OutsideOct 1, 2026
Best of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Hike, bike, paddle, and more in McDowell County, North Carolina
11 things in this story
- North Carolina Mining MuseumMuseumlocated at Emerald Village
- Elsewhere
- Heartbreak RidgeTrailMcDowell County, United Statessteep mountain bike descent
- Mountains to Sea TrailTrailMcDowell County, United States1,175-mile state trail
- Fonta Flora and Wilderness Gateway TrailTrailMcDowell County, United StatesDiscover a mix of outdoor adventures and peaceful relaxation, Lake James State Park in Nebo, NC is an ideal destination…
- Overmountain Victory National Historic TrailTrailMcDowell County, United StatesPlan a visit to Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail in McDowell County, NC.
- Pisgah National ForestNature reserveMcDowell County, United Statesprotected watershed since early 1900s
- Mountain Gateway MuseumMuseumOld Fort, United Statesexplore history in Old Fort
- Switzerland InnHotelMcDowell County, United Statesretreat into the mountains
- Copper Ridge at Grier VillageHotelMcDowell County, United Statesstay trailside
- Wunderland ResortHotelMcDowell County, United Statesglamp or park your RV
- Linville Falls Lodge and CottagesHotelMcDowell County, United Statesend your 22-mile wilderness trek