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A travel guide for Marion, Old Fort, Lake James, Linville Falls and Little Switzerland, NC.Book Your Stay
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Experience the Blue Ridge
Catawba Falls Reopening May 31, 2024
10 Miles of New Trail Under Construction in Pisgah National Forest
ten miles of new trails are under construction in the Pisgah National Forest
Read MoreMountain Biking and Cycling Adventures in McDowell County
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 mild weather, warm Southern hospitality and mountain vistas that stretch for miles, winter is the perfect season to plan your next vacation to the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina.
Cozy up beside the fireplace in a picturesque mountain cabin, lakeside vacation rental or one of our numerous local lodging options. Enjoy the warm welcome of small-town main streets in Marion and Old Fort, where you can stop for a cup of coffee or peruse the craftsmanship of local artists in shops and galleries. Check out the events calendar for a full line-up of happenings throughout the season.
Winter is the season for breathtaking mountain views! Hiking trails like Newberry Creek and Tom's Creek Falls are beautiful in the winter months. Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway (weather permitting) for unforgettable vistas! Check out our top winter hiking trails.
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, coffee, mead and spirits, too.
As you plan your 2024 mountain vacation, be sure to take a look at our Blue Ridge Traveler’s Visitor Guide. Add some of our historic attractions to your itinerary to get a glimpse of mountain life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and find fun things to do for the whole family. If you’re already planning for spring and summer, don’t miss the alpine charm of Little Switzerland, the laid-back vibe of Lake James or the adventurous spirit of Linville Falls.
Note: All images are property of the McDowell Tourism Authority or tourism partners and are not to be copied, duplicated, re-printed, or shared electronically.
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