The Adventure Collective 2017 WNC Adventure Guide | Page 19
Explore McDowell County
ramed by the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah
National Forest, The Blue Ridge Travelers’ towns
include Little Switzerland, Linville Falls, Lake James,
Marion and Old Fort. Adventure enthusiasts will find plenty
of opportunities for outdoor recreation as they explore
the pristine wilderness areas, trout streams, miles of hiking,
waterfall and mountain biking trails, and spectacular Lake James
with 6,812 acres and over 150 miles of shoreline. Lake James is
home to two state parks with a swimming beach, canoe/kayak
rentals, hiking and mountain bike trails.
F
Young’s Mountain / Kitsuma:
This
trail in the Pisgah National Forest is one of the
more “famous” mountain bike trails in thearea, but it
also makes for a great day hike for those looking to
explore a beautiful area. The suggested route is a 10
mile loop with close to 2,200 feet of elevation change.
The first half of the hike or ride consists of 5 miles of
steep singletrack trail that ends with a long downhill
into the Old Fort picnic area. From the picnic area
hang a left on to the paved road to catch the 3.62
mile Point Lookout Trail to complete the loop. Di-
rections from Asheville: drive I-40 East to Exit 72
(Old Fort/Highway 70). Go about a mile, then turn left onto
Old Highway 70. Go 2.4 miles to Mill Creek Rd intersection,
Old Fort Picnic Area is on the left.
Canoes and Kayaks: Looking to
cool down or simply explore the beautiful
wilderness surrounding the Catawba River? Mar-
ion’s Joseph McDowell Greenway offers public ac-
cess from dawn until dusk, taking you “down the
river” and into Lake James at the Black Bear boat
landing. If you prefer a guide, Catawba River
Outdoors has you covered. They offer kayak and
tube rentals by the hour.
Mountain Biking: For beginners, the trails
at Lake James State Park’s Paddy Creek area are
open year round and are a great introduction to the fun
of mountain biking. Experienced cyclists should plan
on tackling Kitsuma Peak/Young’s Ridge, Jarrett’s Creek
Trail and Snook’s Nose. These single track trails wind
through the Pisgah National Forest and areas of the
Curtis Creek Recreational Area.
More experienced riders will also enjoy Woods
Mountain Trail. At 3600 ft. , this trail has great views of the
Black Mountains, Little Switzerland, Armstrong Creek
watershed area, and Table Rock from sections of North
Carolina’s “Mountains to Sea Trail.” The trail begins near
Buck Creek Gap overlook at intersection of Blue Ridge
Parkway and NC 80. The trail may be exited on US 221,
at US Forest Service rest area near Woodlawn. Distance
13 miles and is considered moderate to strenuous.
Hiking & Waterfall Trails: McDowell
County has a wide range of great public hiking
trails. Hikers looking to explore near a river or creek,
we recommend relaxing with a walk to one or more
of the county’s eight waterfalls. Two of the highest are
Catawba Falls, located just outside Old Fort, with a 340
foot cascade and Linville Falls, with access from the Blue
Ridge Parkway at Milepost 316.4. Directions: Take
I-40 west bound to exit 73. Turn left and go under the inter-
state. Make first right and at the fork bear left onto Catawba
River Road. I-40 east bound exit 73. As you approach the
stop sign at the end of this exit, take a right onto Catawba
River Road and follow to the parking area. The trail begins
across the bridge and to right.
Fly Fishing: Old Fort is a certified North
Carolina Mountain Trout Town, offering the three-
day $5.00 specialty license to be used on the banks of
Mill Creek adjacent to Mountain Gateway Museum. Sea-
soned fisherman should be sure and hit the hatchery
supported waters of Curtis Creek, Newberry Creek
and the upper section of the Catawba River.
Find Your Way: Head to the McDowell
County Visitor Center in Old Fort for driving di-
rections to these and other adventures or download our
free mobile app for turn-by-turn navigation to each of these
adventures and find even more great adventures to enjoy in
McDowell County.
McDowell County Visitor Center
91 South Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, NC
(828) 668-4282 || blueridgetravelers.com
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