Home - 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

Find the perfect wedding venue for your Big day!

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 Events

Dec
3
5:30 PM

Downtown Morganton Carriage Rides

Dec 3, 2021
5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Downtown Morganton

Fridays and Saturdays beginning November 20-December 23, 2021 (Rides not available on Christmas Eve 24th or Christmas Day, December 25) 111 North Green Street - Grass lot diagonally across from CVS Pharmacy in downtown Morganton. Cozy up with loved ones on a holiday carriage ride around downtown Morganton. Whether it is a romantic evening for two or an evening out with your family, enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the holiday season. Tickets are $5 for Adults and $3 for Children 12 and under. Carriage Rides may be booked beginning at 5:00pm on the night of your preferred ride. No advanced bookings will occur. Carolina Carriage Company staff will be on site beginning at 5:00pm to take your reservation. Rides begin at 5:30pm and will depart from 111 North Green Street, lasting approximately 15 minutes.

Dec
3
5 PM

Santa Claus Visits Morganton

Dec 3, 2021
5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Downtown Morganton

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Claus is coming to town!! Over the holiday season Santa Claus visit downtown Morganton businesses every Friday and Saturday from 5:00-8:00pm. Bring the family, take a picture, and enjoy all the things that Morganton has to offer. All we ask is that you abide by each location's mask policy. There is no charge to visit Santa.

Dec
3
6 PM

The Polar Express!

Dec 3, 2021
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

First United Methodist Church

This year's ride aboard the Polar Express Ridgeline Trolley will take passengers on a magical journey including a hot cocoa party with festive dancing, Christmas lights, pictures with Santa, very special prizes and gifts, and much more. You might even see some real snow falling from the sky!

Dec
4
10 AM

Annual Valdese Christmas Parade

Dec 4, 2021
10 a.m. - noon

Downtown Valdese

Valdese kicks off the Holiday Season with the annual Christmas Parade on December 4th at 10am. The parade will take place on Main Street from Church Street to Morgan Street. Merry Christmas!

Dec
4
5:30 PM

Downtown Morganton Carriage Rides

Dec 4, 2021
5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Downtown Morganton

Dec
4
9 AM

Annual Holiday Seconds Sale

Dec 4, 2021
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Hamilton Williams Gallery & Studio

Despite supply chain interruptions on the larger scale, the gallery is better stocked and better prepared for holiday shopping than ever before! Don't miss our biggest event of the season, our annual Seconds Sale in the studio this Saturday, December 4, beginning at 9am. 25-50% OFF on our cosmetic seconds, PLUS discounts on work from Michelle Mackenzie and Courtney Long

Dec
4
5 PM

Santa Claus Visits Morganton

Dec 4, 2021
5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Downtown Morganton

Dec
4
7:30 PM

Concerts at the Rock: Sister Sadie

Dec 4, 2021
7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Old Rock School

Husband and wife duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge draw on the traditions of their native North Carolina, the savvy of a young, gifted band and their own dedication to ingenuity to create the most adventurous album of their career with their latest critically acclaimed release, Faster & Farther.

Dec
4
6 PM

The Polar Express!

Dec 4, 2021
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

First United Methodist Church

Dec
7
6 PM

Downtown Morganton Christmas Parade

Dec 7, 2021
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Burke County Tourism

Dec
9
4 PM

Read to a Shelter Pet

Dec 9, 2021
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Burke County Animal Shelter

Mark your calendars and join us Thursday evening December, 9th for our "Read to a shelter pet" event! 🥳 Drop by between 4 and 6 pm, decorate a cookie, 🍪 give out some treats, 🦴 and read a book 📚 to the doggies and kitties! 🐕 🐈‍⬛ All items are provided, just bring your family and have some fun with us!!

Dec
10
6 PM

Christmas In Valdese

Dec 10, 2021
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Old Rock School

Join us at the Old Rock School for a celebratory tree lighting! Enjoy carols performed by the Old Colony Singers, hot chocolate, and of course...an appearance by Santa Claus! What better way to get into the holiday spirit than celebrating with our incredible community?

Downtown Morganton Carriage Rides

Learn More Here!

Valdese Christmas Parade

Valdese kicks off the Holiday Season with the annual Christmas Parade on December 4th at 10am. The parade will take place on Main Street from Church Street to Morgan Street.

Learn More Here!

Morganton Christmas Parade

The 2021 Christmas Parade presented by the Downtown Development Authority will be filled with floats, music, dancers, and all sorts of family fun! Finished with a visit from Santa himself this is a must see event.

Learn More 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

#BurkeOut