The Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, Lake James and North Carolina State Parks lend a great deal of credibility to Burke County, North Carolina’s claim as being “Nature’s Playground.” While places like Boone and Asheville may get more of the spotlight, a road trip to Burke County is a natural choice. Here are a few things to check out while you’re there.

*During my trip to Burke County I was a guest of Discover Burke County as part of a media tour. All opinions expressed in this post as well as the photos are my own.

Table Rock Mountain

Table Rock Mountain in Burke County, North Carolina makes up part of the eastern rim of the Linville Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the Eastern United States. This magnificent geological feature lies inside the Pisgah National Forest. A gravel road winds around the ridge before a paved road takes you on a steep climb up to the parking lot and the trail head.

It’s a mile hike to the summit (elevation 4101 feet) from the parking lot (a little rough on my out of shape body). The 360 degree views at the top are truly worth the steep walk up the side of the mountain. From the summit you can look down onto Linville Falls, gaze into the Linville Gorge and look out onto the rolling hills of the Piedmont section of North Carolina and the sparkling waters of Lake James.

The Sphinx

On the hike up to the top of Table Rock Mountain, the views can take your breath away. Looking down the Linville Gorge, a large rock outcropping at the edge of the canyon catches your attention as one part of it seems to be missing. The small part jutting out the most is called the Sphinx as it resembles the head of the ancient Egyptian landmark of the same name.

Linville Falls

Waterfalls lure nature lovers, sometimes by the thousands, and Burke County boasts having one of the most popular anywhere in North Carolina. Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls is actually a series of falls near the head of the Linville Gorge. The last waterfall drops 45 feet carrying one of the highest volumes of water of any waterfall in North Carolina.

Relatively short trails from the parking lot at the Visitor Center lead to several different overlooks as well as places to enjoy the tranquility of the Linville River.

Brown Mountain

For people who love a great mystery, one mountain in Burke County has one that’s been unsolved for centuries. Brown Mountain near the Linville Gorge is probably more well known for its mysterious lights than its natural beauty. There are no homes or roads on the side of the mountain where people witness a variety of colored lights that move across the wilderness landscape. Back in 2016, scientists from Appalachian State University captured the lights on camera in an effort to unravel the mystery of the Brown Mountain Lights.

Thermal Valley

As you pull up to Thermal Valley Hang Gliding the Blue Ridge Mountains line up along the horizon. On a clear day you can see Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock, Hawksbill and even Mt. Mitchell (the highest point east of the Mississippi River). And while I didn’t take part in the Tandem Hang Gliding, I have watched a few videos of people experiencing it and it’s definitely quite the view from high above the valley floor.

Fonta Flora State Trail

One trail leading through the heart of Burke County’s natural playground got its start back in 2015. The Fonta Flora State Trail takes you through thick forests and along the shore of Lake James. Along the way there are connections to the Mountains to Sea Trail and the Overmountain Victory Trail. The trail is well marked and accessible from a county park just outside of Morganton.

Morganton sits in the middle of “Nature’s Playground.” You’ll find plenty of places to stay, eat, shop and play as part of your road trip through this part of North Carolina. Learn more at discoverburkecounty.com or call 888-462-2921.