Excellent hiking and mountain biking trails begin at the cabin’s doorstep.  The trails follow the old logging railroad right-of-way which was used in the early 1900’s.  A popular half day hike takes you to the 100 year old Isom Mica Mine.  This can be extended to a full day loop hike affording spectacular views of the Black Mountains and upper Cane River valley as you ascend to 5600 feet.  Other trails connect to the Crest Trail on the top of the range and to Mount Mitchell, at 6684 feet the highest peak east of the Mississippi.  

 
Day trips by car will take you along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway to the summit of Mt. Mitchell.  Other day trips include Roan Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, Linville Gorge, and the world famous Biltmore Estate.  Details are provided at the cabin to help you plan these excursions.  Yancey and Mitchell counties are home to over 100 unique artists’ studios.  Works are featured in galleries and shops in Burnsville and Spruce Pine.  Asheville offers extensive entertainment and dining opportunities.

Fishing for native (Brook) trout is available on the local streams.  A valid NC fishing license is required.  There are also several stocked streams and fish ponds open to the public in the area.

 
But best of all, just relax on the spacious deck next to the creek in the hammock and enjoy the peace and solitude!

View of Winter Star Creek from the deck at Winter Star Retreat

Waterfall on Winter Star Creek:

Links:

http://www.biltmore.com/  George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate


http://www.grandfather.com/  Grandfather Mountain near Blowing Rock NC

 
http://www.gsmr.com/  Great Smoky Mountains Scenic Railroad

 
http://www.burnsville-nc.com/  Burnsville NC website

 
http://parkwayplayhouse.com/  Parkway Playhouse summer theater in Burnsville

 
http://www.penland.org/  Penland School of Crafts in neighboring Mitchell County

 
http://www.toeriverarts.org/  Organization of local artists and craftspeople


http://www.mtnadventureguides.com/  White water rafting on the Nolichucky River

 
http://main.nc.us/yancey/  Yancey County website

 
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/main.php  Mount Mitchell State Park

 

http://www.carolinamtnclub.org/  Carolina Mountain Club- Local hiking club

 
http://www.carolinamtnrealty.com/  Local real estate firm (in case you want to stay!)  Sandy is a real estate agent for this firm- call her at 828-284-3784.

 
http://www.bear.org/website/  Information on our black bears and what to do if you meet one!

 
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/gsp/  Local weather, click on Graphical Forecast then Yancey County