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Burnsville, Madison & Yancey Counties

About Burnsville, Madison & Yancey Counties

Madison County, located 15 miles north of Asheville, North Carolina, was formed in the mid-1850s, carved from Buncombe County and the western part of neighboring Yancey County. The town of Hot Springs, known for its long-visited mineral springs of the same name is situated in Madison County, along with the towns of Marshall and Mars Hill, which grew up around the establishment of Western North Carolina’s oldest university, Mars Hill College.

Madison’s northeastern neighbor, Yancey County, has the unique distinction of being home to five of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi (including Mt. Mitchell – the highest point in Eastern America). The county shares its northwestern Appalachian Mountain Ridge with Northeast Tennessee. The county seat, Burnsville, NC, is home to Parkway Playhouse and the Toe River Arts Council, both fine examples of the influence and importance of the arts in this area.

Area Visitor Centers

OOAK Art Gallery, Micaville

Lodging, Dining, & Things to Do

Stories from Burnsville, Madison & Yancey Counties

Brightly colored hot air balloons lift off from the ground in Rockbridge County, Virginia
Spring 2022 Events in the Blue Ridge
March 16, 2022
Arts & Culture, Wine Lovers, Craft Beer, Train Enthusiasts, Family-friendly, Fishing, Hiking Trails, Home & Garden, Live Music, Local Food, Nature & Outdoors
The trees are budding, the sun is shining, rain is falling (plus a few snowflakes, too!), and spring ephemerals are starting to peek out on the forest floor. It is spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Some sections of the Parkway may still be closed due to winter weather at high elevations, but check out all these amazing spring activities that you can enjoy without needing to access the Parkway!
Man Fly Fishing on a river in McDowell County.
Where can I fish in the Blue Ridge Parkway region?
November 11, 2021
Budget-Friendly, Family-friendly, Fishing, Nature & Outdoors
There are many places in the Blue Ridge region where you can snag a prime fishing spot if you know where to look and what regulations to follow.
Polly Woods hosted early travelers in her single story log home near the Peaks of Otter Lodge.
Discovering History & Heritage in the Blue Ridge
February 24, 2021
History & Heritage
A drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is literally a trip through time. But there’s lots more history and heritage to experience along the Parkway beside the route itself. But there’s lots more history and heritage to experience along the Parkway beside the route itself.
A purple women's sweater hangs over a black shirt and necklace in a store.
Tis the Season to Shop Online
December 4, 2020
Online Store, General & Country Stores, Apparel, Gems & Minerals, Home & Garden, Local Food
Many of the businesses along the Blue Ridge Parkway remain open year-round and offer such eclectic merchandise that you can shop for everyone on your holiday gift list from the comfort of your home and have the gifts delivered to your door or directly to the recipient.
411-foot Whitewater Falls drops over the rocks into multiple streams surrounded by fall-colored leaves.
Waterfalls Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
September 9, 2020
Budget-Friendly, Family-friendly, Nature & Outdoors, Hiking Trails
Numerous waterfalls are located throughout the Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway regions. Some are visible from the road and some require a hike. This list notes the location and ease of access for each waterfall.
A brightly colored green glass bowl reflects light.
A Blue Ridge Parkway Art & Craft Excursion
October 16, 2018
Arts & Culture, Education & Classes, History & Heritage, Native American Culture
The Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding mountain communities in both Virginia and North Carolina have a long and storied history as an arts and culture destination. Traditional artisans still practice their crafts, while up and coming artists forge ahead in new techniques and cutting edge creativity.
3 Galaxies Over the Balsams
Stargazing on the Blue Ridge Parkway
December 4, 2017
Stargazing, Sunset Views, Science & Technology, Education & Classes
Stargazing tips from Mt. Mitchell south to Cowee Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Click here for details.
Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip by Southern Living
Prime Time On the Blue Ridge
November 27, 2017
Autumn Foliage, Sunset Views, Local Food, Live Music, Nature & Outdoors
Jason Frye, accompanied by his wife, took the weekend road trip of our dreams, and mapped out the perfect route to follow from Roanoke, Virginia to Asheville, North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Parkway is the prime spot to enjoy fall color in the South, and what better than a road trip that perfectly maps out the must-see spots along the way.