I was passing through Old Fort, North Carolina the other day hoping to find a road I might have missed on one of my motorcycle mapping trips, when I came across the man-made Andrews Geyser. The wading pond was frozen, the spout encased in heavy ice, and the grass surrounding the pool was a huge sheet of bumpy rhyme.

Andrews Geyser encased in ice near Old Fort, NC

The Geyser was built in 1880 as a tourist attraction and to commemorate those whole lost their lives building the railroad that climbed from Old fort to Swannanoa, then on to Asheville. Until that time, Old Fort was as far west as the railroad went. The 3 mile climb through the mountains required more than 12 miles of serpentine track and seven tunnels. More details at  (http://www.romanticasheville.com/old_fort.htm)

My explorations take me to the most unusual and scenic locations as I search out the best roads for my motorcycle maps. I’d passed the sign that directs you to the Geyser on the west end of town many times, but never ventured out to see it as the paved road does not make it all the way through the mountains. It’s a nice ride, but it doesn’t lead you anywhere else so it’s not on my motorcycle map of the area. Still, you won’t miss the signs.

If you’re passing through Old Fort on your way to reach those great two lane mountain roads nearby and have a little extra time, you might want to ride out and see the 80 ft. high plume. I got there late on the day when the temperatures never went much above freezing. Next time I visit, I hope it will be a little warmer.

Wayne Busch – AMERICA RIDES MAPS