Outdoors - Burke County Tourism

Colt Bass Fishing

All you need to bring is a camera, proper clothing, and whatever you may need to eat or drink.

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

Outdoor Attractions

Foothills Regional Airport

Conveniently located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with quick driving access to Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Morganton, Lenoir and Hickory, the Foothills Reigonal Airport (KMRN) is a full-service FBO dedicated to the needs of general aviation pilots, aircraft owners and travelers.

3566 Morganton Lenoir Airport Ave, Morganton, NC, 28655

History Museums / Heritage Sites Outdoor Attractions Performing Arts Regional Attraction Theatre

From This Day Forward- Fred B. Cranford Amphitheatre

One of the top outdoor dramas in North Carolina, this production is presented annually at the Fred B. Cranford Amphitheatre – mid July through mid-August and tells the story of the Waldensians and their escape from religious persecution in Italy to how they founded the town of Valdese.

401 Church Street Nw, Valdese, NC, 28690

Outdoor Attractions

Grandfather Mountain

Cross the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, photograph native wildlife in natural habitats and hike some of the South's finest alpine trails.

221 Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville, NC, 28646

Hiking History Outdoor Attractions

Henry River Mill Village

From it’s days making cotton yarn to its more recent adaptation as District 12 in the Hunger Games films, the Henry River Mill Village offers visitors a step back into the last century and a peak into the rich heritage of western North Carolina mill towns.

4255 Henry River Rd, Hickory, NC, 28602

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

Campgrounds Camping Outdoor Attractions Regional Attraction

Horsepower Park

Horsepower Park is perfect for the whole family! Located in the Foothills of Western North Carolina, with Race Track and Mountain views this fun motorsports arena provides lots of opportunity for fun!

2900 Race Track St, Morganton, NC, 28655

Winter Sports

Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing

Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park is a great alternative for those feeling a bit crowded at Sugar Mountain Resort or Hawk’s Nest located in Banner Elk, North Carolina.

9472 Nc Hwy 181, Newland, NC, 28657

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 Outdoor Attractions

Lake James Marina

Full-service marina with fuel, store, boat slip rentals and fishing licenses.

9066 Nc-126, Nebo, NC, 28655

Boating Outdoor Attractions

Lake James Neighborhood Store

Lake James Neighborhood Store is here for all of your lake needs! They have pontoon rentals as well as a general store with food, gear and libations you may have left behind or run out of. Their boat rentals are offered 7 days a week for a full day of fun. Please book ahead of time by calling or filling out request form on their website to ensure rental availability.

5763 Benfields Landing Road, Nebo, North Carolina, 28761