Check out your very own fisherman's paradise— a rare opportunity to acquire your own section of a major trout stream under the backdrop of the mighty Roan Mountain and the Appalachian Trail that traverses it!
The Land
314 lineal feet of pristine, accessible frontage on the Little Rock Creek— This “Class A" live water is renowned for the “Casting For Hope Fly Fishing Competition.”
Walk the entire creek bank, with easy access to step right into the shoals, deep pools and tame cascading rapids, 40ft.-50ft. Wide in places. Stocked by NC Wildlife Commission, this is a true angler's dream!
But wait, there’s more!
VIEWS—VIEWS—VIEWS on this easy laying cleared ground make this a perfect place to build your legacy in the land. Take in the breathtaking Bluffs of the Roan, while sipping your coffee and listening to the bold creek below.
Located along a paved, state-maintained scenic mountain road your UNRESTRICTED property offers both convenience & seclusion. Gentle topography features a cleared, graded lot with a gravel driveway & a graded building site— ideal for a mountain dream home, or possible vacation retreat. The acreage also presents an opportunity for income production in “glamping” or more traditional RV pads.
There is a three bedroom septic system already in place (installed in 2022), electric along the adjoining road, and a strong producing onsite spring (awaiting harnessing and connection) adding to the property's value. This means some of your biggest property development expenses are already covered— bringing to the forefront what an extreme value this property/opportunity presents.
5 minutes to downtown Bakersville, 20 minutes to Downtown Spruce Pine and the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, 25 minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway, 25 minutes to Burnsville, 40 minutes to Roan Mountain, TN, or Johnson City, TN, 2.5 hours from Charlotte, NC.
The Town
Bakersville
In the heart of these Blue Ridge Mountains lies the “Capitol City” of Mitchell County— Bakersville, North Carolina, a small town with a big story. With a population hovering around 728 as of 2022, this charming village in Mitchell County offers a peaceful, scenic retreat that blends rich history, natural beauty, and a tight-knit community feel. Here’s why Bakersville stands out as a hidden gem and a wonderful place to call home.
A Glimpse into Bakersville’s History
Bakersville’s roots stretch back long before its official founding. Prior to the European arrivals to this area, Native Americans mined the area’s abundant mica deposits, a resource that would later spark a brief economic boom in the 1870s when European settlers recognized its commercial value.
The town itself began to take shape in the 1850s, named after David Baker, a Revolutionary War soldier who settled here around 1790. Baker was a prominent figure—a landowner, innkeeper, merchant, and political leader—whose legacy lived on through his influential descendants. Situated along a key route over Roan Mountain into Tennessee, Bakersville grew slowly but steadily.
By 1861, it briefly bore the name Davis in honor of the great Confederate President Jefferson Davis, only to revert to Bakersville after the American War when it became the county seat of the newly formed Mitchell County.
The construction of a courthouse spurred further growth, and today, the historic Mitchell County Courthouse, built in 1908 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, remains a proud symbol of the town’s past.
Festivals That Bring the Community Together
Bakersville knows how to celebrate, and its signature event is the North Carolina Rhododendron Festival, held every June since 1946. This two-day extravaganza draws visitors from across the state and beyond, including a notable appearance by Richard Nixon in 1968.
The festival features a pageant, a 10K run, craft shows, live music, and more, all set against the backdrop of the world’s largest naturally occurring rhododendron gardens atop nearby Roan Mountain.
The town also hosts a creek-side celebration in the fall, where the sights, smells, and tastes of autumn—think homemade apple butter and mountain crafts—light up the scenic Creek Walk. These events showcase Bakersville’s vibrant community spirit and its deep connection to the surrounding natural beauty.
A Safe Haven with Low Crime
One of Bakersville’s standout qualities is its safety. With a crime rate so low it’s practically negligible—reported as 0 per 1,000 residents for both violent and property crimes—it ranks among the safest places not just in North Carolina but in the entire country.
Whether you’re raising a family or seeking a quiet retreat, this tranquility offers peace of mind that’s hard to find in today’s world. The town’s small size and close-knit nature mean neighbors look out for one another, adding a layer of security that statistics alone can’t capture.
The Beauty of Bakersville
Bakersville’s location at 2,460 feet elevation, just below the majestic Roan Mountain, is a feast for the senses. The drive up Highway 261 to Carver’s Gap climbs 3,000 feet in just 12 miles, revealing sweeping views of grassy balds, snow-dusted ridges in winter, and those famous rhododendron blooms in summer.
Closer to town, the Cane Creek winds through, offering a greenway with fishing piers, bridges, and sports fields—a serene spot despite its occasional flooding.
Art lovers will also appreciate Bakersville’s creative pulse, fueled by its proximity to the renowned Penland School of Craft. Downtown boasts galleries like the Mica Gallery and In Tandem Gallery, showcasing local and national talent in ceramics, glass, and more.
Who Calls Bakersville Home?
As of 2022, Bakersville’s population of 728 reflects a median age of 53.4, suggesting a mature, settled community. The racial makeup is predominantly White (96.3%), with small percentages of Black (2.34%) and mixed-race residents. The median household income sits at $39,896, though per capita income is a solid $33,834, indicating a mix of economic circumstances—some residents enjoy relative wealth, while about 21.8% live below the poverty line, higher than the national average.
Most folks own their homes, contributing to a dense suburban feel despite the rural setting. English is the primary language, and 99.7% of residents are U.S. citizens. Employment leans heavily on health care and social assistance (99 of 188 jobs), followed by manufacturing and construction, with an average commute of just 17 minutes—a testament to the town’s compact, low-stress lifestyle.
Why Bakersville is a Great Place to Live
Bakersville and the surrounding area offer a rare blend of qualities that make it an exceptional place to settle down. The natural beauty is unmatched—mountain views, crisp air, and outdoor adventures like hiking the Appalachian Trail are right at your doorstep.
The low crime rate and quiet streets provide a safe, relaxed environment, while the short commute and above-average public schools (like Gouge Elementary and Mitchell High) appeal to families and professionals alike. The town’s thriving arts scene and friendly, conservative-leaning residents foster a sense of belonging, amplified by local festivals and a walkable downtown.
History buffs will love its storied past, and anyone seeking a slower pace will find it here, far from the noise and pollution of bigger cities.
In short, Bakersville is a mountain haven where history, nature, and community converge. It’s not just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive, surrounded by beauty and buoyed by a genuine small-town spirit.