The Top 19 Attractions in McDowell County
There are plenty of places to see and visit in McDowell County. Whether you love hiking or cycling, Mcdowell County is a region where 19
hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited. Check the top places to visit in the region and plan your next adventure today.
hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited. Check the top places to visit in the region and plan your next adventure today.
Last updated: December 7, 2025
Catawba Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
Catawba Falls is a series of waterfalls along the headwaters of the Catawba River. The river flows over two major drops: Upper Catawba Falls, a free-fall drop, and the larger …
Tip by
Water Crossing to Water Crossing
Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
As you near the falls, themselves, the trail begins to enter a more dense area of forest. You will cross multiple bridges, pools of water, and streams as you get …
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Graybeard Mountain Summit
Highlight • Summit
Graybeard Mountain, sitting over 5,000 feet above sea level, is one of the most prominent peaks in the Montreat area. This mountain is commonly known as the Grandfather of the …
Tip by
Buck Creek Gap Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Buck Creek Gap offers an excellent overlook at a parking area just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The viewing area spans views of Pisgah National Forest and the forested …
Tip by
Green Knob Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Located at Milepost 350.3 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Green Knob Overlook is one of the many nearby summits you can see from the overlook. This is one of the …
Tip by
Toms Creek Falls Trail, Pisgah National Forest
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
This forest road is a great trail for everyone in the family. It isn't super steep, and it is lined with different plant and flower species. You cross over Toms …
Tip by
Mountains-to-Sea Trail climb
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
There are many trails in the area, but this section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is the best bang for your buck. The trail climbs in elevation and travels through a …
Tip by
Pot Cove Gap
Highlight • Gorge
The name "Pot Cove Gap" comes from the idea that old miners and rail workers that died on the job used to have their water/lunch pail hung from a rope …
Tip by
Toms Creek backcountry campsite
Highlight • Rest Area
There is an excellent primitive backcountry campsite here next to one of the branches of Toms Creek. The campsite is near the intersection of two forest roads and is right off the side of the trail.
Tip by
Heffner Gap Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Hefner Gap Overlook is situated at Milepost 325.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The overlook offers a head-on view of Linville Mountain and some other lower-lying peaks. There is also …
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions in McDowell County.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Most popular attractions in McDowell County
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures around London and beyond.
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Are you keen on exploring more awesome places nearby? Browse our guides:
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
Swain CountyWake CountyNational Forests In North CarolinaTransylvania CountyHaywood CountyMecklenburg CountyAvery CountyBuncombe CountyBurke CountyJackson CountyMacon CountyStokes CountyWatauga CountyOrange CountyDurham CountyHenderson CountyGuilford CountyDare CountyForsyth CountyYancey CountyGraham CountyMitchell CountyWilkes CountyAlleghany CountyAshe CountyNew Hanover CountyMadison CountyChatham CountyPitt CountyRutherford CountyIredell CountyGaston CountyCumberland CountyHarnett CountyPolk CountyCarteret CountyBladen CountyJohnston County
Get ready to conquer new peaks
Sign up for Free