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![Bikers at Gateway Trail System in Old Fort, NC.](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/Stephan_Pruitt_Photography_McDowell_County_Out.width-500.jpg)
Welcome to the Blue Ridge Mountains, where forests, waterfalls, mountain peaks and welcoming small towns await.
Outdoor adventure is all around. This area is home to more than 200 miles (and counting) of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, plus lakes and rivers for paddling and fishing. Pisgah National Forest — the first national forest unit in the U.S. — is a wonderland of rushing waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway as it winds north from Mount Mitchell to Linville Falls, or bring your motorcycle to experience the thrill of The Diamondback. Or trade your car for a canoe as you explore the cool waters of Lake James.
Learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the region at one of our historical attractions, or try your luck at an historic gem mine. Enjoy shopping for unique and handcrafted souvenirs along Main Street and Catawba Avenue in Old Fort and in Marion's historic and vibrant downtown, where you’ll find antique shops, independent boutiques and art galleries. Or wander out to Little Switzerland or the Orchard at Altapass to peruse old-fashioned general stores.
Spend the evening sampling flights of craft beer at a local brewery, or drink in the rhythms of live music at an area venue or winery. And don’t let the rain dampen your spirit of adventure — check out local bowling alleys, arcades and skating rinks to keep the whole family entertained.
Check out the listings below to plan your next Blue Ridge Mountain vacation.
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![Vintage Market.jpg](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/VintageMarket2.max-640x360.jpg)
Vintage Market
Antique mall and vintage store with a variety of vendor booths. You'll find custom-made furnishings and The Vintage Market offers…
![logopondlaurelcove](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/logopondlaurelcove_sVZhzeb.max-640x360_4EV67Te.jpg)
The Pond At Laurel Cove
The Pond at Laurel Cove is owned by Patrick and Lisa Ellis and has been in the Ellis family for…
![Marion Downtown New Size](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/DowntownMarionNewWebsite.max-640x360.jpg)
Downtown Marion Main Street
Historic Downtown Marion often hosts seasonal festivals, musical performances and events. Shop or dine with local retailers and foodies! Check…
![diamondbacknc1](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/diamondbacknc1_Z4iU61f.max-640x360_fE5eeKz.jpg)
DiamondbackNC - Driving Trail
DiamondbackNC is an alternate route, 12-mile driving trail with incredible scenery. It is one of western North Carolina's last great mountain roadways!
![rrbikepath](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/rrbikepath_cjoBL74.max-640x360_njRu1nU.jpg)
Peavine Trail
The Peavine Rail Line, once an active Norfolk Southern Railway line, is included in the company's "rails to trails" program.…
![roaringcreekfalls](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/roaringcreekfalls_8vv9QHz.max-640x360_scP1Dlc.jpg)
Roaring Fork Falls
Visit a beautiful waterfall in the Toecane District of Pisgah National Forest with a 30 foot rush down a narrow, zigzag slide.
![greenleepark2](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/greenleepark2_91VLaBl.max-640x360_JnfzGCr.jpg)
Greenlee Park
Greenlee Park is the perfect spot to spend the day, with accesses to Lake James for water sports, covered picnic areas, and a 1.1 mile nature trail loop!
![Little Switzerland Arts & Crafts Market](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/lsartisangallery_cczAMTP.max-640x360_9QQCJhv.jpg)
Artisan League of Little Switzerland Art Gallery
Located in downtown Little Switzerland, the Artisan League of Little Switzerland Art Gallery features ceramics, jewelry, paintings, and more by local artists!
![curtiscreekaugust2013](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/curtiscreekaugust2013_mFC6EZt.max-640x360_VH7v84W.jpg)
Curtis Creek
A rushing trout stream, stocked with Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout, with handicapped access overlook on left side…
![Historic Carson House](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/Historic_Carson_House_cfli7yF.max-640x360_G8lnOod.jpg)
Historic Carson House
Historic Carson House Museum is open between April and December, interpreting the story of Irish immigrant Colonel John Carson and…
![mt ida](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/img_1939_8rXrxjU.max-640x360_XDyrnmW.jpg)
Mt. Ida Trail and Wilderness Area
The Mount Ida Wilderness Area includes a gravel access road and parking lot, picnic shelter and a one-half…
![Downtown Little Switzerland](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/SamLittleSwitzerlandDowntownBikes.max-640x360.jpg)
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…
![geneva hall, little switzerland](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/geneva_hall_little_switzerland_0HZmcLp.max-640x360_kIICKcp.jpg)
Geneva Hall
If you love to dance, just visit Geneva Hall, next to the Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland, for square dancing every Saturday evening in July and August!
![Linville Falls Overlook](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/Linville_Falls_Overlook_Scu8QEp.max-640x360_ibAyOLZ.jpg)
Linville Falls
Visit Linville Falls, an amazing three-tiered waterfall along the Blue Ridge Parkway. With many ways to access the falls, it is one of the most popular spots!
![11900106 10152929316512063 912660195336574850 o](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/11900106_10152929316512063_91266019533657485.max-640x360_vaRdS3s.jpg)
Camping World at Tom Johnson's Camping Center
Camp, eat, play, and stay at Tom Johnson's Camping Center in Marion, NC. More than just a campground, this site also serves as an event venue!
![davidsons](https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/media/images/davidsons_yqMACOj.max-640x360_5o2GCuF.jpg)
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…