Discover your new basecamp for outdoor adventure in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A perfect destination for all-season exploration, here you'll find breathtaking scenery, miles of outdoor adventure, and the highest peaks east of the Mississippi. Around nearly every bend in the road you'll find access to natural wonders throughout the Pisgah National Forest. Here are ideas for travel inspiration.
Guided Fun - Thrifty Adventures and The Catawba Angler.
Float the Catawba River - book a trip with Catawba River Outdoors.
Explore a trail in the Pisgah National Forest! 20+ area waterfall, running, and hiking trails totaling more than 150 miles.
Off-road biking - Trails including Kitsuma Peak/Young's Ridge, Curtis Creek Recreation Area, Woods Mountain, and Lake James State Park.
Blue Ridge Parkway - Stops at Little Switzerland, the Orchard at Altapass, Crabtree Falls, Linville Falls and a quick segue off the Parkway to explore Linville Caverns, gold and gem mining, golf courses, museums and art galleries.
Marion's 310 District - After you explore check out downtown Marion, a neighborhood hotspot with small breweries, tap rooms, music hall, restaurants, and art!
Old Fort - Find rushing trout streams, Mountain Gateway Museum, Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser and Curtis Creek Recreation Area, thousands of acres in old growth U.S. Forest Service land with miles of trails and streams.
Need other ideas? Call us! 888-233-6111
Built in 1879 as a tourism attraction, Andrews Geyser was an eye-catching site for visitors reaching Old Fort by train ...
Individually managed vintage booths with "curiosity" pieces, used sporting goods, bicycles, electronics, antiques and so much more. Spend some ...
3640 Ft./6 mile trail. Primitive hiking on Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd. Trail begins past hatchery parking lot. Easy-moderate.Including ...
Located in historic Old Fort, the Gallery carries a unique collection of hand-crafted items by over 30 local artists. ...
The ALLS gallery is located in beautiful downtown Little Switzerland on the second floor of Little Switzerland Books and Beans ...
2940 Ft. /8 Miles. Primitive trail connects Woods Mountain & Armstrong Creek Trails. NC 226-A to Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd ...
Bear Creek Marina is part of a 200+ acre combined residential and recreational facility located on picturesque Lake James. Boat ...
3160 Ft./9 Mile Trail. Black Mountains view, meets Little Buck Creek Trail ending at Woods Mountain Trail. US 221 ...
Big League Camp is a baseball and softball sports and lodging facility on Lake James, just outside Marion, North Carolina ...
Prominent peak near Mt. Mitchell State Park, with awesome views. Begin at swing-bar gate on side road at Blue Ridge ...
Stop by Monday - Saturday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm to pick up tourism related information for sites ...
(Game land section) 200 yards along NC 80 also light fishing pressure.
The catch-out pond is a wonderful place for family fun and group outings. Fishing poles, bait, and ice provided. Any ...
Camp Grier began in 1952 with 600 acres of land donated by R. D. Grier of Statesville. He set up ...
The Headwaters of the Catawba River and protected by conservation easements, this 340 foot cascade includes an upper and lower ...
Full hook-ups and tent sites along the Catawba River and close to Catawba Falls. Cabins including an authentically constructed log ...
Easy walk in access, handicap accessible fishing piers and canoe/kayak access available from three points along the greenway. This ...
Located on the upper Catawba River, just above Lake James, Catawba River Outdoors offers tube rentals with a river shuttle ...
Catawba River Park and Canoe/Kayak Launch is located within one quarter mile of the intersection of Highway 70 West ...
Visiting members of the Y will enjoy the indoor pool, indoor basketball & handball courts, and workout room. Located off ...
A 60 foot plunge down a wide and even rock face, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 339 ...
A rushing trout stream, stocked with Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout, with handicapped access overlook on left side ...
U.S. Forest Service Recreation Area with over 10,000 acres in the Pisgah National Forest including Mackey Mountain, a ...
Davidson's Fort was once the western most outpost in Colonial America. The fort was originally constructed in 1776 with ...
Where can you find more than 190 steep, climbing curves in just 12 miles? The Diamondback - North Carolina's last ...
Over 500 beautifully framed prints and original paintings on display. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to ...
Custom metal sculptures, water gardens, mobiles and other interesting structures are found and enjoyed at the Dragonfly Studio. You will ...
Motorcycle rentals are available on site at the Skyline Village Inn and Cavern Tavern. Offering BMW and Yamaha motorcycles, Dual ...
On the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 316.5 (the Linville Falls parking area and visitor center). In the parking ...
The auditorium of East Middle School in Marion, NC is a venue for Foothills Community Theater performances. Throughout the year ...
UPDATE: May 29th, 2020 is the official opening date for Emerald Village. Emerald Village is open annually between ...
Located on US 221 North only a short drive away from both Asheville and the NC high country, our farm ...
All Wildlife Resources commission regulations apply. A fishing license is required. Cool, deep waters and warm surface waters provide a ...
The Founders' Art Walk was inspired by McDowell County's 175th anniversary. The county's cultural heritage is shared through ...
Geneva Hall is located in "uptown" Little Switzerland at the end of HIgh Ridge Road, beside the Switzerland Inn. Geneva ...
Greenway and nature trail loop covering 1.1 miles with kayak/canoe/tube put-in with covered picnic area. In ...
Lots of space with a variety of seasonal offerings, antiques, jewelry, toys, craft furnishings and more. Located in a ...
As the name implies, this down hill, four mile bike trail descends approximately 2,000 feet and is a true ...
"Welcome to Hidden Creek Campground Resort in Marion, North Carolina. Visit one of North Carolina's best campgrounds, featuring lake ...
Historic Carson House Museum is open between April and December, interpreting the story of Irish immigrant Colonel John Carson and ...
The Marion Depot has been restored and functions today as a multiple use site. Constructed in the 1860s, it is ...
Historic Old Fort is a quaint community of 900+ and regularly celebrates its heritage with mountain music performances, preservation of ...
Legendary Charlie McKinney made his home here. Now, the site is much more than a century old apple orchard. Take ...
Indigo Nature Retreat is located on Newberry Creek in the heart of the Pisgah National Forest, outside the small town ...
Jack's Mountain Weddings is a rural, scenic 40-acre community filled with rolling land, trees, and gorgeous mountain views. ...
The Joseph McDowell/Catawba River Greenway is located just outside downtown Marion, NC. This paved trail follows the flow of ...
Keeper’s Cut Meadery makes traditional and flavored mead from their new space in Marion, NC's The 310 District. Hours ...
An array of guitar strings and musical instruments line the wall inside Killough’s Music & Loan on South Main Street ...
Breath taking views along Kitsuma Trail and Young's Ridge. This one is not for the faint of heart! ...
Stop by Old Fort's K&R Antiques and browse through a variety of lighting fixtures, modern and vintage models, furniture ...
Along with antiques & collectibles, you'll find a nice assortment of local organic products. Beautiful handmade wooden bowls, soaps ...
Universally accessible, you'll find Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, Walleye and White Bass. Public boat access ...
At the base of Linville Gorge you will find a 6,812 acre lake with more than 150 miles of ...
"Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. Two park ...
A local favorite, Lamb's Hidden Treasures is a special find, one block off North Main Street in downtown Marion ...
Next door to Ivan's Restaurant and McDowell Sports Complex at 622 Finley Road in Marion.
North Carolina's only public caverns, Linville Caverns is a popular attraction. In the early 1800s, it was discovered during ...
Most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge with three tiered waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge. Exit Blue Ridge Parkway at ...
Public golf course, 18 holes with stunning views mountain and stream views. Located just off of Highway 221 in the ...
The "Grand Canyon of the East." Primitive recreation in a wild and isolated terrain. Strenuous hiking, back packing, rock-climbing and ...
A unique, three story bookstore and coffee shop with an art gallery located in downtown Little Switzerland, NC. You'll ...
Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 334/Little Switzerland. This seasonal tourist colony was created in 1909 ...
Excellent views inside a BEAR sanctuary, hunting is illegal!! Hike this area with caution, particularly during spring and fall seasons ...
The 310 District in downtown Marion is host to seasonal festivals, musical performances and events. Shop or dine with local ...
The Lake James Golf Course and Marion Lake Club includes a club house. This one story structure includes a ...
The ONLY golf course on Lake James, dating back to 1923, when it was designed by famed golf course architect ...
The McDowell Arts Council offers a variety of classes, hosts a unique gift shop filled with local artisans' works and ...
Local, county community college located in Marion, NC. Offering a variety of courses, diploma and certificate programs and more.
McDowell High School's auditorium and gymnasium are used for some public events. The annual Appalachian Potters' Market is ...
Marion's first brewery is open! Stop by soon, see what all the buzz is about! Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-10pm ...
Old Fort has the distinction of being a certified N.C. Mountain Trout Town! Why? Mill Creek runs through the ...
Mill Creek Village is located in downtown Old Fort, NC and is comprised of the following businesses and attractions. ...
This former manufacturing and warehouse site has been converted! Stop by the Miller Business Complex to shop with locally ...
Old Fort is home to this state museum exhibiting mountain lifestyle and pioneer-era history from the earliest inhabitants to the ...
A little something for everyone! Musical instruments, period furnishings, jewelry, accessories, clothing items and more. Inventory changes regularly ...
The Mount Ida Wilderness Area includes a gravel access road and parking lot, picnic shelter and a one-half mile moderate ...
This is a former manufacturing site converted into a multi-purpose space. It's located in the heart of downtown Marion ...
Scenic trail ending at Blue Ridge Parkway. Top elevation is 4,300 feet. East of Old Fort, take Curtis Creek ...
Thrifty Adventures is a wilderness guide service offering classes and guided trips all over NC and in the Little Switzerland ...
Download the river access map here or use these GPS coordinates to find access points for the North Fork Catawba ...
For 4 decades Painters Greenhouse has suppied homegrown, quality plants at affordable prices. Come peruse over 800 plant varieties with ...
The Peavine Rail Line, once an active Norfolk Southern Railway line, is included in the company's "rails to trails ...
Spectacular views of the Royal Gorge and 19th century railroad tunnels. Paved, hiking and bicycle trail rising approximately 1,000 ...
Craft beer and wine taproom featuring local beverages, all from North Carolina. Great selection of non-alcoholic drinks as well. Family ...
You'll find this one in the Toecane District of Pisgah National Forest with a 30 foot rush down a ...
This one includes four distinctive levels, totaling 50 feet of falling water. Refer to directions for Roaring Creek Falls ...
A collaborative project, connecting members of the A3L (non-profit, Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League) with Old Fort Elementary School students ...
Unique, seasonal shopping at its best, located directly across the street from the Switzerland Inn and Chalet Restaurant. Choose from ...
This seasonal jewelry boutique is open September through December on Main Street in downtown Marion. Stop by to pick up ...
Campground facility on 40 acres with RV and tent camping plus several log cabins. Choose from family cabins, couples retreat ...
This is a rocky, single track path used by hikers and mountain biking enthusiasts. Trail crosses Slick Falls Branch climbing ...
Award winning, locally owned boutique winery offering a variety of red and white wines. Tasting and tours available mid-February through ...
The Spillway is Marion’s premier music venue with a state of the art sound system showcasing local and regional talent ...
From the Old Fort Picnic Area, continue onto Mill Creek Road, passing Andrews Geyser on left to road's end ...
St. John's Episcopal Church is a historic Episcopal church located at 315 S. Main Street in Marion, McDowell County ...
Sweet Betsy Farm is a small family-owned farm where chickens, honey bees and plantings are managed with no harmful chemical ...
The Catawba Angler, the only fishing guide service in Old Fort, is conveniently located 25 miles from downtown Asheville. Matt ...
Two years ago this week, two guys sat on a front porch and had a vision of The Feisty Goldfish ...
Former commercial mine, operating today as a recreational mine with campsites, hook ups, restrooms, showers and the Miner's Diner ...
A cool, downtown, DIY experience. The staff and artists at The Makery make it easy for you to create ...
2020 - COVID-19 Operating Hours and Policies have changed. Phase I of the Orchard's re-opening process will begin Saturday, June ...
The Pond at Laurel Cove is owned by Patrick and Lisa Ellis and has been in the Ellis family for ...
Tom Johnson Camping World is more than a campground, it also serves as a performance/event venue. Located beside Historic ...
Tom's Creek Falls is accessible year round, located south of the Blue Parkway at Milepost 316/Hwy. 221 South ...
Since 1980 Turtle Island Pottery has produced a very popular line of functional stoneware. The pottery has become very recognizable ...
Antique mall and vintage store with a variety of vendor booths. You'll find custom-made furnishings and The Vintage ...
Fitness Trail consists of 7 stations, two exercises per station on a 1/4 mile jogging path. Additional one mile ...
Hike or bike this one. It's not for the faint at heart! Elevation peaks at 3,600 ...
Join Max Woody and friends each Friday night to experience one-of-a-kind bluegrass music with local performers. Any and all musicians ...
Trailhead begins inside the Old Fort Picnic Area with incredible views of Kitsuma Peak at trail end. Elevation is 3 ...
A travel guide for Marion, Old Fort, Lake James, Linville Falls and Little Switzerland, NC.
91 South Catawba Avenue
Old Fort, NC 28762
Address
+1 (828) 668-4282
+1 (888) 233-6111
Phone
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