This Underrated North Carolina City Is A Scenic Gateway To The Blue Ridge Mountains

Whether spotting Appalachia's stunning fall colors or looking for a quiet weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Appalachia, little Marion, North Carolina, may fly under the radar when compared to nearby artsy and eclectic cities like Asheville. However, the small, underrated city — with the slogan "Where Main Street Meets the Mountains" — is bursting with traditional Southern charm intertwined with a beautiful outdoor playground for all seasons. Better yet, it's also perfect for a short detour along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Prior to the arrival of Scots-Irish settlers in the Blue Ridge Mountains during the 18th century, modern-day McDowell County, North Carolina, was inhabited by the Cherokee and Catawba tribes. Soon after, in the early 1800s, the region became the leading site of the gold rush in the United States. Around this time, legend has it that Davy Crockett passed through and stayed at the Carson House — a plantation that served as the original county seat for McDowell County. From this iconic home, the modern townsite was settled — pun intended — in 1844, and officially named after the elusive Revolutionary War general, Francis Marion, also known as the "Swamp Fox." Marion later transformed into a small mill town, and is now a charming community of over 8,000.

Marion sits roughly 40 minutes east of Asheville, where you'll find the nearest airport. It's also a stone's throw from one of the country's best destinations for gem hunting, Gem Mountain, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Another option is to fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport, roughly 90 minutes away without traffic. If you're looking to whet your appetite for the outdoors, make a stop in charming Gastonia to soak up the gorgeous mountain views.

Ranked by Blue Ridge Outdoors as one of the Top 100 Small Adventure Towns in the region, Marion and the nearby Pisgah National Forest are every bit a hiker's dream. While visiting, a hike to Tom's Creek Falls should be on your list. The short, family-friendly trek is perfect for stretching your legs after a long drive, and leads to an 80-foot waterfall cascading down into a wading pool. It's a perfect spot for cooling your feet and offers tons of photo opportunities, even in winter.

If you're looking for a more challenging hike, head to Catawba Falls. West of Marion, this beloved trek is a must-do — though we suggest going early in the day. While you can hike the relatively easy, 1.1-mile River Trail to the base of the falls and turn back, travelers who push through the 580 stairs will enjoy spectacular views of the falls and mountains. While safety has greatly improved in recent years, there have been reports in the past of casualties while walking on the falls. As such, be careful of slippery rocks and always stay on the official trails. At the time of writing, the upper viewing platform and the Wildflower Trail are closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene in 2024.

Finally, visitors interested in discovering more about the estimated 1 billion-year-old Blue Ridge Mountains shouldn't miss a tour of the Linville Caverns. Along with seeing trout swimming in the caves, visitors can also explore the unique geological formations as they learn about the history. Tickets are only available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis, with tours running every 10 minutes. Bring a hoodie, as it's always about 52 degrees Fahrenheit inside.

If you're looking for beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Mt. Ida, you won't have to go further than downtown Marion. Along well-manicured Main Street, step back in time as you stroll through the Main Street Historic District, which stands as a symbol of the community's hardworking and caring spirit. Many of the city's oldest buildings were spared from a devastating fire in 1894, when local citizens worked together to keep the flames at bay. Near downtown, you'll find a wide range of cuisines — including a handful of local breweries, bars, and barbecue joints. For a traditional Southern meal with a twist, visit the Blanton House, a mansion-turned-immersive-dining-experience.

To see and experience life nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains from centuries ago, visit the Historic Carson House. This traditional plantation built by Colonel John Carson, an Irish immigrant, now operates as a museum and genealogical library. Preserving the region's past, it hosts exhibits about the lives of slaves who worked on the plantation and in North Carolina. To hear more about the home and the region's history, guided tours are available between April and November, though it's best to call ahead to confirm they're running. Apart from a few special events, the house is set to reopen to the public in mid-April 2026.  

You'll also find plenty of accommodation around Marion, including major chain hotels outside of the city and near major interchanges. For a beautiful and charming mountain stay just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, drive less than 30 minutes north to the Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland, considered "the Jewel of the Blue Ridge Parkway.