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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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    News

    Rambles and Rides

    Rambles and Rides
    All Categories Day Trips Fall Color Food and Drink History Holidays Leaf Report Local Events McDowell County Tourism and Occupancy Tax Outdoor adventures Rambles and Rides Things To Do family travel
    Mystery Monsters and Magick of McDowell

    Haunted Hollars: Explore the Monsters, Mystery & Magic of McDowell County, NC

    Find mysteries and fun Halloween ideas to explore in McDowell County

    McDowell Heritage Trail

    McDowell Heritage Trail: Explore Our County, Win a Prize!

    The McDowell Heritage Trail is an easy-to-use digital passport that helps you explore McDowell County! From National F…

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    Brice Shirbach Explores The Hidden MTB Gem of Old Fort, NC in 'Underexposed'

    Join Brice as he explores the relationship between the Old Fort community and its biking trails.

    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…

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    A Blue Ridge Traveler’s Guide to a Three-Day Mountain Escape

    Whether this is your first trip to our neck of the woods or you’re returning to some of your favorite spots, this three…

    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…

    Meadows Loop Trail of the Month

    Trail of the Month: Meadows Loop Trail

    Accessible Entrance to Meadows Loop Hiking Trail © …

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    Top 25 Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains

    From waterfalls and vistas to small-town main streets and locally crafted flavors, here are 25 top things to experience…

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    Enjoy the Alpine Charm of Little Switzerland

    Little Switzerland, N.C., is a popular stop for visitors to the Blue Ridge Mountains. And there’s plenty to explore. Le…

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    Keep the Blue Ridge Beautiful! Fire Safety & Responsible Recreation Reminders

    While there are many ways that we can minimize the impacts of our activities on the natural environment, practicing goo…

    setrock falls trail

    Waterfall Hike: Setrock Creek Falls

    Setrock Creek Falls, nestled at the base of Mount Mitchell, is a beautiful multi-level waterfall accessible by an easy …

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    4 Hot Hikes for Winter in the Blue Ridge

    Winter is a perfect time of year to enjoy unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Choose your next hiking adven…

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    Just Announced: 42 Miles of New Trails Coming to Pisgah National Forest

    Hikers and bikers looking for new adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains will be excited by the recent U.S. Forest Serv…

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    Plan a Visit to the Historic Carson House

    Tucked between US Highway 70 and the Catawba River on the edge of Marion is one of the oldest surviving homes in this a…

    Mountain Bike Winter

    Old Fort: The New Blue Ridge Cycling Hub

    Old Fort, NC is emerging as the next great hub for the cycling community. The town boasts breathtaking trails and the p…

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    Top 5 Things to Do at the Historic Orchard at Altapass

    One of the most popular stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway is the Orchard at Altapass. People visit not just for the de…

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    Visitor Information Center

    91 South Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, NC 28762
    +1 (828) 668-4282
    [email protected]
    • Old Fort
    • Marion
    • Little Switzerland
    • Nebo and Lake James
    • Linville Falls Community
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    McDowell County Towns

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