Mt. Ida Trail and Wilderness Area

The Mount Ida Wilderness Area includes a gravel access road and parking lot, picnic shelter and a one-half mile moderate to strenuous trail to the top of City property on Mt. Ida overlooking Downtown Marion. The City acquired 36 acres on the top of Mt. Ida in 2007, using State and Federal grant funds. Construction of the access road, picnic shelter and trail took place over the past year and was completed by City crews, contractors, American Conservation Corps volunteers and the North Carolina Forest Service B.R.I.D.G.E. crew.

The Mount Ida Wilderness Area is open to the public during daylight hours, except during periods of inclement weather, when the facility may be temporarily closed to prevent damage to the access road.

The public is invited to visit the Mount Ida Wilderness Area for a hike or a picnic, or to enjoy the beautiful scenery and views on Mount Ida.

Directions:  I-40/Exit 85/Hwy. 221 North/Marion

Driving north on US Hwy. 221, passing Hampton Inn on the left to stoplight intersecting by-pass.  Drive through interection, passing Countryside BBQ on left, road's name changes to Rutherford Road.  Jalepeno Fresh Grill, will be on your left, turn left onto Young's Creek Road.  Turn right onto Mt. Ida Road, continue up gravel road to top of hill.  Parking area, covered picnic area and trailhead are on top.