Page 21 - Burke County NC

Foothills Conservancy

Nature’s

Playground

Can you believe this county holds the largest state park and is the
only county in North Carolina with two state parks? Yep. Plus access
to thousands of acres of the Pisgah National Forest. And there is the
Catawba River, too. New greenway trails are linking our towns. You can
definitely unwind here in nature’s playground.

outh Mountains State Park, the largest The park offers a variety of adventures including
state park in North Carolina, includes hiking, biking, swimming, boating, fishing,
tent, equestrian, and R/V camping in this camping, picnicking, and educational events.
Srugged destination. Featuring elevations The Paddy’s Creek area of the park offers a
up to 3,000 feet, as well as the High Shoals Falls beach with a roped swimming area, canoe and Lake James State Park
80-foot waterfall and mountain streams, the state paddle board rentals, and concessions during
park includes a 17-mile loop for mountain bikers summer months. There are new biking trails,
and drive-to campsites beside the Jacob Fork River. boat-in camping areas, and two ADA fishing piers
Miles of trout fishing can be found at the Jacob Fork (one in the Catawba River area).
River and its tributaries. ncparks.gov Linville Gorge is the deepest gorge in the eastern
ncparks.gov U.S.– nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the East.
The Morganton Greenway System offers year- This stunning destination is part of the 12,000-
Lake James State Park is approximately round and accessible biking, jogging, strolling, and acre Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. The gorge is
4,000-acres of fun at the base of the Blue Ridge picnicking. It’s a great place to be urban-active with formed by the Jonas Ridge on the east and Linville
Mountains in Nebo. A new visitor center with access to downtown restaurants and shopping, Mountain on the west and is bisected by the Linville
interactive displays, gift shop, and outdoor too. The Morganton Greenway System includes the River which drops 2,000 feet into the valleys below.
amphitheater is available for private evening Catawba River Greenway and the Freedom Trail It is an excellent place for hiking, backpacking, rock
rental. Also new is a long pedestrian bridge Greenway, with five access points and parking. climbing, fishing, and hunting.
across Mills Creek called The Cove Bridge. morgantonparksandrec.com fs.usda.gov
McGalliard Falls Park in Valdese is a popular
gathering spot for picnics and outdoor fun. The park
The Fonta Flora State Trail is a hiking and has a volleyball court, a nature trail, picnic facilities,
biking trail that will eventually connect and restrooms in addition to the natural attraction
Morganton to Asheville, circle Lake James, of the falls. The park also serves as the trailhead to
connect with other state trail systems, and the Valdese Greenway and is the closest access (½
when complete, will be about 100 miles mile) from the picnic shelter to the McGalliard Creek
long. Fonta Flora State Trail is named after 150-foot-long suspension bridge.
the settlement of Black sharecroppers and Contact the Valdese Recreation Department at
others forced to move when the Catawba 828-879-2132 to rent the picnic shelter.
River was dammed to create Lake James.
Access the trail near the Linville boat access
on NC Highway 126. For more fun, visit discoverburkecounty.com
trails.nc.gov and see the Membership Directory
in this magazine.

burkecountychamber.org Nature's Playground 17