Old Fort

The town of Old Fort has been welcoming travelers to this corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains for more than 150 years. Named for the Revolutionary-era Davidson’s Fort, this charming mountain town is today surrounded by Pisgah National Forest — it’s the perfect place to start your next mountain adventure.

Hit the trail with your hiking boots or mountain bike to experience the rugged forest terrain. Take the whole family on a hike to see breathtaking Catawba Falls, or meander alongside Newberry Creek as it winds toward the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Point Lookout Trail offers a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding mountains and is a favorite among bikers, as is the nearby Kitsuma Peak/Young’s Ridge Trail.

Learn about area history at the Mountain Gateway Museum, which chronicles the lifestyles and traditions of local residents from the time of European settlement through the 20th century. Visit a replica of Davidson’s Fort, originally built in the 1770s as the westernmost outpost of the American Colonies. Enjoy scenes from Old Fort history as depicted by local artists and students on the Seven Wonders mural trail. And take a drive to visit Andrews Geyser, a man-made fountain built as a tourist attraction during the early years of rail travel in Western North Carolina.

After your adventure, kick back with a pint of local craft beer at Hillman Beer’s creekside patio or Old Fort Ride House’s cycling outpost. A number of vacation rentals, cabins and campgrounds are available for you to rest and recharge for another day exploring the Blue Ridge.