Parks & Forests - Burke County Tourism

Canoeing & Kayaking Cycling Disc Golf Gold Panning Outdoor Attractions Parks & Forests

Catawba River Greenway

Catawba River Greenway Park features 3.8 miles of paved walking trail following the river through wooded and open areas. Along the trail are picnic shelters and open tables, accessible restrooms, a playground, fishing piers, canoe launches, a gazebo, multi-level observation decks, and pedestrian bridges which cross the river and its tributaries.

128 Greenlee Ford Road, Morganton, NC, 28655

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

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

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

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

Outdoor Attractions Parks & Forests

Martha's Park & Splash Pad

Located in downtown Morganton, the 1.4 acre park features: •Fenced and gated play area •Multi-featured playground equipment •3 picnic shelters (large shelter may be reserved) •Children’s water splash pad •Swing sets •Handicapped accessible restrooms

200 Collett St, Morganton, NC, 28655

Outdoor Attractions Parks & Forests

McGalliard Falls Park

Venture out to this hidden treasure to enjoy a volleyball court, picnic facilities and restrooms in addition to the natural attraction of the 40 ft. high McGalliard Falls.

Church St Nw, Valdese, NC, 28690

Outdoor Attractions Parks & Forests

Mt. Mitchell State Park- Highest Peak east of the Rocky Mountains

A museum explains the mountain’s cultural and natural history, and its trail network allows visitors to explore up close, offering short hikes near the summit and challenging treks leading to adjacent wilderness areas.

2388 State Hwy 128, Burnsville, NC, 28714

Outdoor Attractions Parks & Forests

Pisgah National Forest

Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails.Dispersed campsites along pristine streams are found here. Stop by the Burke Visitor Center in downtown Morganton for maps and more local information about the National Forest.

Morganton, NC

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

Outdoor Attractions Parks & Forests Rock Climbing

Table Rock Mountain Picnic Area & Hiking Trails

Table Rock is a prominent mountain on the east rim of Linville Gorge and part of Pisgah National Forest (Grandfather Ranger District).It features a unique rock formation, and can be seen from over 30 miles away. The summit is accessible and makes for a quick hike from a nearby parking area, and is also very popular for rock climbing. No services at Table Rock. Take everything you need with you!

Morganton, NC