You’ve probably driven right past it. If you’ve ever hauled your car up the steep, winding Grade on I-40 heading toward Asheville, you’ve seen the signs for Old Fort North Carolina. Most people just see it as a place to stretch their legs or grab a quick biscuit before the elevation really starts to climb. But honestly? That’s a mistake. Something is happening in this small McDowell County town that is fundamentally changing how we think about outdoor recreation and mountain culture in the South.
It’s not just another sleepy Appalachian hamlet anymore.
For decades, Old Fort was a manufacturing hub. When the plants started to close, the town felt that familiar, heavy quiet that settles over many rural Southern communities. But lately, there is a literal buzz in the air. You can hear it in the sound of tires hitting dirt and the clink of pint glasses at the local brewery. It’s a transformation driven by a massive, collaborative effort to build trails—lots of them—and to do it in a way that doesn't leave the local community behind.
The G5 Trail Collective and the Massive Trail Expansion
Let’s talk about the dirt. Specifically, the miles and miles of new trails being carved into the Grandfather District of the Pisgah National Forest. This isn't just a couple of volunteers with shovels. We’re talking about a coordinated effort led by the G5 Trail Collective, a non-profit that has basically become the blueprint for how to save a mountain town.
Their goal? Six to ten miles of new trails every year.
They recently completed the Old Fort Gateway Trails, which opened up a network of multi-use paths that are actually accessible. If you’ve ever tried to hike in Pisgah, you know it can be brutal. It's often vertical, rooty, and unforgiving. The Gateway Trails changed that. They are designed for everyone—mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners. There’s even a focus on making sure these trails work for adaptive athletes. It’s a huge deal.
The Jarrett Creek Trail and the legendary Kitsuma Peak are the heavy hitters for mountain bikers. Kitsuma is famous for its switchbacks. It is a grueling climb followed by a descent that feels like you’re flying through a green tunnel. It’s technical. It’s fast. It’s the kind of ride that leaves your forearms burning and your heart hammering against your ribs.
👉 See also: Red Bank Battlefield Park: Why This Small Jersey Bluff Actually Changed the Revolution
But here is the thing people get wrong about Old Fort: it isn't just for the hardcore athletes. You can spend a Tuesday afternoon walking the paved sections near the Davidson’s Fort historical site and feel just as connected to the landscape.
What Really Happened with the "Gateway to the West"
The town’s name isn't just a marketing gimmick. It actually refers to the westernmost outpost of the American colonial frontier prior to the Revolutionary War. Back then, this was the edge of the world for European settlers.
- Davidson's Fort: A full-scale replica of the 1776 stockade.
- The Mountain Gateway Museum: It’s free. It’s right on the creek. They have these amazing exhibits on moonshine, folk medicine, and how people actually survived in these mountains before air conditioning and I-40 existed.
- The Arrowhead Monument: Standing 30 feet tall in the center of town, this pink granite slab was dedicated in 1917 to mark the peace between settlers and the Cherokee.
The history here is layered. It’s often messy. While the monument talks about peace, the reality of the frontier was a lot more violent and complex. Exploring the museum gives you a much better sense of that tension than just reading a plaque. Honestly, the museum is one of the most underrated spots in the whole state for people who actually want to understand Appalachian identity beyond the stereotypes.
The Catawba Falls Reopening: A Must-See
If you visited Old Fort a couple of years ago, you might have been disappointed to find Catawba Falls closed. The Forest Service had to shut it down for a long time to build a massive staircase and safety improvements. People were literally falling off the cliffs trying to get to the upper falls.
It’s open now. And it is spectacular.
The hike to the lower falls is relatively easy, but the new infrastructure allows you to climb much higher safely. The falls drop over 100 feet in a series of cascades. When the rhododendrons are in bloom, usually late May or early June, the whole place looks like something out of a fantasy novel.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Map of Colorado USA Is Way More Complicated Than a Simple Rectangle
"We are seeing a shift from 'pass-through' tourism to 'destination' tourism," says local business owner Jason McDougald. "People are staying for the weekend because they finally have the infrastructure to support it."
Where to Eat and Hang Out (The Local's Shortlist)
You’re going to get hungry. Trail miles do that to you.
Hillman Beer is the undisputed anchor of the new Old Fort. They took a massive old building and turned it into a taproom that sits right on the banks of Mill Creek. The "Hillman Burger" is a staple, and their kolsch is exactly what you want after a dusty hike. The vibe is very "muddy boots welcome." You’ll see families, dogs, and bikers covered in Pisgah grime all sitting together.
If you want something a bit more old-school, you go to Gogo’s. They serve some of the best cinnamon rolls you will ever have in your life. Seriously. They’re massive. But they sell out fast, so if you roll in at noon, you’re probably out of luck.
Then there’s Old Fort Ride House. It’s part coffee shop, part bike hub. It’s where you go to ask about trail conditions or find out if a specific fire road is washed out. The community there is incredibly welcoming, even if you don't know a derailleur from a brake pad.
Addressing the "Gentrifort" Rumors
With all this growth comes a legitimate fear. You might hear locals use the term "Gentrifort." It’s a real concern that the town will become another overpriced tourist trap like parts of Asheville or Boone.
🔗 Read more: Bryce Canyon National Park: What People Actually Get Wrong About the Hoodoos
But there’s a different vibe here. The Eagle Market Streets Development is working to ensure that the Black community in Old Fort—which has deep, historic roots often overlooked in mountain towns—is a central part of the economic boom. They are focusing on affordable housing and minority-owned business spaces. It’s an attempt to grow without displacing the people who stayed here when the factories left.
It isn't perfect. Real estate prices are creeping up. You can see the change in the "For Sale" signs on the older bungalows. But the town leadership seems hyper-aware that they have a chance to do this differently than other mountain destinations.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit to Old Fort North Carolina
If you're planning to head out this weekend, don't just wing it. The mountains can be tricky.
- Check the Weather Twice: Old Fort sits at the base of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. This creates "orographic lift," which basically means it can be sunny in Marion and pouring rain in Old Fort. If the clouds look dark over the ridge, take it seriously.
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service is a joke once you get a mile into the national forest. Use an app like AllTrails or Trailforks and download the maps before you leave the Hillman Beer parking lot.
- Parking is Tight: For Catawba Falls, get there before 9:00 AM on weekends. The lot fills up, and they will ticket you for parking on the grass or the shoulder of the road.
- Respect the Creek: Mill Creek is a stocked trout stream. If you see people fishing, give them a wide berth. Also, keep your dogs on a leash—the current can be surprisingly strong after a rain.
- The "Hidden" Spot: If you want a quiet walk without the crowds of Catawba Falls, check out the Point Lookout Trail. It’s paved (it used to be the old highway), so it’s great for strollers or road bikes, and the views of the Royal Gorge are insane.
Old Fort is in a state of flux, and that’s what makes it exciting. It’s a place where you can touch 250 years of history in the morning and ride a world-class, brand-new mountain bike trail in the afternoon. It’s rugged, it’s beautiful, and it’s finally finding its voice again. Just make sure you bring some sturdy shoes and an appetite for more than just a quick pit stop.
How to Get Involved or Support the Town
If you want to do more than just visit, keep an eye on the G5 Trail Collective website for volunteer trail workdays. There is something deeply satisfying about riding a section of trail that you helped build. Alternatively, stop by the Mountain Gateway Museum and leave a donation; they do incredible work on a shoestring budget to preserve the actual stories of the people who built this town.
The best way to support Old Fort is simply to spend your money locally. Buy your coffee at the Ride House, your beer at Hillman, and your gear at the local shops. That direct economic impact is what keeps the "Old Fort" in Old Fort North Carolina.
Next time you see that exit on I-40, don't just drive past. Turn off. Park the car. See for yourself why this place is finally stepping out of the shadows of the higher peaks.