Summer In McDowell - Things to do in McDowell County NC

Walking Trails around McDowell County

Grassy Creek Waterfall Trail

Visit the Grassy Creek Waterfall Trail in Little Switzerland this week, you'll be so glad you did!

Near the center of town, and just off Chesnut Grove Church Road, is the short hiking trail to the Grassy Creek Falls.

This 30 foot waterfall is located on private property. The property owners have graciously agreed to allow visitors to hike the trail and enjoy the falls. To get there, take Hwy 226a in the center of town to Chesnut Grove Church Road and go under the Parkway overpass. Immediately on your right is the Grassy Creek Falls Road. Turn right and park at the end of that road. There is a map and directions there.

Crabtree Falls

A visit to Crabtree Falls on the blue Ridge Parkway this week would deliver wonderful family memories to treasure.

Crabtree Falls is located in the Crabtree Meadows Recreation Area at MP 339.5 of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The trail head is located outside Crabtree Falls Campground at mile marker 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A trail leads to a footbridge over the creek at the base of the falls. The trail head loop starts at the parking area just before the entrance to the campground, and is a medium to strenuous hike at just under 2.5 miles in length. The path to the falls is a rugged, downhill 0.9-mile, with a gentler 1.5-mile uphill return following Crabtree creek upstream before looping back to the parking area.

Holly Discovery Trail

https://www.ncparks.gov/lake-james-state-park/trail/holly-discovery-trail

Take the family on an adventuresome flat short trail in Paddy's Creek, Lake James, and discover nature in a new way!

The trail is a flat, easy trek through riparian forest adjacent to Paddy's Creek.

The Lake James State Park TRACK Trail adventures (see kiosk at trailhead parking area) were designed for use on the Holly Discovery Trail, but they can be used anywhere within the park trail system.

Along the trail, young hikers can enjoy 18 interactive educational activity stations. The HDT is a national award-winning trail

Joseph McDowell Memorial Greenway

Bring the family this week to the wonderful McDowell Greenway along the Catawba River. Perfect for biking or walking, with plenty of nature to see, and even stops along the trail

A flat, peaceful walk along the side of the Catawba River

From Marion, take Hwy 221 north toward Sevier. Soon you will be at the intersection for Hwy 70. Make a left turn onto 70 like you are headed to Old Fort. Cross the freeway intersection and go past the Mc Donald�s. In less than a mile you will see the entrance to the Joseph Mc Dowell Greenway on your right. Turn in and park in the lot. There is a handicap parking spot if needed.

The trail starts at the parking lot. As you enter, check the info at the kiosk on your left.

Catawba Falls Trail

https://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/catawba-falls/

Want to do something spectacular this week? Take a short moderate hike to Catawba Falls, and enjoy an amazing family adventure!

A moderate hike with a climb to the falls, a dirt path with a stream to cross.

From Marion, take Interstate 40 to exit 73. At the end of the ramp turn left. Go under the freeway bridge then almost immediately, take the right toward Old Fort Recreation Park. You�ll think you�re turning the wrong way on the Interstate but you�re not. Make a left. Again, you�ll see the sign to Old Fort Recreation Park. Go about 3.5 miles until the road ends.

From the parking lot it�s a simple trail to follow.

Point Lookout Trail

Thinking of taking a hike this week? Make it special and visit Point Lookout, with some of the most spectacular views in the county!

A moderate hike with of around 5 miles up to the lookout point with terrific views!

From Marion, take Interstate 40 west to exit 73. Turn right toward Old Fort. At the big arrowhead turn left onto Hwy 70. In less than a quarter mile make a right turn onto Old Hwy 70. You�ll see a sign pointing to Andrews Geyser. Stay on this road until it ends in about 3 � miles. You should see the sign pointing to the geyser on the right and the Old Fort Picnic grounds on the left. Continue straight ahead. You�ll see parking and the Forest Service Gate that is the start of the trail.

YMCA Greenway Trails

Visit the YMC Greenway Trails this week, short and paved, but packed full of natural beauty!

McDowell County has partnered with the Corpening YMCA and several additional partners to develop two greenway loops in the vicinity of the Corpening YMCA facility off of Sugar Hill Road.

Both are just under a mile in length. The George Hutchins Loop is an easier trail with mostly steady grade changes, and is entierly an asphalt paved trail. the Bill Hendley Loop is more wooded and has several stream crossings, water features and bridges.

Peavine Trail

https://www.traillink.com/trail/peavine-trail-(nc)/

This week, why not walk an old ralway line along the Peavine Trail.

The Peavine Trail runs for 1.5 miles from State Street in downtown Marion, North Carolina to just south of the First Christian Church on Rutherford Road. Construction of the crushed gravel and grass trail began immediately after the City of Marion's purchase of 2.4 miles of the abandoned Peavine Rail Line from Norfolk Southern in 2010.

The rich rail history of the Peavine Trail is evident at the current Rutherford Road endpoint, where barricades prevent access to a gorgeous but structurally unsound original wooden trestle.

Tom's Creek Falls

https://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/grandfather-ranger-district/toms-creek-falls

Get your comfortable shoes on this week and take a visit to Tom's Creek Falls near Woodlawn, come on out and enjoy the amazing scenery of McDowell County.

Whether you go to the top of the falls, or stay at the bottom and enjoy the view, this is a moderate trail hike you will love.

From Marion, take Hwy 221 north to Woodlawn. After you pass the picnic grounds on the left the highway starts downhill. Very soon you will see Huskins Branch Rd. on the left. Turn left on to Huskins Branch Rd. After a very short time you will pass a small white church on the left. Further along you will cross an unpaved stretch in the road. When you are back on the pavement you�re very close to the parking area. It will be on your right.

The trail starts from the parking area.

Footbridge across North Fork River

https://mcdowelltrails.org/northfork/

Why not take a trip across the North Fork River this week? It's a beautiful hike in the Woodlawn area. Explore it today!

A moderate hike with hills on the a forest service road

From Marion, take Hwy 221 north toward Sevier. About a mile before you get to the turn off to the American Thread Plant, there is a small community called Woodlawn. You will see a small park and picnic area on the left. Look for parking on either side of the road.

The trail starts at the service road gate on the east side of the highway. From the gate it�s a simple trail to follow. Just stay on the forest service road.

Orchard at Altapass Walking Trails

https://www.altapassorchard.org/

Take a walk through three different trails around a mountain orchard.

Three open trails that wind through a working apple Orchard; new trails are being developed over the summer. A moderate walk with slight changes in elevation. Dogs on leashes always welcome with the family. One can follow the growth of the heirloom apples all year round.