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Welcome to the Blue Ridge Mountains, where forests, waterfalls, mountain peaks and welcoming small towns await.
Outdoor adventure is all around. This area is home to more than 200 miles (and counting) of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, plus lakes and rivers for paddling and fishing. Pisgah National Forest — the first national forest unit in the U.S. — is a wonderland of rushing waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway as it winds north from Mount Mitchell to Linville Falls, or bring your motorcycle to experience the thrill of The Diamondback. Or trade your car for a canoe as you explore the cool waters of Lake James.
Learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the region at one of our historical attractions, or try your luck at an historic gem mine. Enjoy shopping for unique and handcrafted souvenirs along Main Street and Catawba Avenue in Old Fort and in Marion's historic and vibrant downtown, where you’ll find antique shops, independent boutiques and art galleries. Or wander out to Little Switzerland or the Orchard at Altapass to peruse old-fashioned general stores.
Spend the evening sampling flights of craft beer at a local brewery, or drink in the rhythms of live music at an area venue or winery. And don’t let the rain dampen your spirit of adventure — check out local bowling alleys, arcades and skating rinks to keep the whole family entertained.
Check out the listings below to plan your next Blue Ridge Mountain vacation.
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The Davis Country Store
Inspired by tradition, the Davis family invites you to stop by the "second generation" Davis Country Store located on Main…
North Cove Disc Golf and Leisure Club
North Cove Disc Golf & Social Club is 157 acres of awesome rolling hills situated in a rural valley, framed…
Mica Town Brewing
The first brewery in Marion, NC, is now open! Stop by Mica Town Brewing to enjoy a craft beer inspired by the geology and people of Western North Carolina.
Camping World at Tom Johnson's Camping Center
Camp, eat, play, and stay at Tom Johnson's Camping Center in Marion, NC. More than just a campground, this site also serves as an event venue!
Andrews Geyser -Temporarily Offline
Update: The Andrews Geyser is intermittently working at this time. The Town of Old Fort announced plans to assess and…
Roaring Fork Falls
Visit a beautiful waterfall in the Toecane District of Pisgah National Forest with a 30 foot rush down a narrow, zigzag slide.
Jack's Mountain Weddings
Jack's Mountain Weddings is a rural, scenic 40-acre community filled with rolling land, trees, and gorgeous mountain views. An idyllic…
Young's Ridge
Trailhead begins inside the Old Fort Picnic Area with incredible views of Kitsuma Peak at trail end. Elevation is 3,165…
The Heathen's Den -Axe Throwing and Ales
Heathen's Den is an axe throwing venue located in downtown Marion inside the Miller Building Complex. Customers may call ahead…
Greenlee Park
Greenlee Park is the perfect spot to spend the day, with accesses to Lake James for water sports, covered picnic areas, and a 1.1 mile nature trail loop!
Historic Old Fort
Once known as the westernmost outpost in North Carolina, Old Fort has retained much of its original forest lands that…
Peavine Trail
The Peavine Rail Line, once an active Norfolk Southern Railway line, is included in the company's "rails to trails" program.…
English Farmstead Cheese
Visit English Farmstead Cheese in Marion, NC, a quaint shop that offers a variety of cheeses and local fare. All cheeses are crafted from milk produced on-site!
Marion Hot Wheelz - Skating Rink
Stop by downtown Marion's roller skating rink, offering special events, arcade games and birthday party packages. Click the link for…
Newberry Creek Trail
Scenic trail ending at Blue Ridge Parkway. Top elevation is 4,300 feet. East of Old Fort, take Curtis Creek Road…
Trout and Fly Fishing Regulations
Our region of the Pisgah National Forest hosts a variety of trout streams. Click on the links below to read…