Waterfalls with trails of varying difficulty, a greenway along the Catawba River and traces of mining history give McDowell County a diverse character. When planning your trip, it helps to decide first whether nature trails and water, museums or regional culture should take center stage.
Comparing Waterfalls and Trails
Catawba Falls forms the headwaters of the Catawba River and consists of several cascades, including Lower Falls and Upper Falls. The hike from the parking lot to the 205-foot Lower Falls follows the River Trail, is about 1.5 miles long and is rated easy. The trail to the 80-foot Upper Falls climbs 580 steps; along the way, there are three overlooks and a 60-foot observation tower. The easy River Trail leads to Lower Falls, while the route to Upper Falls involves 580 steps and three overlooks.
Section 4 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs through McDowell County, just north of Old Fort and Marion. Hikers on this section have views ranging from Lake James to Little Switzerland. If you prefer a paved route, the Joseph McDowell/Catawba River Greenway follows the river. It is about 3 miles each way and open exclusively to pedestrians and cyclists.
You can also launch kayaks or canoes from the greenway. Mountain bikers can find singletrack trails and old forest roads in the Pisgah National Forest near Old Fort. These different trail and activity options help you choose the focus of your time outdoors.
Lake James and Scenic Overlooks
Lake James State Park is in McDowell County and encompasses Lake James, where bald eagles live. At the park’s Catawba River access, Sandy Cliff and Lake Channel are among the scenic overlooks. Overnight camping with backpack access is also available there. The park therefore brings together lakeside and riverside settings, overlooks and a designated camping option.
Mining History and Museums
At Emerald Village, the North Carolina Mining Museum takes visitors underground through the historic Bon Ami Mine. At the Gemstone Mine, visitors can choose buckets of gemstones and keep what they find. The Discovery Mill has twelve levels of exhibits featuring a model railway, native wildlife, minerals that glow under black light, antique tools and the Antique Music Museum. Emerald Village thus offers a look at both mining and a range of collections and exhibits.
The Mountain Gateway Museum building also reflects an earlier use: it was built in 1937 as a community center through the Works Progress Administration. From 1843 to 1845, the Carson House served as the seat of McDowell County’s administration; it is now a historic museum. It opened to the public as a museum in October 1964.
Regional History and Food Culture
Andrews Geyser is the site of one of the two North Carolina Civil War Trail markers in McDowell County. The geyser was built in 1879 as a tourist attraction and is now part of a public park owned by the City of Old Fort. As park facilities and geyser operations may change, check current conditions before visiting.
Marion’s annual Liver Mush Festival celebrates the region’s Liver Mush heritage. It adds a regional food tradition to the area’s historical attractions. If you’re planning an overnight stay in McDowell, first decide whether waterfalls and trails, Lake James, or museums and regional history will shape your trip.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Marion, Old Fort, New Hanover, Swain County, Buncombe, Alamance, Harnett County, Burke County.
For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.
