48 hours in Mitchell County
Mitchell County has range. This mountainous county in Western North Carolina claims some of the state’s tallest peaks, where adventurers can either challenge themselves on rugged terrain or simply pull over in their car and enjoy the elevated view. It’s home to some of the region’s most iconic adventures, such as a scenic slice of the Appalachian Trail and a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. But Mitchell County also has vibrant small towns surrounded by working farms, and meandering rivers full of trout and swimming holes. There’s an abundance of outdoor adventure in Mitchell County, but maybe even more important is the sense of community; the county is full of people who cherish the mountains in their backyard and enjoy sharing their bounty with visitors.
Spencer Bost
meet the local
Spencer Bost knows the outdoors. Bost is the director of parks, recreation and tourism for Spruce Pine, a charming small town in the heart of Mitchell County, where he works on trails, river access and recreation planning. When he’s not shaping the scope of outdoor opportunities in his own backyard, he’s enjoying those opportunities himself. Bost likes to spend his weekends hiking Mitchell County’s signature ridgelines and fishing its pristine waters.
“That balance of work and play matters to me,” Bost says. “I really care about welcoming people to our backyard, but I care just as much about preserving the character of this place.”
Bost feels at home in Mitchell County because it isn’t fancy or overly curated, and he thinks most visitors respond to the same aspects of the area. “It’s real mountain country, and that’s exactly why it resonates with the people who find their way here.”
Mark Van Osdal: A Steward’s Weekend in Mitchell County
day one
morning adventure
Start your morning along the North Toe River in Spruce Pine. Early light on the water brings anglers out and sets a calm tone for the day. The river runs straight through town, so the connection between community and landscape is immediate. Riverside Park is the easiest access point, and gives you an easy spot to cast for trout. Plan ahead and prepare by knowing the local fishing regulations and making sure you have a North Carolina fishing license with a trout stamp, which will help keep this river, and the fish that call it home, healthy.
Lunch Break
While you’re in Spruce Pine, you need to check out City Drive In, which has been a local institution since 1950. They still offer curbside pickup, but you can also grab a table outside and even order a beer now. There’s always a daily special, like tacos on Tuesdays, or Reuben sandwiches on Mondays.
afternoon adventure
Make the short drive to Little Switzerland, where you can stroll between the groves of Altapass Orchard, a non-profit apple orchard with the goal of preserving the history and culture of the Appalachian Mountains. The orchard has heirloom apple trees that are nearly 100 years old, while the general store is loaded with homemade jams, honey from local beekeepers, pickled vegetables and fudge. You can walk through the orchards and pick your own apples when they’re in season, or just sit on the back porch and enjoy the view. Supporting local businesses, especially one like Altapass Orchard which is designed to preserve local culture, is a great way to engross yourself in the community you’re exploring.
dinner
You can end the day here in Little Switzerland, which sits along the Blue Ridge Parkway with quick access to a stretch of the road that offers long western-facing views that catch evening light beautifully. You do not need a strenuous hike to enjoy it. In many cases, you can step out of your vehicle and watch the ridgelines layer into the distance as the sun drops. It is a fitting way to close a full day in the mountains.
For dinner with a view, snag a reservation at Chalet Restaurant, in Switzerland Inn, which has a dining room with large windows facing the mountains. You’ve gotta get the Swiss fondue.
spend the night
There are some really unique places to stay in Mitchell County. Try to get a cabin at Springmaid Mountain Retreat, which sits on 400 acres on the North Toe River with its own trail system you can explore.
day two
Morning Adventure
Gear up for a big adventure on Roan Mountain, where you can access the Appalachian Trail and explore the high-elevation balds. These grassy mountain tops are truly amazing, as the wind shimmers through the grass and the views stretch for miles. Even a short hike up here gives you a sense of the scale that defines the region. Most visitors access the Appalachian Trail from Carver’s Gap, but it can get crowded, so head to Hughes Gap instead, which offers a quieter entry point with a more relaxed start to your hike. Remember to stick to designated trails, which will help prevent the creation of “social” paths and maintain the health of these unique, grassy ecosystems.
Afternoon adventure
If it’s warm, you need to spend some time floating or paddling the North Toe River. I like the Poplar Boat Launch, in Green Mountain, which accesses a stretch of the North Toe River that feels tucked away. It’s a peaceful paddling put-in and a strong fishing access point without the traffic you might see elsewhere.
If you don’t have your own boat, go to Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing, which offers rentals and shuttles on a relaxed section of the North Toe, giving you an easy way to explore this river without the logistics of setting your own shuttle.
Regardless of whether you’re exploring the river in your own boat or in a tube, it’s important to Share the Outdoors with other boaters, swimmers and anglers. Everyone comes to the North Toe for their own reasons. Be considerate when you pass others and keep your noise level low, so everyone has the space they need to enjoy this resource on their own terms.
bonus adventure
Mitchell County makes for a wonderful basecamp for exploring Linville Gorge Wilderness. The Gorge is steep and rugged and many trails demand preparation. Cell service is limited, elevation change is real, and the terrain requires attention. But the payoff is dramatic, with overlooks that peer deep into the canyon and a wilderness experience that still feels wild. Linville Gorge is the perfect destination for you to stop moving through the mountains and start experiencing them. You might also have the opportunity to see local wildlife, like black bears or even bald eagles. It’s important to observe these creatures from a safe distance, so we don’t cause them any undue stress.
Wherever you decide to explore, remember to take your time. Mitchell County is not a high-volume destination. This is a place to slow down and settle into the landscape. If you arrive prepared and mindful of the trails, rivers and towns you pass through, you will leave with something that stays with you.
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