Centuries ago, pristine mountain streams and thundering waterfalls carved our rugged and scenic gorge, formed bottomless caverns, and filled our sparkling lakes with the purest of water. In the days of the early pioneers, settlers blazed wilderness trails, discovered rich gold and gem mines, grew bountiful orchards, and left us with a fine Appalachian craft heritage. In the past century, all we had to add were history museums, charming inns, friendly campgrounds, championship golf courses, and the spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway. Travelers in the new millennium should call for our free mountain discovery guide before they visit the McDowell County area!The McDowell County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) is the travel and tourism office for Lake James, Linville Falls, Little Switzerland, Marion, and Old Fort. For information about accommodations or lodging (cabins, log cabins, chalets, condominiums, cottages, inns, hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, lodges, or retreats), camping (camps, campgrounds, or rally parks), attractions (Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Chimney Rock, Emerald Village, Gem Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, Lake James State Park, Linville Caverns, Linville Gorge, Mt. Mitchell State Park, Overmountain Victory Trail, South Mountains State Park, caves, apple orchards, state parks, gorges, gem mines, gold mines, fish hatcheries, mountains, museums, libraries, etc.), streams, lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, backpacking, biking or cycling, bird watching or birding, boating, trout fishing, trout ponds, fall or autumn foliage, guides and outfitters, flora and fauna (flowers, animals, and other wildlife), golfing (golf courses and driving ranges), horseback riding, ski rentals, mountain music, farms, arts and crafts, theaters or theatres, shopping (antiques, shops, boutiques, furniture, sporting goods), restaurants, picnic areas, landmarks and legends, historic homes, Revolutionary and Civil War Sites and Trails, scenic views, outdoor scenery, movies filmed in our area like Last of the Mohicans and Hunt for the Red October, or local maps, please call the McDowell County TDA at 1-888-233-6111 and be sure to request our free Mountain Treasures Discovery Guide!The McDowell County TDA is located at the McDowell Visitor Center on the US 221 Bypass in Marion, NC. The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, some Friday evenings, and some Saturdays and Sundays.Please visit our web site: http://www.visitmcdowell.org