Our neighborhood offers a variety of hiking trails, each with its own unique challenges & views. The difficulty levels range from beginner-friendly, moderate, difficult & expert. Or just walk around the "neighborhood"

Beginner-Friendly

Walk up the mountain, then walk back down

duration: however long you want

The occasional waterfall to take a pause at.

Moderate

Max’s Waterfall

duration: 45 there, 45 back

Switchbacks all the way up till you hit an infamous maple tree with 5 stems to it, then you go straight for about a mile & reach a beautiful cascading waterfall

Difficult

Top of the Mica Mine

duration: 4 hours

Cattail Creek Community has a rich history, once being home to a mica mine route that played a significant role in the areas past. You might even be able to find yourself a chunk of Mica, or an old relic piece of the railroad system.

Expert

The ENTIRE mountaintop reaching up to the Black Mtn Crest Trail leading to the Mount Mitchel Summit

duration: 7/8 hours

This trail ascends the mountain, offering a scenic journey that passes by the old mica mine. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding landscapes.

A cute little walk around the Towns Square leads you past cute places to window shop.

Mario & Nellies favorite places include:

Alexandras Closet: A clean & chic boutique consignment shop - tell them Nellie sent you in :)

Fillmore: a refill shop with amazing quality products at reasonable prices. The owner follows European Laws so all products are super clean.

Tulsi Tea Company

Lamp Post Vintage Market: local merchants supply the shop

Mountain Time Mercantile & Main Street: (2 different shops with same features)

Yancey County Farmers Market: Every Saturday morning from 8-12

Mario & Nellies favorite local spots include:

Lunch/Brunch

Appalachian Java (see both of their art hanging on the walls:)

Carriage House Sundries

Garden Deli

Hwy 55

Homeplace Pizza & Brewery (dinner too)

Pigs & Grits

Dinner

Snap Dragon

Carriage House Sundries (evening lounge)

The Chalet at Little Switzerland Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway

One of Mario & Nellies favorite adventure to do.

From Spruce Pine up to the Mt Mitchell access point, enjoy a drive along the parkway. Stop in Little Switzerland for a snack, drink, ice cream or small shopping. Or have a picnic along one of the many lookout points. Take a hike up the famous Crab Tree Falls.

You can go as far as Asheville, until the end of the parkway & take a loop around back. About an hour & 1/2 to Asheville, then an hour & 1/2 back. Stop by 131 Main (the restaurant they met at in Charlotte) for an upscale casual dining experience.