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Welcome to the Blue Ridge Mountains, where forests, waterfalls, mountain peaks and welcoming small towns await.
Outdoor adventure is all around. This area is home to more than 200 miles (and counting) of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, plus lakes and rivers for paddling and fishing. Pisgah National Forest — the first national forest unit in the U.S. — is a wonderland of rushing waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway as it winds north from Mount Mitchell to Linville Falls, or bring your motorcycle to experience the thrill of The Diamondback. Or trade your car for a canoe as you explore the cool waters of Lake James.
Learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the region at one of our historical attractions, or try your luck at an historic gem mine. Enjoy shopping for unique and handcrafted souvenirs along Main Street and Catawba Avenue in Old Fort and in Marion's historic and vibrant downtown, where you’ll find antique shops, independent boutiques and art galleries. Or wander out to Little Switzerland or the Orchard at Altapass to peruse old-fashioned general stores.
Spend the evening sampling flights of craft beer at a local brewery, or drink in the rhythms of live music at an area venue or winery. And don’t let the rain dampen your spirit of adventure — check out local bowling alleys, arcades and skating rinks to keep the whole family entertained.
Check out the listings below to plan your next Blue Ridge Mountain vacation.
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Shops at Switzerland Inn
The Shops at Switzerland Inn offers some of the best, most unique seasonal shopping in the area, with a wide selection of handmade goods from local artisans!
Geneva Hall
If you love to dance, just visit Geneva Hall, next to the Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland, for square dancing every Saturday evening in July and August!
Catawba River at Joseph McDowell Greenway
Easy walk in access, handicap accessible fishing piers and canoe/kayak access available from three points along the greenway. This section…
Armstrong Creek
3640 Ft./6 mile trail. Primitive hiking on Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd. Trail begins past hatchery parking lot. Easy-moderate.Including tributaries -game…
McDowell Arts Council Association
The McDowell Arts Council offers a variety of classes, hosts a unique gift shop filled with local artisans' works and…
Peavine Trail
The Peavine Rail Line, once an active Norfolk Southern Railway line, is included in the company's "rails to trails" program.…
Roaring Fork Falls
Visit a beautiful waterfall in the Toecane District of Pisgah National Forest with a 30 foot rush down a narrow, zigzag slide.
Betsy Ridge
3160 Ft./9 Mile Trail. Black Mountains view, meets Little Buck Creek Trail ending at Woods Mountain Trail. US 221 North,…
Lake James State Park - Visitor Center
"Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. Two park…
The Catawba Angler
The Catawba Angler is conveniently located 25 miles from downtown Asheville.Matt Evans and Perry Bundy are two passionate guides that…
Emerald Village
Discover Emerald Village, a group of real, historic gem, mining, and historical attractions in Little Switzerland, NC. There's so much to see and explore!
Young's Ridge
Trailhead begins inside the Old Fort Picnic Area with incredible views of Kitsuma Peak at trail end. Elevation is 3,165…
Founders' Art Walk
The Founders' Art Walk in historic downtown Marion is a self-guided tour of the county's cultural heritage shared through collaborative outdoor art displays!
Curtis Creek
A rushing trout stream, stocked with Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout, with handicapped access overlook on left side…
Greenlee Park
Greenlee Park is the perfect spot to spend the day, with accesses to Lake James for water sports, covered picnic areas, and a 1.1 mile nature trail loop!
Historic Carson House
Historic Carson House Museum is open between April and December, interpreting the story of Irish immigrant Colonel John Carson and…