There’s no place like fall in Western North Carolina. It’s one of the best places in the nation to see the changing colors among the trees, which are at their peak in mid-October. If you want to plan a trip, do it early as rooms tend to book up, and confirm the status of roads, some of which are still being repaired after Hurricane Helene a year later.
Go leaf peeping in Pisgah National Forest
Immerse yourself in fall color during the most beautiful time of year for McDowell County. You’ll see the auburn and golden leaves throughout the area, but perhaps the best place to spot them is in Pisgah National Forest. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a popular route through the park, winding amongst the curves. Some of the parkway is still under construction, but new sections continue to open. The NC Highway 226 (Gillespie Gap) to Little Switzerland is a great option to reach the charming Alpine town. Check the National Park Service website for the latest updates.
Hit (and help) the trails
This time of year is great for navigating the several miles of trails in the state parks and protected landscapes of the county. In Old Fort, mountain bikers can find bumpy tracks for thrilling rides on the Forager Mountain Biking Trail. If you’re exploring on foot, Lake James State Park has several hiking and mountain biking trails.
But you can also do your part to maintain the trails for future travelers. The Old Fort campus of the McDowell Tech Trail School offers regular classes open to visitors. They focus on how to prevent trail erosion, proper tool usage, and sawyer safety, which is essential for working with chainsaws and helpful for volunteers with the US Forest Service in its hurricane cleanup efforts. For the calendar of events, check out the school website and Facebook page.
Soak up the history
Launched over the summer, the McDowell Heritage Trail is a great way to see the landmarks found throughout the county at the palm of your hand. Collect virtual stamps by scanning a QR code at locations like the colorful murals, iconic waterfalls, and historic sites. Once you’ve collected three stamps, you can get your official trail sticker and if you get 12, you can earn a prize. Best of all, you don’t need to download anything, but instead use your phone’s browser.
Settle in with a warm drink and a good book
If you find yourself in the area on an occasional rainy day, head to one of the area’s abundant bookstores for a title from a North Carolina author or one of the coffee shops for a seasonal beverage.
Bigfoot Books & Brews in Marion and Little Switzerland Books and Beans in Little Switzerland provide the best of both worlds. Bigfoot is named for the iconic cryptid, with a plush green couch for relaxing and everything from guidebooks to children’s books. Little Switzerland has been an essential Blue Ridge Parkway stop since opening in 1986. Ingenious Coffee Roasters in Marion and Seeker Coffee in Old Fort are also local favorites for a java boost.
Tour a local winery
North Carolina’s winemaking tradition dates back to the earliest days of the state, and it continues to be a booming business in Western North Carolina, which is home to the Appalachian High Country AVA. The best way to explore is on the High Spirits Trail, which includes creators of wine, beer, and spirits. The region’s mild climate makes it possible to grow both native and French-American hybrid grapes. Silver Fork Vineyard & Winery in nearby Morganton offers a post-hike respite, offering merlot and cabernet franc. Linville Falls Winery is not far from the Blue Ridge Parkway, with tours and tastings of Malbec, sauvignon blanc, and sweet fruit wines.
Settle in to cozy accommodations
Camping this time of year is lovely, allowing you to connect even more with the natural surroundings. But you also can’t beat a crackling fireplace and top-notch amenities, and McDowell County has several cozy inns to escape to. The Inn on Mill Creek in Pisgah National Forest offers the bed and breakfast experience with five guest rooms and seven acres of property to roam. Switzerland Inn is right on the Blue Ridge Parkway, open since 1910 with an onsite restaurant, lodge rooms, and cottages. The Skyline Village Inn in Spruce Pine is another regional favorite, open since 1948 with 16 guest rooms, all with stunning mountain vistas.
