This time of year is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, as colorful leaves give way to cooler weather and sometimes snow. McDowell County, North Carolina, in particular, is well-poised for day trips, especially if it’s mountain biking, hiking, and skiing you’re looking for. But these aren’t the only activities to experience this winter. There are plenty of ways to explore the region during the colder months.
Day-trip to the Slopes
Two of North Carolina’s best ski resorts are only around an hour’s drive away for those looking for a chance to spend an afternoon on the 5,000-foot-high mountain peaks. Sugar Mountain Resort is open for skiing, tubing, and even ice skating. It’s a great spot for beginners because the resort offers ski school and gear rentals, but it can also interest the pros with the double black-diamond slopes.
Beech Mountain Resort is another favorite, with slopes of varying difficulty, plus freestyle terrain and tubing. But it’s not all about the snow. The resort boasts an on-site brewery that hosts a winter concert series and the state’s only mountaintop ski bar for the full apres-ski experience.
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing is another way to enjoy the winter weather. The 400-foot-long slopes are great for those not quite ready for skiing.
Go Hiking on the Trails
Lake James State Park has several of its hiking and mountain biking trails open for exploration.
The Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway follows the river with a flat paved 3.5-mile path, ideal for bikes and younger travelers. The Point Lookout Greenway runs from Old Fort through the hardwood forest on what used to be part of the highway. There is some elevation gain, depending on how far you go.
The Gateway Trails in Old Fort, accessible via Camp Grier, and the Kitsuma and Bernard Mountain Trail are ideal for exploring. The Mountains to Sea Trail, which extends the entire length of the state, is open from Highway 221 to the North Fork of the Catawba River.
Chase Winter Waterfalls
Western North Carolina is filled with stunning cascades to soak in nature’s vast power. Tom's Creek Falls, north of Marion, is one of the most popular, dropping 80 feet into a pool below. The trail is less than a mile from the parking lot, but has moderate elevation gains, so be prepared with sturdy shoes. Catawba Falls in Old Fort is a four-mile round-trip trail and 30 a 30-story observation stairway.
Enjoy Cozy Winter Stays
After a day of exploring, settle into one of our accommodations found in one of our mountain towns. Each stay in McDowell County offers a unique experience tailored to your family's needs.
