History, Charm, and a Laid-back Atmosphere

When was the last time you drank coffee and caught up with old friends at the local diner, had an afternoon picnic under the shade trees by the river, or took a drive with no destination in mind? Bakersville is a small town just below the heart of Roan Mountain and is filled with history, charm, and a laid-back atmosphere that will make any guest feel right at home.

You’ll find Bakersville on your way to Roan Mountain and to dozens of artist studios along the banks of Cane Creek. The town is teeming with life, arts, and culture and you will find a beautiful mix of old and new, classic and contemporary, timeless and modern.

Nature lovers will appreciate your visit to Bakersville. As soon as you enter the town you will notice the meandering Creekwalk. This 1 mile-lighted and paved greenway runs alongside the Cane Creek, with open grassy fields on one side and shade trees on the other. The Creekwalk is home to a children’s playground, soccer field, handicapped-accessible fishing piers, and a gazebo. This is the ideal place for walking your dog, watching your kids play on the playground, or going for a morning jog. Another outdoor activity that Bakersville offers is fishing. With many rivers and streams, Bakersville is home to trout, smallmouth bass, and many other fish. Rafting and tubing are also activities that are perfect to do while in Bakersville. Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing and NC Outdoor Adventures, both located in the Bakersville area, provide guided rafting and tubing adventures for people of all ages.

Bakersville has a vibrant arts scene and is proud to be home to many well-known artists from around the country. With many art studios located in Bakersville, visitors can stop by these studios and visit with artists and find a handmade treasure to take home. Just up the road from Bakersville is the nationally renowned Penland School of Crafts. Penland is a meeting place for craft education and allows artists to learn, create, and experience art in a new way. Local galleries in town are another way to experience the art scene in Bakersville and allow visitors to purchase pieces of local art to keep as a permanent reminder of their experiences here.

If you aren’t sure when to plan your visit to Bakersville, we suggest June! June is a special month in Bakersville as they celebrate the blooming of the rhododendron atop Roan Mountain. The celebration gets into full swing the third weekend in June during the NC Rhododendron Festival. This festival celebrates the natural beauty found in our local community and has been bringing people to Bakersville for more than 70 years. The festival features a beauty pageant, a car show, a 10K run, live music, arts and crafts, food, and the “must do” street dance.

Dellinger Grist Mill is one of the oldest mills of its kind in North Carolina. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Dellinger Grist Mill is still grinding corn the same way that it was done in the 1800s. The working waterwheel and old-fashioned grinding method is a one-of-a-kind place and the only one of its kind in North Carolina that is still operational.

Bakersville sits in the shadow of one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, Roan Mountain. With an elevation of 6,286 feet, Roan Mountain is home to the world’s largest naturally growing rhododendron garden in the world. A portion of the famous Appalachian Trail is located in Roan Mountain, which has many beautiful hiking trails ranging in different lengths and difficulty levels.