Upcoming Events in Marion
Marion, N.C. - Where Main Street Meets The Mountains
With its historic buildings set against the backdrop of picturesque Mount Ida, you'll find Marion is the perfect base camp for your next Blue Ridge Mountain adventure. Get a taste of local flavors in the town’s eclectic downtown, or explore the surrounding mountains by foot, by bike or by car.
Stroll the sidewalks of Marion’s historic Main Street where you’ll find former banks and warehouses brought back to life as locally-owned restaurants, craft breweries, bakeries, ice cream parlors, unique shopping boutiques and art galleries.
Main Street is the site of several mountain craft fairs and community celebrations throughout the year. Stop by the Historic Marion Tailgate Market on Tuesdays, May through October, to pick up local produce and artisan goods like bread, jams and handmade soaps. And don’t miss the family-friendly WNC Bigfoot Festival in Marion each September. Check the event calendar for more Marion festivals and happenings.
Marion is conveniently located to a variety of outdoor adventures, many accessible all year round. Walk or bike along the river on the Joseph McDowell Historic Catawba River Greenway at the edge of town, or take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to see stunning mountain vistas, visit beautiful waterfalls and access many more hiking trails. Just a few miles away is Lake James State Park where you’ll find hiking and biking trails, canoe and kayak rentals and a swimming beach perfect for staying cool on a hot summer day.
At the end of the day, find your home away from home at one of Marion’s accommodations, including hotels, motels, campgrounds and private cabin rentals.
Explore Marion Attractions
Armstrong Creek
3640 Ft./6 mile trail. Primitive hiking on Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd. Trail begins past hatchery parking lot. Easy-moderate.Including tributaries -game…
Woodlawn Fitness Trail
Fitness Trail consists of 7 stations, two exercises per station on a 1/4 mile jogging path. Additional one mile loop…
Greenlee Park
Greenlee Park is the perfect spot to spend the day, with accesses to Lake James for water sports, covered picnic areas, and a 1.1 mile nature trail loop!
Vintage Market
Antique mall and vintage store with a variety of vendor booths. You'll find custom-made furnishings and The Vintage Market offers…
Joseph McDowell/Catawba River Greenway
The Joseph McDowell/Catawba River Greenway is located just outside downtown Marion, NC. This paved trail follows the flow of the…
Catawba River Park and Canoe Launch
Catawba River Park and Canoe/Kayak Launch is located within one quarter mile of the intersection of Highway 70 West and…
Bad Fork
2940 Ft. /8 Miles. Primitive trail connects Woods Mountain & Armstrong Creek Trails. NC 226-A to Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd.…
Blue Ridge Love Stories
We are Keicha & Josh-A husband and wife team! Photography is in our blood. It's what inspires us and what…