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The Mayland Meander Road Trip illustrated map guides you through 12 mountain towns and 120 miles of relaxing countryside on a scenic byway in western North Carolina for 2026 adventures. This route connects three counties, Mitchell, Avery and Yancey (the MAY in Mayland). It showcases a big variety of things to do for a day trip or for a week vacation. In addition to the hub towns of Banner Elk, Spruce Pine and Burnsville, the free map highlights often overlooked Blue Ridge Mountain towns such as Bakersville, Crossnore, Little Switzerland and Newland. It’s a partner map to the High Country Road Trip!
The route includes open sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway, detouring around stretches still under repair from damages caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Also included is a “Riverside Ride” along the North Toe River that is ready again for fishing, rafting and tubing. Popular attractions along the way include Grandfather Mountain, NC Mining Museum, Linville Falls and the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster.
The Mayland Meander Road Trip includes things to do for all interests and ages, such as hikes, waterfalls, gem mining, astronomy, art, fishing, rafting, golf and horseback riding. Some “one of a kind” places include the Mayland Earth to Sky Park, an International Dark Sky Park and Planetarium. At Crossnore Weavers, watch craftspeople at work preserving the Appalachian art of hand-weaving. The Orchard at Altapass on the Blue Ridge Parkway has heritage apples, mountain music and plenty of local history. Penland School of Crafts, a national craft education center for almost 100 years, features their artists in an impressive gallery along with workshops for the public.
The three hub towns of Burnsville, Spruce Pine and Banner Elk are great places to get out of the car for a stroll around town.
“A quick walk around Burnsville’s town square feels like a movie set for a small town romance movie” says Sue Wasserman, the Tourism Director for Yancey County. “Art aficionados have a field day watching glass being blown at Heart Glass and Gallery, seeing and buying local artist work at Toe River Arts, or watching a live performance at the Parkway Playhouse. History buffs tour the McElroy House or Lloyd Bailey Building. A stay at The Terrell House or NuWray Hotel offers a touch of history with contemporary creature comforts.” Read more about Burnsville and Yancey County.
“Downtown Spruce Pine invites you to slow down with a creative, mountain twist”, says Kelly Jones, Tourism Director for Mitchell County. “Stay right in the heart of it all at the Blue Ridge Boutique Hotel for a stylish, mountain vibe or choose The Richmond Inn for a cozy, home-away-from-home feel. While you’re downtown, hunt for vintage gems at Treasure in the Pines, then wrap up your day by sampling a new craft beer flavor at Spruce Pint—the perfect taste of local life.” Read more about Spruce Pine, Bakersville and Little Switzerland.
“Banner Elk is definitely a culinary hotspot with many local restaurants, according to Nancy Owen, Tourism Director for Banner Elk. “Summer months are filled with live music, art festivals and theatre. Stretch your legs on the Tate-Evans Park Greenway and through the beautiful Lees-McRae College Campus. Art on the Greene features 50+ artists on four weekends. We even have a beach for sunning and swimming on Wildcat Lake.” Read more about Banner Elk!
The map is presented in partnership of three tourism development authorities: Mitchell County, Yancey County and Banner Elk. Additional support is provided by Blue Ridge Heritage Area, Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation / Blue Ridge Rising, Blue Ridge Parkway Association, High Country Host and VisitNC.
