A CHANGE IN ALTITUDE · 2BR MOUNTAIN CABIN · BURNSVILLE, NC · SLEEPS 5
Sleeps 5 | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Full Baths | Fire Table Deck | Jetted Tubs | Dogs Welcome
PorchLight Stays' A Change in Altitude is a modern, well-appointed cabin at 3,200 ft in the Black Mountains outside Burnsville, NC — built in 2022 on land carved out of Pisgah National Forest, backing directly into the forest with sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views from the fire table deck. Two master suites each with a private jetted tub. A gourmet kitchen guests call out by name in nearly every review. Gather on the spacious deck around the propane fire table as the Blue Ridge range unfolds before you, fire up the gas grill, or unwind in the mountain-facing hammocks. The dog wash station with means even the end of a hike is handled. Two miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Level 2 EV charger on-site.
FALL AT A CHANGE IN ALTITUDE
At 3,200 ft, fall color begins as early as late September and runs through October — a full month of spectacular Blue Ridge Mountain foliage, arriving earlier and more vividly than lower elevations and valley towns. The fire table deck faces the entire Black Mountain range — the natural place to be as October evenings cool. Propane fire table means no lighter fluid, no ceremony — just turn and go. Two private jetted tubs, one per suite, are exactly right after a cold hike or a crisp October walk. The gourmet kitchen is stocked for fall cooking-in. The forest backing directly into the property means fall color is literally in the backyard. Peak color typically mid-to-late October, but the full window runs late September through October. The Blue Ridge Parkway — 2 miles away — is one of the premier fall foliage drives in the eastern US.
THE KITCHEN
The gourmet kitchen is fully equipped with modern stainless appliances and stocked at a level guests specifically call out — it's the feature mentioned most consistently in reviews alongside the views. Coffee station, all cooking basics, everything needed to cook at home during a mountain stay. Indoor dining table for full-group meals; deck dining table outside for evenings with views.
BEDROOMS — 2 Bedrooms · 2 Full Baths · Sleeps 5
Master Suite 1 (Upper Floor): King bed + 2 single beds, private en-suite full bath with jetted tub, ample closet space
Master Suite 2 (Main Floor): Queen bed, private en-suite full bath with jetted tub, ample closet space
OUTDOOR LIVING
Spacious deck with propane fire table: faces the Blue Ridge range — prime evening vantage point
Weber grill (propane, plumbed)
Two mountain-facing hammocks
Hanging egg chair
Dog wash station — dedicated outdoor dog bath
Property backs directly into Pisgah National Forest
2 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway (check current closure status)
INDOOR LIVING
Modern design with warm finishes and curated details throughout — built 2022
Open-concept living area with propane fireplace
High-speed fiber Wi-Fi throughout
Two dedicated workspaces
Board games and books
Smart TVs in living areas and bedrooms
KITCHEN & DINING
Gourmet kitchen — fully stocked, modern stainless appliances
Coffee station with all essentials
All cooking basics provided
Indoor and deck dining options
Dishwasher, full appliances
PET FRIENDLY
Dog-welcoming: up to 2 dogs, max 40 lbs, pre-approval required (pet fee applies)
Dog wash station with heated water — outdoor, on-site
Forest trail and river access throughout the neighborhood — ideal for dog walks
Pre-approval required: breed, weight, age (min 2 years), housebroken confirmation, flea/tick medication, vaccinations
CONVENIENCE
Level 2 EV charger on-site
In-unit washer and dryer
Free on-site parking
Two dedicated workspaces with high-speed fiber Wi-Fi
Self check-in
LOCATION — Burnsville, NC · Yancey County · 3,200 ft · Pisgah National Forest
A Change in Altitude sits at 3,200 ft on land carved out of Pisgah National Forest at the base of Mt Mitchell, backing directly into the forest outside Burnsville, NC. The neighborhood is a small HOA community with HOA-maintained roads plowed in winter. AWD/4WD recommended. Park at the bottom of the driveway in significant snow.
Blue Ridge Parkway: 2 miles (check current closure status — reopening in stages through 2026)
Mt. Mitchell State Park: nearest major trailhead (highest peak east of the Rockies)
Mt. Mitchell Golf Course grounds: open for walking, river access, dog outings, fishing (golf course closed)
South Toe River: neighborhood access — tubing, fishing, wading
Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area: nearby — swimming, picnicking on South Toe River
Hiking: Mt. Mitchell, Roan Mountain at Carver's Gap (Appalachian Trail), Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, Black Mountain Crest Trail
Skiing (winter): Hatley Pointe, Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain
Downtown Burnsville: short drive — restaurants, coffee, local shops
Spruce Pine: short drive — dining, shopping, National Mineral Museum, historic Dellinger's Grist Mill (1867)
Little Switzerland: accessible — dining and mountain community
Little Switzerland Orchard, Cidery, Winery & Brewery: approximately 30 minutes — guest-recommended
Penland School of Craft: world-renowned — nearby, open for tours
Orchard at Alta Pass: live music, heritage apples, museum and gift shop
Mayland Earth to Sky Park: stargazing
Gem and mineral hunting: Mitchell County area
Grocery stores: approximately 30 minutes — arrive provisioned for your stay
ARTS & CULTURE
The Black Mountain area is one of the most creatively rich corners of western NC. Penland School of Craft — America's oldest and largest craft school — is nearby, along with small galleries, artist studios, and gem and mineral shops throughout the region. Spruce Pine is home to the National Mineral Museum and historic Dellinger's Grist Mill (1867). Drop in for a self-guided tour of Penland's campus or visit their world-class gallery and museum.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
With Pisgah National Forest in your backyard, trails are steps away. Hike Roan Mountain, Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, and Mt. Mitchell. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for endless views. Float or paddle the Toe River. Fish in clear mountain streams. Stargaze at Mayland Earth to Sky Park. Go gem hunting at local mines. Ski or snowboard at Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, or Hatley Pointe.
FOOD & DRINK
Locally owned restaurants and cafés in Burnsville, Spruce Pine, and Little Switzerland. Craft beer at mountain breweries. Wine at hillside vineyards. Heritage apples and live music at the Orchard at Alta Pass. Little Switzerland Orchard, Cidery, Winery & Brewery approximately 30 minutes away — a guest-recommended excursion.
DOGS WELCOME
Pre-approval required — we'll ask breed, weight (max 40 lbs, limit 2 dogs), age (minimum 2 years), housebroken confirmation, flea/tick medication, and current vaccinations. Dogs must be brushed, groomed, and nails trimmed prior to arrival. Pet fee applies per stay.
HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE
Our area has largely recovered. Neighborhood roads and routes to Burnsville and Spruce Pine are open. Restaurants and businesses are operating normally. The Blue Ridge Parkway is reopening in stages — the Rt. 80 to Asheville section is due later in 2026 and the full Parkway by end of 2026. Mt. Mitchell Golf Course grounds are open for walking, dog outings, and fishing. See our digital guidebook for current conditions.
Prior to your stay, we require a completed pre-arrival form and signed rental agreement. Access codes are not sent until a signed rental agreement is received.