Apple Valley Golf Course
This 18-hole championship golf course was designed by Dan Maples and features challenging greens, bunkered fairways and outstanding views. Rental clubs are available.
828.625.3000

Etowah Valley Country Club
Spectacular play on excellent bent green fairways, tennis, croquet, and superb dining & lodging makes this centrally located club a top choice in the WNC area. As a golf package guest, you'll stay in a spacious balcony or patio lodge room overlooking the course. Greet the day with a hot country breakfast, delicious four-course dinner or "Open Hearth Party" cookout, and unlimited complimentary golf on our picturesque 27-hole championship golf course. 800.451.8174

Waterfalls Tours and Hikes
With over 250 majestic waterfalls right here among the Blue Ridges, this is truly the Land of Waterfalls! Let us show you some of our greatest treasures all within an hour of Asheville/Hendersonville and accessible by short and easy hikes, for the whole family, age 5 and up with average fitness!. All you need is walking shoes and a camera! Join us for a lifetime of memories! 800-684-1101

Gold Mining

Out Door Stuff

Maple Leaf Sports Complex - includes bowling lanes, miniature golf, batting cages and snack bar.  Scheduled baseball and softball tournaments throughout the year.  Located in Marion off North Main Street on Finley Road adjacent to Ivans Restaurant Call 828-652-2626

Orchard at Altapass - Century-old apple orchard featuring heritage varieties and numerous apple products. Because of its location along the migration route of the Monarch butterfly, recent additions include a butterfly garden, wildflower walk and wetlands garden. Scheduled activities include guided hikes, talks featuring local historians and hayrides through the orchard. Picnic tables, snack bar, gift shop. Mid-May through October. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 328.3. 888-765-9531 or 828-765-9531

Painters Greenhouse -Grow and sell foliage plants, perennials, herbs, etc. Also available are concrete planters and statuary, stepping stones and some whimsical garden implements. Located on Roy Moore Road in Old Fort. 828-668-7225Springmaid Mountain Guided horseback riding only. Minimum age for riders is nine. Lead rides available for younger children. Guests may bring horses, pasture available. Accommodations include cabins, lodge, and camping facilities. Other activities include fishing, rafting, tubing, and hiking. Located in Altapass near Little Switzerland. 828-765-2353

Starrcrest Farms -Raising, training, showing, breeding national quality Arabian horses. Show horses and family pleasure horses for sale. NC 226, Nebo. 828-652-8183

Webb's Daylily - Gardens Field grown daylilies, many are award-winning varieties. Open April through October (peak bloom June and July), Monday through Saturday, 10:00am-6:00pm. Located on Lucky Street off old US 10, Marion, one mile from the US 221 Visitor Center. 828-652-3636

We-Du Nursery - Mail order nursery for native plants as well as rare and unusual plants. Open Fridays and Saturdays in April, May, September, and October from 9:00am-5:00pm. Other times by appointment. Located on Polly Spout Road off US 221 South, Marion. 828-738-8300

Shops

A Warp in Time Fine hand-woven fabrics. Custom spinning, weaving, and natural dyeing. Offering classes and workshops. Open by appointment. Greenlee Road, Old Fort. 828-668-4885

Buck Creek Bowls Woodturning shop featuring wood bowls and decorative vessels at wholesale prices. Open daily 9-5, June-mid Sep. 2467 Buck Creek Road (NC 80), Marion. 828-724-9047 or -9048

Creative Framing & Awards Gallery Limited edition prints, paintings, custom framing. Open Mon-Fri, 9:30-5:30; Sat, 9:30-3. Main Street, downtown Marion. 828-652-6216

Don Balke Wildlife Gallery Original paintings, limited editions, decorator prints. Open Wed-Fri, 10-5; Sat, 10-4; Sun, 1-4, or by appointment. 1374 Vein Mountain Road, south of Marion. 828-652-2703

Garrou Pottery Hand-thrown pottery in many colorful glazes. Call ahead for hours. East Mackey Creek Road (5th house on right), off US 70 West, 6 miles from Marion. 828-724-4037

Gems For You Elegant handmade jewelry designed and created in wire sculpture by Anita Shadow Lawson. Open April through December. Call ahead for hours. 456 McKinney Mine Road, Little Switzerland. 1-888-390-GEMS

Hearthside Handmades Eclectic shop of Blue Ridge crafts. Open May-Oct. Adjacent to Switzerland Inn, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 334, Little Switzerland. 828-765-7982

Just Wood Custom Millwork Architectural Woodworking. Furniture, cabinetry, architectural elements, custom finishing. Call ahead. 2275 Buck Creek Road, Marion. 828-724-9873

Max Woody Chair Shop Woodworking workshop. Handmade chairs, benches, stools, tables, hutches, buffets, corner cabinets, dry sinks, dry bars, entertainment centers. Mon-Sat, 7-5. US 70 West, Pleasant Gardens. 828-724-4158

Pine Crossings Country regional antiques, pottery, Victorian silver, country store items, tools, baskets, glassware, quilts, and unique gifts. Visit their early 1900s Country Store and Traditional Crafts Gallery. Open April through November, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-5:00. Located on NC 226 between Little Switzerland and Spruce Pine, one-third of a mile north of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 828-765-8400
E-mail: pinexing@cablevision-online.net

Pottery Garden Working pottery and painting studio surrounded by plants, vintage needlework, photography, jewelry, primitives, and more. May-Oct, Mon-Fri, 10-5. Located in village of Little Switzerland. 828-765-6666

Trillium Gallery Exquisite regional art including distinctive pottery, baskets, glass works and handmade jewelry. Open May-Oct, Mon-Sun, 9-5. Adjacent to Switzerland Inn, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 334, Little Switzerland. 828-765-0024

Theaters

Hollywood

Fine Arts

Biltmore Square

Beaucatcher

Four Seasons

Carmike

Skyland Arts Cinema

Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company

Marquee Cinemas--Mimosa Cinemas

Foothills Community Theater 

Several community theater productions offered throughout the year. Call ahead for production information and schedules. 828-652-8610

McDowell Twin Cinemas  First release, twin-screen movie theater. Call ahead for features and show schedules. 828-652-8368 - Marion NC -

Fishing

Lake James State Park -At the base of Linville Gorge you will find a 6,812 acre lake with more than 150 miles of shoreline. Scenic vistas of the Appalachian Mountains with 565 wooded acres for picnicking, swimming, canoeing, camping and hiking. Boat Access -Black Bear Boat Access Area, Linville Access Area, and Hidden Cove Access Area.  828-652-5047.
http://www.ncparks.com

Fishing On Lake James - All Wildlife Resources commission regulations apply. A fishing license is required.   Cool, deep waters and warm surface waters provide a variety of sport fishing.  Large Mouth & Small Mouth Bass, Walleye, White Bass, Bluegill, Robin, Catfish, Muskellunge, Bream, Sunfish, Perch, Crappie, and Channel Catfish.
 

Public Trout Streams - (stocked waters)

Little Buck Creek (game lands portion) 4 miles with tight creek well stocked.

North Fork Catawba River (headwaters - go to North Cove School at S.R. 1569)11 miles very well stocked with easy access near headwaters, nice holdovers in lower sections.

Armstrong Creek (Cato Holler lower line downstream to Greenlee upper line) 2 miles with large holes.

Mill Creek (upper railroad bridge to US 70 bridge ) 6 miles.  Fished heavily due to easy access, lower section near US 70 is posted.

Public Trout Streams - (delayed harvest)

Curtis Creek - 5  miles with easy access.  Also, nice holes for swimming.

Public Trout Streams - (Catch and Release Artificial Lures Only Waters -Season is year round.  Fish may  not be harvested or possessed.  Lure restrictions are artificial lures with one single hook only.)

Newberry Creek (game lands portion) 3 miles and has been stocked for years with Brook Trout only with many still there.

Wild Trout Waters - No closed season.  Daily creek limit is 4 with minimum size of 7”.  Lures are restricted to artificial lures with one single hook only.

Mackey Creek (game lands section) Very light fishing pressure.

Buck Creek (game land section) 200 yards along NC 80 also light fishing pressure.

Curtis Creek (including tributaries -game land section)  Heavily fished along campsites.

Armstrong Creek (including tributaries -game land section is above hatchery property) Can access via U.S. Forest Service trail 223.  Large numbers of fish.

Catawba River (head waters are on game lands)  Above the water falls are some nice Brook Trout, stream is tight but fishable.  Public access is through the Catawba Falls Preserve off I-40 - Follow signs. River is stocked from Catawba Falls Campground through Old Fort picnic area.

Trout Ponds & Farms:

Buck Creek Trout Farm - 2525 Buck Creek Road (NC 80)

Elliott’s Trout Pond - Buck Creek Rd. (NC 80) South of Mountain Stream RV Park

Harris Creek Trout Pond - On Huskins Branch Road , off US 221 North

Also, visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commision for state guidelines.

Green River Game Lands, Henderson and Polk Counties, 800-440-7848

Transylvania County Agriculture Center, (trout fishing farms) 828-884-3109

Pisgah National Forest Game Lands, Lake Lure, Rutherford countyU.S. Forest Service Wilderness Areas, Asheville, NC 828-258-2850 ext. 601Fishing Licenses are available.

PARKS

The South Mountains State Park

HARMON FIELD Harmon Field Road, Tryon. Covered picnic area, playground, tennis courts, track, baseball field, horse shoe area, Pacolet River frontage.  Open to the public.  Log cabin and covered picnic area available in park. Reservations are recommended for picnic area and required for log cabin as well as a fee for cabin rental.
 828-859-6655

WOODLAND PARK Chestnut Street, Tryon.  Rustic natural trails for short hikes, benches and a meandering stream. 

STEARNS PARK Highway 108, Columbus. Picnic area, walking track, basketball court, gazebo. Located across from the historic Polk County Courthouse.

GIBSON PARK Park Street, Columbus. Public swimming pool, open seasonally and picnic area.  Fee for pool use. 828-894-8199

McCREERY PARK Downtown Saluda.  Covered picnic area, swings, see-saws, playground and tennis courts.

LAKE ADGER Silver Creek Road, off of Hwy. 9, Mill Spring.  Public boat ramp, fishing, boating and swimming.  Fee charged.  Personal boat needed to access lake. 

GREEN RIVER COVE  Saluda.  Two public access areas for fishing, swimming, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking and hiking. Saluda, I-26  exit #28. Turn away from Saluda and take the first left on to Green River Cove Road. Access areas are well marked. Map of hiking trails available at Polk County Visitor's Center. For tube and kayak rentals see Outdoor and Camping pages on this web site. 800-440-7848

BRADLEY FALLS, HOLBERT COVE  Saluda. Hiking trails, rushing river, spectacular waterfalls and gorge. There are many miles of trails which are unmarked but easily visible. Use caution when hiking near the falls and stay off of wet rocks which can be very slippery and dangerous. Saluda, exit 28 off I-26. Turn away from Saluda on to Holbert's Cove Road. Parking area on the right, 3.2 miles from brick columns at Heaven's View Motel. Trails are across the road. 

RODGERS PARK, TRYON  200 seat amphitheater and reception and gathering area. Small creek and short trails meander through the park. Rock walls and beautiful landscaping. Local events and performances.  Can reserve for private functions. Tryon Town Hall.  828-859-6655

Biking

Blue Ridge Parkway A designated bike route, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides challenging climbs, thrilling downhill plunges, gentle rides at various points, and breath-taking scenery. The speed limit for motorists is 45 mph and most should be aware that bicycles often share the road.

The Craggy Pinnacle Segment follows the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville past Buck Creek Gap at NC 80 to Little Switzerland. Features include a 30-mile climb, gaining 3,000 feet in altitude, a 14-mile downhill ride, and an additional 4-mile climb.

Mountains to Sea Trail There are two segments of the 700-mile Mountains to Sea cycling route in McDowell County:

The Brown Mountain Lights Segment continues on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Linville Falls at the northern tip of McDowell County and on to the foothills via NC 181. The route includes several gentle descents, easy climbs, and a quick 15-mile downhill ride.

Lake Tahoma Road. Sometimes called Buck Creek Road, Lake Tahoma Road (NC 80) was included in the Tour DuPont in 1994 and again in 1995. The highway was recently designated as a bike route, but cyclists should still be cautious. Lake Tahoma Road is a tough, steep climb heading north to the Parkway, but return trip is a rapid descent down toward Marion

Lake James Road Lake (NC 126) is a designated bike route circling scenic Lake James. Portions are infrequently traveled by motorists. Lake James offers 150 miles of perimeter road and takes the rider through wooded areas with occasional views of the lake.

Tour DuPont Route In 1994, competitors entered McDowell County on NC 226 from the Blue Ridge Parkway and continued onto NC 226A to Little Switzerland and south on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Riders descended NC 80 to US 70 and traveled west to the town of Old Fort, then south on Bat Cave Road. In 1995, the route was reversed. Portions of this route are heavily traveled by motorists.

Cyclists unfamiliar with local routes should drive these roads by vehicle to identify potential hazards and areas of interest or concern. Always wear a helmet and obey traffic laws. For mountain biking information, contact the US Forest Service at 828-652-2144, or our local bike shop at 828-652-5358.

Other local stuff to see
Grandfather Mountain Just north of McDowell County is the entrance to the tallest mountain in the Blue Ridge chain and the only privately-owned International Biosphere Reserve designated by the United Nations. Mile-High Swinging Bridge, spectacular hiking trails, natural habitat wildlife exhibits, and Nature Museum. More than 47 rare and endangered plant and animal species thrive there, 11 of global significance. Located on US 221, two miles north of Linville. 800-468-7325

Historic Ledbetter House Built in 1826, the two story, gable sided house of post and beam construction remains one of McDowell County's few intact dwellings from the early 1800s. Recently restored and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house features hand painted walls and doors, and a rare antique quilt collection. Tours of the home are offered every Saturday by appointment only. Call for further information. Located in the community of Montford Cove, between Marion and Lake Lure. 828-738-9798

Lake James State Park The 3,000-acre park offers picnicking, swimming, canoe rentals, and hiking along picturesque Lake James. Ranger office, concession stand, bathrooms, showers and much more. Located on NC 126 east of Marion. 828-652-5047

Linville Caverns "See inside a mountain" at the only caverns in the Carolinas open to the public. Natural limestone caverns feature spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations, underground stream, and cave wildlife such as bats, blind crayfish, cave crickets, and large trout. Enjoy a creekside picnic in their beautiful glade or shop for crafts, gifts, and souvenirs in their gift shop. 800-419-0540 or 828-756-4171

Linville Gorge Wilderness Area "Grand Canyon of the East." Steep walls of Gorge, as high as 3400 feet, enclose Linville River for 12 miles. Primitive recreation includes strenuous hiking, back packing, rock climbing, and fishing for native trout. Due to wild and isolated topography, Gorge shelters stretches of virgin forest, rare and endangered plant species, and an assortment of wild game and non-game species. Located in Pisgah National Forest, alongside Kistler Memorial Highway (NC 1238), near Linville Falls. 828-652-2144

The Orchard at Altapass Century-old working apple orchard on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Old-time heritage apples, Monarch butterflies, apple butter, clogging, bluegrass bands, crafts, fine mountain cooking, apple and pumpkin fudge, Revolutionary War reenactments, storytelling, hayrides, and more. Picnic tables, snack bar, and gift shop. Open mid-May through October. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 328.3. 888-765-9531 or 828-765-9531

Antiquity

Ramblin' Room Antiques, vintage items, collectibles, and new gifts. Located in the West Marion Shopping Village, less than one mile north of I-40 (exit 81) just off of Sugar Hill Road. 828-659-1968

Sheehan's Auction Service Antique and collectible auction house. Catawba Avenue, Old Fort. 828-668-9346

Yellow Rose Antique Mall Located on US 221 North (Business) in Marion, below Johnny's Trade Lot. Open Monday, Wednesday-Saturday from 10:00-5:00 (Tuesdays by chance), and Sundays from 1:00-5:00. 828-691-1819

Specialty Shops

Grassy Mountain Book Shop Used, scarce and out-of-print books. Will locate books. Daily, May-Oct, 10-5. Downtown Little Switzerland. 828-765-9070

Linville Caverns Gems, minerals, rock specimens, locally made pottery, toys, mountain crafts, souvenirs. US 221 North, North Cove. 828-756-4171

Linville Mountain Gem Shop Professional stone cutters shape and set native gem stones into fine, hand made jewelry. Lapidary machines and lessons. Gold smithing and repair. US 221, North Cove, one mile south of Linville Caverns. 828-756-7206

The Orchard at Altapass Apple products, fudge, jams and jellies, locally made crafts, books, and clothing items. Late May-early Nov. Milepost 328 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 828-765-9531

Sante Fe Trading Co. Designer of fine southwestern arts, crafts and jewelry. South of the Blue Ridge Parkway on NC 226. 828-765-5859 or 800-811-2521