Yancey County Map

Welcome to Yancey County

NOTE: The Telephone AREA CODE for Yancey County is 828
The first 3 digits of the postal 'ZIP code' are 287

Yancey County Map
Yancey County Directory

Yancey County Overview

Two decades after the United States of America declared its independence from England, Gen. John Gray Blount purchased 326,640 acres of wild mountain land in the Black Mountains of Burke and Buncombe Counties which include the five tallest mountains in the eastern United States. Gen. Gray thus became one of the largest landowners in the history of the United States. Born in Bertie County in 1752, Gen. Blount became intimately involved in the movement to gain freedom from England and played a role in the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. But he had visions of the future of this far western mountain land. Of this enormous tract of land, 200,320 acres was declared a county in 1833. Carved out of Burke and Buncombe Counties this wild area had been settled mostly by immigrants from the British Isles. Stern, with high standards of conduct, they worked hard and tamed this beautiful wilderness. It should be noted that Yancey County is one of the only five counties in North Carolina in which alcoholic beverages may not be sold.

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In recognition of this hard working, dedicated work force, a variety of industries moved into the county. While this was a boost to the economy, tourism became the primary source of county income. And it is certainly no wonder; the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the North Toe River embrace the county's borders and the South Toe River and Can River contribute their own share of breath-taking scenery.
For diversity, you can enjoy the heights of Mount Mitchell State Park (which includes Mt. Craig and Mt. Gibbes) or relax to the whispering breezes making the beautiful Hemlocks sing in the Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area. NC-80, which provides access to the Hemlocks, also follows the South Toe River for a good part of its first five miles as it tumbles on its way to join the North Toe River. Even if you're not a camera buff, it's doubtful that the scenic views you experience here will ever depart from your memory.
Easiest access to Yancey County is via I-26 and US-19. NC-80 provides access from Marion and I-40.

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