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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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    Things To Do

    Things To Do
    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
    Ice festival 1080 x 720(1).png

    See Frozen Works of Art at the 2025 Lake James Ice Festival

    Experience the magic of a sparkling menagerie sculpted from cold, clear ice at the Paddy's Creek Recreational Area for …

    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…

    Oyster Mushrooms

    Forest Treasures: Foraging & Finding Mushrooms in McDowell County

    information on different mushrooms and fungi to be found in McDowell County, North Carolina

    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…

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    Music in the Mountains: Where to Listen in the Blue Ridge

    The hills are alive with the sounds of traditional Appalachian and bluegrass tunes, as well as blues, rock n’ roll, and…

    Gogo's Cinnamon Rolls in Old Fort NC

    Celebrate Travel & Tourism with these Old Fort Foodie Favorites!

    May 19th-25th, 2024 marks National Travel and Tourism Week across the United States. It's a great way to recogniz…

    McDowell Cycling MTB

    Race to Register for these Sporting Events in McDowell!

    With challenging terrains and epic views, McDowell County is quickly becoming known as a home to some of the best runni…

    Peavine Group Walk

    Trail of the Month: The Peavine Trail

    Trail of the Month: The Peavine TrailWhile McDowell County is known for its growing network of exciting trails through …

    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…

    Old Fort Trout Fishing Family.jpg

    Thank You For Fishing Old Fort, an NC Heritage Trout Town!

    Recently, the NC Wildlife Commission released a Trout Fishing Economic and Socioeconomic Data Report on the impact of M…

    NEW SMITHSONIAN TRAVELING EXHIBIT OPENS AT MOUNTAIN GATEWAY MUSEUM

    New Smithsonian traveling exhibit opens at Mountain Gateway Museum

    Traveling Exhibit The Waldensians of Valdese © Mountain Gateway…

    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"…

    Lake James Rainbow.jpg

    Nebo, NC Weekend Exploration Guide

    The Nebo community sits along the shoreline of Lake James and offers access to plenty of outdoor adventure. When planni…

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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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    • Nebo and Lake James
    • Linville Falls Community
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