
Upcoming Events in Old Fort
Old Fort, the name acknowledges the pioneer-era when Davidson's Fort was constructed to protect area settlers from Native American raids. At that point in time, the area was known as the westernmost North Carolina settlement. The "Old Fort" no longer stands, however, the history is shared through a series of downtown murals, The 7 Wonders Trail.
Today's Old Fort community is changing and has become known for epic mountain biking and hiking trails. Kitsuma Peak/Young's Ridge, Snook's Nose, Point Lookout Trail, Jarrett's Creek, Heartbreak Ridge, and coming soon a section of multi-use trails accessible from Curtis Creek Road as part of the Old Fort Trails Project.
This section of Pisgah provides remote and rugged riding on long climbs with harrowing descents deserving of its world-class reputation. Riders venturing into the depths of the Grandfather Ranger District need to be prepared for demanding trails, tricky route-finding, and remote settings far from assistance.
Hikers favor Catawba Falls Trail, Newberry Creek Trail, Huskins Branch Trail, Point Lookout Trail, and Lead Mine Gap. If you're looking for a serious challenge, Mackey Mountain Trail meanders 8 miles through a true wilderness section. Bring a paper map and compass before exploring this trail!
Old Fort is a designated North Carolina Mountain Trout Town. Mill Creek, a delayed harvest stream, runs through downtown bordering Mountain Gateway Museum. Beginners will find an easily accessible entry point on these banks. Check out the N.C. Wildlife Commission website for details. https://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Fishing/documents/Old_Fort.pdf
Looking for a great place to stay? You won't find hotel chains here. You WILL find individually owned vacation rental homes, cabins, two B&Bs, public campgrounds, and privately-owned campgrounds. Check out the "STAY" section of the website or call 828-668-4282 to request a free visitor guide.
Between August and May, Old Fort's Camp Grier (June and July are reserved for kid's camp) becomes an outdoor attraction. Pick up a day pass and spend it on the disc golf course, learn to ride a horse or book a group guided horse ride, maybe challenge your skills on the pump track, walk the trail to the fire tower, or pop into your tree hammock for a nap. With over 600 protected, forested acres it's a peaceful place to be.
Camp Grier hosts a range of outdoor events and races. One of their frequent and important activities is the volunteer trail maintenance weekends. Their G5 Trail Collective dedicates hours of trail maintenance and repair inside the Grandfather Ranger District. Free camping/group lodging and food in exchange for hours of trail work. Take a look at their event calendar. https://www.g5trailcollective.org
Day-trippers, stretch your legs, and enjoy a walk around downtown. Stop by Hillman Beer, Kitsbow's Old Fort Ride House, Mountain Gateway Museum, the Blue Ridge Traveler Visitor Center, Old Fort Outdoors, Arrowhead Gallery, and other downtown shops. Still have questions, call us. 828-668-4282


Explore Old Fort Attractions

Old Fort Mercantile
Locally owned general store inside the historic Old Fort Train Depot at 25 W. Main Street. The store features regionally…

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…

Sky Island Campground and Cabin Retreat
Campground facility on 40 acres with RV and tent camping plus several log cabins. Choose from family cabins, couples retreat…

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!

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…

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…

Dragonfly Studio
Shop Dragonfly Studio in Old Fort, an incredible outdoor sculpture garden filled with custom metal sculptures, water gardens, mobiles, and more!

Point Lookout Trail
Spectacular views of the Royal Gorge and 19th century railroad tunnels. Paved, hiking and bicycle trail rising approximately 1,000 feet…