Discover a winter wonderland in McDowell County, NC: Unique stays, scenic adventures, and a road trip to find local art and makers

Discover a winter wonderland in McDowell County, N.C.: Unique stays, scenic adventures, and a road trip to find local art and makers

Old Fort, N.C. (Dec. 16, 2025) - This winter, travelers seeking a mountain escape with character, charm, and creativity will find it in McDowell County, N.C., a Blue Ridge winter wonderland where cozy cabins, artful inns, and imaginative retreats offer a getaway that’s anything but ordinary.

In the spirit of unplugging from hectic holiday schedules, the craftsmanship, creativity, and ingenuity of accommodations in McDowell offer options for reflection and adventure. Just east of Asheville, visitors to McDowell County will find opportunities to hike on occasionally snow-dusted trails and peaks, and take in views of wild Pisgah valleys.

Stay Somewhere You’ve Never Stayed Before

From retro to rustic to artfully whimsical, McDowell County’s lodging options create memorable experiences wrapped in winter comfort:

• In the City of Marion:
  
  
  • Tabletop Inn: A retro-chic, board-game themed boutique, operated by professional boardgame designers, Tabletop is the perfect place for those who enjoy nostalgic flair. The Inn is filled with vintage puzzles and classic board-game art. Guests can gather in the colorful common lounge for epic game nights, enjoy local snacks, or unwind on the patio after exploring downtown Marion’s breweries and shops.
• Soulshine Glamping Geodesic Dome: For a serene winter retreat tucked into the woods, Soulshine offers a thoughtfully designed geodome that wraps guests in warmth and plush interiors, and panoramic triangle-pane windows. Extra touches include an outdoor fire pit, hot tubs, and a private deck for enjoying morning coffee or evening wine.
  
  
• Serene Pastures Retreat: Experience the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury in a spacious, safari-style tent on a small farm near downtown Marion. Scenic views and friendly farm animals await you at this comfortable and relaxing yurt, equipped with an indoor full bathroom, with plush memory foam beds and organic cotton sheets. Chickens provide farm fresh eggs daily, access to hiking trails and an artist’s treehouse. Add-ons include a Horse Encounter on Artex, resident horse, which includes a ride (led by a handler), and a lesson on horse grooming; a Family Photoshoot with the Animals; a Unicorn Photoshoot; and a Picnic Lunch available upon your arrival.
• Gold River Camp: This slice of paradise combines the history of Vein Mountain and outdoor recreation creating a boutique campground bordering the Second Broad River. During the late 1800s, North Carolina supplied the nation with the majority of its gold and this site was once a gold and gem mining business.

Gold River offers a range of accommodations including full-service cabins to tiny glamping cabins to primitive riverfront tent sites. One RV spot is also available.

• In the town of Old Fort:
  
  
  • Little Mountain A-Frame: Inspired by the Scandinavian concept of “hygge,” the inside of this cozy cabin is filled with natural fibers, dreamy corners to tuck into with a book, and restful spaces for relaxing and reconnecting. Wintertime means long, sweeping mountain views, and Little Mountain A-Frame is perfectly perched in the woods for taking it all in. Wrap up and enjoy Adirondack chairs around the Solo Stove fire pit, a comfy hammock and a cedar hot tub for soaking under the stars.
• Wunderland Resort: This new, art-forward, imaginative property is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection. Blending upscale lodging with wellness-centered amenities, the resort offers themed glamping pods, villas designed for creative connection, primitive campsites, and van/RV pads, along with a sauna, cold plunge, spring-fed swimming pond and a community kitchen. Wunderland specializes in programming like yoga, guided hikes, and intention-based itineraries. Wunderland brings together its founders' passions for sustainability, healthy living, design, and adventure.
• Indigo Nature Retreat: Now offering 20% Off Winter Stays, Indigo’s mix of tiny, creek-side cabins, a rustic barn, and main lodge, Indigo offers a location for group retreats and individual stays. Perfect for family reunions, weddings, and girlfriend getaways, Indigo offers easy access to trails of all kinds.
• Copper Ridge, Opening in early 2026: Nestled into the trees and mountain views of the Pisgah National Forest, Copper Ridge, part of the new Grier Village, offers five 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath cabins and a central outdoor pavilion that can welcome up to 60 guests at a time. The cabins are paired with true hike-in/hike-out and bike-in/bike-out access, connecting guests directly to the forests, trails, and outdoor assets the community has built together. Experiences range from horseback riding, guided hikes, and kayaking to time spent gathering outdoors or simply slowing down. Chef-led meals are available upon request, creating space for shared meals and celebrations after full days outside. Located adjacent to Pisgah National Forest, just minutes from downtown Old Fort, Copper Ridge serves as a welcoming home base for exploration, connection, and time well spent outdoors.
• Adorable Tiny Homes Diamond in the Woods and Under the Oaks: Make either of these a quiet home base for exploring McDowell County. Set in the woods, both offer private retreats with nearby hiking and biking trails, fishing, waterfalls, and access nearby to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Up on the Blue Ridge Parkway, in Little Switzerland:
  
  
  • Switzerland Inn: Home of the “Million Dollar View,” Switzerland Inn is perched at the crest of the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, fire pits, a seasonal pool, a spa, dining options and nearby shopping. The inn recently announced its plans to be a year-round resort starting in 2026.
• Skyline Village Inn: This vintage roadside inn with alpine personality offers Hiking Stay Packages, Mid-Week Specials, and viewing decks of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and valleys below.
  
  
• Big Lynn Lodge: From its humble beginnings as a collection of cabins on an old dahlia farm more than 100 years ago, Big Lynn Lodge has grown into a 42-room inn, including four suites, with some of the region’s most spectacular mountain views. An informal setting, red rocking chairs on the front porch greet you. Individual cottages are also available. Everything is home-cooked, with a daily breakfast of eggs to order, waffles, homemade pancakes,and fresh baked bread.
  
  
• Spacious Skies Bear Den: For camping fans, Spacious Skies Bear Den offers cabin rentals, RV Sites and tent camping. All accommodations include their own fire pit and picnic table. On-site amenities include scenic trails, streams, playgrounds and a rec hall.

During your visit, take an art-filled road trip through McDowell: The new Mountain Made Guide

To complement a cozy winter stay, Destination McDowell encourages visitors to explore the county’s vibrant arts community, using its new Mountain Made Guide, designed to take you into the creative heart of McDowell County where you’ll have the chance to meet the makers themselves, hear the stories behind their work and witness the intimate process of creation that makes each piece irreplaceable. Download the map and guide here!

Highlights of the guide include details on:

• The local studios and artists who are producing hand-thrown pottery, handmade jewelry, and textile arts;
• Galleries throughout McDowell County that feature work from the county’s thriving creative community;
• Suggestions for pairing stops on the route with scenic drives, local eateries, and winter hikes

Winter Activities to round out the trip

McDowell County offers plenty to do between cozy nights and road-tripping days, including:

• Winter views from Catawba Falls, Point Lookout Greenway, and the Blue Ridge Parkway;
• Exploring Old Fort’s trails;
• Browsing Marion’s historic downtown shops and cafes;
• Scenic drives through Little Switzerland’s alpine-like highlands
  
  

Plan your winter escape

To plan your trip, explore lodging options, or download the Mountain Made route, visit DestinationMcDowell.com. Weather and travel updates are also available.

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About Destination McDowell

Formerly known as Blue Ridge Traveler, Destination McDowell is the official tourism resource for McDowell County, dedicated to showcasing the beauty, culture, and outdoor adventure of this iconic Western North Carolina region.

About McDowell County, N.C.

McDowell County, N.C., is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Foothills of Western North Carolina. It is home to an abundance of natural beauty with nearly 200 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, charming small towns, and cultural experiences that celebrate its rich Southern Appalachian history. With easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the graceful bends and turns of the Catawba River, moments of awe and beauty are plentiful throughout the county. More information about McDowell County, N.C., may be found at www.destinationmcdowell.com.