Upcoming Events in Old Fort
The town of Old Fort has been welcoming travelers to this corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains for more than 150 years. Named for the Revolutionary-era Davidson’s Fort, this charming mountain town is today surrounded by Pisgah National Forest — it’s the perfect place to start your next mountain adventure.
Hit the trail with your hiking boots or mountain bike to experience the rugged forest terrain. Take the whole family on a hike to see breathtaking Catawba Falls, or meander alongside Newberry Creek as it winds toward the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Point Lookout Trail offers a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding mountains and is a favorite among bikers, as is the nearby Kitsuma Peak/Young’s Ridge Trail.
Learn about area history at the Mountain Gateway Museum, which chronicles the lifestyles and traditions of local residents from the time of European settlement through the 20th century. Visit a replica of Davidson’s Fort, originally built in the 1770s as the westernmost outpost of the American Colonies. Enjoy scenes from Old Fort history as depicted by local artists and students on the Seven Wonders mural trail. And take a drive to visit Andrews Geyser, a man-made fountain built as a tourist attraction during the early years of rail travel in Western North Carolina.
After your adventure, kick back with a pint of local craft beer at Hillman Beer’s creekside patio or visit Davis Country Store. A number of vacation rentals, cabins and campgrounds are available for you to rest and recharge for another day exploring the Blue Ridge.
Explore Old Fort Attractions
Heartbreak Ridge
Avid bikers will love Heartbreak Ridge, an exciting two-mile bike trail that begins along the top ridge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and descends 2,000 feet!
Indigo Nature Retreat - Event Venue & Lodging
Indigo Nature Retreat is located on Newberry Creek in the heart of the Pisgah National Forest, outside…
Mountain Top Shuttles
You gotta get up to get down! Let Mountain Top Shuttle Service help you make the most of your day…
Young's Ridge
Trailhead begins inside the Old Fort Picnic Area with incredible views of Kitsuma Peak at trail end. Elevation is 3,165…
Lower Heartbreak Ridge
Opening by spring 2024, the Lower Heartbreak Ridge Trail is part of the 42-mile trail expansion planned in the Old…
Snook's Nose Trail
This is a rocky, single track path used by intermediate to experienced hikers. Trail crosses Slick Falls Branch climbing steeply…
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…
Old Fort Picnic Area
This U.S. Forest Service property is an idyllic oasis with picnic tables scattered through the property. Listen to a babbling…