Burnsville, NC

Carolina Hemlocks Rec Area

Availability

Each day shows how many of this campground’s sites are open.

About this spot

Overview

Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area sits in the scenic mountains of Pisgah National Forest. This is a great place for small to medium-sized groups to swim, fish, tube, hike, camp, picnic and simply relax in the cool shade of the forest.

Recreation

The river provides endless hours of fun for families and water enthusiasts, including swimming and tubing. Anglers can also try their luck for trout and smallmouth bass from the shore. Picnickers will enjoy relaxing in the shaded picnic shelter set amidst the deep woods. After eating, visitors can take a leisurely walk along a one-mile trail or get a workout on a 3.8-mile trail.

Facilities

Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area offers 35 primitive campsites, sites equipped with picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts and campfire rings with grills. The facility provides hot showers and restrooms with flush toilets. Campers can purchase firewood, ice, tee shirts, souvenirs.

Natural Features

As the name suggests, Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area is shaded by a thick hemlock forest with a mix of deciduous trees and rhododendrons. The facility is adjacent to the South Toe River and sits at an elevation of 2,900 feet.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors can enjoy scenic driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway or hiking in Mount Mitchell State Park.

Typical weather

South Toe River

Average water temperature
Average water temperature for South Toe River, January through DecemberEach point shows the monthly average water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.39°JJanuary: average water temperature 39°F42°FFebruary: average water temperature 42°F46°MMarch: average water temperature 46°F52°AApril: average water temperature 52°F58°MMay: average water temperature 58°F62°JJune: average water temperature 62°F64°JJuly: average water temperature 64°F65°AAugust: average water temperature 65°F59°SSeptember: average water temperature 59°F51°OOctober: average water temperature 51°F47°NNovember: average water temperature 47°F42°DDecember: average water temperature 42°F

Water: Water Quality Portal — 41 field-sample stations

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