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Your mom was right, playing outdoors is important, for everyone! Unplug and explore our region of the Pisgah National Forest. You'll find it's easily accessible year-round when you take the Interstate 40 exits at 73, 75, 85 or 86 in Old Fort and Marion. Exit 73 brings you to our visitor center at 91 South Catawba Avenue where you'll find free maps, directions, and answers to your travel questions.
Our region of the Blue Ridge hosts more than 200 miles of hiking, biking, and waterfall trails and the Blue Ridge Parkway serves as our northern border. A few favorite trails and rides are Kitsuma Peak/Young's Ridge, Jarrett's Creek, Heartbreak Ridge, Woods Mountain, Catawba Falls, and Crabtree Falls. Beginner and intermediate mountain bikers, check out the 15 miles of trails at Lake James State Park. Tom's Creek Falls is an easy hike for beginners with benches and a handicap viewing station.
Need a guide? Call The Catawba Angler or NC Outdoor Adventures. They're fishing, floating, and climbing experts!
Looking for a scenic drive? Follow the Lake James Loop, it's a quiet two-hour ride on scenic backroads joining the Parkway and circling Lake James. Along the way stop by Bear Creek Marina, the Orchard at Altapass, Little Switzerland, and Linville Caverns.
Rainy day ideas? Marion's Feisty Goldfish, indoor roller skating at Marion Hot Wheelz, Historic Carson House Museum and Old Fort's Mountain Gateway Museum.
What to do at night? Marion's Spillway Bridge & Music Hall spotlights regional musicians on the weekend. Wednesday nights are bluegrass jam sessions, check out the local talent. Visit Marion's 310 District, we have a map with details and locations. Old Fort options include tastings or dinner at Hillman Beer and walk a few yards down the street to visit Whaley Brewing and Farm Stand. Our event calendar features more ideas.
During the "age of COVID-19" always call ahead to indoor venues to ask about restrictions, hours, and options.
Need other ideas? Call us! 888-233-6111

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Curtis Creek
A rushing trout stream, stocked with Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout, with handicapped access overlook on left side…

Andrews Geyser
Built in 1879 as a tourism attraction, Andrews Geyser was an eye-catching site for visitors reaching Old Fort by train.…

Curtis Creek Campground
Curtis Creek Campground is open May-October for tent or RV camping in the beautiful Pisgah National Forest! The grounds include hiking trails and a waterfall.

McDowell Arts Council Association
Due to COVID-19, please call ahead to request an update operating hour schedule and restrictions.The McDowell Arts Council offers a…

Blue Ridge Travelers Visitor Center
Stop by Monday - Saturday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm to pick up tourism related information for sites in…

Killough's Music & Loan
An array of guitar strings and musical instruments line the wall inside Killough’s Music & Loan on South Main Street…

Switzerland General Store
When you're enjoying the Blue Ridge Parkway and are looking for locally crafted foods and beverages, stop here! You'll find…

Crabtree Falls
The hike to the gorgeous Crabtree Falls waterfall in Little Switzerland is on a moderate 2.5 mile trail. It is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway!

Lake James State Park and Campground
"Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. Two park…

The Orchard at Altapass
Preserving the history, culture and heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this historic orchard covers 280 acres on both sides…

Lake James Black Bear Boat Access Ramp
Universally accessible, you'll find Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, Walleye and White Bass. Public boat access ramp.…

Davidson's Fort Historic Park
Davidson's Fort was once the western most outpost in Colonial America. The fort was originally constructed in 1776 with the…

Historic Carson House
Historic Carson House Museum is open between April and December, interpreting the story of Irish immigrant Colonel John Carson and…

Joseph McDowell/Catawba River Greenway
The Joseph McDowell/Catawba River Greenway is located just outside downtown Marion, NC. This paved trail follows the flow of the…

Buck Creek
(Game land section) 200 yards along NC 80 also light fishing pressure.

Dugger's Creek Falls
Hike an easy .03 mile trail to Dugger's Creek Falls, a small but breathtaking waterfall in Linville Falls! The waterfall and swinging bridge are photo-worthy!