Welcome to Asheville

MCDOWELL COUNTY

County Offices
60 East Court Street
Marion 828-652-7121
www.mcdowellgov.com

Chamber of Commerce
1170 W. Tate Street
Marion 828-652-4240
www.mcdowellchamber.com

Services
McDowell County is nestled in the temperate foothills of the North Carolina Blue Ridge region. Known as one of the state’s scenic jewels, this area also provides quality services to growing communities. Quality schools serve students of all ages at all levels, from preschool through 12th grade and beyond. McDowell Tech Community College is dedicated to offering an affordable beginning to a four-year degree as well as maximizing access to diverse learning opportunities and vocational training.  The medical and professional services in McDowell County are anchored by the McDowell Hospital, a 65 bed facility. It provides state-of-the-art services within a cost-effective delivery system combines with the promotion of wellness and community education to meet lifetime needs. In addition the county

Lifestyle
Many consider the natural beauty of the McDowell County landscape to rival that of any other county in North Carolina. It’s undeniable appeal to newcomers and visitors have raised this area to the status of the jewel in the crown of panoramic regions that made up this scenic state. From the lavender hills in the north to the verdant rolling terrain in the south, the county enjoys a protected Catawba Valley River location that encompasses one of the Southeast’s few pristine lakes. Lake James State Park protecting the unspoiled beauty of the Lake James area although the public land around this region is giving way to handsome residential developments.

Other highlights of McDowell County include the rugged wilderness of Pisgah National Forest and Linville Gorge as well as the panoramic vistas from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Nature trails, parks, and picnic areas abound as well as preserves and trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting. Local communities offer championship golf courses, private clubs, active recreation programming, swimming pools, tennis courts, and sports facilities. 

Those who are fascinated by history will discover sites all kinds of sites like Emerald Village & North Carolina Mining Museum in Little Switzerland which is heralded as North Carolina’s top mining attraction, combining displays and exhibits with underground tours and gemstone mining. However, even modern technology has yet to explain the mysterious Brown Mountain Lights that have appeared since the early 1900s at the overlook on Highway 181 North. From farmer’s markets or roadside stands to the delightful shopping experience in Marion’s historic downtown district, McDowell County is a cornucopia of natural and crafted delights wrapped in traditional Southern hospitality that are just waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

City of Marion
City Offices
828-652-3551
www.marionnc.org

Chamber of Commerce
828-652-4240
www.mcdowellchamber.com

The City of Marion is the county seat of McDowell County it sits along the Catawba River Basin, at the eastern foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Marion is located just north of Interstate 40 approximately 35 miles east of Asheville. Marion is a peaceful and historic city.  The city is surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains and lakes that make up a significant portion of McDowell County. The residents of Marion enjoy a good quality of life, thanks to the city’s safe streets and neighborhoods. Residents enjoy exceptional recreational amenities. With five parks located in Marion, three operated by the City, including one in Downtown Marion, one in West Marion, and one in Cross Mill and two other parks run by McDowell County, one on West Court Street and the Maple Leaf athletic fields. The City of Marion is located just a few minute drive from Lake James, which includes public boat ramps, a State Park, and camping facilities. Marion is also just a few miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway and all of the recreational opportunities that it offers. In addition many camping facilities, sightseeing attractions, and hiking trails are close by. Nearby attractions include Mount Mitchell State Park, gem mining, Linville Caverns, and Linville Falls, and several golf courses. Shoppers can enjoy a vast array of local shops in historic downtown Marion including a bookstore, home décor shops, antique shops, flowers shops and local artist works at the arts council and coffee house. Marion offers year round opportunities for its residents, the county schools are excellent and there are plenty of opportunities for continuing education.

Town of Old Fort
Town Hall
828-668-4244
www.oldfort.org

Chamber of Commerce
828-652-4240
www.mcdowellchamber.com

Originally a fort built by the colonial militia before the Declaration of Independence, the settlement served for many years as the western outpost of the early United States. Today Old Fort offers a down-home southern feel that makes everyone feel welcomed. Old Fort offers residents, visitors and passers by the comfort of a small town, with all of the beauty this scenic region offers. Known as much today for its natural beauty as its colonial era history, Old Fort is home to a unique piece of civic art – a 30 foot tall carved stone arrowhead that sits in the middle of town, it was erected in 1930. In addition the town is home to the Old Fort Geyser Park a man made fountain that was once part of a popular resort, the geyser is now the centerpiece of a municipal park and a exciting piece of the town history. In addition Old Fort is famous for its weekly Mountain Music jamboree, which draws a large audience and many musicians from the surrounding areas to Old Fort’s downtown on Friday nights.

Little Switzerland & Linville Falls
Linville Falls Village
www.linvillefallslodge.com

Little Switzerland and Linville Falls are located in the northern section of McDowell County along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The town of Little Switzerland comes alive each year in late April as springtime visitors return to the beautiful mountain setting. Visitors come to these areas to enjoy hiking trails and cycling along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Motorcyclists come to the area in the spring and summer to enjoy the scenic drives throughout the area. Activities, attractions, food and unique lodging are located  throughout this area. North of Little Switzerland, Linville Falls flows through the picturesque Linville Gorge, and the quaint village of Linville Falls is just one-half mile south of the Parkway. There are several hiking trails with views of the wilderness and waterfall.