If you're planning a trip to North Carolina, the “Gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains” should be on your list. Steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, the town of Old Fort offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor or mountain biking enthusiast, or simply seeking a quiet escape from the bustling city, this charming slice of small-town America is the perfect destination.

Top Things to Do in Old Fort, NC

1. Hiking at Catawba Falls

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Catawba Falls is a must-see for nature lovers. One of our personal favorites, the 1.5-mile family- and pet-friendly trail is accessible for hikers of all skill levels and leads to breathtaking cascades—the perfect spot for a picnic and postcard-worthy photos. 

While stunning year-round, each season brings its own kind of magic: discover native flora and fauna blooming to life in spring, cool off in the natural swimming pools during the heat of summer, admire vibrant foliage reflected in the water during fall, and marvel at icy formations that transform the falls into a sculptural winter wonderland. Bonus: During the summer months, treat yourself to craft-boiled peanuts and refreshing lemonade from The Thirsty Peanut, a roadside stand along the way to the falls! 

The U.S. Forest Service’s extensive upgrades following Hurricane Helene included permanent footbridges, strategically numbered emergency markers along the way, and a 60-Foot Observation Tower with panoramic views of Upper Catawba Falls and the surrounding mountains, bringing even more visitors to this already beloved trail!

What are the top recommended things to do in Swannanoa, NC?

Similar to its neighbors, Asheville and Black Mountain, Swannanoa’s location is popular for its proximity to outdoor recreation and adventure. Some of the top things to do in Swannanoa NC include outdoor oriented options that range from visits to local parks, plentiful hiking, the [...]

Haw Creek Neighborhood: Asheville Real Estate Guide

The checklist is not uncommon. You want proximity to the restaurants, breweries, and a lively arts culture in downtown Asheville, but you’d also like to feel like you have your own piece of Asheville real estate where you can lay down roots and grow (maybe literally and figuratively) [...]

It’s no secret that our GreyBeard Realty broker team has its collective fingers on the pulse of our region’s market and exhibits a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the best Asheville and Western North Carolina neighborhoods. However, they are also local people who love these mountains and are eager to share some of their favorite [...]

Home to over 700 Asheville artists, the River Arts District is a community in Asheville that borders the French Broad River and experienced some of the most devastating impacts from last year's hurricane. Many of the 26 buildings that line the District were impacted by floodwaters. The Upper River Arts District, or Upper RAD, had a soft [...]

Whether you have a young family with kids ready to play, enjoy scenic walks with friends, or seek solo time to meditate outdoors, the Asheville area has fantastic public parks to [...]

What do you get when you combine a temperate climate with ancient mountains and rugged landscapes? A plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy any day of the year. For those who prize adventure and adrenaline-pumping fun, the mountains of Asheville are calling! Below are 10 prized outdoor activities in and around Asheville to try—quick ways [...]

Asheville, North Carolina is a city celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and breathtaking mountain scenery. At the heart of it all stands one of its most iconic landmarks— the [...]

Western North Carolina is truly an outdoor wonderland, and our region’s waterfalls (along with our mountain vistas) are the crown jewel of our area that encourage you to wander through the woods and inspire you to tackle the often steep steps to reach them. Every [...]

One of the most frequent questions we get asked as locals is “What kind of weather do you experience in your area?” Since Asheville is a four-season climate in which each season is distinct, it extends glorious annual displays that locals and tourists alike look forward to and accommodates year-round outdoor [...]