Things to Do around Old Fort

Old Fort, situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest, offers a variety of outdoor activities. These include hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, and road cycling. The region features diverse terrain suitable for different skill levels.

On komoot, Old Fort features 5 routes across various sports. These routes have been explored by more than 900 visitors and hold an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. This indicates a well-regarded outdoor destination.

Old Fort provides a range of hiking opportunities, from accessible paths to more rugged mountain ascents. The Old Fort Gateway Trail System offers easy paths, while trails like Parris Creek provide moderate experiences. More details are available in the Hiking around Old Fort guide.

The Catawba Falls Trail is a popular 1.5-mile (2.4 km) path leading to waterfalls. The Point Lookout Trail is a paved 3.6-mile (5.8 km) greenway offering mountain views. Other trails include Parris Creek Trail and the more rugged Heartbreak Ridge Trail.

Old Fort is known for its mountain biking trails, ranging from family-friendly options to technically challenging singletracks. The Old Fort Gateway Trail System is a significant network, providing user-friendly trails and a stacked loop system. Consult the MTB Trails around Old Fort guide for more information.

For advanced riders, Kitsuma, Heartbreak Ridge, and Star Gap offer technical downhill sections and significant climbs. Bernard Mountain is a blue-rated single-track trail with a mix of flowy and technical sections. The Foothills Watershed also features a bike park.

Cyclists can utilize paved greenways like the Point Lookout Trail for touring. The region's location in the Blue Ridge Mountains also provides challenging road routes with significant elevation changes and scenic views. Further details are in the Cycling around Old Fort and Road Cycling Routes around Old Fort guides.

Yes, the Old Fort Gateway Trail System includes easy paths suitable for a wide range of hikers and mountain bikers. The Catawba Falls Trail is accessible for all skill levels, and the paved Point Lookout Trail is also suitable for families.

Experienced hikers can explore rugged trails like Heartbreak Ridge and Snook's Nose Trail. Mountain bikers can find demanding rides on trails such as Kitsuma, Heartbreak Ridge, and Star Gap. Road cyclists can tackle routes with significant elevation changes in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Old Fort is surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest and nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Notable natural features include Catawba Falls and Curtis Creek. Andrews Geyser, a man-made geyser, is also a local landmark.

Many trails within the Pisgah National Forest, which surrounds Old Fort, generally permit dogs. It is advisable to keep dogs on a leash and follow Leave No Trace principles to ensure a positive experience for all trail users and wildlife.

Old Fort's downtown area has seen growth, offering amenities such as local breweries, art galleries, and shops. The town also serves as one of North Carolina's Mountain Heritage Trout Towns, appealing to anglers.

For official visitor information, contact the McDowell County Visitor Center. It is located at 91 South Catawba Avenue in Old Fort. This center can provide additional details about the region.