The colder months in the Blue Ridge Mountains can be among the most magical times of year, making it a perfect time to plan your cozy winter getaways in McDowell County.
The appeal of outdoor adventure in the cooler weather is no secret. Hiking in winter can offer some of the most terrific trail views through bare trees. The bugs and critters are lying low. Dress in layers, and you're golden for the perfect active temperature. Even the most popular trails are less crowded in the winter, making for a most peaceful walk with nature. One of the most gorgeous wintertime waterfalls in the Blue Ridge is our own Catawba Falls, so put that on your list of hikes when you visit.
Winter festivals and celebrations are scattered throughout the season and county, with everything from Santa visits to holiday bazaars and pop-ups to seasonal yin + meditation. So, no matter your reason for visiting McDowell County - because there doesn’t have to be any reason at all - your cozy winter getaways here in the Blue Ridge Mountains will become some of your best moments of the season.
Where Can You Stay in McDowell County?
Fortunately, McDowell County has it all, so bring the whole family and enjoy sharing a large private cabin. If this is a couples retreat, it will be hard to pass up a stay in one of the cozy and charming mountain B&Bs.
A super special treat is a December stay at the Switzerland Inn, which is open through year-end (for the first time!!!) as it celebrates ‘A Swiss-Mas to Remember’. The Inn is going all out with holiday-themed treats and surprises for guests to the Inn and restaurants through December.
Some folks are just more hearty than others and still prefer to camp in these beautiful winter months. Maybe the most popular choice of accommodations while exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains of McDowell County, a cabin or cottage with a covered front porch and glorious sunrise view for that morning pot of coffee can satisfy groups of all sizes.
How’s the Winter Weather in the Blue Ridge Mountains?
Wintertime weather in McDowell County is relatively temperate, with daytime temperatures in the 40s and 50s and nighttime temperatures dropping into the 30s. Dressing in layers is key to comfortably spending time outdoors doing all of your favorite adventuring. Snowfall may happen in the higher elevations while you’re in McDowell, so go hike in the snow and then come back to town - it’s the best of both worlds. Winter is actually a terrific time to fish. The fish are less active in the cold, but tend to concentrate in predictable locations.
Where Can You Refuel, Relax & Warm Up?
Spend those chilly evenings among fellow travelers in a local brewery with live music, or cozy up to a warm plate of comfort food in a local pub.
Start the day with fresh, hot coffee and piping-hot pastries, and prepare for the day ahead, whether that means biking the miles of local trails, strolling the sidewalks of the mountain towns, or shopping for treasures to take home.
The Blue Ridge Mountains in the winter is the experience you want to have. Endless outdoor adventures, charming mountain towns, and brisk temperatures that remind you you are alive – plan your cozy winter getaways to McDowell County now.
