This time of year is an outdoor lover’s dream as the colorful leaves disappear in favor of snow. McDowell County in particular is well-poised for day trips, especially if it’s mountain biking, hiking, and skiing you’re looking for. But these aren’t the only activities to experience this winter. There are plenty of ways to explore the region during the colder months.
Note that road conditions are subject to change due to weather conditions and hurricane recovery, so check the Visit NC Travel Advisory map before you go. Advance reservations are also a good idea to confirm your accommodations.
Experience subzero art at the Lake James Ice Festival
Now in its fourth year, the Lake James Ice Festival presents the chance to see unusual pieces of art entirely made of ice. Held at Lake James State Park in Nebo, the event will bring in artist Aaron Costic to show off his talents with over 40 pieces on display lit by LED lights. Costic is a World Ice Art Championships winner. The event will also celebrate the new Lake James Visitor Center in the Paddy’s Creek Recreational Area and help raise funds for future trails and upkeep.
Explore the slopes
Two of North Carolina’s best ski resorts are only around an hour’s drive away for those looking for a chance to spend an afternoon on the 5,000 foot-high mountain peaks. Sugar Mountain Resort is open for skiing, tubing, and even ice skating. It’s a great spot for beginners because the resort offers ski school and gear rentals, but can also interest the pros with the double black-diamond slopes.
Beech Mountain Resort is another favorite with slopes of varying degrees of difficulty plus freestyle terrain and tubing. But it’s not all about the snow. The resort boasts an onsite brewery, which hosts a winter concert series, and the state’s only mountaintop ski bar for the full apres-ski experience.
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing is another way to enjoy the winter weather. The 400-foot-long slopes are great for those not quite ready for skiing.
Hit the Trails
As the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding roads continue to open in the hurricane recovery effort, more and more trails are becoming accessible. The Grandfather Ranger District has some access, including a number of Forest Service Roads perfect for gravel riding, the Table Rock Mountain Loop in Linville Gorge, and sections of the Mountain to Sea trail in Marion. Lake James State Park also has several of its hiking and mountain biking trails open for exploration.
The Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway follows the river with a flat paved 3.5-mile path, ideal for bikes and younger travelers. The Point Lookout Greenway runs from Old Fort through the hardwood forest on what used to be part of the highway. There is some elevation gain, depending on how far you go.
The Gateway Trails in Old Fort are also open, which you can access through Camp Grier, as well as the Kitsuma and Bernard Mountain Trail. The Mountains to Sea Trail, which extends the entire length of the state, is open from Highway 221 to the North Fork of the Catawba River.
Chase waterfalls
Western North Carolina is filled with stunning cascades to soak in nature’s vast power. Tom's Creek Falls north of Marion is one of the most popular, flowing 80 feet into a pool below. The trail is less than a mile from the parking lot but has moderate elevation gains so be prepared with sturdy shoes. Catawba Falls in Old Fort is back open as of mid-January, with a four mile round-trip trail and 30 stories tall observation stairway.
Enjoy cozy camping
After a day of exploring, settle in to one of the glamping sites found in Marion. Gold River Camp still offers panning for curious travelers plus charming cabins and glamping sites. Each accommodation has its own personality, including bell tents, tiny houses, and safari tents.
Spacious Skies has plentiful tent and RV campsites, but if it’s cozy you’re after, book a night at one of the forest view cabins. They come equipped with televisions, kitchens, and fire pits. The luxury safari tents at Tanglewood Campground are straight out of a fairy tale, outfitted with queen-sized beds and fire pits.
