North Carolina's 'Basecamp To The Blue Ridge' Offers Local Crafts, Waterfalls, And Wild Views

Editor's Note: Spruce Pine is recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Please check local reports and forecasts before making travel plans.

Right off the winding Blue Ridge Parkway, a favorite East Coast road with stunning views, sits Spruce Pine. An eclectic town nestled in Mitchell County, North Carolina, Spruce Pine is home to over 2,000 residents. Their proximity to mountain hiking and love for the arts creates a quaint community that values locally made goods and contains outdoor adventures for every type of explorer. If you have heard of Spruce Pines, it might be because the town produces more high-purity quartz than anywhere else in the world, making it quite literally a hidden gem. For rock enthusiasts, the town even offers exclusive mine tours and is adjacent to the popular Museum of North Carolina Minerals, open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily spring through fall.

Spruce Pine is beloved for its thriving artisan community, lively downtown shopping, and serene treks offering wild views of colorful blooms, waterfalls, and historical trails. As the town is located less than and hour and a half from the Asheville Regional Airport, travelers can easily rent a car and enjoy a drive through the uncrowded Appalachian Pisgah National Forest. Lodging near downtown ranges from boutique hotels to mountain retreats. Campgrounds and cabin rentals are also available for those looking to sleep under the stars or in nature.

Whether you want to hike in a nearby national forest or state park, enjoy water sports, or try trout fishing, Spruce Pine offers scenic attractions without the bustle of larger North Carolina destinations. There's a reason the town's website calls it the "basecamp to the Blue Ridge." No matter the season, Spruce Pine has unique artistic and natural experiences worth seeing any time of the year.

Over 400 experienced craftspeople call Spruce Pine home. Complimenting the wild side of this mountain town is their celebrated arts scene, marked by artisanal shops, vibrant murals, and galleries perfect for an afternoon stroll. The crown jewel of the local creative community is the must-see Spruce Pine Gallery organized by Toe River Arts in downtown Spruce Pine on Oak Ave, open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday every week. Toe River Arts, dedicated to the preservation and continuation of arts in North Carolina, offers exhibitions each spring, summer, and fall. Its building includes a gallery, gift shop, and special events — including live musical performances. Planning ahead around its calendar of events and workshops, like its biannual studio tour, will help optimize your visit.

In addition to Toe River Arts is the Penland School of Craft, located about 15 minutes away from downtown Spruce Pine by car. Local artisans at every skill level practice at the Penland School of Craft, honing their expertise in mediums ranging from metalworking to glassblowing. The visitor center and multiple galleries are all open to the public every Tuesday through Sunday until 5:00 p.m. The art supply store and coffee shop on campus will likely be open at these times, too, though they're a little more variable. For those who would rather casually view local art and crafts, enjoying the small shops throughout downtown Spruce Pine lets guests browse handmade items at their leisure.

Outdoor recreationalists can choose their own adventure from Spruce Pine, be it fishing, kayaking, or hiking. If the water is calling to you, you can go rafting, kayaking, or tubing along the North Toe River. Get your fishing fix at designated Mountain Heritage Trout Waters, where a license can be purchased online to enjoy this popular tourist activity year-round.

Spruce Pine is close to multiple trails, with both national and state park access, making it the perfect base camp for exploring. If you are looking for a challenge, Mount Mitchell State Park is located less than 15 miles southwest of downtown Spruce Pine, known as the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Check out Roan Mountain next, where Catawba rhododendrons famously bloom pink and purple every June. The Appalachian Trail also comes through this area, perfect for day hikes.

If you're searching for waterfalls, Linville Falls off the Blue Ridge Parkway has two trails with multiple overlook opportunities. The beautiful Crabtree Falls, covering a 60-foot cliff, are less than 30 minutes southwest of downtown Spruce Pine, including a scenic drive through Little Switzerland, a hidden spot with an abundance of activities. While hiking access may be limited during the winter due to temperatures or road closures, most trails are perfect for the summer and shoulder seasons. Depending on the time of year or recent storms, it is always best to check the National Park Service's website for updates before planning your Blue Ridge getaway.