Since 1869 travelers through these mountains looked for the familiar sight of a tall water plume, a man-made geyser, and a resort hotel tucked away at the base of the Blue Ridge this signaled the start of the long climb to Asheville through some of the most scenic terrain in North Carolina. Catawba Falls was a must visit by adventurous travelers during the 1800s. The train no longer stops for passengers, but when you stop at the tall, hand-carved arrowhead next to the depot, you can take some time out of your busy life and visit our historic town. A town committed to preserving its heritage, and having some fun along the way. Originally a fort built by the colonial militia before the Declaration of Independence, the settlement served for many years as the western outpost of the early United States. The fort is now being rebuilt by the non-profit corporation “Davidson’s Fort Historic Park, Inc.” for current news on this project see their website.  You’ll feel a change the moment you arrive in Old Fort. Our down-home southern welcome can bring a smile to the weariest traveler. Our winding roads and mountain vistas are famous for untying knots in overworked shoulders, and we’ve yet to meet a pair of feet that could resist the toe-tapping sounds of our mountain music. In Old Fort, you won’t find tourist glitz or overdeveloped sprawl. Just real people, real beauty and real fun.