Outdoor Adventure

Join us on a trail! We're a mountain community with elevations exceeding 3,000 feet above sea level inside the Pisgah National Forest where our northern boundary is the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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Livermush Festival 2023

Celebrate an iconic Appalachian dish during a day of fun and food in downtown Marion.

Event Details

Summer Exploration

Escape to the cool breezes and welcoming towns of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Where to Explore

Family at The Orchard at Altapass McDowell County

Top 25 Things To Do

Explore all there is to see and do in the mountains.

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Couple enjoying the Blue Ridge Craft Spirits Trail

High Spirits Trail

Visit 11 uniquely crafted tasting experiences along the Blue Ridge Traveler’s High Spirits Trail to experience the craftsmanship of local brewers, vintners and distillers using ingredients grown right here in Western N.C.

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A travel guide for Marion, Old Fort, Lake James, Linville Falls and Little Switzerland, NC.

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Find lodging in and around McDowell County for your vacation. Browse hotels, campsites, rentals, and more.

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Gastronomic Bliss: Farm-Fresh Finds in the Blue Ridge

The Blue Ridge Mountains have earned a reputation for being a foodie destination, and for good reason. The secret can be found at the hundreds of farms within a 200 mile radius. They provide local restaurants and farmers markets with the freshest produce, honey, herbs, and even farm-brewed beer. He…

Where to Hike in Curtis Creek Near Old Fort, NC

The Curtis Creek area of the Blue Ridge Mountains offers some of the most beautiful hikes in the region, traversing ridgetops with stunning views and passing numerous crystalline waterfalls. This section of the Blue Ridge Mountains was the beginning tract of land in what is now known as the Pisgah …

Your Guide to Linville Gorge Wilderness Adventures

Whether you want to test your limits or just enjoy a stellar view, the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is at once breathtakingly beautiful and ruggedly challenging. Most people access the area in the Pisgah National Forest from the visitor Center just off the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Formed by Jon…

Jun

Summer Boat Tour at Lake James

Fri, Jun 9, 2023 10 AM - 11:30 AM

Lake James hosts many species of waterfowl during their return migration north, as well as the critters that stay here year-round.Ranger Veasey is captain and guide aboard the park patrol boat in search of loons, otters, bald eagles and scenic vistas. The weather could be blustery, so dress warmly.…

The Blue Ridge Parkway

Discover Little Switzerland, Linville Falls, The Orchard at Altapass, Crabtree Falls, and the spectacular views of America's Favorite Scenic Drive.

A Photographer's Dream →

Pisgah First: Exploring the Oldest National Forest in the East

With hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking, and forest exploration, you're invited to come experience this region first-hand. The possibilities are endless.

Discover Something New →

Waterfall Trails

Hike into Pisgah to find amazing waterfalls in a region with over 200 waterfall trails.

Western NC Waterfalls →

Your Travel Guide To Little Switzerland, Lake James, Marion, Old Fort & Linville Falls

Welcome to the Blue Ridge Traveler's Towns and Trails! With cool mountain breezes, endless views and countless opportunities for outdoor adventure, summer is the perfect time to plan your next vacation to the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina.

Check out our guides to top local hiking trails and stunning waterfalls. Keep an eye open for native wildflowers and colorful bird species as you hike, bike and explore the region. Take a drive on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping to take pictures of mountain vistas and experiencing regional heritage at museums and historic attractions along the way.

Cool off at Lake James State Park where you’ll find fun for all ages including hiking, kayaking, biking and a swimming beach. Wade into chilly mountain streams to try your hand at fly fishing or rent a tube to enjoy a lazy float down the Catawba River.

Step back in time and imagine life in the Blue Ridge during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when you stop by the Historic Carson House, Emerald Village Museum, and Mountain Gateway Museum. Each site interprets different pieces of our region's historic puzzle.

Stroll the small-town streets of Marion, Old Fort, Little Switzerland and the Linville Falls community, where you will encounter the craftsmanship of local artists in shops and galleries. Check out the events calendar for a full line-up of happenings throughout the season.

When it’s time for a bite, pull up a chair at one of our delicious local restaurants. From barbecue to bakeries, burritos to bubble tea, and plenty of scrumptious Southern fare, you’re sure to find the local flavor you’re looking for. Enjoy a pint of locally brewed beer at one of several craft breweries, and look for local wine, mead and spirits along our High Spirits Trail.

At the end of the day, choose from numerous lodging options ranging from rustic campgrounds and mountain cabins to lakeside vacation rentals and national brand hotels. Not sure where to start? Explore our three-day Blue Ridge Mountains itinerary that includes our favorite things to do — plus more to discover on your own!

Note: All images are property of the McDowell Tourism Authority or tourism partners and are not to be copied, duplicated, re-printed, or shared electronic

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