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    McDowell Visitors Center
    91 South Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, NC 28762
    +1 (828) 668-4282
    [email protected]

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    Outdoor adventures

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    7moons MTB

    Recreate With Heart: Restoring Helene Affected Areas Through Outdoor Recreation

    Western North Carolina’s resilience and recovery over the past five months has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Wit…

    smaller Stephan-Pruitt-Photography-Blue-Ridge-Traveler-McDowell-County-Linville-Falls-39.jpg

    The Best Ways to Explore McDowell County This Winter

    This time of year is an outdoor lover’s dream as the colorful leaves disappear in favor of snow. McDowell County in par…

    MTA First Day Hike

    Kick up some dust with a First Day Hike in 2025!

    In a post-Helene North Carolina, the trails look a little different this year. However, we're called "The Gr…

    Outdoor NC Trail Town Guide

    Introducing: The Outdoor NC Trail Town Guide.

    North Carolina is beautiful, from the 6,000-foot peaks of the western regions to the 100-foot sand dunes skirting along…

    heartbreak trail article

    Lower Heartbreak Ridge Trail

    Old Fort is quickly becoming known as one of the best mountain biking destinations in the country. In fact, Outside Mag…

    Hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains

    Responsible Travel in McDowell County

    Responsible Travel in McDowell CountyNorth Carolina is home to endless opportunities for outdoor recreation in scenic p…

    Copy of Outdoor Allilance (Facebook Cover) (1).png

    Trip Tips: Outdoor Recreation Tips from the Locals

    As a part of our ever-evolving partnership with OutdoorNC, we've taken the initiative to share some real, local ti…

    Catawba Falls Antique Postcard

    A Journey Through Time & Nature: Exploring the Reimagined Catawba Falls

    This month's G5 Trail Collective "Trail Tracker" collaboration continues the story of the Catawba Falls.…

    Meadows Loop Trail of the Month

    Trail of the Month: Meadows Loop Trail

    Accessible Entrance to Meadows Loop Hiking Trail © …

    Curtis Creek Pier

    Accessible Outdoors: Old Fort's Mission to Improve Outdoor Access for All

    As part of our 2024 outdoor initiatives, we want to encourage all visitors to explore our beautiful outdoor spaces and …

    First Day Hikes 2023-2024 New

    Three First Day Hikes to Kick-Off 2024!

    2023 was "The Year of the Trail" in North Carolina, and the year gave us a way to expand our love of the grea…

    Great Trails State Day

    Celebrate Great Trails State Day October 21st!

    Celebrate North Carolina's "The Year of the Trail" in McDowell County with Great Trails State Day!Mid-Oc…

    Heartbreaker 50m/55k 2023

    Register for the Mt Mitchell Heartbreaker 50m/55k!

    Back for the 2nd year, the Mt Mitchell Heartbreaker 50m/55k is an extremely scenic tour of "the other Pisgah"…

    Bernard Mountain Trail Map

    New Trail: Bernard Mountain Trail in Old Fort Officially Opens

    The Bernard Mountain Trail is the latest trail to be completed in an effort to create new outdoor experiences throughou…

    Curtis Creek Kid Grandad.jpeg

    Where to Hike in Curtis Creek Near Old Fort, NC

    The Curtis Creek area of the Blue Ridge Mountains offers some of the most beautiful hikes in the region, traversing rid…

    Bear in the Woods

    Be Bear Aware in the Blue Ridge Mountains

    When spring arrives, very hungry black bears come out of hibernation. It’s also the time when outdoor enthusiasts flock…

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    Visitor Information Center

    91 South Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, NC 28762
    +1 (828) 668-4282
    [email protected]
    • Old Fort
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