There is no shortage of things to do around High Cove.
Need more? There’s also a month by month guide to activities.
Hiking
Everything from a short waterfall walk to the Appalachian Trail, from a wildflower stroll to the highest mountains east of the Mississippi. http://www.nchighpeaks.org/
Biking
Whether you’re looking to race or just ride, skinny tires or fat, there’s a ride here for you. Contact: marc.poland@snet.net
Kayaking
Rafting / Tubing – Options range from a lazy family tube trip down the Toe River (mentioned above) to whitewater on the French Broad or Nolichucky. American Whitewater
Swimming
There’s a commercial spot downriver (on the South Toe River; we’re on the North branch), where you can swim, rent a tube, etc. It’s at the Toe River Campground: https://toerivercampground.com/ There’s also a great swimming hole at the Carolina Hemlocks Recreation and Campground on the South Toe. Recreation Areas.
Fishing
Clean, fresh mountain streams and rivers offer great trout fishing. The trout season opens in early April. You can get lots of info at Southern Drifters, a store in Burnsville: Souther Drifers Outfitters
Ziplines
Lots of mountains = lots of zips. Ziplines
Blue Ridge Parkway
Meandering across the tops of the Southern Appalachians for almost 500 miles, the Parkway makes for a wonderful scenic drive or bicycle ride. http://www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm
Music
A lively music scene includes a few regular venues and lots of jams, house concerts, and festivals. Check traditional music in the mountains: http://www.blueridgemusicnc.com/
For a weekly listing of local music and performance events check out rlgreene.net/events.html. A drive to Asheville multiplies the options.
Quilt Trail
Another great way to explore the back roads. Seven trails take you to view vividly painted quilt squares installed on barns and buildings throughout the area–over 200 in all. http://www.quilttrailswnc.org/
Stargazing
With dark skies and a big telescope, the Earth to Sky Park is the largest publicly accessible telescope in the Southeast. It’s 5 minutes from High Cove. https://www.mayland.edu/about-mayland/earth-to-sky-park
History
Western North Carolina is rich in history, from native peoples to early European settlers, including the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and technologies like mining and railroads. http://www.yanceyhistoryassociation.org/ and https://mitchellnchistory.org/
Art and Craft Galleries
There’s always something worth seeing at local galleries, notably Penland School of Craft, Toe River Arts, Mica , and One of a Kind Gallery
Art Auctions
Penland’s Annual Auction is world class, and their smaller auctions throughout the year are also a great way to see and buy work. And don’t miss Toe River Art’s annual auction.
Geology and Mining
The mountains here contain more gems and minerals than most anywhere in the country. A colorful history of mining comes with the territory. https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/museum-of-north-carolina-minerals-mp-331.htm
Theater
You’ll find a range of offerings from Shakespeare to Appalachian history at Burnsville’s Parkway Playhouse and the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theater in Mars Hill. There’s also the Diana Wortham Theater in Asheville.
Small Towns
nearby include Burnsville, Spruce Pine, Bakersville, and Little Switzerland. Info on these and other cool mountain towns.
Asheville
is a great city less than an hour away. It has a lively downtown, a hip River Arts District, and a thriving artisanal food and drink culture.
