Burnsville, North Carolina

Burnsville, North Carolina is a great destination for outdoor adventures and a true outdoor enthusiast's delight. With its stunning and picturesque views, there are plenty of must-visit attractions to explore. From hidden gems to awe-inspiring trails, there are plenty of top outdoor activities to enjoy. Popular attractions include the Toe River, Mount Mitchell State Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Whether you are looking for a peaceful excursion or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Burnsville has something for everyone. So come and explore the best trails and outdoor activities in and near Burnsville, North Carolina.

Top Spots in and near Burnsville

  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Emmett Trail

    5.0
    2.16 mi / 194 ft gain
    The Emmett Trail is one of the TVA South Holston Tailwater Trails. This trail began as a footpath created by anglers. The trail now has gravel, which makes for easier access for families and pets. The trailhead begins on Piney Hill Road where it the traverses down to the waters edge and leads to ...
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Spillway Trail

    5.0
    3.54 mi / 869 ft gain
    Spillway Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Bristol, Tennessee.
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  • Flat Rock, North Carolina

    Watch the Green Race

    5.0
    1.8 mi / 500 ft gain
    On the first Saturday of November the best creek boaters in the world gather at the Green River in North Carolina to see who can storm the Narrows and claim the top title (at least for the next year!). For paddlers, creek boating is a pursuit along tight and narrow steeps that most of us have ne...
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Osceola Island Loop

    5.0
    1.52 mi / 95 ft gain
    The Osceola Island Loop is a 1.50 mile gravel loop on an island in the South Holston River. There are multiple benches along the loop to stop and observe the wildlife. Fishing is a common activity along the edge of the trail. There is a large parking area and bathrooms at the start of the trail.
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  • Clyde, North Carolina

    Photograph the Smokies from Buzzards Roost

    This is an awesome place to check out if you are driving Interstate 40 or if you are visiting the area for awhile. The access point for Buzzards Roost is located on the same exit as the well known Max Patch Mountain, just in the other direction. Once off the exit, you will travel down a gravel Fo...
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Tailwater Trail

    5.0
    0.95 mi / 30 ft gain
    The TVA Tailwater Trail is a 0.5 mile trail along the east side of South Fork Holston River. The trail is dirt and ends in an incline. Along the edge of the river, there are views of the distant Holston Mountain. This trail provides access to the river for fishing. It is located near the Emmett T...
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  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    Sawtooth Campground via Chestnut Knob Trail

    5.0
    6.18 mi / 1299 ft gain
    This 6.2-mile total trip will take you through the highlights of South Mountains State Park with an overnight stay in one of the drier campsites.  OPTIONAL: You can get a warm-up in by starting with a 2.5-mile loop to High Shoal Falls that you can do without packs before picking up with a 3-mile...
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  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail

    4.83 mi / 1043 ft gain
    High Shoals Waterfall and H.Q. Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Connelly Springs, North Carolina.
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  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    High Shoals Falls

    4.6
    2.47 mi / 617 ft gain
    From the Jacob Fork parking area in South Mountains State Park, it is a short 1 mile walk over the Jacob River to the High Shoals Waterfall (80'). If you choose to continue past the observation deck, High Shoals Falls Trail (blue circle) climbs up above the waterfall, crossing the river. Keep rig...
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Little Oak Campground

    4.0
    Little Oak is a campground in Sullivan County, TN in the Cherokee National Forrest. There are 69 campsites located in three separate sections of the campground. Each section has a vault toilet and there is a shower house for the whole campground. There is a host in each section to help ensure you...
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  • Bristol, Tennessee

    Explore the South Holston Dam

    5.0
    Coming from US-421 turn off on Emmett Rd and keep left to get on Holston View Dam Rd and continue straight on this road by the river. There are parking spaces by the river below the dam and short easy trails to walk on next to the river. You’ll see fly fishers in the river below the dam on early ...
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  • Canton, North Carolina

    Camp at Mt. Pisgah

    5.0
    The Mt. Pisgah campground is nestled right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Canton, NC.  Since it is at an elevation of 4,980 feet the campground is a perfect destination to beat the heat and humidity that the region can be known for in the summer months.  Reservations and information can be fo...
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  • Connelly Springs, North Carolina

    Chestnut Knob via River Trail

    4.0
    5.9 mi / 1115 ft gain
    The journey begins at the Cicero Branch Parking Area along South Mountain Road, following Jacob Fork River Trail. The trail runs along the Fork before ascending Chestnut Knob. After completing the trail, you will find yourself on the highest peak of the South Mountain chain, where there are breat...
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  • Kingsport, Tennessee

    Bays Mountain Trail Loop

    5.0
    6.01 mi / 728 ft gain
    Bays Mountain Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kingsport, Tennessee.
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  • Kingsport, Tennessee

    Bays Mountain Reservoir Trail

    5.0
    2.8 mi / 469 ft gain
    Bays Mountain Reservoir Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kingsport, Tennessee.
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  • Kingsport, Tennessee

    Bay's Mountain Firetower

    4.8
    3.67 mi / 768 ft gain
    Bay's Mountain Firetower overlooks the city of Kingsport, the South Fork Holston River, and the surrounding Tennessee mountains. Part of Bay's Mountain State Park, this is the most popular hike of the 25 miles of trails. The hike to the fire tower passes the Kingsport Reservoir which is essential...
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