Yancey County, North Carolina - 2003 Community Guide

Mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls create the backdrop for outdoor activities and breathtaking views in Yancey County. Fun and adventure are abundant, as you can enjoy skiing, hiking, biking, canoeing, camping, fishing and hunting. Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the nearby French Broad, Nantahala and Nolichucky Rivers is also a thrill that can’t be missed.

At 3,000 feet, the Mount Mitchell Golf Club has been ranked among the state’s top 10 public courses. Mount Mitchell offers a variety of challenges to the visiting golfer. The course was recently honored by receiving a four-and-a-half star rating in Golf Digest’s “Places to Play.” It is virtually flat, with a river flowing through it, and features bent grass from tee to green while providing awesome views on every shot. The club also boasts an excellent restaurant with international cuisine. The newest clubhouse addition is a pub where you can relax after a round with your favorite beverage or before-dinner cocktail.

The private Mountain Air Country Club holds a lofty elevation atop Slickrock Mountain and offers an equally impressive round of golf. A pro shop, lessons and a driving range are also available for your convenience.

Hikers encounter a woodland paradise along the Appalachian Trail, an acclaimed national footpath extending for more than 2,000 miles between Georgia and Maine. In addition, more than 400 miles of marked trails dot the Pisgah National Forest and entice both the casual sightseer and the daring trailblazer. Those who prefer some company along the rugged mountain trails can rent llamas through a number of nearby companies.

As in other regions, rock climbing provides a sporting challenge to those who enjoy more than a walk in the woods. Steep, jagged rocks jutting from Linville Gorge transform a few of its trails into valid testing grounds for rock climbers. Likewise, the rugged Grandfather Trail offers cables and ladders to lift the adventurous hiker to new heights.

The Pisgah National Forest provides excellent campgrounds in addition to scenic trails for hikers and horses. The Carolina Hemlock Recreation Area and the Black Mountain Campground offer beautiful settings for those who wish to relax around a fire beneath the stars.

The Hemlock Area is northeast of Mount Mitchell along Highway 80S. The campground provides more than 30 camping sites, including paved parking sites and a few pull-through spots for RVs. Campers can wade, swim and tube in the tumbling South Toe River. Trout fishing is also available.

The mile-long Hemlock Nature Trail starts at the beach; the more ambitious Colbert Ridge Trail is nearby. The area’s popular picnic pavilion seats up to 100 people. Reservations are accepted throughout the season for company picnics, family reunions and other celebrations.

The Black Mountain Campground lies in the shadow of Mount Mitchell, near the Mount Mitchell Golf Course off Highway 90S. The campground offers nearly 50 sites, including a couple of pull-through options. In addition to offering wading and fishing in the South Toe River, the campground hosts a spacious amphitheater and sports area for horseshoes, volleyball and other group games.

A 5-mile forest trail leads hikers on a steady climb of about 4,000 vertical feet to Mount Mitchell. Campers can also drive the distance on the steep and picturesque Forest Route 472, which does not accommodate RVs. The Devil’s Den Nature Loop offers a beginner’s hike of about one-half mile, and the Lost Cove Ridge Trail provides a 3-mile journey.

In nearby Micaville, campers can choose their favorite spots. Backpackers can discover secluded primitive tent sites throughout the national forests.

Mountain biking provides another challenging exercise, while the region’s wooded, rocky trails and service roads provide an excellent place to play. Winding trails along tumbling creek beds complement the terrain. The North Carolina Department of Transportation can furnish up-to-date maps for bikers.

Clear Creek Guest Ranch is a family-oriented resort offering group activities such as horseback riding, tubing, hiking and children’s events. Here you will find cozy accommodations and transportation to nearby golf courses and other sites.

Horseback riding is popular throughout the Appalachian range. Horse farms, riding stables and riding schools are scattered throughout the entire region. Visitors can enjoy designated riding trails at the Pisgah National Forest, including the 12-mile South Mills River Trail and the 18-mile Buncombe Horse Range Trail. In addition, riders use out-of-the-way country lanes, secondary roads and forest-service trails.
Hunters with valid licenses can stalk their share of deer, turkey, bear and wild boar in North Carolina’s mountains. Smaller game includes squirrel, grouse, raccoon, rabbit, fox and waterfowl. Fishermen can find a challenging supply of trout in the area’s natural and stocked streams, rivers and ponds. Fly-fishing is a favorite pastime.

The Outpost offers directions and clinics for rock climbing and mountain biking. They also provide boat rentals, camping equipment and recreational maps of the Black Mountains. Dressing appropriately for your outdoor adventure is important, so the Outpost carries an extensive line of outdoor clothing and footwear.

Ray Cort Park offers a walking trail, a swimming pool and picnic facilities. In the spring and fall, softball for adults is played here. During the winter months, basketball leagues are in place. Young people (ages 4 to 15) also use the park for the popular sports of baseball, basketball, football and soccer.

Year-round, outdoor recreation for children and tots can be found at Kid Mountain, located in an historic district of town. This community-built playground is a proud new addition to the developing area of Burnsville.

For sports fans, the state of North Carolina is a paradise. Those who enjoy college sports have the opportunity to watch and support the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, the North Carolina State Wolf Pack, the Duke Blue Devils and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.