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Brown Mountain Lights The region's most popular mystery! On certain clearer evenings, small but brilliant spherical lights or orbs can be seen bobbing up and down, disappearing and reappearing. This mystery has attracted thousands of curiosity seekers over the centuries. Extensive scientific research has failed to explain the phenomenon. There are several vantage points along NC 181,and from Wiseman's View on the Kistler Memorial Highway (SR 138) near Linville Falls. Buried Treasures: Carolina Emerald Mine & Vein Mtn. Gold Camp: Unsalted gold & gemstone mine plus campground, fishing lake and gift shop. Open April-October. Polly Spout Road, south of Marion. 828-738-9544 http://www.veinmountaingoldcamp.com Emerald Village: Emerald Village and the N.C. Mining Museum are located at the Big McKinney and Bon Ami mines in Little Switzerland. Forty-five different rocks, minerals and gems have been found here. 828-765-6463 www.emeraldvillage.com Heather Grove Mine: Gold and gem panning facility with sluicing, dredging and high banking. Family oriented fun open year round with heated facilities, camping and cabin rentals. Polly Spout Road, south of Marion. 828-738-3373 Linville Mountain Gem Shop: Professional stone cutters, lapidary machines and lessons, gold smithing and repair. Gem panning available. Open year round. US 221 in North Cove, one mile south of Linville Caverns. 828-756-7206 The Lucky Strike: Gold & gemstone mine open year round. Campsites with hookups, Miner's Diner, restrooms, shower facilities. Polly Spout Road and US 221, south of Marion. 828-738-4893 http://www.luckystrikegoldandgem.com Thermal City: Gold mine, riverside camping, hot showers, panning, dredging, sluicing, detecting, gem mining. US 221, south of Marion on the McDowell/Rutherford County line. www.HuntForGold.com 828-286-3016 Natural
and Historical Attractions: Bear Creek Marina: Located inside the Bear Cliff subdivision off Lake James Road at 61 Marina Drive offers a variety of services including boat slips, full service marine/general store, tent camping and equestrian trails are coming soon. Outdoor grill serves lunch and dinner Tuesday – Saturday. Marina store open seven days a week from 7am until 7pm. Call 828-655-1400 Blue
Ridge Parkway: A portion of the parkway runs through the
northern section of McDowell County. Linville
Falls, Altapass and Little Switzerland are communities with activities,
shops, restaurants and beautiful views to enjoy. Wildflowers and wildlife complete this
portrait of mountain treasures. Go to www.nps.gov for more information or call us at 800-233-6111. Carson
House: Lake James State Park: "Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. A 565 acre park offers picnicking, swimming, canoe rentals, and hiking along spectacular Lake James. Ranger office, concession stand and bathrooms. For information on weekend events call 828-652-5047. www.ncparks.gov Boat access is also found at Black Bear Landing on the north side of the lake, Hidden Cove Access Area near Lake James State Park off NC 126 and Canal Bridge at the McDowell-Burke county line on NC 126. Linville Caverns: For centuries, the beauty that lay deep inside Humpback Mountain was unknown. Visit the only show cavern in the Carolinas and see the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites with their columns and array of icicle-like formations. Visitors may see trout swimming in and out of streams, view an Eastern Pipistrelle Bat hanging from the ceiling or spot a crayfish. www.linvillecaverns.com 800-419-0540 Linville Gorge Wilderness Area: The "Grand Canyon of the East." Primitive recreation in a wild and isolated terrain. Strenuous hiking, back packing, rock-climbing and fishing for native trout. Stretches of virgin forest, rare and endangered species, assortment of wild game and non-game species. Located in the Pisgah National Forest near Linville Falls. See "adventures" for hiking information. 828-652-2144 McDowell Arts & Crafts Association: Gallery exhibits include local and national artists's works. Local craftsmen show and sell pottery, woodwork, photographs, original paintings and sculpture. Free admission. Call 828-652-8610 for current gallery information and special events. Meadowbrook Nursery/We-De Natives: Mountain Gateway Museum: Old Fort is home to the state run museum exhibiting mountain lifestyle and history from the earliest inhabitants to the twentieth century. Summer muse programs, festivals and a variety of other activities are held here and at the outdoor, amphitheater on Mill Creek. Exhibits include handmade musical instruments and artifacts used during the expansion of the railroad. 828-668-9259 Old Fort Arrowhead Monument: In the center of Old Fort, built in 1930 this hand chiseled granite monument served to honor the peace finally achieved between the pioneer settlers and the Native Americans. At the unveiling, over 6,000 people attended including chiefs from both the Catawba and Cherokee tribes. These two tribes had never smoked a pipe of peace together until that day. More historical information is at the Mountain Gateway Museum. 828-668-9259. The Orchard At Altapass: Legendary Charlie McKinney made his home here. Now, the site is much more than a century old apple orchard, take home unforgettable memories of bluegrass music, hay rides, clogging, mountain cooking, area artists and craftsmen, original plays, storytelling and much more. www.altapassorchard.com 888-765-9531
South Creek Vineyards and Winery: Quaint, locally owned winery offers a variety of red and white wines. Tasting and tours available Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Details are online at www.southcreekwinery.com or call 828-652-5729 or 828-4600-8120.
Train Depots: The Marion Depot is a 1860s building currently under renovation. It is the oldest surviving depot on the western rail line. Take the "Walking Tour of Historic Marion" and stop by the depot. Watch for the announcement to re-open the depot soon. For details contact the Marion Downtown Business Association at 828-652-2215. Old Fort's train depot is in the heart of town. Located directly behind the historic "Arrowhead" this depot is also undergoing renovations. The bright yellow building is hard to miss. Park the car, enjoy the view and visit local shops. More information is with the Old Fort Chamber of Commerce at 828-668-7223. Surrounding Attractions Within One Hour Or Less of McDowell County:
Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC 35 Miles 800-543-2961 Blowing Rock, NC 50 Miles 828-295-7111 Blue Ridge Parkway 15 Miles 828-298-0398 Chimney Rock Park 45 Miles 800-277-9611 Grandfather Mountain, Linville, NC 39 Miles 800-468-7325 Mt. Mitchell State Park 35 Miles 828-765-2359 Penland School of Crafts in Penland, NC 25 Miles 828-765-2359
Ski Information:
Ski resorts are all within one hour of McDowell County. Some offer both winter and summer activities. Take a look! |
