the Yancey History Association is housed in the John W. McElroy House (the Confederate leader we discussed a moment ago), a Georgian style home built circa 1840. The home allows visitors to learn about life in Burnsville in the mid-1800s and includes artifacts from the frontier era until the 1950s.
The first floor of the museum tells the prehistoric story of Burnsville’s Native American tribes. You can view one of the best exhibits of Indian artifacts in Western North Carolina aside from the Museum of the Cherokee.
Check out the museum website for upcoming living history events from frontier life to Civil War events and more. A true treasure in the heart of Burnsville.
The Center for Pioneer Life
A visit to the Center for Pioneer Life is a not-to-be-missed living history museum in Burnsville. Established in 2018, this immersive learning experience is located on twelve scenic acres of farmland in the beautiful Shoal Creek Valley, only about three miles from downtown. The property tells the story of 180 years of frontier life in Yancey County.
At the heart of the farm is the reconstructed Josiah and Frances Ray Young Cabin, circa 1847. The homestead also includes a demonstration garden, farm plot, and reconstructed outbuildings such as a blacksmithing forge, a spring house, a corn crib, and a tool shed. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a hands-on experience of what life was like on an 1850s subsistence farm.
Educators will love their online resources about pioneer life, which include lessons on blacksmithing and how to build your own homestead. The Center also offers engaging tour events for 2nd- to 5th-grade classes throughout the year.
The farm also welcomes visitors to several fun festivals throughout the year, including their popular Harvesting Heritage Festival in September. Website
Burnsville: A Modern-Day Haven for Adventure and Art
Today, Burnsville is a vibrant community steeped in history, mountain beauty, and a thriving arts scene. The town is known for its legendary mountain hospitality, welcoming travelers as new friends and making each visit feel like a true homecoming.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a Blue Ridge adventurer, Burnsville offers a unique blend of heritage and modern charm. It’s a place to explore the natural wonders of the mountains, connect with a tight-knit community, and find inspiration in the work of local artists.
Ready to Explore all Burnsville has to Offer… Here are a few ideas to get you started…
Growing up, my parents and I would always take fall trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We’d often exit near Burnsville, enjoying the small-town charm and the land’s serenity before continuing toward Mount Mitchell State Park. Every time I visit Burnsville today, memories of that time with my parents warm my heart as I chart my own path. It’s a place you’ll fall in love with, no matter the season.
Burnsville is the perfect basecamp for the surrounding region. It’s only about forty minutes from Asheville and about thirty minutes from another American Nomad favorite, the mountain escape of Little Switzerland and Mitchell County. Burnsville’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, over 100 miles of hiking trails, and Mt. Mitchell, as well as its access to other small towns, art, and shopping, provides a multitude of things to do.
Throughout the year, Burnsville hosts a variety of fun festivals, literary and arts events, outdoor excursions, and historical seminars. I recently attended their biggest event of the year, the Mount Mitchell Arts Fair in August. Downtown Burnsville was lined with dozens of arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, live music, and a performance by the Parkway Players. I’ll definitely be back for this annual event next year.
Start your adventure in the heart of it all: Burnsville’s Town Square and charming Main Street.
Burnsville is a highly walkable town, with dozens of shops and eateries all within easy walking distance of downtown parking. While there are many great lodging options, staying at the Historic NuWray Hotel puts you steps away from the Town Square and area shops.
The NuWray Hotel was recently reopened after an amazing renovation, restoring structural issues and bringing it back to life under new local ownership. Founded in 1833, it is North Carolina’s oldest continuously operating hotel, predating even Burnsville itself. The original core log structure with eight bedrooms was built by Bacchus Smith to serve as a tavern and trading post. Because Burnsville was the county seat, the NuWray helped provide a clean and welcoming boarding option for the many travelers and representatives who came through on court and legislature business.
In 1867, the hotel was purchased by Garret Ray, who oversaw the first expansion after the Civil War. With more industry from mining, the railroad, and early tourism, additional lodging was needed. It was renamed the “Old Ray Hotel.” His daughter Julia married William Brian Wray, and when she inherited the hotel in 1915, it was rebranded the “NuWray.” Julia and her family continued the tradition of hospitality for decades. From the 1930s to the 1960s, the hotel was particularly known for its Southern-style family meals.
Many famous souls have stayed at the NuWray, including Mark Twain, novelist Thomas Wolfe, Elvis Presley, President Jimmy Carter, and Christopher Reeve. The hotel is just waiting to add your name to the list.
The NuWray has survived Civil Wars, the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and World War II. When you enter the lobby, you can instantly feel the history, yet at the same time, it feels like home. You feel as though the hotel has been waiting for you, ready to welcome you with the same hospitality it has been serving for over 190 years!
The NuWray offers cozy accommodations, each room designed with modern convenience and a nod to the hotel’s history. The NuWray also has a delicious onsite restaurant open to the public – I highly recommend calling in advance to get a dining reservation.
Downtown Shops…
Shoppers will fall for Burnsville’s eclectic mix of local shops. One of my favorites is Something Special, a local store that sells mountain themed gifts, souvenirs, cool clothing items and more. The adjoining Monkey Business has lots of fun and creative toys for kids.
When I’m not blogging, I enjoy painting and drawing mountain landscapes. I originally got interested in art during summer camp in the mountains. The scenery is so captivating and I loved learning about arts and crafts in places like Black Mountain, Folk Arts Center in Asheville and Burnsville galleries.
On every adventure I love to explore the local arts scene. Burnsville is a treasure trove of art. Downtown has several amazing art galleries as well Toe River Arts, one of the premier arts organizations in North Carolina. Toe River Arts maintains galleries and gift shops in both Burnsville and Spruce Pine. I highly recommend going on a studio tour where you can meet the arts and learn about their processes.
*Pro Tip: I recommend taking an ‘Art-Adventure’ aka ‘Art Expedition’ touring the galleries, Quilt Barn Trail and art events in both Yancey and Mitchell Counties. On my last trip I had the pleasure of stopping through Bakersville and Spruce Pine (Mitchell County) before exploring the arts in Burnsville (Yancey County)
Get ‘drawn’ into Burnsville’s art-tastic scene at this fantastic galleries.
In addition to the visual arts, Burnsville’s theatre and music scene is vibrant. The Parkway Playhouse, located right in the heart of Burnsville, is a truly special find. Since 1947, the Playhouse has produced quality theatrical productions that have delighted generations of theater-goers.
This historic playhouse is a hidden gem where you can discover popular stage plays, original mountain-themed productions, and even a playwriting festival. In addition to their mainstage summer productions, they offer theatre education opportunities year-round. This coming year, for example, the Playhouse is producing five mainstage productions, hosting summer camps, teaching conservatory classes, performing “Reading is Alive” around Western North Carolina, and producing their Appalachian Playwriting Festival for a second year.
Arts are Woven into the Culture: The Quilt Block Trail
One of my favorite things about the backroads of Western North Carolina is winding around a curve and discovering a historic barn with a painted quilt. This folk heritage tradition has deep roots throughout the state, from Yancey County to Ashe County and beyond. I recently learned that Burnsville is home to more Quilt Blocks (or Barn Quilts) than any other county in North Carolina, and I can’t wait to return and hit the trail.
For those unfamiliar, these large wooden squares are designed, built, and painted by volunteers, and are patterned after the colorful blocks that adorn traditional mountain quilts. Each design is often inspired by its location; for example, the “Sneakers” block on Burnsville’s old gymnasium features a flower with sneakers for its petals. The best part is that Explore Burnsville has created self-guided driving trails to help you discover these quilt blocks, which decorate barns, buildings, and even area churches. This is a wonderful way to take in the mountain scenery, explore North Carolina’s countryside, and immerse yourself in Yancey County’s rich artistic culture.
Nature Beckons in Burnsville:
Burnsville is a gateway to Mount Mitchell State Park, which contains the tallest peak east of the Mississippi River. As of September 15th, 2025 – Mt. Mitchell State Park is officially reopened to the public, along with Blue Ridge Parkway access! Click on their website for me information.
Established in 1915, Mount Mitchell is North Carolina’s first state park, created to protect the mountain’s unique ecosystem and natural wonders.
The peak is named for Dr. Elisha Mitchell, a geologist from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was the first to accurately measure its height, believing it to be the tallest peak in the eastern United States. Sadly, he died when he fell from the mountain in 1857 while trying to verify his measurements. He is buried at the top of the mountain.
Over 100 Miles of Hiking Trails
Chart your own adventure as you hike regional trails. I recommend checking the Pisgah National Forest Website and Explore Burnsville for the latest trail opening as Helene clean-up continues.
Another great option is to partner with an area outfitter for outdoor adventures:
Southern Drifter Outfitters: The Mountains are Calling and Southern Drifters is your go-to spot in Burnsville for all your outdoor needs. The store is fully stocked with the camping gear you need to hit the trail, and their expert staff can provide advice on the best local hiking trails.
For anglers, Southern Drifters offers guided trips with over thirty years of combined fly fishing experience. Whether you’re a beginner looking to shorten the learning curve or an experienced angler wanting to explore new water, a guided trip with them is the best way to experience some of the Southeast’s best fishing. They offer everything from backcountry wild trout fishing to float trips in their Clackacraft and Hyde drift boats. Website
Snakeroot Eco Tours:
Ready to go deeper into the natural wonders of Yancey County? Snakeroot Eco Tours offers guided hikes and natural expeditions perfect for any nature lover.
Their tours are designed for all abilities and focus on a variety of themes—from local flora and fauna to nighttime firefly walks and beyond. You’ll not only witness the stunning scenery but also gain a deeper understanding of the unique ecosystem of Mount Mitchell and the surrounding area. I can’t wait to sign up for one of their naturalist hikes!
Burnsville Anglers:
Western North Carolina is an angler’s dream – the blue-ribbon trout waters in this area attract fly-fishermen from all over the world. Looking for an expert guide for your angling adventure – check out Burnsville Anglers – they know these streams and rivers like the back of their hand. Never tried fly-fishing? No worries – sign up for angling lessons.
Take a Rafting Trip on the Toe River with Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing…located in Bakersville, this regional tubing company offers a fun way to get on the scenic Toe River. Website
Get on the Parkway!
When I’m stressed and in need of a retreat, I’ve always found comfort driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. When Hurricane Helene sliced up my beloved home state and many of the Parkway roads I would find solace in, it was a time of mourning but also of hope. The people of the Blue Ridge are resilient, and Burnsville is a community of grace and grit.
While the Parkway is still under construction in some areas near Burnsville, the great news is you can now drive it all the way from Asheville to Cherokee! This means you can meander both the scenic backroads of Yancey County toward the Parkway in Asheville and beyond. You can also travel the byways to Little Switzerland to explore a few miles of the Parkway there as well.
For the latest parkway updates check the official Blue Ridge Parkway Website here.
Look to the Stars at the Bare Dark Sky Observatory
Burnsville’s location amid the wild beauty of the mountains makes it an ideal spot for stargazers. Just a few miles from downtown, you can chart the constellations at the Bare Dark Sky Observatory, a premier public stargazing destination within the Mayland Earth to Sky Park. The park is the first International Dark Sky certified park in the southeastern United States, ensuring an unparalleled view of the heavens.
With its low light pollution, the observatory provides the perfect conditions for discovering a galaxy of wonder. Visitors can use the “Sam Scope,” a custom-built, 34-inch Newtonian telescope that is the largest in the Southeast dedicated to public use. This powerful instrument allows for exceptional, detailed views of celestial objects like planets, nebulae, and galaxies.
The observatory also hosts public viewing nights, often scheduled around the moon phases for optimal stargazing. These two-hour sessions are guided by astronomers who help visitors view and learn about the night sky.
In addition to the observatory, the Mayland Earth to Sky Park also features a planetarium, walking trails, and educational exhibits, making it a great destination for nature and science enthusiasts alike.
Ready to Plan Your Burnsville Adventure? Here are some resources to get you started.
Explore Burnsville is the official town tourism website and has a plethora of information for travelers. I recommend following their facebook and instagram pages as well for the latest festivals and events. (This is how I learned about the Mitchell County Arts Fair – and what a fun event it was!)
Where to Stay:
NuWray Hotel -Book Your Stay Here
Cottage on the Square – cute rental steps from downtown.
Carolina Country Inn: Carolina Country Inn is a 15-room motel/inn located on the far west end of Main Street in Burnsville. It is within walking distance of Town Square and provides easy access to all activities in Burnsville and the surrounding countryside.
Terrell House B&B – Terrell House is a bed and breakfast inn with six guest rooms located in the downtown area, a few blocks west of Town Square. This historic two-story colonial dates to the early 1900s and once served as a women’s dormitory for a Presbyterian school.
Alpine Village Townhomes – Cozy condos perfect for a mountain retreat
Lodge at Mt. Mitchell – cozy cottage rooms conveniently located near Mt. Mitchell
Lofty Expectations – cute loft in the heart of downtown
For other accommodations check out Explore Burnsville’s lodging guide
Destination Coffee: No American Nomad adventure would be complete without a hearty cup of java. Coffee lovers will fall in love with Appalachian Java
Where to Eat:
Snap Dragon – named after Otway Burns famous ship, this Garden Cafe has a home grown menu of delicious eats
Pig & Grits – What could be better NC BBQ, Grits and Mountain Air – a favorite in Burnsville.
Birdfoot – Bottleshop and Taproom
Hog Hollow – Wood Fired Pizza (and great live music too)
Stephanie’s Ice Cream – a delicious sweet treat after a day on the hiking trails
Live Oak Gastro Pub – Delicious eats and great hospitality
Check out a complete list of good eats in Burnsville on the official Explore Burnsville Guide
Burnsville Resources:
While in the area check out Mitchell County – Little Switzerland, Spruce Pine and Bakersville are great day trips from Burnsville. Read the American Nomad Mitchell County Guide here.
Thanks for joining American Nomad for this Burnsville Adventure,
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Hi, I’m Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This is where I share my love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. When I’m not writing, I’m a singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. You can find my new album here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com
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