Welcome to Old Fort

Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Old Fort has long been a gateway and a destination in its own right. Since 1869, travelers making their way through this scenic terrain have looked for familiar local landmarks — the dramatic plume of Andrews Geyser and a welcoming resort hotel at the base of the climb toward Asheville. These signs marked the beginning of the scenic ascent into Western North Carolina’s mountain country.

A Rich Heritage

Before the modern town took shape, this region stood at the frontier of colonial expansion. In 1776, a stockade known as Davidson’s Fort was established on land owned by Samuel Davidson. It served as a defensive outpost for settlers on the edge of the British colony and played a role in Revolutionary-era frontier campaigns.

In 1872, the Town of Catawba Vale was chartered. The following year, the name was changed to Old Fort, in honor of that original fortification.

Then came the railroad. The construction of the rail line through the Swannanoa Gap — including seven tunnels and a dramatic loop climb — was an engineering marvel that opened the region to new economic and cultural growth. At its peak, eight passenger trains stopped daily in Old Fort.

Trails & Rails — Explore the Best of Old Fort

Trails

Old Fort is quickly becoming one of the Southeast’s premier outdoor destinations, thanks to a fast-growing network of trails for hiking, biking, and nature lovers.

  • Point Lookout Trail is a 3.6-mile paved, non-motorized route offering spectacular views of the Royal Gorge — a perfect blend of scenic beauty and accessible recreation.

  • Catawba Falls Trail leads hikers to one of Western North Carolina’s most iconic waterfalls — now reopened after major safety improvements by the National Park Service.

  • In 2024, the Lower Heartbreak Ridge Trail officially opened, connecting Old Fort with miles of ridgeline and backcountry exploration.

  • A massive 42-mile trail expansion is currently underway, led by the G5 Trail Collective in partnership with the US Forest Service — with over $2.5 million in funding approved to support the buildout.

Whether you’re a casual walker or a serious trail runner, Old Fort offers a deep connection to nature just steps from town.

Rails

Old Fort’s railroad legacy continues to shape its story:

  • The Historic Old Fort Train Depot Museum, built in the 1880s and recently restored, showcases rail artifacts and tells the story of the town’s vital role in mountain rail construction.

  • A grassroots nonprofit called Waiting for the Train! is working to bring back passenger rail service between Salisbury and Asheville — including a proposed stop in Old Fort.

  • In 2025, Norfolk Southern confirmed it will rebuild the “Old Fort Loops” — a key 16-mile section of track between Old Fort and Grovestone. This infrastructure investment is seen as a major step toward making passenger rail viable again.

With this mix of preservation, advocacy, and potential, the rails of Old Fort may one day welcome passengers again.

A Place to Pause — and Explore

From the moment you arrive in Old Fort, you’ll sense something different. Our warm Southern hospitality brings a smile to even the weariest traveler. The winding mountain roads, sweeping vistas, and laid-back pace invite you to slow down. Meanwhile, mountain music, arts events, and a strong sense of community add a rhythm all their own.

Real Beauty, Real Fun — No Glitz Required

Old Fort isn’t about tourist traps or flashy development. Here, you’ll find real people, real beauty, and real fun. Whether you’re here for the history, the trails, the trains, or just a breath of fresh mountain air, Old Fort welcomes you — just as it has for generations.