If You Want the Great Outdoors, Visit Madison County.
Madison County is made up largely of National Forestland which provides for miles and miles of trails to hike, mountain bike, explore and camp.
Madison County is an outdoor lover's paradise.
The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail passes from one end of the county to the other, with many access points giving day hikers a great opportunity to walk short segments of the trail. (See also trailplace.com). Two National Forests are located in part in Madison County-- the Pisgah National Forest and the Cherokee National Forest. Like hiking, but don't enjoy carrying a backpack? Try llama trekking! Llamas make wonderful trail companions and are so alert that they can call your attention to all sorts of wildlife. Click here for some suggested short hikes on the Appalachian Trail.
Fishing
Mountain trout are abundant in remote streams for fishing and the French Broad and larger streams hold bass, crappie and some muskie. Some of the best fishing in the county can be found in the following water: East Fork, Shut-In Creek; Big Laurel Creek; West Prong, Hickory Fork; Pounding Mill Branch; and Dry Creek.
Camping
Forest Service campgrounds and private campgrounds are located throughout the county.
click here for campgrounds>
Biking/Cycling
Mountain biking is a popular sport in Madison County. There are many trails on which to ride your mountain bike. For the road cyclists out there, Madison County Rotary Club sponsors an event each July, entitled The Hot Doggett 100. Click here for more information about this exciting race/event>
Whitewater Rafting on the French Broad River
The third oldest river in the world, trailing only the Nile in Africa and the New in West Virginia, the French Broad winds through Pisgah National Forest in the mountains of North Carolina. This free-flowing river is ideal for families and young teens, with moderate Class II and III rapids. The full-day trip adds the awesome Class IV Frank Bell's rapid -- a river-wide drop. Lower French Broad river trips are relaxing floats with plenty of opportunities to swim and are perfect for children as young as 4 years of age.
There are several rafting companies throughout the county offering
flexible trip times and fully guided or guide-assisted full and half-day trips. Half-day deluxe and full-day trips may include a riverside deli-style lunch. Some offer overnight trips with two days of rafting with meals and camping for a longer adventure!
Horseback Riding the
Madison County Countryside
Horseback riding offers a unique, calm and relaxing way to take in unique views of some of the area’s most beautiful vistas and dramatic back-country scenery.
Madison County businesses have plenty to offer horsemen and horsewomen of any skill level.
Sandy Bottom Trail Rides
Sandy Bottom Trail Rides in Marshall offers daily horseback rides. The ranch has been family-owned for three generations, and presents one-, two-, three- and four-hour trail rides that take visitors through scenic meadows and woods. Trail rides are open for people of all ages. Sandy Bottom also offers wagon and buggy rides. Sandy Bottom’s three- and four-hour trail and wagon rides also feature a visit to the 200-year-old Little Pine Garnet Mine.
Another fun family favorite is in the heart of the Spring Creek Community at Fowler Farms Sporting Clays and Game Preserve.
Skiing at Wolf Laurel Ski Resort is another Madison County winter outdoor family activity.
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Marshall, Trails sign located in front of the Col. Allen House on Main Street, Route 25-70, in Marshall – Divided loyalties boiled over early here when a local election in May 1861 resulted in gunfire and death. In January 1863 a band of Union soldiers and citizen sympathizers from the Shelton Laurel community raided Marshall, burning and looting buildings. Confederate troops executing 13 prisoners. The event became known as the “Shelton Laurel Massacre.”
Warm Springs Hotel, Trails sign located at the Hot Springs Resort off Route 25-70 – A Union regiment made up largely of Confederate deserters and Union-supporting area citizens captured and briefly held this place in the fall of 1863. The hotel was Union headquarters until the Northerners were expelled in late October.