The South Mills Trail follows the stream virtually its entire length, and there are plenty of attractive camping spots along the way. Since this is the Pisgah National Forest, you don’t need a camping permit (you do in the park), and as long as you don’t pitch a tent too close to a stream, you can make your home away from home anywhere. If you enjoy solitude, put your home in your backpack, hike a few miles, and except on weekends, you will see precious few fellow anglers.

NORTH TOE RIVER
To some this might seem a strange choice, yet there is mile after mile of fine, hatchery-supported fishing along this stream running through the heart of Avery County. Easily accessible off Highway 19E, which closely parallels the stream for much of its flow, the North Toe has a number of feeder streams that also deserve consideration. Most of them (Jones, Plumtree, Roaring and Horse creeks) are wild trout water. Its gradual gradient and ample runs and riffles make for easy wading, quite a contrast to the steep plunge pool characteristics of many Tar Heel streams. Then, too, there’s always a chance of making meaningful contact with a really hefty brown trout.

LOST COVE CREEK
Located in Avery County in the northwestern corner of the state, Lost Cove Creek is a part of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s catch-and-release, fly-fishing-only program. Flowing through the heart of the Lost Cove Wilderness Study area, this is pure, pristine mountain water at its finest. Wild rainbows are the dominant species here, although you will find the occasional brown in the lower reaches where small falls plunge into deep pools. Access to Lost Cove Creek is by a trail leading off the Blue Ridge Parkway into its uppermost reaches or from Forest Service roads nearer to where it joins Gragg Prong.

NORTH HARPER CREEK
Yet another fine Avery County stream is North Harper Creek. Characterized by truly lovely terrain, with the massive boulders channeling water flow from one pool to the next, this is small-stream brown trout water at its best (there are rainbows as well). It is well served by a trail system that, for the most part, stays quite close to the creek. Forest Service roads parallel the stream to both the north and south and give foot access to North Harper Creek. There are fine camping spots aplenty along the flow, but it is also possible to hike in and out for day fishing (you can be at the stream in less than 30 minutes).