By Jon Tharp, Broker · September 21, 2026
At a Glance
Old Fort in McDowell County, NC has become one of the Southeast's fastest-rising cycling destinations. The Old Fort Gateway Trail System serves beginners through experienced riders, with classics like Kitsuma Trail and Heartbreak Ridge, and a planned shuttle-accessed 4,200-foot descent from the Blue Ridge Parkway to downtown. Riders can refuel in Old Fort or Marion, stay in nearby cabins, and hike to Catawba Falls.
A planned 4,200-foot vertical descent from the Blue Ridge Parkway straight into downtown Old Fort is believed to be the largest of its kind east of the Rockies, and riders across the country are taking notice. Tucked in where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet Pisgah National Forest, Old Fort has turned into one of the fastest-rising cycling destinations in the Southeast.
The town is not finished yet, which is part of the appeal. According to a sponsored feature on Blue Ridge Outdoors (https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/sponsored-content/mountain-biking-and-outdoor-adventure-in-mcdowell-county-n-c/), riders who like to find a place before everyone else does are putting Old Fort on their weekend list. The community is still rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, and the trail plans are moving forward anyway.
Why is Old Fort becoming a trail town?
The short version is that trail development is ongoing. The Old Fort Gateway Trail System keeps growing, and it welcomes everyone from beginners to experienced riders. Scenic road rides, beginner-friendly trails and technical terrain offer something for every skill level.
Mountain biking content creator Jonathan Emery of ProjectNortheast MTB recently showed the network to thousands of YouTube viewers. He started down Kitsuma, then went up and over the Bernard Mountain Trail for what he called an "awesome ultra flowy descent" into downtown Old Fort. His ride demonstrated what many riders discover after a single visit: McDowell County is building a riding community, not just trails.
What trails can you ride in McDowell County?
Kitsuma Trail and Heartbreak Ridge are the classics, and they still challenge seasoned mountain bikers. Road cyclists get their reward on Point Lookout, which opens up to sweeping Blue Ridge views.
Foothills Watershed is the friendlier entry point, with beginner trails and pump tracks. It doubles as a hangout, with live music, bluegrass jams, honky tonk dance parties and good food. Old Fort Bike Shop handles tune-ups, and Mountain Top Shuttles helps riders spend more of the day descending and less of it climbing.
What is there to do in Marion NC and Old Fort after the ride?
The day does not end at the trailhead. Downtown Old Fort and nearby Marion both have locally owned restaurants, breweries and coffee shops that welcome hungry riders. Whaley Farm Brewery and Hillman Beer are the places to grab a pint while you plan tomorrow's route.
Off the bike, Catawba Falls sits just outside downtown Old Fort. The Mountain Gateway Museum and the Arrowhead Monument are easy stops, and B Side Bakery & Books and Seeker Coffee are worth a visit. If you would rather keep moving, there are waterfall hikes, paddling on nearby rivers, fishing in mountain streams, or simply exploring Pisgah National Forest.
Where can you stay near the Old Fort trails?
Hey Old Friend is a thoughtfully restored collection of cabins just steps from downtown Old Fort. For groups, the new Copper Ridge Cabins has 10 cabins on a mountain ridge just steps from bike trails and hiking. Wunderland Resort and Campground leans toward luxury glamping, with forest villas and a spring-fed freshwater pond for respite after the ride.
Around here the ride keeps going after the trail, downtown and around the fire pit, with plans for the next trip back. Old Fort is still writing its story, and the best rides may still be ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Marion NC?
Marion sits close to Old Fort and offers locally owned restaurants, breweries and coffee shops that welcome riders coming off the mountain. McDowell County adds waterfall hikes, paddling on nearby rivers, fishing in mountain streams and access to Pisgah National Forest.
About the Author
Jon Tharp is a licensed NC real estate broker with Keller Williams. He's helped buyers and sellers across Western North Carolina for over 10 years, specializing in mountain homes, land, and short-term rental investments, with offices throughout WNC covering all mountainous areas. If something in this post has you thinking about a move, he's easy to reach — (828) 347-9055 or smokymountainhomes4sale.com or Jon@jontharphomes.com.
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