Madison County is a county in the western part of North Carolina, located in the Appalachian Mountains and a part of the Asheville metropolitan area. The county has an estimated population of 20,062. Madison County is bordered by Buncombe County, Haywood County, Yancey County, Mitchell County, and McDowell County. The county seat is Marshall, and the largest city is Hot Springs. Some of the main attractions in Madison County include Hot Springs Resort & Spa, Max Patch, The Great Smoky Mountains, and the French Broad River. Madison County is known for its scenic mountain views, vast forests, and numerous streams. The county has a laid-back atmosphere and a tight-knit community. It’s home to a variety of outdoor activities and events, which draw visitors from all over the country.
Community Highlights
Hot Springs
Hot Springs is located at the confluence of the French Broad River and Spring Creek. A natural hot spring is also located here, the only such spring known in North Carolina and in much of the southeastern United States. Thus, this area has long since been a destination for those looking for therapeutic relief from their ailments.
Hot Springs is located at the confluence of the French Broad River and Spring Creek. A natural hot spring is also located here, the only such spring known in North Carolina and in much of the southeastern United States. Thus, this area has long since been a destination for those looking for therapeutic relief from their ailments. The town itself is popular as a modern tourist destination for, aside from the springs, outdoor recreation. The Appalachian Trail runs along downtown’s Bridge Street and climbs the mountains on either side of the river. Rafting and kayaking is popular on the French Broad River itself. There are numerous other hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, and sightseeing opportunities in the nearby Pisgah National Forest.
Marshall
The Town of Marshall is nestled in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina on the banks of the French Broad River and is rich in history, scenery, outdoor activities and mountain culture.
In Historic Downtown Marshall you'll find an historical county courthouse, old-time stores, art galleries, shops with unique home decor and gifts, restaurants cooking with produce from local farms, a Sunday afternoon farmers market on the island, and more. Serving the mountain community, you will find holiday events, county services, and the home offices for the county libraries.
Marshall is also becoming a center for artists. Browse the galleries on the island and downtown, go to classes, exhibits, shows and concerts, often centered on mountain culture.
Mars Hill
Nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Mars Hill is a wonderful place to live, work, shop, learn, and enjoy a leisurely pace and quality of life. Residents and visitors enjoy easy access to mountain sports and family activities as well as to the cosmopolitan city of Asheville, only 20 miles away via Interstate 26. The town is also near the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, and many national and state parks and recreation areas. On a clear day, Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern United States, is visible from town, and skiing, hiking, cycling, horseback riding and whitewater rafting are among the many easily accessible outdoor activities.