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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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Arrowhead Monument - Old Fort
The 14.5 foot pink granite arrowhead sits atop a river rock base of more than fifteen feet and is installed…
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.…
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…
Little Switzerland Books and Beans
In downtown Little Switzerland, you'll find the most unique three-story bookstore and coffee shop! Explore the many shelves and treasures of this gem!
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!
Peavine Trail
The Peavine Rail Line, once an active Norfolk Southern Railway line, is included in the company's "rails to trails" program.…
Marion Hot Wheelz - Skating Rink
Stop by downtown Marion's roller skating rink, offering special events, arcade games and birthday party packages. Click the link for…
Old Fort Mercantile
Locally owned general store inside the historic Old Fort Train Depot at 25 W. Main Street. The store features regionally…
Vintage Market
Antique mall and vintage store with a variety of vendor booths. You'll find custom-made furnishings and The Vintage Market offers…
The Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine
Plan a stay at The Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine campsite in Marion and enjoy a recreational mine, diner, gift shop, concert hall and so much more!
Linville Caverns
North Carolina's only public caverns, Linville Caverns is a popular attraction. In the early 1800s, it was discovered during a…
Larry Miller Business Complex
Former warehouse space one block away from Main Street in Marion. You'll find shops, restaurants, a bakery, skating rink, event…
Mountain Gateway Museum
The Mountain Getaway Museum is a state museum in Old Fort that features lifestyle and pioneer-era history from the earliest inhabitants to the 20th century.
Camp Grier
Camp Grier is ideal for family and individual vacations! Enjoy adventures like horse riding and mountain biking on 600 acres of beautiful land in Old Fort!
Bear Creek Marina
Bear Creek Marina is part of a 200+ acre combined residential and recreational facility located on picturesque Lake James. Boat…
Dual Sport Motorcycle Rentals
Explore the great Blue Ridge on a motorcycle! Rent from Dual Sport Motorcycle Rentals on site at the Skyline Village Inn and Cavern Tavern in North Cove.