Your Travel Guide To Little Switzerland, Lake James, Marion, Old Fort & Linville Falls

Welcome to McDowell County, North Carolina! With mild weather, warm Southern hospitality and mountain vistas that stretch for miles, winter is the perfect season to plan your next vacation to our corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Cozy up beside the fireplace in a picturesque mountain cabin, lakeside vacation rental or one of our numerous local lodging options. Enjoy the warm welcome of small-town main streets in Marion and Old Fort, where you can stop for a cup of coffee or peruse the craftsmanship of local artists in shops and galleries. Check out the events calendar for a full line-up of happenings throughout the season.

Winter is the season for breathtaking mountain views! Hiking trails like Newberry Creek and Catawba Falls are beautiful in the winter months. Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway (weather permitting) for unforgettable vistas! Check out our top winter hiking trails.

When it’s time for a bite, pull up a chair at one of our delicious local restaurants. From barbecue to bakeries, burritos to fine dining, and plenty of scrumptious Southern fare, you’re sure to find the local flavor you’re looking for. Enjoy a pint of locally brewed beer at one of several craft breweries, and look for local wine, coffee, mead and spirits, too.

As you plan your 2024 mountain vacation, be sure to take a look at our Blue Ridge Traveler’s Visitor Guide. Add some of our historic attractions to your itinerary to get a glimpse of mountain life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and find fun things to do for the whole family.

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