What better way is there to while away the day in anticipation of driving through Christmas Town U.S.A. in McAdenville, than by arriving in town a little early and taking a two-hour scenic hike along the river? Spend the afternoon this holiday season along the South Fork Catawba River in McAdenville on the South Fork Catawba Trail – and then drive through the 1.3 miles of holiday lights in Christmas Town U.S.A. Ready? Let’s go!

Christmas Town U.S.A. has been a holiday tradition for families for more than 60 years.

Facebook/Christmas Town U.S.A. This year, shake up the tradition by arriving early. If the weather is cool, bundle up and take a scenic hike along the river before hopping in the car to view the holiday lights.

The South Fork Catawba River flows for 48 miles from Hickory, North Carolina, all the way to the South Carolina border where it merges with the Catawba.

AllTrails/Michael Erickson Along the way, it takes on many vistas, including the gorgeous rocky-strewn section found in McAdenville.

The South Fork Catawba Trail departs just north of McAdenville (inside of Interstate 85) and is a total of 4.2 miles (that’s 2.1 miles in each direction). It should be accomplished by even the most inexperienced of hikers in just about two hours.

AllTrails/Elyas Mohammed If you have less time, just hike for half of your allotted time in one direction and then turn around and hike back to your car for the other half of the time you have.

There are many attractions along the hike to keep everyone entertained.

AllTrails/Michael Erickson Take a break at the stone overlook and admire the old footers still lingering in the river from a bygone era.

Pass underneath a trestle high above and pretend you hear the chugs of a train overhead.

AllTrails/Dave Evans

And keep an eye out for shoal after white-capped shoal along this passage of the river.

AllTrails/Kim Borromeo

When you’ve hiked the entire trail (or even a portion) turn around in time to arrive back to your car ahead of the winter darkness.

AllTrails And get ready for your annual trek (either one of many return trips, or the first of many to come) through Christmas Town U.S.A.

Voted among the 10 Best Holiday Lights Displays in the Country by USA Today readers, Christmas Town U.S.A. is a must.

Facebook/Christmas Town U.S.A. The town has been lighting the way during the holiday season since the 1950s. And when we say “the town” we mean every residence in town is lit up for the event.

If you attempt to make a count, you’ll find in excess of 265 evergreens that are lighted, including the ones that ring the town’s lake.

Facebook/Christmas Town U.S.A. And residence after residence decorated to the nines with holiday cheer.

McAdenville invites you to drive through, or even park and walk through the lights.

Facebook/Christmas Town U.S.A. The route is 1.3 miles long and includes a large portion of the lights right along Main Street.

Bundle up this holiday season for a short hike before you visit Christmas Town U.S.A. for the holiday lights. Combine the South Fork Catawba River with Main Street in McAdenville for a family outing to remember! Learn more about the South Fork Catawba Trail from our friends over at AllTrails.com, and find out everything you need to know, including hours and days the lights are turned on in Christmas Town U.S.A. by visiting this link.

Facebook/Christmas Town U.S.A.

This year, shake up the tradition by arriving early. If the weather is cool, bundle up and take a scenic hike along the river before hopping in the car to view the holiday lights.

AllTrails/Michael Erickson

Along the way, it takes on many vistas, including the gorgeous rocky-strewn section found in McAdenville.

AllTrails/Elyas Mohammed

If you have less time, just hike for half of your allotted time in one direction and then turn around and hike back to your car for the other half of the time you have.

Take a break at the stone overlook and admire the old footers still lingering in the river from a bygone era.

AllTrails/Dave Evans

AllTrails/Kim Borromeo

AllTrails

And get ready for your annual trek (either one of many return trips, or the first of many to come) through Christmas Town U.S.A.

The town has been lighting the way during the holiday season since the 1950s. And when we say “the town” we mean every residence in town is lit up for the event.

And residence after residence decorated to the nines with holiday cheer.

The route is 1.3 miles long and includes a large portion of the lights right along Main Street.

Is McAdenville’s Christmas Town U.S.A. your spot for holiday lights in North Carolina each year? If not, clue us in on your favorite holiday lights display right here.

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Address: McAdenville, NC, USA