Fall is the most gorgeous season. And no wonder! Autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains brings mild and comfortable outdoor temperatures, the dying down of the biting bugs, the fluttering and gathering of every beautiful bee, butterfly and moth, the turning of the autumn leaves to rich and bright hues of golds, reds and orange and the native wildlife prepare for their winter migrations (like the Warblers), dormancies (like the Black Bears) and huddles (like the honeybee).
Fall is the perfect season in McDowell County, and it is definitely the best time to hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains:
Where to hike with the kids and dogs?
- When in Marion, this spot is easy to get to and can help those kiddos and four-leggeds work that energy out. The Joseph McDowell/Catawba River Greenway is just outside of Marion and follows the flow of the Catawba River, so there is no getting lost. It’s 3 miles each way, and the park is open sunrise to sunset.
- Lake James is a sweet spot for the whole family, especially the younger and more excited ones – lots of space to spread out and play. The Lake James State Park Guide fills you in on all of the options.
Which hikes guarantee the best and most scenic views?
- It’s hard to go wrong on any section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and you can hop on a chunk of Section 4 of this iconic North Carolina trail. This segment of the MST is known for its gorges, peaks, and waterfalls. That’s some gorgeous scenery right there.
- There’s a short but steep trail to a summit that showcases one of the best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, period. And the Blue Ridge Pinnacle Trail at sunrise and sunset? Otherworldly.
- For some scenic views of the rural and beautiful Swannanoa Valley, take the Young’s Ridge Trail from the Old Fort Picnic Area. This is a popular trail for mountain bikers and is a strenuous climb to the summit.
- For a bird's-eye view of downtown Marion, the Mt. Ida Trail and Wilderness Area delivers. Open to the public during daylight hours, folks are welcome to hike to the summit and enjoy the views and scenery atop Mt. Ida.
Where to get a challenging workout?
- Copper Ridge Trail, a newer section of the Fonta Flora State Trail, is just outside of Old Fort, and has a steep natural surface, making it a moderate to strenuous hike, depending on how gung-ho you’re feeling.
- The Woodlawn Fitness Trail is not your “normal” hike. It’s more of a 1 ¼ mile loop with multiple exercise stations along the jogging path. It’s just north of Marion and is near a picnic area, in case you need a refueling area after this full-body workout.
- The Star Gap Trail in Old Fort is popular for hikers who like to get a real sweat on and mountain bikers who want to work on their climbing and descending on lots of switchbacks. It’s not a long trail, but it will be etched in your workout memory.
- The Old Fort Gateway Trail System is an easy way to log all the miles you can handle while visiting McDowell County. The multi-use trails of this 42-mile expansion project offer endless loops.
Where in town for a pleasant wooded stroll?
- The Peavine Trail in Marion was once an active Norfolk Southern Railway line. Today it is an enjoyable 2.4-mile walk alongside the tracks, trees, birds, and bees.
- Greenlee Park is the perfect path when a stroll to shift gears is needed. Or an after-dinner stroll. Or you have a few minutes and want to spend some time moving outdoors!
- There’s a unique hiking experience in the Pisgah National Forest at the Meadows Loop Trail. It’s wheelchair accessible and very new-to-hiking-friendly. For such a short, easy walk, there’s a lot of flora and fauna to see.
Which hikes provide the most solitude?
- Usually, the more primitive the trail, the more solitude you will have. That also means you should have navigation and supplies with you while exploring! Check out Armstrong Creek if you feel the need for a primitive, but relatively easy 6-mile hike with lots of moving water, lots of potential to fish, and not so many passersby.
- Take the opportunity to add onto that Armstrong leg with the Bad Fork Trail, but only if you feel like doing some hard work before reaching Bad Fork, which finishes up easily at an ideal picnic and rest break spot.
- No matter where you hike and explore this fall while you’re spending time in the Blue Ridge Mountains of McDowell County, the experience will make you a believer – fall is the perfect season. And after a day of play on the trails and in the leaves, you will find all manner of places to settle in for a drink or a bite. You may even make some new friends who are also discovering the magic and beauty of this area in the fall.
- McDowell County makes the ideal home base for your autumnal Blue Ridge adventure, not only for hiking, but also for biking, trail running, fishing, camping, all manner of water sports, and birding. No one is left out when visiting McDowell County.
- Our small mountain towns have cultural depth and a shared love for our Blue Ridge Mountains, so the pleasures of your visit do not end at the tree line. See the perfect season in the Blue Ridge for yourself!
