Getting Here

McDowell County is easily accessible via multiple exits along I-40. The Blue Ridge Parkway passes right through McDowell County, but is still undergoing repairs in areas, so always check for the latest updates.

There are options when it comes to flying into the Blue Ridge Mountains for your McDowell County adventure.

• The Asheville Regional Airport is a great option, as it is within an hour’s drive of McDowell County and serves as the area’s major commercial airport with 5 airlines.
• The Shiflet-Marion-McDowell Airfield 9A9 is only 3 miles north of Marion’s central business district and is a public-use airport, in case you fly or charter your own plane.
• The Foothills Regional Airport in Morganton, NC, offers safe, convenient, and comfortable aviation access all year round and is less than an hour’s drive to McDowell County via I-40E.
• The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is less than 100 miles and 1.5 hours away from McDowell County via I-40 east and US-321 south.

While in each of these mountain towns, it’s easy enough to get around on foot to check out the local breweries and restaurants, shop the boutiques, and refuel in a coffee shop.

• Driving within McDowell County, making your way from town to town, will have you on NC 226, US 70, NC 80, and US 221.
  • North Carolina Highway 226A, known as the “Diamondback” for its challenging and scenic curves ridden by motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts. It is located near Marion and stretches to Little Switzerland.
  • North Carolina Highway 80 connects Marion to the Blue Ridge Parkway, known for scenic drives and safe places to pull off and enjoy the view.
• The town of Marion offers McDowell Express, an on-demand transit service. Rides can be scheduled in advance and in real-time.
• Area biking leans more recreational with the abundant routes and trails in the area, but for in-town short distances, a bike commute is also a way to get around.
• Public parking is available in each town:
  • In Marion, free public parking lots are available downtown.
  • In Old Fort, free street parking is available.
  • In Little Switzerland, free street parking is available downtown, and public parking is available at the Switzerland Inn.
  • In Lake James, several free public parking lots are available, including Paddy’s Creek and the Catawba River Area.
• If you’re traveling around town in an electric vehicle, don’t sweat because there are plenty of options to charge your EV:
  • Marion
    • EV Connect Charging Station
    • ChargePoint Charging Station
    • Blink Charging Station
  • Old Fort
    • Destination McDowell Visitor Center
    • Shell Recharge Charging Station
    • Electrify America Charging Station
    • Tesla Destination Charger
    • Tesla Supercharger
  • Little Switzerland
    • Electric Vehicle Charging Station at Switzerland Inn
  • Lake James
    • Paddy’s Creek at Lake James State Park

McDowell County provides essential services to keep you safe, healthy and connected during your visit.

• Medical & Healthcare Services
  • The Mission Hospital McDowell is a full-service hospital providing comprehensive medical care and emergency services.
  • The Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is a regional medical facility offering specialized care and treatment options.
  • The McDowell Express Care is a convenient urgent care for non-emergency medical needs and minor injuries.
  • The Lake James Urgent Care is a walk-in clinic providing prompt medical attention for visitors to the Lake James area
• Emergency Services
  • The Marion Fire Department has fire protection and emergency response services for Marion and surrounding areas.
  • The Old Fort Fire Department has fire safety and emergency medical services covering the Old Fort community.
• Municipal Services
  • Marion City Hall has local government offices providing municipal services, permits, and community information for Marion residents and visitors.