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

Oct
22
7 PM

Henry River After Dark

Oct 22, 2021
7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Henry River Mill Village

This October, join the Henry River Preservation Fund and delve deep into the darker side of the Historic Henry River Mill Village. This unique guided experience will take you on a night time tour of the 116 year old textile village as you step back in time with stories from its history that are best shared in the cover of darkness. Let your curiosity and imagination run wild as you're taken through the abandoned village with nothing more than your guide's lantern to light the way.

Oct
23
7 PM

Monsters in the Woods

Oct 23, 2021
7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

HorsePower Park

Halloween Fun for all ages! Includes hay rides, monster truck rides and a rated PG-13 haunted trail for the grown ups. Every Friday and Saturday night from the 16th of October to the 30th. You might even see a few "monsters" in the woods!

Oct
23
8 AM

Morganton Farmers Market

Oct 23, 2021
8 a.m. - noon

Morganton Farmers Market

Oct
29
4 AM

Treats in the Streets

Oct 29, 2021
4 a.m. - 6 a.m.

Downtown Valdese

Oct
29
7 PM

Henry River After Dark

Oct 29, 2021
7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Henry River Mill Village

Oct
30
8 AM

Morganton Farmers Market

Oct 30, 2021
8 a.m. - noon

Morganton Farmers Market

Oct
30
7 PM

Monsters in the Woods

Oct 30, 2021
7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

HorsePower Park

Nov
6
7:30 PM

Concerts at the Rock: Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

Nov 6, 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.

Nov
12
4 PM

Christmas in November: Craft & Gift Show: Friday

Nov 12, 2021
4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Old Rock School

Christmas in November: Craft & Gift Show: Saturday

Nov 13, 2021
5 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Old Rock School

Dec
4
10 AM

Annual Valdese Christmas Parade

Dec 4, 2021
10 a.m. - noon

Downtown Valdese

Dec
4
7:30 PM

Concerts at the Rock: Sister Sadie

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

Old Rock School

Henry River After Dark

Buy Your Tickets Here

Arts Council Souper Oyster Outing 2021.jpg

2021 "Souper" Oyster Outing with Burke Arts Council

Homemade soups will be available for take-out/ curbside pickup. New England Clam Chowder, Brunswick Stew, Oyster Stew, Shrimp Cocktail All served with fresh cornbread Desserts will also be available Saturday, October 16, 2021 1 – 5PM. Take-Out/ Curbside Pickup Only At the new Burke Arts Council at 506 South Sterling Street. Order in advance online.

More Information Here

Monsters in the Woods

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

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