25 S. Garden Street · PO Box 1289 · Marion, NC 28752
Phone [828] 652-9391 · Fax [828] 652-8775
Email: medainc@verizon.net

Schools

Visit  McDowell County Schools, located in McDowell County, sometimes called the 'Gateway to the Mountains,' We are found in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, adjoining the Blue Ridge Parkway.  McDowell County is close to skiing and tourist attractions, including the nationally-known Biltmore House and Linville Falls.

With a total population of approximately forty thousand, and a school population of over six thousand students, we are a typically rural community with many mountain traditions.

McDowell County Schools are known throughout the state as innovators in education.  The system consists of eight elementary schools, two junior highs, one high school and an accelerated learning center.  It is a county in which business and industry work actively with educators in an effort to better educate our citizens.

At McDowell High School , we envision a learning environment in which freedom and dignity for every individual allow the growth of a lifelong love of learning. The climate is orderly, safe and conducive to teaching and learning.

Attractions

Lake James State Park The 565-acre park offers picnicking, swimming, canoe rentals, and hiking along picturesque Lake James. Ranger office, concession stand, bathrooms. Located on NC 126 east of Marion. 828-652-5047

Linville Caverns "See inside a mountain" at the only caverns in the Carolinas open to the public. Natural limestone caverns feature spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations, underground stream, and cave wildlife such as bats, blind crayfish, cave crickets, and large trout. Enjoy a creek side picnic in their beautiful glade or shop for crafts, gifts, and souvenirs in their gift shop. 800-419-0540 or 828-756-4171

Linville Gorge Wilderness Area "Grand Canyon of the East." Steep walls of Gorge, as high as 3400 feet, enclose Linville River for 12 miles. Primitive recreation includes strenuous hiking, back packing, rock climbing, and fishing for native trout. Due to wild and isolated topography, Gorge shelters stretches of virgin forest, rare and endangered plant species, and an assortment of wild game and non-game species. Located in Pisgah National Forest, alongside Kistler Memorial Highway (NC 1238), near Linville Falls. 828-652-2144

The Orchard at Altapass Century-old working apple orchard on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Old-time heritage apples, Monarch butterflies, apple butter, clogging, bluegrass bands, crafts, fine mountain cooking, apple and pumpkin fudge, Revolutionary War reenactments, storytelling, hayrides, and more. Picnic tables, snack bar, and gift shop. Open mid-May through October. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 328.3. 888-765-9531 or 828-765-9531

Grandfather Mountain Just north of McDowell County is the entrance to the tallest mountain in the Blue Ridge chain and the only privately-owned International Biosphere Reserve designated by the United Nations. Mile-High Swinging Bridge, spectacular hiking trails, natural habitat wildlife exhibits, and Nature Museum. More than 47 rare and endangered plant and animal species thrive there, 11 of global significance. Located on US 221, two miles north of Linville. 800-468-7325

Historic Ledbetter House Built in 1826, the two story, gable sided house of post and beam construction remains one of McDowell County's few intact dwellings from the early 1800s. Recently restored and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house features hand painted walls and doors, and a rare antique quilt collection. Tours of the home are offered every Saturday by appointment only. Call for further information. Located in the community of Montford Cove, between Marion and Lake Lure. 828-738-9798

Historic Carson House Built as a walnut log cabin in the early 1800s, the home once served as a stagecoach inn and seat of the county government until the courthouse was constructed.  The Carson House entertained the likes of Davey Crockett, Sam Houston, and Andrew Jackson, who lost money gambling on horses that raced there.  This historic home and private, non-profit museum is currently filled with unusual household and plantation artifacts.  Open May through October, Tuesday through Saturday.  All other times open by appointment.  Located in Pleasant Gardens on US  Highway 70, west of Marion. 828-724-4948 or 828-724-4640

Mount Mitchell State Park The East's highest peak and home of North Carolina's first state park.  The highest peak is at 6684 ft.

Blue Ridge Parkway  is ranked "America's most scenic drive" by leading travel writers.  Following mountains crest from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smokey Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee, the Parkway is the gateway to an Appalachian empire where man can escaped the speed and crowding of modern life.

The YMCA  The new YMCA is located on a large 35-acre tract of land, which was donated by the County in 1992.  Bordered by Sugar Hill Road, Rankin Drive, and Spaulding Rd,, the site is central to McDowell County, which maximizes the benefit of the facility to county citizens.  The facility offers a aquatics center, gym, and an extensive workout facility.  There are also numerous fitness classes for all ages.

Senior Center - You are welcome to visit the new Senior Center on Spaulding Avenue beside the YMCA. Here you will find many seniors whose lives have changed because of their involvement at the center. Those who have discovered the senior center no longer have to endure daily solitude- their days are now filled with new friends, physical activity, new interests, and social structure. 

The McDowell Hospital opened its present facility in December, 1983.  Centrally located in the county, it is positioned on a 50-acre site along Sugar Hill Road, approximately one mile from I-40, exit 81.  The 71,000 sq. ft. hospital is built upon a knoll and affords views of the Blue Ridge mountain range to the north and east.  McDowell Hospital has been affiliated with Mission Hospitals since 2004. 

Shops

The Gem Shoppe Custom stone cutters, jewelry craftsmen. Large inventory of 14K gold jewelry and mineral specimens. May-Oct, 9:30-5. Adjacent to the Switzerland Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 828-765-0134

Linville Caverns Gems, minerals, rock specimens, locally made pottery, toys, mountain crafts, souvenirs. US 221 North, North Cove. 828-756-4171