Neil's Creek
In the midst of the Pisgah National Forest, the rushing waters of Neil’s Creek flow past the back porch and into the beautiful South Toe River just around the bend. The South Toe River Valley, bordered by the Black Mountains, is known for its hiking, fishing, tubing, kayaking, golfing, skiing, arts, crafts, and pottery.
Here’s a map of Yancey County that can help you orient to the various attractions here.
One of the nearest things to enjoy is virtually unknown: it’s Roaring Fork Falls, located a scant couple of miles from the cabins. It’s about a half mile hike up to the Falls as shown on the web site, and then you can hike further to the top of the Falls. Other falls nearby are Whiteoak Creek, Crabtree Falls and Setrock Creek Falls.
Fishing and Water Activities
If you’d rather be on the water than look at it, here’s a website where you can find out about canoeing, kayaking, rafting and tubing the beautiful South Toe River.
Interested in fly fishing? Check out Southern Appalachian Anglers Guide Service. 
We have gone on several fishing trips with Southern Appalachian Anglers Guide Service and will verify that they truly passionate about their service. They are great for new fishermen and experienced as well. I did not know much about fly fishing since most of my experience was with Bass fishing in Texas. Paul took the time to explain the art to me and has given me a new hobby to enjoy on my own for years to come. Also, the small mouth bass float trip on the Nolichucky River is an experience you will not soon forget.
Here’s a site which gives you information on fishing the South Toe River. On their site, our rental cabin sits on Neil’s Creek, which is a tributary of the Middle South Toe. Want to get your North Carolina fishing license? Apply here. Licensing is strictly enforced.
There is a very nice hiking trail called the Carolina Hemlock Trail that is just a short drive from the cabin. It terminates near the Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area, where you can fish, swim or tube the South Toe River.
The Toe River Arts Council (TRAC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1976 to promote the arts in Mitchell and Yancey Counties. Their website lists events, tours, and exhibitions for both performing and visual arts.
Linville Caverns, North Carolina’s only underground caverns, were carved by streams running under Linville Mountain. The cavern has a storied history as a hideout for robbers and Civil War deserters from both sides.
Fishing Near Cabin - Map
On the right is a map of fishing spots that are available within walking distance of the cabin. The lines on the map show the areas of the South Toe River that offer great fishing opportunity and can be accessed by walking right out the front door. The creek behind the cabin also has trout in it as well, and offers a great opportunity to practice some small creek fishing with limited obstructions.
To fish the South Toe River, south of the Black Mountain Campground/Briar Bottom Group Campground, you can drive one mile past the cabin and park in the large parking lot to the Mount Mitchell Trailhead. If you walk towards the campground from the parking lot, go to the left before you get to the bridge and you can walk down the South Toe River Rd and find several access points along this road.
Hiking and Outdoors
There is an abundance of hiking in Yancy County. It ranges from easy to difficult Here you will find a link to the marked hiking trails in the Burnsville, NC and surrounding areas.
There are too many trails and waterfalls in the area to list, however, here are 10 of our favorites:
- Setrock Creek Falls
- Mount Mitchell Trailhead
- Mountain to Sea
- Roaring Fork Falls
- Balsam Nature Trail
- Colbert Ridge Trail Head
- Black Mountain Crest Trailhead
- Green Knob Lookout Tower
- Leadmine Gap Trailhead
- Mackey Mountain Trailhead
Sights to See
The Blue Ridge Parkway ambles through the mountains just south of the cabins. While locals will tell you that it isn’t the quickest way to get anywhere, it is certainly the most beautiful.
Penland Art Center holds auctions featuring student and instructor work every other Thursday, all summer long.
Mt. Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River, is almost literally in the backyard. Here’s a link to the State Park site for Mount Mitchell. You can hike up Mt. Mitchell from the trailheads located in the Black Mountain Campground/Briar Bottom Group Campground, less than a mile from the cabin.
Roan Mountain is a 6,285-foot ridge straddling the North Carolina and Tennessee State line.
Grandfather Mountain and Tweetsie Railroad are about an hour away, near Boone.
Do you love wildflowers? Here’s a site for Southern Appalachian Wildflowers that features awesome photography of the species you might encounter.
Nearby towns include Boone, Blowing Rock, Linville Falls, Spruce Pine, and Little Switzerland.
And speaking of Little Switzerland, there’s the really sweet Little Switzerland Book Exchange, if you want to track down a good read
Visitors to our mountains may enjoy the works of the many artisans who live here. The Toe River Arts Council provides a calendar as well as individual artists’ listings.
There are many places to visit, but sometimes you’d rather eat out! Since we have been coming to the area, our favorite placea for lunch has been the Garden Deli and Appalachian Java in Burnsville. We like the food and casual atmosphere at both locations. Open for lunch Monday- Saturday year-round, although they only open for dinner on the weekend. If you want to go further afield, in Spruce Pine, there are two Mexican Restaurants, plus DT’s Blue Ridge Java, all on Lower Street. There are several restaurants in Weaverville: Soba, Glass Onion, Twisted Laurel, and Well Bred Bakery.
If you are thinking of joining us for a weekend between April and October, you might like to enjoy the local food offered at the Burnsville Farmers Market, open Saturday mornings.
In June the Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival has been going on every year for over fifty years.
If you are thinking of visiting us in August, consider the Spruce Pine Gem Show, one of the largest rock and mineral shows in the country.
One of the most popular times to visit us is during the Fall foliage season. We are almost always booked up in October, so if this is your intention, please reserve your rental well in advance. Here is a guide to fall foliage in North Carolina.
If you drive around our area, you will discover that one of the industries of Yancey County is growing Christmas trees. Here’s a link where you can find local tree farms – – and have the chance to bring home a souvenir if you visit us in the late Fall.