Fall is the most gorgeous season in the mountains and the best hikes in the Blue Ridge await. Autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains brings mild and comfortable outdoor temperatures, the dying down of the biting bugs, the fluttering and gathering of every beautiful bee, butterfly and moth, the turning of the autumn leaves to rich and bright hues of golds, reds and orange, and the native wildlife prepare for their winter migrations (like the warblers), dormancies (like the black bears) and huddles (like the honeybee).
Fall is the perfect season in McDowell County, and it is the best time to hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Where’s best to hike with the kiddos and dogs?
- When in Marion, this spot is easy to get to and can help those kiddos and four-leggeds work that energy out. The Joseph McDowell/Catawba River Greenway is just outside of Marion and follows the flow of the Catawba River, so there is no getting lost. It is 3 miles each way, and the park is open from sunrise to sunset.
- Lake James is a spot for the whole family, especially the younger and more excited ones, with space to spread out and play. The Lake James State Park Guide outlines the options.
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What are the best bets for the most scenic views in McDowell County?
- It is hard to go wrong on any section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and you can hop on a chunk of Section 4 of this North Carolina trail. This segment of the MST is known for its gorges, peaks and waterfalls.
- There is a short but steep trail to a summit that showcases one of the best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Pinnacle Trail at sunrise and sunset offers notable scenery.
- For views of the rural Swannanoa Valley, take the Young’s Ridge Trail from the Old Fort Picnic Area. This is a popular trail for mountain bikers and is a strenuous climb to the summit.
- For a bird's-eye view of downtown Marion, the Mt. Ida Trail and Wilderness Area delivers. Open to the public during daylight hours, hikers are welcome to reach the summit and take in the views atop Mt. Ida.
Looking for a challenging workout?
- Copper Ridge Trail, a newer section of the Fonta Flora State Trail, is just outside of Old Fort and has a steep natural surface, making it a moderate to strenuous hike, depending on how ambitious you are feeling.
- The Woodlawn Fitness Trail is not a typical hike. It is a 1 1/4-mile loop with multiple exercise stations along the jogging path. It is just north of Marion and is near a picnic area.
- The Star Gap Trail in Old Fort is popular for hikers who want a challenging climb and mountain bikers who want to work on climbing and descending on multiple switchbacks. It is not a long trail, but it is memorable.
- The Old Fort Gateway Trail System is a way to log miles while visiting McDowell County. The multiuse trails of this 42-mile expansion project offer several loops.
Enjoy an in-town, pleasant wooded stroll
- The Peavine Trail in Marion was once an active Norfolk Southern Railway line. Today it is a 2.4-mile walk alongside the tracks, trees, birds and bees.
- Greenlee Park is a path for a stroll to shift gears, an after-dinner walk or a brief outing outdoors.
- There is a hiking experience in the Pisgah National Forest at the Meadows Loop Trail. It is wheelchair accessible and new-to-hiking friendly. For a short, easy walk, there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.
Is it solitude you are looking for?
- Usually, the more primitive the trail, the more solitude you will have. That also means you should have navigation and supplies with you while exploring. Check out Armstrong Creek for a primitive but relatively easy 6-mile hike with moving water, opportunities to fish and fewer passersby.
- There is an opportunity to add onto that Armstrong leg with the Bad Fork Trail, but only if you are prepared for a demanding section before reaching Bad Fork, which finishes at a picnic and rest break spot.
No matter where you hike and explore this fall while you are spending time in the Blue Ridge Mountains of McDowell County, the experience underscores that fall is the season to visit. After a day on the trails and in the leaves, there are places to settle in for a drink or a bite. Visitors may meet others who are also discovering the area in the fall.
McDowell County is a home base for an autumn Blue Ridge adventure, not only for hiking, but also for biking, trail running, fishing, camping, watersports and birding.
Be sure to check out the local festivals and celebrations happening during a visit to McDowell County. The late summer and fall event calendar features seasonal entertainment and activities.
The small mountain towns of McDowell County have cultural depth and a shared love for the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the visit does not end at the treeline. See the season in the Blue Ridge.
