Blue Ridge Traveler’s Guide

Orchard At Altapass

Blue Ridge Parkway

Crabtree Falls Little Switzerland Old Fort Depot

Catawba River Marion Table Of Content

Marion and Lake James Accommodations 3-4 Campgrounds 4 Attractions 5 Hiking and Waterfalls 6 Golf Courses 6

Old Fort Accommodations 7 Rhododendron in bloom on the mountain Outdoor Recreation & Mountain Biking 8-9 Welcome to the Blue Ridge Traveler’s Towns and Trails! Attractions 10 Golf Courses 10 We will introduce you to awesome people, places, and Hiking and Waterfalls 11 happenings in and around our Blue Ridge Parkway communities Blue Ridge Parkway Accommodations 12 at Little Switzerland and , the Lake James region, and Attractions 13 Campgrounds 14 the enchanting small towns of Marion and Old Fort. Golf Courses 14 Hiking and Waterfalls 14 Ramble or ride through dense, lush backcountry trails scattered Annual Events Calendar 15 throughout 70,000 acres of . You’ll find first-rate trout streams, epic downhill switchbacks, chilling waterfalls, and picturesque hiking trails.

Meet our makers! Get to know us by shopping, eating and drinking locally.

We are happy to help you plan your next visit! Call our toll-free line at 888-233-6111.

Lake James www.blueridgetraveler.com Accommodations Marion and Lake James Marion and Lake James area Absolute Paradise Slow down and take a little time to soak up the sites and flavors of Marion. 504-723-5533 The 310 District in downtown Marion is an easy 0.3 mile walk featuring America’s Best Value Inn a tasting trail of goodies. You’ll find specialty bakeries, breweries, 828-659-2567 a mead maker, taprooms, game room, restaurants, general store, Appalachian Dream Cabin music hall, and more. 251-363-3142 Backyard Bunkies 828-527-4428 Bear Ridge Cabin 321-377-2452 Between The Falls 386-299-9681 Big League Camp 828-527-0052 Black Bear Cabin 386-299-9681 Budget Inn 828-652-7276 Downtown Marion Camp Lake James & Cabins Marion is known for their iconic, annual 828-391-6866 events and block parties. You may know Comfort Inn about the Big Foot Festival, but have you 828-652-4888 celebrated New Year’s Eve with us and tasted Cottages at Spring House Farm the legendary TEN FOOT donut? 828-738-9798 Eco-Cove Sanctuary 828-724-9757 Fossie’s Cabin 828-724-9612 Grandview Lodge 407-463-2458 Hampton Inn Check our online 828-652-5100 event calendar for Hidden Creek’s Cabins details and dates. 828-652-7208 blueridgetraveler.com Hidden Lake Cabins 828-460-8252 Downtown Marion - Livermush Festival Marion’s convenient location creates the ideal vacation base camp. You’ll find an assortment of lodging options from camp- grounds to luxurious Accommodations Lake James vacation Marion and Lake James area Holiday Inn Express rentals to your favorite 828-584-9999 national hoteliers. A short drive takes Jason’s Get-Away Lake James Trail 980-253-3905 you to the Blue Ridge Parkway or Lake Club Vacation Rental to one of five State meandering through the wilderness 828-584-9999 Parks. Explore backcountry trails, of an old-growth forest. No cell Lake James Rentals like the Woods Mountain Trail service here, plan accordingly! 828-442-5890 Lakefront Retreat 888-640-7927 Morning Star Cabin 225-439-0281 Mountain Majesty 585-402-4398 Mountain Stream Yurts 828-724-9013 Ryan’s Rest Cabin

678-850-5944 Joseph McDowell Greenway Sarah’s Song Cabin 828-659-2879 Campgrounds Riverbreeze Campground South Creek Retreat Marion and Lake James area 828-925-8524 828-803-9464 Buck Creek Campground Tom Johnson’s RV Park Sportsman Inn 828-724-4888 800-225-7802 828-659-7525 Hidden Creek RV Park and Super 8 Motel Campground 828-659-7940 828-652-7208 Public Campgrounds Marion and Lake James area Tranquility Cabin Mountain Paradise Lake James State Park 828-738-4893 828-765-4085 828-584-7728 Whispering Creek Cottage Mountain Stream RV Park 813-215-8906 828-724-9013 Attractions Marion and Lake James area Artesana Ice Cream 828-559-2023 Buck Creek Trout Farm 828-724-9612 Catawba River Outdoors 828-442-6048 Flavors on Main & General Store 828-528-8145 Founders’ Art Walk 828-668-4282 Historic Carson House 828-724-4948 Keeper’s Cut Meadery 828-527-6326 Lake James State Park Beach Lucky Strike Gold Mine If you’re new to hiking or moun- 828-738-4893 tain biking, try a less strenuous trail McDowell Arts Council like the McDowell Greenway. It’s a Gallery and Gift Shop 828-652-8610 paved path following the flow of the Catawba River. It features a kayak/ Mica Town Brewing 828-559-8300 canoe put-in, handicap accessible entrances and fishing decks. Refinery 13 Tap Room 828-559-0027 Beginning mountain bikers, 5-Lined Skink South Creek Winery head out to Lake James State Park. 828-652-5729 Three trails and loops provide the experience you’re looking for. The Spillway Bridge & Company 828-460-0269 park also features hiking trails and a seasonal swimming beach with Sweet Betsy Farm 828-724-4444 kayak and canoe rentals. Many weekends, park rangers host free, The Feisty Goldfish 828-559-2552 guided nature walks, rides, or boat excursions. Check our event Vintage Market Marion calendar for details. 828-559-2700 By Alex Garcia Woody’s Mountain Music 828-724-4158 Golf Courses Inspired by McDowell Marion and Lake James area County’s 175th Anniversary, Marion Lake Club The Founders’ Art Walk is an 828-652-6232 outdoor art exhibit displayed Hiking & Waterfalls in downtown Marion’s 310 Marion and Lake James area District. Each piece was McDowell Greenway created by local artists, 136 US 70 West, Marion including two art teachers and Paved, non-motorized trail, easy walk or bike ride, bordering several students. the Catawba River. Continue your art Marion Depot Lake James State Park experience by visiting Old 6883 Hwy. 126 Fort. The 7 Wonders Trail Nebo, NC depicts locals’ favorite places. Mountain biking and hiking trails, canoe/kayak/paddle board rental/ These pieces were also created swimming beach. Fees apply. through a teacher-student 828-584-7728 collaboration. Mt. Ida Wilderness Trail Old Fort’s downtown build- 1536 Rutherford Road ings include another series Marion, NC Gravel road leads to trailhead, of larger, full-scale murals. covered picnic shelter. Trail is Some represent history while approximately .70 mile. others share the love of our Lake Tahoma (Entrance signs beside Ideal Rentals) outdoor spaces. Tom’s Creek Falls All of these public art dis- US 221 North, left at Huskins Branch Rd, 1.3 miles, trailhead on right. plays are a part of the larger Appalachian Mural Trail. Fitness Trail https://www.muraltrail.com Hwy. 221 North Woodlawn Fitness Trail U.S. Hwy. 221 North in Marion Entrance on left, 7 work out stations plus 1-mile loop trail. Woods Mountain Trail Hwy. 221 North Short-off Mountain Entrance at Woodlawn Fitness Trail 26-mile wilderness trail, no cell phone access.

Call 888-233-6111 to receive a Visitor Center detailed hiking and biking map. 91 South Catawba Avenue in Old Fort

Marion Lake Club Golf Course Accommodations Old Fort - Birthplace of The Pisgah National Forest Old Fort area Bear Haven Cabin Surrounded by the Pisgah National Area. You’ll find challenging trails, 828-668-4831 Forest, Old Fort is quickly becom- including Snook’s Nose, Mackey’s Camp Grier ing a popular destination for out- Mountain, and an awesome trout 828-668-7793 door enthusiasts. This energy and stream, Curtis Creek. Indigo Nature Retreat interest have ushered in new growth This terrain lends itself to 828-619-0900 for the downtown area. off-road racing. Check out the Inn on Mill Creek Hellbender 100 (foot race), the Off- 828-668-1115 Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell, the Greybeard Vacation Rentals Jerdon Mountain Challenge, and 828-668-6077 the Pisgah Enduro Race. Brook Trout Isobel Acres What else will you find? A down- 855-688-1115 Why “Birthplace Of The Pisgah town that includes a brewery, art Jarrett Creek Cottage National Forest?” In 1911, The gallery, museum, coffee house, 828-669-1072 Weeks Act made it possible to visitor center, donut shop, and Log Lodge Hideaway purchase land for conservation and more. Watch for the summer 2020 704-578-3410 preservation creating the national opening of The Old Fort Ride Mountain Appalachian Inn forest system, including Pisgah. House. This is a space created and 828-460-3438 The first tract of 8,000 acres was operated by Kitsbow Manufactur- Newberry Creek Log House purchased outside downtown Old ing. Check our website for opening 828-652-1234 Fort and is part of the Curtis Creek dates and hours. Railway Rest 828-460-2486 Rivers Ridge Lodge 828-243-5762 Sky Island Cabins 828-668-4928 The Kibbin 828-669-1072 The Lodge at Catawba Falls Preserve 828-284-7893 Rock House at Maple Hill 828-668-6077 Round Knob Lodge 828-668-6077 Wildcat Lodge 502-245-8816 Mountain Biking Mountain Biking Veteran racers and beginners will both find rewarding trails in our region of Pisgah. Beginner friendly trails are at Lake James State Park. The lake terrain is ideal for anyone training and developing new skills. With thirteen miles of trail and new routes being planned, add the Paddy’s Creek Area of Lake James State Park to your adventure plans. All state park rules apply. Please, be a good mountain biking ambassador and make sure these assets are protected for the future. Rains may shut down some trails. Check the park website for updates. https://www.ncparks.gov/lake-james-state-park/trails Old Fort is the promised land of mountain biking. Intermediate and experienced riders are ready for these demanding trails, tricky route find- ing, and remote settings located far from assistance. Kitzuma Peak/Youngs Kitsuma Trail Ridge, Heartbreak Ridge, and the Old Mitchell Toll Road are legends. Extend your Kitzuma Peak ride by linking into Point Lookout Trail. It adds 3.75 miles of smooth blacktop winding in and out of the forest. About a mile from the top, the trail opens to spectacular views of the Royal Gorge. A great place to take a break, rest a bit and soak up those views. Just north of Marion is Woods Mountain Trail. This is true wilderness area, plan accordingly, no cell service is available on this 25 mile loop. You’ll cross a section of Mountain to the Sea Trail and descend 2,000 feet on Betsy’s Ridge. This is an extended ride for experienced riders only. What can you expect? At the beginning, where the loop starts at USFS Woodlawn Work Center 10 miles north of Marion on US 221. Be sure to download the MTB Project Mobile app for this ride or have a map and excellent route finding skills. Park at the kiosk and start on the Woods Mountain Trail (which is also the Mountains to Sea Trail). Climb, then descend to Tom’s Creek where the Woods Mountain Trail continues left. Take a right though on Forest Service Road 1073 to Harris Creek. Climb steeply for 3 miles to FSR 469A to a gate at FSR 469. Turn left here on FSR 469. Continue on FSR for about 4.5 miles, passing a gate, and staying left. Continue 2 miles and look for Bad Fork Trail on the left. Climb this to an intersection with Woods Mountain Trail. Take a left here and start the hardest climb of the ride. At the summit, collect yourself and get ready for 5 miles and 2000 feet of downhill. Many forks branch off this trail but stay Woods Mountain Trail on the main trail and you’ll rip it down to FSR 1073. Take a left at a gate and follow the Woods Mountain trail back to the trailhead. 8 9 Celebration and Wedding Outdoor Adventure Venues Getaway from the daily grind and explore this region of the Oak Hill Farm Pisgah National Forest. At the heart of one of the country’s most important 744 Huntsville Drive Marion, NC 28752 conservation movements is the Curtis Creek area of Pisgah. This region is 828-582-0320 home to old-growth forests and epic backcountry trails, you’ll find it out- The Courtyard At Little Acres side downtown Old Fort. Our region of Pisgah covers almost 70,000 acres. 200 Little Acres Drive Are you an experienced fly-fisherman? Before hitting the water, check the Marion, NC 28752 N.C. Wildlife Commission’s site for locations, conditions, and stream types. 828-442-8416 Newberry Creek is a catch and release stream, Curtis Creek has a wild trout The Back 40 waters designation, Mill Creek and portions of the Catawba River are 650 Dairy Road Nebo, NC 28761 delayed harvest, while the upper portion of the Catawba River is hatchery 828-808-7971 supported. The North Fork Catawba River and are also A Wedding Place hatchery supported waters. 5274 US 226 South Marion, NC 828-652-1653 The Wilson Farm Event Center 653 Marlowe Road Marion, NC 828-925-7778 The Catawba River Inn at Linville Falls 1805 US 221 North Marion, NC River Floats Birdwatching 828-756-7001 Birding! Whether you are a novice or experienced birder, western North The Pond at Laurel Cove Carolina is filled with cool places to watch your favorites. The North 1718 Bat Cave Road Old Fort, NC 28762 Carolina Birding Trail lists public sites where birders are welcome to watch 828-442-8631 on private property. A few in our area include the Inn on Mill Creek, the Cottages at Spring House Farm, Mountain Gateway Museum, and the Historic Carson House 1805 US 70 West McDowell Greenway. Add Lake James State Park to the list. Their hiking Marion, NC 28752 trails are perfect for birding! 828-724-4948 River floats and kayaking create the perfect summer day. Catawba River Outdoors provides seasonal float trips on the Catawba River. For a more challenging river experience, reserve your place with N.C. Outdoor Adventures. They provide guided kayak and “funyak” trips on faster, regional rivers, rappelling classes, and guided hikes. Need more ideas? Call us! 828-668-4282

8 9 Attractions Old Fort area Andrews Geyser Park Mill Creek Road 828-668-4244 Arrowhead Gallery and Studios Gallery and Classes 828-668-1100 Camp Grier 828-668-7793 Day Passes - Between Sept – May Horseback Riding, Biking Dragonfly Studio 828-668-1185 Hillman Beer Arrowhead Gallery 78 Catawba Avenue Suite F Mill Creek Mug Fishing & Watersports 828-668-7627 All N.C. Wildlife Commission regulations apply, whether you are sports Mountain Gateway Museum fishing on Lake James and the Catawba River or searching for a great public 828-668-9259 trout stream. Exceptions include privately owned ponds and farms and the Old Fort Train Depot specially designated trout waters on Mill Creek at Mountain Gateway 25 W. Main Street Museum. The Old Fort section is included in the Wildlife Commission’s 828-668-4244 Mountain Heritage Trout Town Program. Licenses are available online or The Catawba Angler by calling. www.ncwildlife.org 888-248-6834 828-460-2390 The 7 Wonders Trail 828-668-4282 The Pond At Laurel Cove 828-442-8631 The Ride House Coming Soon! Turtle Island Pottery 828-337-0092

In 1911, The Weeks Act provided funds to preserve national forest lands, and the first tract purchased was here at Curtis Creek Recreation Area. Trout Fishing Hiking & Waterfalls Old Fort area Catawba Falls End of Catawba River Road Curtis Creek Recreation Area: Hiking, mountain biking, trout fishing/delayed harvest Curtis Creek Road - 8 mile dirt/gravel road between Hwy. 70 and Blue Ridge Parkway. Caution! Miles of hiking trails Star Gap Mountain bike trail. Take Mill Creek Campgrounds Road, to Old Fort Picnic Area on left. Old Fort area Park here. Ride 2.5 miles north on Catawba Falls Horseback Riding at Camp Grier Mill Creek Road to Graphite Road. Family Campground Veer right, past the Brookside Baptist 828-668-4831 Church. Turn right on the doubletrack, unmarked trail, approximately .2 mile Sky Island Campground beyond track. Cross RR tracks and and Retreat begin on Star Gap Trail. Immediate 828-668-4928 elevation gain. 2.9 mile trail. Public Campgrounds mtbproject.com/trail/1363959 Old Fort area Kitsuma Peak/Young’s Ridge Curtis Creek Campground Trail Tent and RV Camping 10 mile, mountain/biking trail with 828-652-2144 steep terrain. Access from Old Fort Picnic Area. Youngs Ridge - Kitsuma Trail Newberry Creek Trail Curtis Creek Road to Newberry Creek Road to end. U.S. Forest Service Gate – Scenic, easy walk. 5 miles Point Lookout Trail Paved, 3.75 mile non-motorized trail with magnificent views of the Royal Gorge. Hwy. 70 to Old Hwy. 70 to road ends, U.S. Forest Service gate provides access. Snooks’ Nose Across from Curtis Creek Recreation Area parking lot, extremely steep trail to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mountain Gateway Museum Green Knob. Call to receive detailed hiking, Catawba Falls - lower falls mountain biking trail map. 888-233-6111 Accommodations Blue Ridge Parkway area Blue Ridge Parkway Communities Alpine Inn The number one reason visitors spend time with us, the Blue Ridge 828-765-5380 Parkway. We enjoy one of the largest sections of Parkway between Crabtree Bear Den Cabins Falls and Linville Falls (Milepost 316.4 and Milepost 344). Between these 828-765-2888 Mileposts, you’ll find lots of things to see and do. Big Lynn Lodge 828-765-4257 Black Bear Cabin 386-299-9681 Blue Ridge Pkwy. Log Cabins 919-602-6722 Chalet Switz 407-678-9383 Haus Edelweiss Guest Suite 828-527-2564 Linville Falls Lodge 828-765-2658 Linville Falls Cottages 828-765-2658 Blue Ridge Parkway Little Switzerland Rentals 866-766-0611 Discover the century-old infamous DiamondbackNC with summer colony of Little Switzerland 190 curves covering 12 miles of Rocky Falls Retreat at MP 334. Cool, a word to 704-489-1559 two-lane blacktop. Pick up describe everything related to Diamondback swag, glassworks, Ryan’s Rest Little Switzerland, including the jewelry and more when you shop 678-850-5944 weather! With elevations between with local vendors across from the Skyline Village Inn 3200 and 4000 feet above sea level, Switzerland Inn. 828-765-9394 atmospheric conditions put a new Switzerland Inn & Chalet twist on each day. 800-654-4026 Mountain culture is shared The Catawba River Inn through storytelling and traditional 828-756-7001 arts and music. Summertime square Whispering Creek Cottage dances are still popular ways to 813-215-8906 spend a Saturday night. These mountains are where you’ll find the “curvy roads” like the Blue Ridge Parkway Attractions Blue Ridge Parkway area Artisan League of Little Switzerland Gallery 828-766-2601 DiamondbackNC Hwy. 226-A 190 Steep, Climbing Curves over 12 scenic miles! Dual Sport Motorcycle Rentals 828-765-9394 Emerald Village 828-765-6463 English Farmstead Cheese Little Switzerland 828-756-8166 Little Switzerland Geneva Hall Uptown Little Switzerland Downtown, or the Special Event Venue local’s term “LSD” is July/August Square Dances where you’ll find a Historic Orchard at Altapass North Carolina Milepost 328.3/Parkway Barbecue Society Linville Caverns favorite stop at the 800-419-0540 Switzerland Cafe Little Switzerland Books and General Store. and Beans 828-766-2601 N.C. Outdoor Adventures Orchard at Altapass 828-260-4505 Shops at Switzerland Inn Drop by the neighboring bookstore Milepost 334/Parkway and art gallery. Switzerland Café Known for the variety of minerals & General Store 828-765-5289 found here, Emerald Village was once a large commercial mining Restaurants include operation. Today, it functions as Switzerland Inn’s Chalet Restaurant a recreational mine, museum, and and Fowl Play Pub, Apple Core Grill activity center. Ask about their at the Orchard at Altapass and special, seasonal black light series. Speers BBQ at Linville Falls Lodge

Orchard at Altapass Campgrounds Blue Ridge Parkway area Bear Den Campground 828-765-2888 Hiking & Waterfalls Blue Ridge Parkway area Crabtree Falls Milepost 339 Blue Ridge Parkway Apple trees in bloom Duggers Creek Falls Milepost 316.5 Blue Ridge Parkway Just north of Little Switzerland is the iconic Orchard at Altapass. Linville Falls Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 316.3/Parkway Their logo includes the note, saving the good stuff. They do it Golf Courses Blue Ridge Parkway area well! For over 100 years, these hills Linville Falls Golf Club have produced heirloom apples, Public/Open Year-Round traditional music, and art. They are 828-756-4653 dedicated to preserving the mountain culture. Call before driving up. This is a seasonal attraction and may share details of upcoming events. Scenic rides www.altapassorchard.org

Linville Falls

Orchard at Altapass The 100+ year old Orchard at Altapass opens to views of the famous Clinchfield Loops. Visitors from across the globe travel to view this engineering marvel created by the Carolina Clinchfield and Ohio Railway. Little Switzerland - Photo courtesy of The Switzerland Inn Annual Events March Marion Comic Con April Pioneer Day Hellbender 100 Mountain Thunder Car Show Fly fishing in mountain stream May Assault on Mt. Mitchell Marion Cruise-In June Marion Livermush Festival Pisgah Enduro Race July BBQ sandwich 4th of July Celebrations Jerdon Mountain Challenge Off Road Assault on

Linville Falls Mt. Mitchell September BigFoot 911 Festival Brews, Blues & BBQ Festival McDowell Quilt Trail Marion Cruise-In Woven into the fabric of our lives are cherished memories October and stories told through family quilts, handed down through Mountain Glory Festival generations. Today, we share them through miles of brightly Old Fort Fall Festival colored quilt blocks scattered throughout the hillsides, December mountains and valleys of McDowell County. Stories and Appalachian Potters Market maps are online. mcdowellquilttrail.org Blue Ridge Artisans Show and Sale 91 South Catawba Avenue | Old Fort, NC 28762 828-668-4282 | 888-233-6111 Rev. 7-2020 Rev.

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