Trail Towns: Old Fort, Marion, Little Switzerland, Lake James
Bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Black Mountains in the western part of North Carolina, McDowell County offers unparalleled access to some of the highest mountain peaks, hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through Pisgah National Forest, and the Linville Gorge, which boasts some of the region’s most stunning and rugged natural landscapes. At the heart of McDowell County are small, welcoming towns like Old Fort, Marion and Little Switzerland brimming with historic charm, craft breweries, local shops and outdoor festivals that showcase the area’s rich Appalachian culture. Known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, historic significance, and outdoor recreational opportunities, McDowell County offers a combination of scenic beauty, rich culture and a strong sense of community.
in the Old Fort Area
McDowell County’s natural resources – mountains, deep valleys, foothills, forests, streams, lakes, waterfalls and the Catawba River – offer unlimited opportunities and accessibility for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Old Fort, sits in the heart of the mountains and is a trail lover’s paradise. From greenways to cross county treks, our trail town offers a variety of routes. Catawba Falls is the gem of Old Fort. It’s also one of the most thrilling waterfall experiences in the state. The Catawba River flows over both the Upper and Lower Falls, with the Lower Falls featuring a 200-foot drop as water cascades over moss-covered rock formations. A 3.5-mile hiking loop includes a 540-step staircase that leads to an observation tower with spectacular views of the falls and surrounding mountains.
Important note: Accessible trails are highlighted in blue!
Trail name
Trail town
Activities
Old Fort Gateway Trail System
Old Fort
Bernard Mountain Trail
Old Fort
Mountains to Sea Trail (Segment 4)
Marion
Joseph McDowell Catawba
River Greenway
Marion
Heartbreak Ridge/Lower
Heartbreak Ridge
Old Fort
Overmountain Victory
National Historic Trail
Little Switzerland, Lake James
Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail
Marion, Lake James
Learn more about the Old Fort Area
At Outdoor NC, we are dedicated to promoting accessibility for all visitors, regardless of their abilities. We strive to improve the accessibility of our offerings and share this information through our various platforms, including our Trail Town Guide. We collaborate with state, regional, local and private-sector partners to make North Carolina’s destinations and outdoor spaces easier to access.
In this guide "Accessible" means
- This guide includes accessible, easy, moderate and difficult trails which may be suitable for, or exceed, anyone’s ability. Plan Ahead and Be Prepared.
- For this guide, trails which are marked as “accessible” are ADA compliant (firm, stable surface that is at least 36 inches wide). This includes paved greenways, hard pack pathways and boardwalks. It does not mean that these trails are without obstacles.
- Beyond ADA compliant trails, this guide lists many opportunities that are suitable for visitors of all abilities which include walking tours and driving trails. Additionally, check with local land managers for information on adaptive mountain bike access for mountain biking and road cycling trails.
- We encourage all visitors to utilize the provided trail websites and other local resources to become familiar with trail descriptions, site facilities and potential obstacles, so you know what to expect and can make the best determination for your skill and abilities.
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