North Carolina / Yancey County / Pisgah National Forest

Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area

Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens April 15, 2026. Day use hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and the main gate closes at 10:00 p.m. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area is nestled in the scenic mountains of Pisgah National Forest along the South Toe River at an elevation of 2,900 feet. The campground features 36 campsites distributed across two paved loops separated by Highway 80, providing cool, shaded camping under a canopy of hemlock and hardwood trees mixed with rhododendrons. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring with cooking grill, and lantern post. The South Toe River is the centerpiece of recreation at Carolina Hemlocks, offering swimming, tubing, and fishing opportunities for trout and smallmouth bass. Hikers can explore a leisurely one-mile trail or challenge themselves on a 3.8-mile route through the forest. A shaded picnic shelter provides a perfect spot for group gatherings. The facility reopened in April 2025 following restoration work after Hurricane Helene caused riverbank erosion and debris accumulation. Managed by FIND Outdoors, Carolina Hemlocks operates seasonally from mid-April through October. The main gate closes at 10:00 p.m. and reopens at 7:00 a.m., with day use areas closing at 8:00 p.m. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions including Mount Mitchell State Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it a cherished destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Directions

From Asheville, take I-26 west to exit 9 onto Highway 19 east toward Burnsville. Follow Highway 19 to Micaville and turn right onto Highway 80. Follow Highway 80 south approximately 8 miles to Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area at 6000 Highway 80 South, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Nearby Campgrounds