Nort Carolina USA (in english)

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Table Of Contents:

Welcome 1

Historic Marion 2

Old Fort 3

Lake James 3

Blue Ridge Parkway Communities 4

Blue Ridge Drives, Rides & Trails 5

Area Map 7

Area Attractions 9

Where to Stay 10

Waterfalls & Trails 13

Calendar of Events 14

Photographs courtesy of Roger Engelke,

J. Craig Greene, Paul King, Camp Lake Jamesand the McDowell Tourism Authority.

Welcome to McDowell County! When it comes to un andoutdoor recreation, there

are no boundaries in ourspectacular region o the BlueRidge Mountains. Teseunorgettable ootpathsand roadways meanderthrough a vast countryside.Elevations top 4,000 eetabove sea level opening upto views o the green valley oors below.

Yes, a river does run through it. Te sparkling waters o theCatawba River divide the county asthey ow east to west with beginnings just

outside Old Fortat Catawba Falls.

Tis surprising two-tiered allis one o many awe-inspiring outdoor wondersto discover onyour explorationo Marion,

Old Fort, LittleSwitzerland, Linville Falls and Lake James. Adventures may include the search

or landmarks and legends,underground treasures like

those ound in our caverns,gold and gem mines orspecial fnds in antique andbargain shops. You may preer the entertaining and ree weekly bluegrassperormances scatteredthroughout thesecommunities. Foodies?

Check out the world class,locally produced livermush,

cheesecake,barbecue and wines.

Area restaurants serve upeverything rom down homecooking to inspired, originalcuisine.

A great night’s sleep is critical to vacationun! Choose that special place roma diverse selection o cabins, cottages,lodges, inns, bed and breakasts ormotels. Preer to sleep outdoors?Campgrounds are tucked in the hillsidesrom the Blue Ridge Parkway to Lake

James. I you need more ideas, goonline, www.visitmyblueridge.org or callus at 877-377-6757 .

Linville Gorge

Marion Depot

Catawba Falls

Lake Tahoma

Page 1



Framed by Mt. Ida, downtown Marion islled with an eclectic mix o restaurants,coee houses and retail shops including model trains, local arts and crats, antiquesand vintage stores. Unique events include

a weekly bluegrass jam, summer concertseries, year-round gallery exhibits and

Where Main Street Meetsthe Mountains –Historic Marion

theater perormances at the McDowell Arts Council. Don’t miss the uniquesmells and favors o Marion’s LivermushFestival held the rst Friday night in Juneor their popular Mountain Glory Festival,celebrated on the second Saturday o October.

Get outdoors to enjoy the JosephMcDowell Catawba River Greenway! Tispaved, handicapped accessible trail includesbenches and picnic tables or relaxationplus wooden decks and overlooks or

shing. Marion’s pleasant climate makes ita perect get away any time o year!www.hometownmarion.com

Fishing & Watersports

All N.C. Wildlie Commissionregulations apply whether

you are sports shing on Lake James and the Catawba Riveror searching or a great public

trout stream. Exceptionsinclude privately owned ponds

and arms and the specially designated waters on Mill

Creek in Old Fort at MountainGateway Museum. Te Old

Fort section is included inthe Wildlie Commission’s

Mountain Heritage rout ownprogram and a special $5, threeday license is available online or

by phone. www.ncwildlife.org

(888) 248-6834

Downtown Marion

Painting - J Craig Greene

Mountain Glory Festival

Joseph McDowell Catawba River Greenway

Brook Trout

Curtis Creek

Page 2



at one o several boat access ramps. Tepark’s Catawba section eatures 565-acres

with hiking trails, picnic areas andcampsites. Paddy’s Creek boasts 2,915acres with a swimming beach, bathhouseand canoe rentals. Birders! Te parks areon the N.C. Birding rail.

Sports shermen search these waters yearround or Walleye, White Bass, Crappie,Bluegill, Catsh and record-setting Muskellunge. A record setting 33.8 lb.Muskie was caught here in 1988 and therecord has not been beaten...yet! Check out the shing tournaments too!

Lake James Road is a avorite o motorcycle and sports car riders.

Bicyclists also share this road with itssweeping curves and hillsides. It is parto a larger 65-mile ride linking Lake

James to the colony o Little Switzerlandvia Te DiamondbackNC. Check outthe “Blue Ridge Drives” section.

For more park information, maps, etc.

call 828-652-5047.www.ncparks.gov

Known or its pioneer spirit and railroadhistory, the Historic Old Fort interpretsits roots through two museums and itsseasonal estivals. Encircled by the Pisgah

National Forest,Old Fort sets thestage or outdoor

enthusiasts to testtheir skills whilesoaking up thedramatic scenery.

Point Lookoutrail, Catawba

Falls, Curtis Creek Recreation Area,

Hickory Branch Falls, Mill Creek andNewberry Creek are playgrounds orbicyclists, hikers and fy shing devotees.Distinguished by its 14 t. rose granitearrowhead, Old Fort is also identiedor an unusual water eature, known as

Andrews Geyser.

Old Fort Mountain Music is a nationally admired weekly Friday night perormancein the historic Rockett Building. Play aninstrument? New musicians are welcome!

Singing Rails and Whistle StopsOld Fort - NC Mountain Trout Town

Stop by the visitor

center locatedinside the OldFort rain Stationand Museum topick up maps,lodging andcamping detailsor inormation onarea attractions,restaurants andevents. www.visitoldfort.com

ucked away at the base o the LinvilleGorge, breathtaking mountain viewscover over 6,510 acres with 150 miles o shoreline. Access the lake rom one o thetwo sections o Lake James State Park or

Lake James

Page 3

Mountain Gateway Museum

Old Fort

Arrowhead

Old Fort Depot & Railroad Museum

Andrews Geyser

Lake James

Camp Lake James



cratsmen, square dances and delightulrestaurants. Lodging sites range rom

cabins and cottages to beautiul lodgesand inns! Looking or a bit o history? Ask about Charlie McKinney and theOvermountain Victory National Historicrail, but only i you can sit and stay a

while!

Adventurous? Drive the 12 mileso challenging road on the

DiamondbackNC, where hundreds o curves take you to Little Switzerland orchoose the preerred route o Hwy. 226North, a short 16-mile drive rom I-40/Exit 85 in Marion.

Linville Falls and Linville Gorge are twoo the most spectacular sites in western

North Carolina. Views o the waterallare easy to access; stop by the LinvilleFalls Visitor Center at Milepost 316.5or details and maps. Challenging trailsexist or seasoned hikers through LinvilleGorge and the less dicult trails areappreciated by the rest o us!

Outdoor activities include shing theLinville River or a visit to LinvilleCaverns. Tese are the only public

caverns in North Carolina taking youto an unparalleled underground world

o amazing sites and sounds. LinvilleFalls Club is a perect place to test yourbackswing with beautiully groomed

airways, designed by Lee revino, andperect mountain views.

Hungry? wo locally owned restaurantsare a ew yards of the Parkway and

open year round. Need a place or the

night? Distinctive accommodations andcampgrounds are also close by!

Little Switzerland,at Milepost 334on the Blue RidgeParkway, is a century old summercommunity seated

at the top o Grassy Mountain. Withelevations between 3200 and 4000 eet,this perect get away eatures stunning views with mild summer days and coolevening breezes. Te area is knownor its gem mines, music, artists and

Blue Ridge Parkway Communities

Fun Fact: Te century-oldOrchard at Altapass was

built by the railroad to eedits employees. Visitors romacross the globe travel to theorchard to view the amous

Clincheld Loops. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 328.3

Lower Linville Falls Plunge Basin

Linville Caverns

Linville Falls Club

DiamondbackNC

A View From Little Switzerland

Page 4



Sports Car and Motorcycle rails

In downtown Little Switzerland, the

DiamondbackNC rises up to meet youhugging the sides o Grassy Mountain as youmake your way around 190 curves looping almost 360 degrees through gorgeousmountain scenery.

Extend your ride with the Lake JamesRoute. Te Diamondback picks up the BlueRidge Parkway traveling north to Hwy.181 South, to Rose Creek Road, onto FishHatchery Rd., then merges into NC 126. toSouth Mountains Road to Lake James Road& onto Hankins Road. Hankins intersectsHighway 221/226 North taking you back tothe DiamondbackNC. 65 mile loop.

Te Devil’s Staircase

Following the ow o Buck Creek along 15miles o picturesque scenery, including Lakeahoma and the old casino, NC Highway 80 continues through protected U.S. ForestService lands and the Buck Creek Watershed.Tis road intersects the Blue Ridge Parkway

just below Crabtree Falls and climbs

approximately 2500 eet along the way.

Bat Cave - Old wisty

Bat Cave Road/Highway 9 beginsin Old Fort at the historic rainDepot and Museum heading south on Catawba Avenue, underthe I-40 bridge changing names

to Bat Cave Road. Drive 12miles through scenic countrysidedotted with cattle. Tis curvy roadintersects Highway 9 beore taking you south into the Lake Lure andChimney Rock communities. Lotso views, orest and oliage orthe camera as you make your way

south. Some people like to call thisroad, “Old wisty.”

Blue Ridge Drives, Rides & TrailsFun Fact: Did you know theOvermountain Men marched throughthe communities o Little Switzerland,

Altapass, North Coveand Marion? OnSeptember 25, 1780

over 1,000 menassembled in presentday Elizabethton,ennessee beore

continuing their march south“mustering” additional Patriotsalong their route. Teir mission

was to capture British Major Patrick

Ferguson and his ory army. Missionaccomplished on October 7, 1780 atKings Mountain, South Carolina whereevery ory solider and Major Ferguson

were killed.

Tomas Jeerson called it, “Te turn o the tide o success” reerring to the frstmajor victory o the Revolution since

the British invaded Charleston. Annualreenactments and details are on ourevent calendar.

Fun Fact: Woven into the abric o ourlives are cherished amily quilts, handeddown through generations. oday, weshare them with you through the mileso brightly colored quilt blocks scatteredthroughout the hillsides, mountains andvalleys o McDowell County. Stories,news and maps are online atwww.mcdowellquilttrail.org.

Page 5

Carson House Barn

Downtown Little Switzerland

Autumn Parkway View

Lake Tahoma

Buck Creek



Bicycling rails – On Road

Blue Ridge Parkway , 828-259-0701 Designated bikeroute provides challenging climbs with breathtaking scenery and downhill plunges.

Lake James Road – NC Hwy. 126Tis designated route circles Lake James. Spectacular mountainlake views are shared with motorists & motorcycles.

Lake Tahoma Road – NC Hwy. 80Recently designatedas a bicycle route,

this section o roadis part o the annual Assault On Mt.Mitchell. Steep andcurvy climbs joining the Blue RidgeParkway beorerapidly descending towards Marion. You’ll recognize Lake ahoma and the old

casino when you ride by.

Point Lookout Trail – Tis portiono Old Highway 70 is now a non-motorized bicycle and hiking trail.Magnifcent views o the Royal Gorge

with visible railroad tunnels and track.3.75 miles o steep mountainside. Read

the story here. http://www.ncdot.gov/bikeped/download/bikeped_ unding_ofroad_point_lookout.pd

Bicycle rails – Of Road

Kitsuma rail/Young’s Ridge –5-mile rugged trail access rom USFSOld Fort Picnic Area on Old Hwy.70. Elev. approx. 3150 t.

Curtis Creek – 8 mile dirt & gravelroad through the recreation area between Hwy. 70 and the BlueRidge Parkway. Blind curves, no guard rails on steep overhangs.Caution - used by cars, AVs, motorcycles and hikers.

Heart Break Ridge – Recently adopted by organizers o the O

Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell, begin your ride rom the BlueRidge Parkway then down 21 switchbacks leading to PritchardCreek and onto Curtis Creek Road.

Snook’s Nose – Extremely steep trail leading rom the CurtisCreek Campground to the Blue Ridge Parkway then across tothe fre tower on Green Knob.

Page 6

View of Short-Off Mountain

Curtis Creek in Fall

Point Lookout Trail

Point Lookout Trail



Bear Creek Marina 608 Marina DriveNebo, NC 28761

828-655-1400

Buck Creek rout Farm74 Rainbow rout DriveMarion, NC 28752828-724-9612

Davidson’s Fort Historic Park Lackeytown Road

Old Fort, NC 28762828-668-4831

Emerald Village McKinney Mine Rd Little Switzerland, NC 28748828-765-6463

Historic Carson House1805 Highway 70 WestMarion, NC 28752828-724-4948

Linville Caverns19929 US 221 NorthMarion, NC 28752

800-419-0540

Linville Mountain Gem Shop18393 US 221 North

Marion, NC 28752828-756-7206

Te Lucky Strike Gold & Gem MineLucky Strike DriveVein Mountain, NC 28752828-738-4893

Mountain Gateway Museum

102 Water StreetOld Fort, NC 28762828-668-9259

North Carolina Mineral MuseumHighway 226 & Blue Ridge Parkway Spruce Pine, NC

Old Fort rain Station& Museum25 WestMain StreetOld Fort, NC 28762828-668-4282

Orchard at Altapass

Milepost 328.3Blue Ridge Parkway 888-765-9531

South Creek Vineyards & Winery 2240 South Creek RoadNebo, NC 28761828-652-5729

Area AttractionsBuck Creek Driving Range2576 om’s Creek RoadMarion, NC 28762

828-724-4888

Linville Falls Golf Club210 Blue Ridge Drive NorthMarion, NC 28752828-765-4653

Marion Lake Club2030 NC Hwy. 126Nebo, NC 28761828-652-62332

Old Fort Golf Course1001 Gol Course Road

Old Fort, NC 28762828-668-4256

Golf Courses

Marion Lake Club

The Historic Carson House

Linville Caverns

Orchard at Altapass

Page 9



laundry, outdoor pool and more.Year-round.

Hampton Inn800-426-7866 www.hamptoninn.com

I-40 at Exit 85/Hwy. 221 North. Fullservice and indoor pool. Minutes todowntown Marion, Lake James, BlueRidge Parkway and Old Fort. Year-round.

Linville Falls Lodge & Cottages 828-765-2658 www.linvillefallslodge.com

Circa 1937, stone and pine lodge plusseparate log cabin all located within

walking distance o Linville Falls and lessthan a mile o the Blue Ridge Parkway.Year-round.

Skyline Village Inn and Cavern Tavern

828-765-9394 www.skylinevillageinn.comSecret tunnels and history at thistraditional inn built into the side o a mountain and completed in 1948

with 16 guest rooms, outdoor viewing deck within seconds o the Blue RidgeParkway. Year-round.

Sportsman Inn828-659-7525 Open year round, eatures include cableV with HBO and outdoor swimming pool. Year-round.

Super 8 Motel Convenient to I-40, HBO and Internet

access. Accepts pets. Year-round.

Switzerland Inn800-652-4026 or 828-765-2153www.switzerlandinn.comMain lodge, chalet, cottages with over100 years o service to patrons o theBlue Ridge Parkway, eaturing the

Diamondback Lodge with ull servicerestaurant and bar.

Where to Stay Bed & Breakfasts, Inns

Alpine Innwww.alpineinnnc.com

Highway 226-A and Blue Ridge

Parkway Little Switzerland, NC 28749

828-765-5380

Barn House Innwww.barnhouseinn.com/

11611 Montord Cove Rd

Marion, NC 28752866-690-9182 Year-round.

Inn on Mill Creek 877-735-2964 or 828-668-1115

www.inn-on-mill-creek.comLocated between Old Fort and

Black Mountain. rout pond,orchards, hiking and biking trails.

Accepts pets. Year-round.

Te Inn at Blue Ridge 828-756-7001 or 800-856-7001

www.theinnatblueridge.com

Elegant rooms with freplaces,private decks adjacent to

spectacular gol course. LinvilleFalls and Blue Ridge Parkway are

close by. Pets Accepted.Year-round.

Motels, Lodges & Retreats

Big Lynn Lodge

800-652-5232 www.biglynnlodge.comRustic inn with contemporary rooms,cottages and condos providing ull servicebreakast and dinner within a ew secondso Little Switzerland. Located parallel toBlue Ridge Parkway on Highway 226-A,Te Diamondback.

Budget Inn(828) 652-7276 Small renovated motel in Marion.Year-round.

Comfort Inn877-424-6423Indoor pool, hot tub and meeting

acilities. Executive suites available.Close to Lake James and the Blue RidgeParkway. Year-round .

Days Inn828-659-2567 www.daysinn.com/ Located at the intersection o I-40 and

exit 221 South, the Days Inn oersconvenient location, meeting room,

Page 10

View from the Parkway

The English Farm



Old Fort Historic Area – Apartment 828-668-6500 or 828-713-1722 Cozy apartment on Main Street inHistoric Old Fort, close to hiking andcycling trails with easy access to I-40.Year-round.

Rivers Ridge Lodge 828-243-5762 www.RRLodge.comUpscale timber lodge borders CrookedCreek on 17 acres eaturing extensive deck and 3,000 t. o creek rontage. Year-round.

Rocky Falls Retreat 704-489-1559 www.rockyfallsretreat.comLittle Switzerland vacation home withspectacular mountain views rom 15 sidedround house on 14+ acres.

Sky Island Retreat & Cabins 828-668-4928

www.skyislandretreatandcampground.comLog cabin rentals on wooded campusincluding campground, 9 hole putt-puttgol course and weekly entertainment.Year-round.

Te Mountain Majesty www.themountainmajesty.com

Large, majestic log home inside gatedcommunity with mountain views and easy access to attractions. Year-round.

Te Potter’s Loft 828-668-8084 Fully-urnished apartment upstairs rompottery studio on 5 privately owned acrestwo miles rom historic Old Fort.

Year-round.

imberline Properties 828-766-8900 www.timberlinenc.comManaging private rental homes, cabins andcottages in the Little Switzerland region.Some accept pets.

ranquility Cabin828-738-4893www.luckystrikegoldandgem.comranquil log cabin on Lucky Strike Goldand Gem Mine campus. Step outside or a little golden un! Year-round.

Whispering Cottage Retreat 813-832-3128 www.whisperingcreekcottage.comLovely period cottage in Little Switzerlandof the Blue Ridge Parkway, in urkey Cove with gorgeous mountain views.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Camp & Resort 828-652-7208 www.jellystonemarion.comVariety o cabins situated on 63 acres aspart o the Yogi Bear resort “experience.”Easy access to I-40.

Campgrounds

Bear Den Campground 828-765-2888 www.bear-den.com400-acre site with 144 ull hook-ups, tents,trailer sites located directly on the BlueRidge Parkway. Fishing lake, playgroundand more!

Buck Creek Campground

828-724-4888 www.buckcreekcampground.comFull hook-ups and trailer sites adjacent togol range.

Catawba Falls Campground 828-668-4831www.catawbarivercamping.com

Full RV hook-ups and tent camping onthe Catawba River, close to Catawba Falls.

Cove Creek RV Park 877-668-7505 or 828-668-7507 RV and primitive sites with ull hook up,hot showers and bathrooms. I-40 5 miles.

Mountain Paradise Campground

828-756-4085 www.mountainparadisenc.com

Waterslide & pool, miniature gol,playground, and stream with picnic area close to Linville Falls and the Parkway.

Mountain Stream RV Park 828-724-9013www.mountainstreamrvpark.comPicturesque RV, ull hook-up and tent sitesadjacent to mountain stream. Close to theBlue Ridge Parkway.

Mountain View RV Park 828-527-3020 www.mountainviewrvparkonline.com828-527-3020

Full service, 23 acre, multi-purpose RV park and event venue three miles south o I-40 Exit 85. Laundry and bathhouse.

North Star Campground 828-724-4798 Full hook-ups, tents and trailer sites.

Sky Island Retreat & Campground 828-668-4928 www.skyislandretreatandcampground.comRV sites with ull hook-ups, tent sites,picnic areas, 9 hole putt-putt and weekly entertainment on private acreage outsidethe town o Old Fort.

Te Lucky Strike Gold & Gem Mine

828-738-493www.luckystrikegoldandgem.comCampsites with hookups, Miner’s Diner,restrooms, shower acilities all on site o ormer commercial mine. Enjoy it today asa recreational mine!

View from the Parkway, South of Bear Den

Page 12



Catawba Falls: A 340-oot

cascade, upper alls is a 70-oot

plunge. I-40 West bound to

exit 73. Turn let and go underinterstate. Make rst right. At

ork, bear let onto Catawba

River Road. I-40 East bound

exit 73. As you approach the

stop sign at the end o this

exit, Catawba River Road is to

the right beore you reach the

stop sign. Road ends ater 3

miles. Park on gravel shoulderon let. New parking area is

under construction. Trail begins

across bridge and to right.

Hiking is permitted during

daylight hours only. The McDowell County Sheri’s

department patrols this area. Cars let ater dusk

will be towed. Some hikers will hike to alls rom

Ridgecrest Conerence Center. Distance: 3 miles

round-trip, moderate. Strenuous climb to upperalls!

Crabtree Falls: A 60-oot plunge down a wide and

even rock ace. At Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost

339.5, turn into Crabtree Meadows Recreation Area.

I campground is closed, walk is an additional 0.3

miles. Distance: 2.5 mile loop, moderate.

Dugger’s Creek Falls: On the Blue Ridge Parkway,Milepost 316.5 is the Linville Falls parking area

and visitor center. Once in the parking lot, you

will nd the visitor’s center with a map o the

park, and some pictures o the wateralls. To see

Dugger’s Creek Falls, you will ollow the edge o the

parking lot back to the street. You will come upon

a small, marked trailhead to your right. Once you

enter the woods, you will ollow a very short trail

to a bridge over Dugger’s Creek. The alls will be

to your right. This is not a large wateralls, but is

breathtaking. Bring the camera to take great shots

rom the swinging bridge. There is also a trail going

down below or other views o the alls./ .3 mile

loop/easy

Hickory Branch Trail Falls: View o 20-oot alls

can be seen rom scenic Hickory Branch Trail at USForest Service’s Curtis Creek primitive campground

near Old Fort. Approximately

2 miles east o Old Fort on US

70, turn onto Curtis Creek Road,

go 4 miles to campground.Trailhead is on edge o eld to

right o campground. Distance:

4 miles round-trip, moderate.

Linville Falls: Most popular

waterall in Blue Ridge! A

spectacular three-tiered

waterall plunging into Linville

Gorge, the “Grand Canyon o the Southern Appalachians.”

Exit Blue Ridge Parkway spur

at milepost 316.4. Falls Trail

distance: 1.6 miles round-trip,

easy; Gorge Trail: 1.4 miles round-trip, strenuous;

Plunge Basin Trail: 1 mile round-trip, moderate.

Roaring Fork Falls: Located in Toecane District

o Pisgah National Forest. A 30-oot rush down anarrow, zigzag slide. At Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost

344.1, exit north onto NC 80. Drive north 2.3 miles,

turn let onto FS 472 (South Toe River Road), just

beore Mt. Mitchell Gol Course. Take rst let (ater

0.1 miles) at sign indicating Roaring Fork Falls and

Busick Work Center. Road dead-ends at work center.

Park near gate on right. Distance: 1 mile round-trip,

easy.

Setrock Creek Falls: Four distinct levels, totaling 50

eet o alling water. See directions under Roaring

Fork Falls to FS 472. FS 472 becomes gravel ater

0.8 miles. There are picnic tables on South Toe River

at 1.5 miles. Neal’s Junction (take right ork) is at

2 miles. Turn right into Black Mountain Campground

- over stream on concrete bridge - go let toward

Briar Bottom (group

campsite). Park in

small area on right

beore gate and begin

hiking up gravel road.

Distance: 1.4 miles

round-trip, easy.

Tom’s Creek Falls:

7 miles north o Marion on US 221.

Tom Johnson’s Camping Center & RV Park 800-225-7802 www.tomjohnsoncamping.com/ RV campground adjacent to the Catawba

River with perormance area/Rally Park.

Triple C Campground 828-724-2520 Full hook-ups, trailer sites and tent sites onBuck Creek, close to Blue Ridge Parkway.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Camp and Resort 828-652-7208 www.jellystonemarion.com

Yogi’s resort is on 63 lush acres with RV and tent sites, two lakes, pool, waterslide,covered picnic area/perormance area andmore.

Waterfalls & Trails

Lower Catawba Falls

Tom’s Creek Falls

Page 13



Turn let at Huskins Branch Road, just beore

Woodlawn Motel. Go 1.5 miles and park on right at

gravel lot beore small bridge. Trailhead begins at

lot. When trail orks, ollow let along creek. Gentle

alls in picturesque area. Approximate height o

alls: 100 eet. Distance: 2 mile loop, easy.

Armstrong Creek: 3640 t. Primitive hiking trail

on old logging road. Take NC 226A to Armstrong

Fish Hatchery Road (1443). Trailhead begins past

hatchery parking lot. Distance 6 miles, easy-

moderate.

Bad Fork: 2940 t. Primitive trail connects with

Woods Mountain and Armstrong Creek Trails. Take NC

226A to Armstrong Fish Hatchery Road (1443). Drive3 miles to trail head on let side at confuence o

Bad Fork with Armstrong Creek. 8 miles, moderate.

Betsy Ridge: 3160 t. Old logging road trail, with

views o Black Mountains, intersects Little Buck

Creek Trail and ends at Woods Mountain Trail. Take

US 221, north o Marion. Let on Tom’s Creek Road

(1434). Take rst right onto dirt road. Trailhead is

second dirt road on let. Distance 9 miles, easy-moderate.

Blue Ridge Pinnacle: 5665 t. Prominent peak near

Mt. Mitchell, awesome views. Begin at swing-bar

gate on road at Parkway Milepost 354.8. Distance 3

miles, easy.

Kitsuma Peak: 3195 t. Short, 20-minute trail.

Breathtaking views and unusual Carolina hemlocks.Take I-40 westbound to Ridgecrest exit. Turn onto

“Old US 70.” Park at Ridgecrest Overlook. Distance 1

mile, moderate.

Lead Mine Gap: 3460 t. Mixed orested

environment with long range views. Take Curtis

Creek Road rom US 70, east o Old Fort. Continue

about 8 1/2 miles to trail head. Trail ends at

Hickory Branch Trail, which ater 2 miles rejoins

Curtis Creek Road at lower point. Distance 5 miles,

moderate.

Linville Gorge: 3400

t. Eastern America’s

most scenic and

rugged gorge. On

NC 183 in village o Linville Falls, turn

right at dirt road (Kistler Memorial Highway, #1238)

3/4 mile rom intersection with US 221. There are

multiple strenuous trails accessible rom Kistler

Memorial Highway. Obtain Linville Gorge Wilderness

Map rom US Forest Service Grandather District

Oce in Nebo, 828-652-2144

Mackey Mountain: 3400 t. Excellent views in bear

sanctuary. Take Curtis Creek Road, o US 70, east o

Old Fort. Trailhead is 9 miles at entrance to Sugar

Cove Road. Distance 16 miles, moderate.

Newberry Creek: 4300 t. Scenic trail ends at

Parkway. Take Curtis Creek Road, o US 70, east o

Old Fort. Let at Newberry Creek Road (FS 482A).

Trail begins ater 4 miles at end o road. Distance 5miles, easy-moderate.

Point Lookout Trail: 1800-2900 Feet above sea

level depending upon area. Spectacular views o

Royal Gorge and 19th century railroad tunnels.

Paved hiking/bicycle trail, 3.62 miles one way. I-40

to exit 73, North on Catawba Ave., turn let onto

Highway 70 at stoplight, then right onto Old Hwy.

70. 2.4 miles to Mill Creek Road, Old Fort PicnicArea to let with parking available. Trail begins at

end o Old Hwy. 70, look or U.S.F.S. entry gate.

Woodlawn Fitness Trail: 1600 t. Fitness trail

consists o 7 stations, 2 exercises per station, on

a 1/4 mile jogging path. Additional 1-mile loop

surrounds exercise trail. Woodlawn Work Center is

6 miles north o Marion on US 221. Trail is behind

picnic area on let. Distance 1.25 miles, easy-moderate.

Woods Mountain: 3600 t. Excellent views o Black

Mountains, Little Switzerland, Armstrong Creek

watershed area, and Table Rock rom section o

North Carolina’s “Mountains to Sea Trail.” Trail

begins near Buck Creek Gap overlook at intersection

o Blue Ridge Parkway and NC 80. Trail may be

exited on US 221, at US Forest Service rest area near

Woodlawn. Distance 13 miles, moderate-strenuous.

Young’s Ridge: 3165 t. Trail begins at Old Fort

Picnic Area. Incredible views o Kitsuma Peak where

trail ends. From US 70, west o Old Fort, take rst

right onto Mill Creek Road (1407). Old Fort Picnic

Area is several miles on let and marked by National

Forest Sign. Distance 7 miles, easy-moderate.

Check the Online Calendar for Events, News and

Seasonal Specials

April Pioneer Day

Last Saturday in April

May Lake James Triathlon

Assault on Mt. Mitchell

June NC Gold Festival

Marion Livermush Festival

First Friday in June

July 4th o July Celebrations

Of Road Assault onMt. Mitchell

September Marion Labor Day ConcertOvermountain Victory Trail

Events!

October Oktoberest

1st Weekend in October Mountain Glory Festival 2nd Saturday in October

December Appalachian Potters’ Market

First Saturday in December Blue Ridge Artisans Sale

www.visitmyblueridge.org

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Nort Carolina USA (in english)

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Transcript of Nort Carolina USA (in english)