Nature's Playground - Burke County Tourism

Thermal Valley Hang Gliding

Enjoy a unique aerial adventure that will change the way you think of flying and the sky. Free flight will enrich your life.

Find your wings

Say "I DO" to Burke County

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Wedding Venues

Catawba Valley Ale Trail

Enjoy a trip through the foothills with these 14 different craft breweries.

Beer Enthusiasts

Renew, Relax, Refresh

Valdese Lakeside Park

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Upcoming Burke Events

Check out the full calendar of events across Burke County

All Events

Board Games at SideTracked Brewery

Come on out for our 3rd Board Game Night! Every 2nd Monday of the month! Every gathering we will have a "host game"! You are more than welcome to be a part of that game, or bring your own to play as well! Typically several games are played throughout the night. So come hang out, play some fun and interesting games, meet some cool people, and have some fun!

More Info Here!

Lake James Ice Festival

The second annual ice sculpture gala will take on a new extravagance within and around the new visitor center. Sculptor Aaron Costic and his blazing chainsaw is planning to bring as many as 40 unique, themed works of ice art. The resulting menagerie will be revealed in all it's glory as the sun sinks low on the horizon and a rainbow of LED lights glow through the cold, clear sculptures. This fundraising event will raise money for the state park in support of new trails.

More Info Here!

Discover Burke Trails Day!

Discover Burke County presents the "Discover Burke Trails Day" on Saturday March 11, from 12-5 at the City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium. This indoor and outdoor event will feature fun for adults and kids of all ages. Food Trucks, Inflatable Obstacle Course, exhibitors and interesting presentations. Come see all about Burke County's outdoor experiences. "North Carolina Weekend" TV host Deborah Holt Noel will be the Emcee for the day. Jennifer Pharr Davis will share her experience with the fastest thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail by a woman. Author and early Grandfather Mountain trails manager, Randy Johnson will present some of the most incredible outdoor images! Admission is FREE!

More Info Here!

Featured Attractions

Camping Hiking Parks & Forests Rock Climbing

Linville Gorge Wilderness Area

The Linville Gorge Wilderness at nearly 12,000 acres is the third largest wilderness area in North Carolina and one of only two wilderness gorges in the Southern United States.

Morganton, NC

Cycling Hiking Parks & Forests

Fonta Flora Trail

Fun beginner, well-maintained double track trail with beautiful scenery and views of Lake James. The Trail will ultimately circle Lake James. As of April, 2019 more than 20 miles of trail have been completed including a scenic covered bridge near the Linville Boat Access.

126 Nc Hwy 126, Morganton, NC, 28655

Campgrounds Cycling Fishing Hiking Parks & Forests

South Mountains State Park

The largest state park in North Carolina with more than 40 miles of trails and an 18-mile mountain bike loop. Elevations up to 3,000 feet and an 80-foot waterfall provide excellent views. Located just south of Morganton and Valdese. Activities include equestrian camping, primitive camping, trout fishing, mountain biking, picnicking and hiking.

3001 South Mountain State Park Road, Connelly Springs, NC, 28612

Hiking Parks & Forests

Chestnut Knob Trail

Located in South Mountains State Park, Chestnut Knob Trail leads you to the Jacob Fork River Gorge Overlook.

Connelly Springs, NC

Boating Camping Canoeing & Kayaking Cycling Fishing Hiking Parks & Forests

Lake James

At the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains not far from the charming towns of Morganton and Marion in Western North Carolina lies Lake James, a pristine lake fed by three rivers. Surrounded by ancient forest. Over 6,500 surface acres and 150 miles of shoreline. Lake James State Park offers a public beach for swimming, plus picnic areas, canoe rentals, rest rooms and nature trails. Camping facilities are also available.

Morganton, NC

Boating Campgrounds Camping Canoeing & Kayaking Cycling Fishing Hiking Parks & Forests

Lake James State Park Paddy's Creek Area

Tucked away in rolling hills at the base of Linville Gorge, Lake James includes 6,510 surface acres with more than 150 miles of shoreline. Swimming, canoeing, fishing and hiking. Picnic areas, bath house and rest rooms. Trails, camping and guided ranger tours and activities. 83 campsites range from boat-in only to car and walk-in sites.

2693 Park Trail, Nebo, NC, 28761

Campgrounds Camping Fishing

Rose Creek Campground

Take Highway 181 North from Morganton toward the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, and turn left at the first campground you spot. Take the gravel road past the nursery to Rose Creek Family Campground.

3471 Rose Creek Rd, Morganton, NC, 28655

Outdoor Attractions

Ridgeline Trolley & Tours

Available for Weddings, Special Events, Family Reunions, Business Outings, Birthday Parties, and other transportation needs.

110 E Meeting Street, Morganton, NC, 28655

Cycling Outdoor Attractions Specialty Retailers

Overmountain Cycles

Overmountain Cycles is a local, independent bicycle shop based in downtown Morganton that is founded on the belief that every day is an opportunity to discover new tarmac, rip through single-track or link up gnarly gravel roads making an epic route

313 N Green St, Morganton, NC, 28655

Outdoor Attractions

Thermal Valley Hang Gliding

Located at the Foothills Regional Airport, Thermal Valley's 1500 foot flight lasts 8 to 12 minutes and each 500 foot increase will add up to five minutes depending on the weather conditions. A safe and fun experience for the entire family.

4098 Old Amherst Rd, Lenoir, NC, 28645

Casual Dining Outdoor Attractions

Apple Hill Orchard

Nestled in South Mountains of Western North Carolina, Apple Hill Orchard is conveniently located only 4 miles from I -40, just south of Morganton, NC.

2075 Pleasant Hill Ave, Morganton, NC, 28655

History Museums / Heritage Sites Outdoor Attractions

Historic Burke County Courthouse

Stepping into Burke County’s Historical courthouse is like stepping back in time. Listen intently and you can almost hear the shots fired by William Waightstill Avery, one of Burke Countys best-known lawyers, as he shot and killed Samuel Fleming in 1851.

102 E Union St, Morganton, NC, 28655

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