As the inevitable summer heat waves ripple across the country, there's no better time to escape to the cool breezes and welcoming mountain towns for unforgettable summer activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here are a few of our favorite ways to beat the heat on your next summer visit here in beautiful McDowell County.
Cool Off with Waterfall Hikes
Feel refreshed in all the ways as you take in the awe-inspiring beauty of mountain waterfalls and experience the cool mountain spray on your skin. These stunning cascades offer the perfect natural air conditioning:
- Toms Creek Falls: This easy 1.5 mile loop is for those seeking a waterfall experience without serious elevation gains or extreme hiking. Perfect for kids and doggos, everyone loves the pool at the bottom
- Setrock Creek Falls: Hike in near solitude to this four-tiered beauty along an easy, family-friendly trail near Mount Mitchell
- Roaring Fork Creek Falls: A neighboring gem that's also a lovely and fairly easy hike, perfect for the whole family
- Linville Falls: The ultimate selfie spot and most famous waterfall in the Blue Ridge, featuring three impressive tiers and multiple overlooks for viewing along various hiking trails
- Catawba Falls Trail: The newly reopened trail leads you along a spectacular ridge up to the base of the lower falls, with new improvements allowing safe access to the top falls
- Crabtree Falls: Located at milepost 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Little Switzerland, this breathtaking 60-foot waterfall is the perfect reward for completing a moderately strenuous 3-mile loop (At this time, this waterfall hike and attraction are under repairs as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway Helene Reconstruction and may be closed or inaccessible during your trip).
Stay safe! While some waterfall areas may have wading spots to cool your tired toes, always obey posted signs and warnings. Never attempt to climb a waterfall or enter streams above the falls… slippery rocks are loyal to no one.
Escape to Towering Peaks
Head for those high hills and cool off while enjoying views from some of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains:
- Grandfather Mountain (Milepost 305, Blue Ridge Parkway): Features the unforgettable Mile-High Swinging Bridge, daily programs, wildlife habitats with black bears, bald eagles, river otters, and cougars, plus the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery
- Linville Gorge: Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," offering 12,000 acres of mountain wilderness, including Hawksbill Mountain and Table Rock Mountain, two favorite hikes that can be explored in one day
- Chimney Rock State Park: Reopening June 27th, 2025, in nearby Hickory Nut Gorge, featuring cool breezes and spectacular 75-mile views from the summit
Indulge in Ice Cream & Craft Beverages
Nothing beats the heat like cool treats and refreshing drinks:
Sweet Treats:
- Artesana Ice Cream Shop: Stroll down Marion's charming sidewalks while enjoying artisanal frozen delights
- Orchard at Altapass: Take a leisurely drive to this historic spot for apple pie a la mode paired with chilled apple cider
Craft Beverages:
- Mica Town Brewing: Marion's local favorite in the downtown 'social district'
- Taylors Brewing Co: Owned by two brothers sharing their favorite home brews
- Whipporwill Farm/Fonta Flora Brewery: A unique dairy-farm-turned-brewery experience in Nebo
- High Spirits Trail: Multiple local distilleries, wineries, and meaderies offering cocktails and wine
Hunt for Treasure with Gem Mining
Stay cool while searching for buried treasure! Plunge your mined ore into flumes of cold mountain water to sift out hidden gold and gems:
- Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine in Marion - This former commercial mine campground offers authentic mining experiences (they warn about that "gold fever"!)
Learn more about the rich history of gold mining in the Blue Ridge Mountains and discover all the places you can find hidden mountain treasure.
Make a Splash with Water Sports
Beat the heat with refreshing water activities:
- Lake James State Park: Offers fishing, paddling, swimming, and boating (Most seasonal activities are open and guaranteed to thrill the soul and chill the bones)
- Catawba River Outdoors: No reservations required! Show up Thursday through Sunday, 10 AM-3 P,M to rent tubes and book shuttle service for a go-with-the-flow experience
Try Your Hand at Trout Fishing
Some of the biggest fans of the Blue Ridge Mountains' cold streams are the abundant trout hiding in local creeks and rivers nooks and crannies:
- The Catawba Angler: Book guided fly fishing trips for expert instruction and prime fishing spots
- Connecting the Dots Fishing Tours: Providing unique fishing experiences all throughout Western NC. Also offers bass fishing in the Lake James region.
- Solo fishing - Take your rod and reel to quiet spots on your own (check our guide for local fishing regulations)
Savor Outdoor Dining Experiences
As the sun sinks toward distant mountain ridges and temperatures drop, enjoy local flavors al fresco:
- The Chalet at Switzerland Inn: Don't miss the mountain views or signature drinks
- Bear Creek Marina at Lake James: Perfect for lakefront sunset dining
- Hillman Beer's creekside patio: Raise a glass to adventure in a scenic riverside setting
Read our Blue Ridge dining guide for more flavorful inspiration and restaurant recommendations.
When summer heat becomes overwhelming, these refreshing summer activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains provide the perfect escape. From cascading waterfalls and towering peaks to craft beverages and water sports, McDowell County offers endless ways to stay cool while creating unforgettable memories. Sweating in the Blue Ridge Mountains is definitely optional!
