Blue Ridge Traveler s Guide

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1 Blue Ridge Traveler s Guide

2 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 McDowell County Map 8-9 Attractions 10 Golf Courses 10 Hiking and Waterfalls 11 Blue Ridge Parkway Accommodations 12 Attractions 13 Campgrounds 14 Golf Courses 14 Hiking and Waterfalls 14 Annual Events Calendar 15 Lake James Rhododendron in bloom on the mountain Welcome to the Blue Ridge Traveler s Towns and Trails, including the Blue Ridge Parkway and five distinctive Blue Ridge communities; Marion, Old Fort, Linville Falls, Lake James and Little Switzerland. Play in the Pisgah National Forest, where our region includes more than 67,000 acres of protected forestlands. Explore trout streams, waterfalls, backcountry biking and hiking trails. The Blue Ridge Parkway borders our communities between Linville Falls and Crabtree Falls, including the unique town of Little Switzerland at Milepost 334. You ll find jaw-dropping mountain views, local cuisine, seasonal square dances and shopping. Saving the good stuff, stop by the Orchard at Altapass, Milepost 328.3! Lake James is a fishing paradise, with 6,812 acres bordered by 150 miles of shoreline. It is home to two state parks, hiking and biking trails, seasonal rentals and a swimming beach. We are happy to help you plan your next visit! Call our toll-free line at Up to the minute details and events are online.

3 Marion and Lake James Marion is known as the city, Where Main Street Meets The Mountains, with scenic Mt. Ida situated at the end of South Main Street. Marion is the McDowell County seat of government and offers convenient, year-round access to two of our most popular outdoor recreation venues, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Lake James. Downtown Marion hosts seasonal, special events and car cruise-ins! June s annual Liver Mush Festival offers FREE Hunter s Liver Mush sandwiches, music, games and more. October s Mountain Glory Festival is not to be missed. Join the festivities on the second Saturday in October, it s a Marion tradition. Marion s Historic Downtown Area includes locally owned restaurants, craft beer tap rooms, vintage shops and the Mc- Dowell County Arts Council Association. We refer to it as MACA! Stop by their gallery and Downtown Marion - Painting by J Craig Green gift shop. Each December, the Blue Ridge Artisan Show and Sale is the perfect place to find one of a kind holiday gifts. Local artists and crafters keep the show open through Christmas Eve. Find art related events, theatrical performances and gallery shows online. mcdowellarts.org Pinkul Pottery Accommodations Marion and Lake James area America s Best Value Inn Appalachian Dream Cabin Backyard Bunkies Budget Inn Camp Lake James & Cabins Casa Del Lago at Lake James Comfort Inn Cottages at Spring House Farm Dockside at Lake James Double Down Ranch Eco-Cove Sanctuary Fossie s Cabin Grandview Lodge Hampton Inn Harborside at Lake James Hidden Creek s Cabins Hidden Lake Cabins

4 Lake James State Park Accommodations Marion and Lake James area Lake Front Retreat Jason s Get-Away Lake Club Vacation Rental Lake Front Retreat Morning Star Cabin Mountain Majesty Ryan s Rest Cabin Sarah s Song Cabin Sportsman Inn Summertime Drive at the Lake Super 8 Motel Tranquility Cabin Waters Edge Whispering Creek Cottage Steeped in regional history, the Historic Carson House, c. 1793, is located west of downtown Marion, the site is on the N.C. Civil War Trail and is a featured site on the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Trail. Their Jubilee Arbor is the perfect space for your own special event! Carson House is open seasonally between April and November. The community is rich in history ranging from the early Woodland and Mississippian Native Americans to the pioneer-era and soldiers marching to a King s Mountain Campgrounds Marion and Lake James area Buck Creek Campground Hidden Creek RV Park and Campground Mountain Paradise Mountain Stream RV Park Joseph McDowell Catawba River Greenway Riverbreeze Campground Tom Johnson s RV Park The Historic Carson House victory across the Overmountain National Historic Victory Trail. The McDowell County Greenway is an on-going project, with two Marion access points. At the time of Public Campgrounds Marion and Lake James area Lake James State Park

5 this writing, the paved, non-motorized trail is an approximate 3-mile round trip. Add steps by visiting the Round Hill and cemetery. The trail and fishing overlooks are handicap accessible. Visitors may walk in a kayak or canoe to enjoy a float down the Catawba River. We suggest parking a car at the Black Bear boat access ramp, on Lake James Road, as a take-out point on Lake James. Marion s Historic Tailgate Market hosts a seasonal farmers market and is the site of monthly car cruise-ins, between April and September. Lake James is a man-made lake, covering 6,812 acres with 150 miles of shoreline. Cradled by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the lake area Lake James State Park features several public boat launches, Bear Creek Marina and the only golf course on the lake, Marion Lake Club, open to the public year-round. South Creek Vineyard & Winery Attractions Marion and Lake James area Bear Creek Marina Belle Nicho Winery Buck Creek Trout Farm Carolina Emerald Mine Catawba River Outdoors Historic Carson House Historic Marion Depot And Rail Car Exhibits Lake James - Boat Access Ramps at Black Bear Boat Access Area on Lake James Road Lucky Strike Gold Mine Marion Lake Club McDowell Arts Council Gallery and Gift Shop Refinery 13 Tap Room South Creek Winery Sweet Betsy Farm The Flats Off Road Park Woody s Mountain Music

6 Golf Courses Marion and Lake James area Marion Lake Club Hiking & Waterfalls Marion and Lake James area McDowell Greenway 136 US 70 West, Marion Paved, non-motorized trail, easy walk or bike ride, bordering the Catawba River. Lake James State Parks 6883 Hwy. 126 Nebo, NC Mountain biking and hiking trails, canoe/kayak/paddle board rental/ swimming beach. Fees apply Mt. Ida Wilderness Trail 1536 Rutherford Road Marion, NC Gravel road leads to trailhead, covered picnic shelter. Trail is approximately.70 mile. (Entrance signs beside Ideal Rentals) Tom s Creek Falls US 221 North, left at Huskins Branch Rd, 1.3 miles, trailhead on right. Fitness Trail 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 Entrance at Woodlawn Fitness Trail 26-mile wilderness trail, no cell phone access. Call to receive a detailed hiking and biking map. Lake James State Park includes two distinctive areas. The Catawba River Area and Paddy s Creek Area. The Catawba River Area includes over 600 acres, restrooms, tent camping sites, hiking trail, covered picnic shelters and a beach rental area. The larger Paddy s Creek Area offers a public swimming beach, picnic shelters, kayak/canoe rentals, biking and hiking trails. Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Fishing Marion Lake Club Golf Course Did you know in 1780, the Overmountain Men marched through present day Little Switzerland, Altapass, North Cove and Marion? On September 25th, 1780, over 1,000 men assembled in present day Elizabethton, Tennessee before continuing their march south. During the march, they continued to muster additional Patriots including a stop at Marion s McDowell House. Their mission? To capture British Major Patrick Ferguson and his Tory army. Mission accomplished! On October 7, 1780 at Kings Mountain, South Carolina. Major Ferguson and all of his soldiers were killed. Thomas Jefferson called it, the turn of the tide of success referring to the first major victory of the Revolution since the British first invaded Charleston. Join in the annual re-enactments each September and October. Details are on our event calendar.

7 Old Fort - NC Mountain Trout Town Old Fort is surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest. There are seven hiking, waterfall and biking trails within minutes of downtown Old Fort. Picturesque Mill Creek runs through the downtown area and borders Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center, the host site for the N.C. Wildlife Commission s Mountain Heritage Trout Waters program. Newberry Creek and a section of the Upper Catawba River are also designated trout streams. Above: Arrowhead and the depot Left: Mountain Music Brook Trout Explore over 14,000 protected acres inside the Curtis Creek Recreation Area. Curtis Creek is another designated, delayed harvest trout stream. Rushing, cold mountain water flows over scenic boulders, creating ideal trout conditions. Mountain Biking Accommodations Old Fort area Bear Haven Cabin Camp Grier Inn on Mill Creek Jarrett Creek Cottage Log Lodge Hideaway Mountain Appalachian Inn Newberry Creek Log House Railway Rest Rivers Ridge Lodge Round Knob Lodge Sky Island Cabins The Kibben The Lodge at Catawba Falls Preserve Wildcat Lodge In 1911, The Weeks Act provided funds to preserve national forest lands, and the first track purchased was here at Curtis Creek Recreation Area.

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10 Attractions Old Fort area Andrews Geyser Park Mill Creek Road Arrowhead Gallery and Studios Gallery and Classes Camp Grier Day Passes - Between Sept May Horseback Riding, Biking Davidson s Fort Historic Park Open Saturdays Lackeytown Road Davidsonsfort.com Dragonfly Studio Mill Creek Village Catawba Avenue and Water Street Mountain Gateway Museum Exhibits, picnic area, period cabins and Sundays On The Porch. FREE! Old Fort Train Depot 25 W. Main Street Old Fort Uptown Main Street Shops, Restaurants and Hardware Store Turtle Island Pottery Golf Courses Old Fort area Jack s Mountain Preserve Old Fort - NC Mountain Trout Town Challenge yourself on Curtis Creek Recreation Area s mountain bike trails. Zip across Heartbreak Ridge or Jarrett Creek. Ask us about biking trail maps. Kitsuma Peak/Young s Ridge is another popular mountain bike trail. Prepare for the ascent by using the pump track at Camp Grier. Day rates are available! Camp Grier also offers guided horse rides. Never ridden a horse? Sign up for riding lessons! Pick up a trail map and experience the area s most popular hikes, including breathtaking Catawba Falls. The trail is a moderate 3-mile, round trip walk with easy access from the parking area. Don t miss Point Lookout Trail. This non-motorized, paved trail is a treat for bicyclists and hikers with gorgeous scenery and views of the Royal Gorge. It s accessible year-round. Downtown Old Fort s Mill Creek Village is home to our visitor center, Mountain Gateway Museum, restaurants, Arrowhead Gallery & Studios, K&R Antiques and Parker Legwear Outlet. While you re there, walk the 7 Wonders Trail. The trail is a unique art project, taking you throughout the downtown area, passing Old Fort s first public mural, A Time To Build. Old Fort hosts several special events, including April s Pioneer Day and Mountain Thunder Car Show, followed by The Official Arrowhead Gallery Catawba Falls - lower falls

11 Horseback Riding at Camp Grier North Carolina Gold Festival on the first Saturday in June. Both take place at Mountain Gateway Museum. Old Fort is also known for its mountain biking events. The Off-Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell, The Jerdon Mountain Challenge and The Pisgah Enduro Race are well established June and July events. Find details on Old Fort events on our website. Mountain Gateway Museum 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! Heart Break Ridge Access from Curtis Creek Road, begin from Blue Ridge Parkway down 212 switchbacks to Pritchard Creek and onto Curtis Creek Road. Kitsuma Peak/Young s Ridge Trail 10 mile, mountain/biking trail with steep terrain. Access from Old Fort Picnic Area. 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 Green Knob. Call to receive detailed hiking, mountain biking trail map Campgrounds Old Fort area Catawba Falls Family Campground Cove Creek RV Park Sky Island Campground and Retreat Miles of hiking trails Public Campgrounds Old Fort area Curtis Creek Campground Tent and RV Camping Fishing & Watersports All N.C. Wildlife Commission regulations apply, whether you are sports fishing on Lake James and the Catawba River or searching for a great public trout stream. Exceptions include privately owned ponds and farms and the specially designated trout waters on Mill Creek at Mountain Gateway Museum. The Old Fort section is included in the Wildlife Commission s Mountain Heritage Trout Town Program. Licenses are ONLY available online or by calling

12 Accommodations Blue Ridge Parkway area Alpine Inn Bear Den Cabins Big Lynn Lodge Blue Ridge Pkwy. Log Cabins Chalet Switz Linville Falls Lodge Linville Falls Cottages Little Switzerland Rentals Rocky Falls Retreat Ryan s Rest Switzerland Inn & Chalet The Inn at Blue Ridge Timberline Properties Whispering Creek Cottage Blue Ridge Parkway Communities The Blue Ridge Parkway serves as our northern border, between Milepost and Milepost 344. Between Linville Falls and Crabtree Falls, stop by the century old summer community of Little Switzerland, at Milepost 334. With elevations between 3200 and 4000 feet above sea level, it s the perfect summer retreat. Mountain culture is preserved through local music, arts and crafts, gem mines and dance. Known as uptown Little Switzerland, Geneva Hall hosts Saturday night square dances in July and August. Across from Geneva Hall and the Switzerland Inn, specialty shops include locally created arts, crafts and novelty items. The DiamondbackNC, aka NC Hwy. 226-A, is a 12-mile road with over 190 curves, surrounding Blue Ridge Parkway uptown and downtown Little Switzerland. Of course, you can always take the Blue Ridge Parkway exit at Milepost 334! Big Lynn Lodge - Relax and enjoy the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains

13 Downtown, visit the N.C. Barbecue Society s only stop in western North Carolina at the Switzerland Café and General Store. Next door, Charlie s Quilts and Sew Much More is a fun shopping experience! Don t leave without browsing the walls of Little Switzerland Books and Beans. Check out their second-floor art gallery! Orchard at Altapass Little Switzerland Storytelling and hayrides at Orchard at Altapass Thrifty Adventures offers guided outdoor regional floats, rappelling and kayak trips. Another adventurous idea, rent a motorcycle at Mike Thrift s Dual Sports Motorcycles, beside the Skyline Village Inn! Other attractions include the Emerald Village mines. These former commercial mines, have been featured nationally and host special, seasonal events. Attractions Blue Ridge Parkway area Artisan League of Little Switzerland Gallery DiamondbackNC Hwy. 226-A 190 Steep, Climbing Curves over 12 scenic miles! Dual Sport Motorcycle Rentals Emerald Village English Farmstead Cheese Geneva Hall Uptown Little Switzerland Special Event Venue July/August Square Dances Historic Orchard at Altapass Milepost 328.3/Parkway Linville Caverns Little Switzerland Books and Beans Shops at Switzerland Inn Milepost 334/Parkway Switzerland Café & General Store Thrifty Adventures Restaurants include Switzerland Inn s Chalet Restaurant and Fowl Play Pub, Mountain View Restaurant, The Lunch Wagon at the Orchard at Altapass and Speers BBQ at Linville Falls Lodge

14 Campgrounds Blue Ridge Parkway area Bear Den Campground Hiking & Waterfalls Blue Ridge Parkway area Crabtree Falls Milepost 339 Blue Ridge Parkway Duggers Creek Falls Milepost Blue Ridge Parkway Linville Falls Milepost 316.3/Parkway Golf Courses Blue Ridge Parkway area Linville Falls Golf Club Public/Open Year-Round 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. Slightly east of Little Switzerland, visit the Historic Orchard at Altapass, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost A very special place, saving the good stuff. Bite into heirloom apples and experience our mountain culture through music, storytelling and dance. Linville Caverns Apple trees in bloom Scenic rides The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail winds through this region with sites at the Orchard at Altapass and Big Lynn Lodge. September re-enactments are hosted at the Orchard. Scenic rides

15 Pick up a day pass to hike trails through Bear Den Campground s 400-acre property. Stop at the general store, just off the Parkway at Milepost Call to receive a free trails map and driving trails brochure Annual Events April Carolina Donut Festival Pioneer Day Mountain Thunder Car Show Fly fishing in mountain stream BBQ sandwich McDowell Quilt Trail Linville Falls Woven into the fabric of our lives are cherished memories and stories told through family quilts, handed down through generations. Today, we share them through miles of brightly colored quilt blocks scattered throughout the hillsides, mountains and valleys of McDowell County. Stories and maps are online. mcdowellquilttrail.org May Assault on Mt. Mitchell Marion Cruise-In June Marion Livermush Festival NC Gold Festival Pisgah Enduro Race July 4th of July Celebrations Jerdon Mountain Challenge Off Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell September Marion Cruise-In October Mountain Glory Festival December Appalachian Potters Market Blue Ridge Artisans Show and Sale

16 91 South Catawba Avenue Old Fort, NC Rev