Blue Ridge Fall Adventures
by Kimberly Button
Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is all about getting outside and enjoying nature’s explosion of color. Whether you hike, bike, stroll, or drive, there are a variety of ways to enjoy Mother Nature’s stunning show. McDowell County is the perfect destination to base your adventures. Explore our mountain communities of Marion, Old Fort, Little Switzerland, Lake James, and Linville Falls. From family-friendly soft adventures to expert-level trails that will test your endurance, there is something for everyone in our great outdoors.
Waterfall Hikes
Our waterfalls are gorgeous any time of the year. Still, photographers will especially love visits during the fall when changing leaves add a colorful frame to capturing the beauty of the rushing waters.
- Catawba Falls is a multi-cascade waterfall including "Lower Falls" and the "Upper Falls". You can begin an easy hike from the parking lot to the 205-foot cascading Lower Falls along the River Trail for approximately 1.5 miles. If looking for a challenge, continue your hike to the 80-foot Upper Falls by climbing the 580 stairs, which includes three overlooks and a 60-foot observation tower. Plus, beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the top! The trail loops along Ridge Trail to complete 3.5 miles. Stop by Foothills Watershed to grab lunch, a crisp drink, hang out by the river, and enjoy live music!
- Accessible by the Old NC 105 entrance, Linville Falls overlook trails are partially open. This easy hike includes an Upper Falls viewing platform, Chimney View Overlook Trail, and Erwin View Trail.
- If you are looking for a shorter waterfall hike that is easier for the entire family, be sure to visit the four-level Setrock Creek Falls, the long zig-zagging Roaring Fork Falls, and Tom’s Creek Falls, which are all less strenuous hikes that are 2 miles or less round-trip.
With more than 200 miles of trails among some of the highest peaks in the Eastern United States, there are plenty of destinations to enjoy, from family-friendly walks to strenuous treks for experienced hikers. Whether you choose to chase a stream, summit a mountain top, or find solitude under a forest canopy, these are some of the most popular hikes to add to your bucket list.
Foliage Hikes
- Point Lookout Trail: Though the 3.6-mile trail isn’t a quick hike, it is paved and easy to navigate. You will get the chance to see a 19th-century railroad tunnel, as well as views of the Royal Gorge.
- Linville Gorge: This rugged destination, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Eastern U.S.,” has strenuous trails that reward experienced hikers with exceptional views.
- Old Fort Gateway Trail System: New in 2023, the first portion of this 42-mile trail in Pisgah National Forest is open for hikers, equestrian use, and mountain biking.
- Lake James State Park: Family-friendly trails can be found in the two recreational areas of this state park, including lakeside hikes.
- Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway An accessible trail along the banks of the Catawba River, the 1.5-mile walkway also has river access for fishing, as well as canoes and kayaks.
Fly Fishing
Slow down and settle into the scenery when you go fly fishing on one of the many trout fishing streams that are full of wild brook, rainbow, and brown trout. Locations perfect for casting are Lake James, the Catawba River, and several creeks in the area.
Mountain Biking
Get deep into the wilderness when you explore the miles of mountain biking trails in the area. Enjoy a challenging ride while surrounded by the forest’s changing colors, whizzing by you. Get your bike serviced at Old Fort Bike Shop before you hit the trails.
- Point Lookout Trail rises 1,000 feet in elevation over 3.62 paved miles with unique views of a railroad tunnel. Kitsuma Peak is rugged and steep, and Mountain Top Shuttles is offering limited transportation. It'll save you time and energy with an exciting ride down the mountain.
Scenic Drives for Fall Foliage
One of the best ways to enjoy as much stunning scenery as possible is by taking a scenic drive. There are several routes in the region that will bring you past panoramic vistas and mountain-top views.
Here is a full guide on Scenic Drives in McDowell County.
Explore Downtown
Spend a leisurely afternoon strolling through charming downtown Marion and enjoy the Founders’ Art Walk, an outdoor art display of six murals celebrating McDowell County’s cultural heritage of more than 175 years.
Be sure to visit the McDowell Arts Council Association, which features a local artisan's gift shop and gallery exhibits. Take a photo with the train car at the Historic Marion Depot, constructed in the 1860s and the oldest surviving depot on the western rail line. In addition to a wide variety of locally-owned restaurants, you will also find five stops along the High Spirits Trail, a collection of tasting experiences at breweries, wineries, a meadery, and a distillery.
Local Flavors
Savor the delicious foods and drinks that are grown and handcrafted in and around our small towns. From the brewers, distillers, and vintners along the High Spirits Trail to farms and restaurants that have spanned generations, there are plenty of options to fuel your adventures.
- Orchard at Altapass: This 100-year-old historic orchard grows more than 20 varieties of heirloom apples. Wander through the orchards to pick a peck and then get a slice of apple pie and a cold apple cider. Local mountain music is performed on the weekends, and there are “heyrides” for the family.
- Mica Town Brewing: The first brewery in McDowell County has two locations in Marion and Nebo. In addition to beers, Mica Town produces house-made cider and spirits.
- Copper Creek Distillery: Using locally sourced ingredients and heirloom techniques, moonshine is created onsite in small batches. Try the Apple Pie Shine flavor to celebrate the flavors of autumn.
- Switzerland Café: A stop along the NC Barbeque Trail with one of the largest wood-fired smokehouses in the state, the Applewood-smoked trout is not to be missed at this café and general store along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- GoGo’s: Start your day off right with one of a dozen cinnamon roll flavors (we suggest the Apple Cinnamon Rolls in the fall) at this Old Fort bakery, making handcrafted treats using a family recipe.
- Fonta Flora Brewery Whippoorwill Farm: Enjoy a western North Carolina draught beer on this former dairy farm that has acres of pastures surrounded by Lake James State Park.
- South Creek Vineyards and Winery: The closest winery to Lake James, enjoy a glass of Bordeaux-style wine from this boutique winery after a day exploring the trails in the state park.
Coffee
Cool, brisk mornings call for a hot pick-me-up, and there is no better place to caffeinate your day than at the area’s locally owned coffee shops.
- Ingenious Coffee Roasters in downtown Marion offers up a variety of beverages from their specialty coffee bar, including a big list of flavored coffees. Grab a cup to go or take a few minutes to relax and watch the coffee beans being ground and blended in the on-site production facility.
- Get a leisurely start to your day by enjoying an espresso at Little Switzerland Books and Beans while browsing three stories of books. With more than 30,000 books available, you are sure to find something you love.
- Need to get some work done before starting the day? Catawba Vale Business Hub offers plenty of business-friendly space to work on your laptop while enjoying a cup of North Carolina-roasted coffee.
Mountain Glory Festival
Celebrate life in the mountains during one of the most beautiful times of the year at the Mountain Glory Festival in downtown Marion. More than 100 crafts and food vendors can be found along Main Street, as well as live music, children’s entertainment, and a quilt show. This family-friendly event is a true small-town celebration.
