Old Fort NC is an under rated small mountain town we fell in love with during a recent visit. Located right off I-40 and only minutes from Asheville, NC, Old Fort delivers great restaurants, outdoor activities, breweries, wineries, quaint locally owned shops, museums and more! Enjoy mountain biking? You'll love Old Fort.
We definitely feel Old Fort needs to be on everyone's short list of NC mountain towns to visit. You'll not only find super friendly locals, lots to see and do, but a small mountain town rich in culture and history as well.
We recently visited Old Fort NC, just before Hurricane Helene devastated it. We spent 4 days exploring Old Fort, Marion and other areas of McDowell county. Sadly, the town, and many of the businesses and people who became our friends, were affected significantly by the flooding.
But this town and its people are strong and have made an incredible recovery. Some businesses are still struggling to open, but the town of Old Fort is open again and accepting visitors.
We'll note flooding impacts below in our recommendations below on things to do in Old Fort NC.
Now, let's explore all the great things to see and do in one of our favorite small mountain towns, Old Fort North Carolina!
Andrews Geyser
Photo by Mandy Gallimore
Hurricane Helene Impact: The geyser and park sustained damage from the hurricane and is currently not operational.
When we first visited Old Fort on a camping trip with our kids, we visited Andrews Geyser. We've seen it many times since then as well during visits to the area.
The geyser is man-made and named for Colonel Alexander Boyd Andrews. He was responsible for the construction of the railroad between Old Fort and Asheville, North Carolina, in the late 19th century.
The fountain itself was constructed in 1885 as a feature of the Roundrock Hotel and as a tribute to the 120 individuals who perished during the construction of the railroad line. It was a notable feature for those travelling on the railroad during that time, as the tracks when right alongside the geyser.
Today, Andrews Geyser and the surrounding land is an Old Fort public park and was moved some from its original location. When operating, Andrews Geyser shoots water continuously to a height of about 80 feet.
Andrews Geyser is located about 5 miles from downtown at 2111 Mill Creek Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762
See local art at Arrowhead Gallery
Unfortunately, Arrowhead Gallery was hit hard by the flooding. The building was significantly damaged, and much of the art and pottery was destroyed. The damage was so significant; they are moving to a new location and hoping to re-open in December 2024.
Featured here are photos of the gallery as it was during our visit, just before the flooding.
Arrowhead Gallery is a wonderful art gallery that was located directly across the street from the welcome center. The gallery featured over 40 unique artists and many mediums of art, including pottery, jewelry, paintings, books, much more.
Arrowhead Gallery is also a working art studio where you can see artists at work and take art classes and workshops as well.
We really enjoyed talking to the staff and browsing all the different and unique art created by local McDowell county artists.
Here are some photos of just a few of the art items we really enjoyed seeing:
Visit Catawba Falls
Update: Catawba Falls is currently closed because of trail damage. It should re-open in early 2025.
The most popular attraction in Old Fort is Catawba Falls. The falls recently reopened in May 2024 after being closed for an extending period where significant upgrades were completed to make it easier and safer to see.
Fortunately, the significant flooding in Old Fort, because of Hurricane Helene, did only minor damage to the new walkways, decking and viewing platforms put in place.
The waterfall remains CLOSED at this time, however they are hopeful it will re-open early in 2025.
Catawba Falls is two different waterfalls, upper and lower falls, with lower falls being the largest and most stunning. But both of them are gorgeous.
Lower Catawba Falls is 250 feet, one of the most beautiful and photogenic waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
New trail improvements add accessibility and safety for this popular waterfall. Improvements include:
- New trail markers
- Stairs and boardwalks for viewing and access
- A 60-foot observation tower for better viewing and safer access to the upper falls.
Catawba Falls is definitely one of the most beautiful waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is just minutes off I-40 at the Old Fort exit. Definitely worth the hike and a stop when visiting the area.
Enjoy some great local food
Old Fort NC has several wonderful locally owned restaurants we enjoyed during our visit. Fortunately, none of them were significantly damaged by the flooding.
For breakfast, be sure to stop by Seeker Coffee on Main Street. One of the very best coffee shops we've been to in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Follow that with a short drive up the road to Gogos Cinnamon Rolls and savor one of their hot cinnamon rolls. They even have different varieties like chocolate, creamsicle, peanut butter, maple bacon, and more! Absolutely amazing! Your taste buds can thank us later. Super friendly owners as well.
For a more down home and hearty breakfast, be sure to stop by The Davis Country Store and Cafe, where you'll find made from scratch biscuits, croissant sandwiches, and other hot breakfast options.
For lunch or dinner, we really enjoyed the sandwiches at 27 Main. We tried both their Cold Cut and Spicy Italian subs with chips. Both are delicious. They also serve pizza and cheese sticks as well.
The Davis Country store also serves lunch as well, with various sandwich and salad options.
The best dinner options are found in Marion NC, about 20 minutes away.
See our guide to the Top Restaurants in Old Fort NC Guide for details
Craft Beer at Old Fort Breweries
Old Fort is home to two different breweries, Hillman's Brewery and Whaley Farm Brewery.
Both breweries suffered significant damage during the Hurricane Helene flooding, with Whaley Farm Brewery getting the worst of it. Hillman's has reopened, but the future of Whaley Farm Brewery is unknown. They are working to clean up and hopefully restore the brewery.
Hillman's Brewery re-opened on 10/30 after sustaining significant damage as well.
During our visit to Old Fort NC, just days before the Hurricane hit, we enjoyed the cold local brews and beer at both breweries.
Hillman Beer
Hillman's offers 32,000 feet of indoor and outdoor seating, with outdoor seating being creek side to Mill Creek. Their building is in an old industrial building and has a unique look and vibe. Hillman's offers 32 taps offering a number of different beers from light to strong.
We had the Oktoberfest, an Eurpean Amber Lager which offered a rich malty aroma, with a touch of sweetness, but not overly much. Overall, an excellent beer. We also enjoyed their food as well, which is exceptional. We rarely expect much from a brewery when it comes to food, but we found the delicious options at Hillman Beer surprisingly good.
We started with a soft pretzel and then ordered the roasted turkey salad wrap and kale salad (we're healthy eaters). Again, everything was really good and fresh tasting. We really enjoyed both.
Hillman's is an excellent brewery and restaurant, that delivers a cool atmosphere, great service, and both indoor and outdoor seating. One of our favorite places during our visit!
Whaley Farm Brewery
Currently Closed due to significant flood damage from Hurricane Helene. We're hoping they can recover and reopen soon.
Whaley Farm Brewery is located on the opposite side of Mill Creek from Hillman's, and also offers some excellent local craft beer. Their speciality is Appalachian farm beers, English pub ales, and continental lagers. What makes them unique is they use Whaley Farm grown locally sourced herbs, flowers, spices, and fruits. Combined, they deliver some unique and excellent tasting beers.
I'm (Larry), not a fan of bitter beers or IPAs, and frankly a sucker for a good amber ale. I tried their Altbier which is a german style Amber Ale which was excellent and had some great spicy undertones, and not too sweet.
We really enjoyed the casual and mainly outdoor vibe at Whaley Farm Brewery. Great beer and we highly recommend you try them once they re-open.
Enjoy a wine tasting at Euda Winery
Currently Closed due to Hurricane Helene flooding impact. You can order wines online and have them shipped. This will not only help them recover financially, but allow you to enjoy their wines while they're closed.
We really enjoy visiting various vineyards and wineries here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. During our trip planning, we put Euda Winery on our short list to visit. Turns out, Euda Winery was literally across the street from our cabin rental!
Euda Winery offers various white and red wines, all made onsite and in small batches. The winery itself is open and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Wines offered include: Sauvingnon Blanc, Rose, Traminette, Carbonic, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They often have limited edition wines as well.
Jenn really enjoyed the Traminette, while I preferred their Cabernet Sauvignon. Their wines are definitely unique, and we found they don't have the flavor and taste you would expect. BUT, that's part of what we really enjoyed about them.
During our first visit, we tried their two different tastings, one with all whites, and the other with mostly reds. This gave us a chance to determine our favorites, and we enjoyed glasses of these during our other visits.
We hung out here a couple of nights during our visit to Old Fort and McDowell County. We enjoyed talking to the staff and met many locals here as well.
The winery offers a few local snacks for purchase as well, like meat sticks, goat cheese, and pimento cheese, and you can also bring your own food.
Euda Winery is a great low-key place to just sit, relax, chat, and enjoy some good wine after a busy day out exploring all that McDowell County has to offer.
Take a short hike to Toms Creek Falls!
About 30 minutes from Old Fort NC, and just minutes of Highway 221, is the short 1 mile round-trip hike out to Tom Creek Falls. Becuase of its ease of access, short distance, and easy to moderate difficulty, this is the perfect trail for families and those that find longer and more strenuous hikes difficult.
Toms Creek Falls itself is about 80 feet, and features multiple cascades. The falls are easily viewable from the viewing platform.
The waterfall isn't stunning, but still very nice, especially given the short and easy hike. Well worth the visit, and a great way to get the kids outdoors and let them burn off some energy.
See our Toms Creek Falls Waterfall Guide for details
Mountain Biking
While we definitely prefer to travel trails on our feet vs a mountain biking, Old Fort, NC has become a go-to destination for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Old Fort offers an attractive mix of thrilling trails, breathtaking scenery, and a welcoming biking community.
Old Fort has recently become a popular destination for mountain bikers because of the growing professionally designed trail network being developed in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and community partners.
The G5 Trail Collective, a non-profit effort from Camp Grier, is responsible for 42 miles of new trails around Old Fort. Combining hiking, biking, and equestrian trails with the existing system will create a 70-mile trail network in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Whether you're an experienced mountain biker or beginner looking to learn and practice your skills, you'll find a trail around Old Fort, NC that meets your needs.
Just a few of the many different mountain biking trails include:
- Kitsuma Trail: A favorite among advanced riders, Kitsuma features steep climbs and exhilarating descents, all surrounded by lush forest and stunning mountain views. The downhill sections are especially legendary for their fast and flowy nature.
- Point Lookout Trail: Enjoy scenic views of the Pisgah National Forest and railroad tunnels on the Point Lookout Trail, a 3.6-mile paved path perfect for hikers and bikers, featuring a challenging 900-foot elevation gain and culminating in breathtaking vistas at Point Lookout.
Depending on which end of the trail you park and begin your adventure the entire path will be either uphill or downhill so choose wisely! - Gateway Trails: A newly developed trail system designed with all levels in mind. These trails provide a fun and approachable experience for families and beginners, while still offering features that more experienced riders can enjoy.
Besides fantastic trails, Old Fort offers support and services for mountain bikers as well, including the Old Fort Bike Shop (temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene) for bikes, accessories and repairs and transportation services from Mountain Top Shuttles.
Learn more about Mountain Biking in Old Fort, NC
Explore the Mountain Gateway Museum
Currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene - We'll update this guide once it's open!
The Mountain Gateway Museum is a regional history museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the cultural and natural heritage of the Appalachian Mountains.
The Museum is right in downtown Old Fort and showcases the area's history, including its indigenous roots, early European settlers, and the development of the mountain communities over the centuries.
Unfortunately, the museum sustained significant damage from Hurricane Helene. The museum will re-open, but while serving the same purpose, the exhibits and facilities will be very different.
We will revisit this wonderful museum once it re-opens to update you with new information and photos!
Visit the Historic Railroad Station
Old Fort, NC has strong ties to the Western North Carolina Railroad, and later the Southern Railroad. Old Fort was the stopping point for a west bound line until 1869. The mountains presented a big challenge for the railroad. But the goal was to reach Asheville.
Old Fort was the last stop before the climb up to Asheville and through the 7 tunnels. The climb used a series of loops, often called the Old Fort Loops.
The last passenger train stopped at Old Fort in 1975. The station was renovated in 2005 and opened as a railroad museum. Unfortunately, the museum is currently closed, but the town is having active discussions about re-opening it.
You can explore outside the station and see the old Caboose next to it. If you're lucky, a modern freight train will come through while visiting.
Go Shopping
Old Fort has a number of shopping options, from art galleries to shops and boutiques.
If you enjoy local art, visit Arrowhead Art Gallery or Nanu Gallery. Unfortunately, both of these galleries are currently closed due to flooding damage, but plan to re-open.
For locally sourced and created merchandise, be sure to visit The Davis Country Store and Cafe. Their store is full of unique items and crafts you're bound to enjoy.
A great place to find local treasures, home goods and antiques with a beautiful and fun atmosphere is The Common Pine. We really enjoyed browsing this lovely store and finding all of the cute items and little hidden gems. They are currently closed due to Hurricane Helene.
For the outdoorsy types like us, be sure to visit the Old Fort Bike Shop for bikes, bike parts, accessories and repairs. They even rent bikes so you can explore the different bike trails in the Old Fort area. The Old Fort Bike shop is currently closed due to Hurricane Helene damage.
If Kayaking is your thing, be sure to check out Waterways Kayaks. They sell many different sized kayaks and brand along with kayaking accessories as well!
See the Wolfe Angel at the Old Fort Cemetary
Old Fort is home to many hidden treasures, but few are as mysterious as the Wolfe Angel, found in the historic Old Fort Cemetery off North Cemetery Road.
We were told of the statue while visiting one of the local restaurants and stores. With our curiosity up, we found the Cemetary and the statue.
This beautiful and detailed marble statue has an ethereal presence and has been a source of fascination for visitors and locals alike for generations.
While some locals we spoke with believed this particular Angel is from author Thomas Wolfe's famous novel "Look Homeward, Angel", it is not. However, there is a connection.
The angel from the novel can be found in Hendersonville, NC, but they are both from Thomas Wolfe's father, a Dutch stone carver. But just how this particular angel ended up in Old Fort, is an interesting story, and one that locals enjoy sharing.
In the late 1900s, Samual McCanless was a local photographer. The story claims that Wolfe's father was playing poker with McCanless and some friends. McCanless cleaned Wolfe out. Unable to pay, Wolfe offered the statue instead, and a deal was made.
The statue was later placed in the Cemetary on the grave of McCanless' first wife Hattie.
Every good story has to have a twist, right? Here's this twist.
McCanless married again, to Geneva, Hattie's sister. Geneva always felt that McCanless loved Hattie more, and the statue was a point of contention between the two.
In the ultimate twist of irony, both sisters and McCanless are buried in the grave now marked by the Wolfe Angel.
Knowing the story behind this statue makes the downward gaze of the angel, its sad look, and even its wilted flowers make more sense.
Be sure to visit the statue if you have time, it really is beautiful.
