The high country of Western North Carolina is where days are measured by miles hiked, trout caught and hours logged by the campfire. Yancey County is the heart of all this region has to offer and Southern Drifters Outfitters has the knowledge to assure you make the most of your time outdoors, whether you are camping, rafting, hiking or fishing.
Offering a wide variety of casual and outdoor brands, Southern Drifters Outfitters is the premier outfitter in Burnsville, NC for those looking to enjoy all that the Western North Carolina area and beyond have to offer. Owned and operated by Yancey County natives, we pride ourselves in our knowledge of the area’s rivers, trails and mountains that comes from a life devoted to the outdoors.
For those wanting to take to the mountains, Southern Drifters can get you outside. Southern Yancey County is home to Mount Mitchell State Park which, in addition to the highest peak in the East, boasts some of the best hiking in the Southern Appalachians. The Black Mountain Crest trail begins in the park and ends on Bolens Creek, just outside of downtown Burnsville. Numerous hiking trails in Pisgah National Forest connect to the Crest Trail and offer outdoor opportunities for hikers of all abilities. To the north along the North Carolina - Tennessee border runs the Appalachian Trail. In between are the North Toe, South Toe, Cane and Nolichucky Rivers. Cool off this summer in a canoe or kayak on one of these scenic rivers. When you’ve had enough fun for the day, kick back and spend the night at any of the campgrounds or other accommodations scattered throughout the area.
Our guides and employees are happy to share the knowledge they have picked up over the course of more than thirty combined years of fly fishing. Our guided trips range from backcountry wild trout fishing to float trips in our Clackacraft and Hyde drift boats. Whether you’re a beginner looking to ease the learning curve or an experienced angler looking for the scoop on new water, a guided trip with Southern Drifters is the best way to experience some of the best fishing that the Southeast has to offer.