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Marion & McDowell County

About Marion & McDowell County

HURRICANE HELENE TRAVEL ADVISORY

Helene Recovery: McDowell County Travel and Safety Updates | Destination McDowell

Where “Main Street Meets the Mountains” is an accurate description of historic Marion, the county seat of McDowell County, NC. Mount Ida is positioned at the end of South Main Street with a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountain range to the north. Marion’s Mount Ida is an official site on the North Carolina Birding Trail, as are Pisgah National Forest (Grandfather District) and Lake James State Park, located just minutes from downtown Marion.  The City of Marion’s local culture is preserved through weekly, monthly, and annual events, such as the annual Mountain Glory Festival; lifting up heritage crafts and quilting in the area, or the unique, quirky and nationally recognized festivals like the Livermush Festival or WNC Bigfoot Festival.

The Parkway traverses across the northern border of McDowell County, North Carolina between Linville Falls and Crabtree Falls.  To the east is Burke County; here you can enjoy the Linville Gorge and Lake James State Park in this self-proclaimed Nature’s Playground.  While the Parkway is currently undergoing repairs, it is usually quite accessible via either Highway 221 North at Linville Falls, Highway 226 merging with the Parkway at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals, or by way of Highway 226A joining the Parkway just below the community of Little Switzerland. Travelers will be advised to visit drivenc.org for updates as Highway 226A is undergoing continued repairs.

Area Visitor Centers

Man Fly Fishing on a river in McDowell County.

Lodging

Stories from Marion & McDowell County

Joyful children stand at the top of a sledding hill with their sleds.
7 Ways to Enjoy the Parkway’s Wide Open Spaces (Even when the road is closed)
December 31, 2020
Biking, Hiking Trails, Stargazing, Waterfalls, Fishing, Winter Sports, Motorcycle Route
When high elevation nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, sections of the Parkway may be closed due to ice and snow. The roadway is not plowed or salted so closed areas become wonderful winter playgrounds for pedestrians, cyclists, skiers and snowshoers alike.
A breakfast cookbook sits behind a plate of fruit, waffles, omelet and bacon with a glass of orange juice and a pitcher of syrup.
Romantic Getaways Across the Blue Ridge Parkway and Beyond
November 16, 2020
Romantic Getaway, Nature & Outdoors, In Town, Road Trip, Complimentary Breakfast
Even while staying at home we still seem to be busy. Maybe this season you'll want to slow down and make time to take a getaway with your significant other. Regardless of when you choose to enjoy a romantic getaway along the Blue Ridge Parkway, we have some options and ideas for you to consider.
A Blue Ridge Parkway overpass in Fancy Gap, VA displays stonework from the 1930s.
Tours, Trails and Routes to Stimulate Your Senses
October 14, 2020
Artisan Trails, Craft Beer, Driving Tour, Food & Beverage Trails, Live Music, Local Food, Farms & Agriculture, Motorcycle Route, Music Trails, Wine Lovers
These routes offer sites worth visiting that promise to tickle your taste buds, enthrall your eyes and enchant your ears. There are tours, routes and trails to suit every traveler, taste, and location from Tennessee to Virginia.
411-foot Whitewater Falls drops over the rocks into multiple streams surrounded by fall-colored leaves.
Waterfalls Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
September 9, 2020
Budget-Friendly, Family-friendly, Nature & Outdoors, Hiking Trails
Numerous waterfalls are located throughout the Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway regions. Some are visible from the road and some require a hike. This list notes the location and ease of access for each waterfall.
Blue Ridge Farm Museum offers a view of a historic farmstead including structures and gardens.
Exploring Farms & Orchards Along the Blue Ridge
August 26, 2020
Farm Stay, Farms & Agriculture, Farming Heritage, Working Farm
The Blue Ridge Mountains are dotted with farms producing everything from Christmas trees to trout. Fruit, flowers, herbs, jams, jellies, pies, wreaths and other crafts are all produced right here in the mountains. And what better way to get outside this year than to enjoy the fresh air of a mountain farm?
Two rows of Ferraris are parked in an overlook on the Foothills Parkway in Tennessee.
Motorcycle (or Sports Car) Touring in the Blue Ridge
July 1, 2020
Motorcycle Attraction, Motorcycle Rental, Motorcycle Route, Motorcycle-Friendly, Motorcycle-Friendly Lodging, Motorcycle-Friendly Lodging & Dining, Road Trip
Along with the 469 miles of glorious scenery winding along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the parkway, there are several other motor routes in North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia that are popular with motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts.
Price Lake is located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Where to Beat the Heat & Swim Along the BRP
July 15, 2019
Water Sports, Swimming, Lakeside, Seasonal, Family-friendly
If you're wondering where to go swimming during your Blue Ridge Parkway trip, we've rounded up all the best spots. While there are some beautiful waters located right on the Parkway itself, swimming is not allowed in Parkway waters. But there are no shortage of great swimming holes nearby, as well as guided rafting tours, kayak rentals, tubing, and some beautiful lakeside rentals.

Recommended Itineraries

Row upon row of foggy ridges are visible at Thunder Hill, NC in the Parkway's Highlands region.
Highlands Region Weekend Getaway
Region: Virginia , North Carolina
Duration:2 - 3 days
Accessible Facilities, History & Heritage, Hiking Trails, Arts & Culture, Home & Garden, Family-friendly, Local Food
A two-day trip through the Parkway's Highlands district reveals the shift from flat plateau to mountain ridges. Find yourself in the rolling pastures of Doughton Park (Milepost 240 – 245) or exploring the Grandfather Mountain corridor (Milepost 295 – 300) or the rugged Linville Gorge (Milepost 317) with a night in North Carolina’s High Country of Boone or Blowing Rock.