Morganton, North Carolina
Morganton, North Carolina is a great place to explore the great outdoors. From scenic trails to must-visit attractions, there are plenty of top outdoor adventures to enjoy. Popular attractions in and near the area include Catawba Meadows Park, Quaker Meadows Park, and Table Rock State Park. Catawba Meadows Park offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and running, while Quaker Meadows Park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Table Rock State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and kayaking. With such an array of activities and breathtaking landscapes, Morganton, North Carolina is a great place to explore and get mesmerized by the wonders of nature.
Top Spots in and near Morganton
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Linville, North Carolina
Profile Trail to Calloway Peak
5.06.2 mi / 2300 ft gainIf you're looking for a challenge and hoping to escape the crowds at Grandfather Mountain, this is the hike for you. Climbing up the back side of the mountain (opposite the famed mile-high swinging bridge) this trail is fee-free and easy-to-access with its own parking lot. The trail, marked w...Read more -
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Price Lake Loop Trail
5.02.23 mi / 387 ft gainPrice Lake Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Blowing Rock, North Carolina.Read more -
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Boone Fork Trail
4.05.06 mi / 1030 ft gainBoone Fork Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Boone, North Carolina.Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Roaring Fork Falls
1.52 mi / 302 ft gainRoaring Fork Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Burnsville, North Carolina.Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Roaring Fork Falls
1.31 mi / 249 ft gainPark at the work center but don't block the gate. Hike around the gate and head up the grassy and gravel road. Once you get to the creek a narrow path leads upstream to the base of the falls. gps: n35 46.101/ w82 11.713Read more -
Old Fort, North Carolina
Green Knob Lookout Tower
4.80.76 mi / 292 ft gainGreen Knob Lookout Tower is an abandoned fire tower near Mt. Mitchell and located directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The tower boasts a full 360-degree, unobstructed view of Mt. Mitchell, Craggy Mountains, Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and the Parkway. Unlike most fire towers, this tower is...Read more -
Old Fort, North Carolina
Catawba Falls
4.82.19 mi / 394 ft gainPlease note, Catawba Falls is temporarily closed. You can learn more about updates at www.fs.usda.gov. This quick and relatively easy hike is located close to Asheville, NC. If you're looking to have the trail to yourself, it can be a little tough. It's best to get there as early as possible or ...Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Deep Gap Trail at Mt. Mitchell State Park
5.08.24 mi / 2310 ft gainI personally find this trail to be more difficult and have more rewarding views than the Mt. Mitchell summit trail. The Deep Gap Trail starts near the Mount Mitchell summit and heads into a forest of spruce and balsam fir trees. The trail then climbs along the ridgeline to neighboring summits. E...Read more -
Newland, North Carolina
Big Hump Mountain via the Appalachian Trail
4.57.83 mi / 2021 ft gainTowering over Little Hump Mountain, Big Hump Mountain offers one of the clearest views on the Appalachian Trail. Big Hump Mountain is located in the Roan Highlands North of Bradley Gap. This peak is not as traveled as other popular hikes in the area despite its massive size because of the intense...Read more -
Newland, North Carolina
Hike to Bradley Gap along the Appalachian Trail
4.6 mi / 1339 ft gainBradley Gap rests along the Appalachian Trail overlooking North Carolina and Tennessee mountains. Part of the Roan Highlands, Bradley Gap can be accessed via Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead. Follow the Roaring Fork Trail from the trailhead until you intersect the Appalachian Trail (White Blaze) app...Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Mount Mitchell via the Old Mitchell Trail
5.03.74 mi / 1194 ft gainAfter arriving in the park off of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, park at the first parking lot you encounter on the righthand side of the road. There is a visitor's center there where you can inquire about the park and pick up a park map. Once you do that walk outside and look to the left of t...Read more -
Catawba, North Carolina
Visit Murray's Mill
4.5The Murray's Mill Historic District features Murray's Mill (constructed in 1913) with its 28 ft. waterwheel, a general store constructed in the 1890's, Wheathouse Exhibit gallery, and the John Murray House. Free and open to the public to visit, this is a great place to stop and stretch your legs...Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Camp at Snaggy Mountain
Snaggy Mountain is privately owned land that offers a beautiful camping spot located just outside of the Pigsah National Forest. It's completely secluded by an Apple Orchard and is a great home base for several hiking adventures in the area. The location on the map will get you to the parking spo...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain
5.06.98 mi / 1204 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain is an out-and-back trail near Bakersville, North Carolina. This trail is not too crowded, so don't be surprised if you're the only one taking in the view. Keep in mind the 1200+ foot climb along this trail if you're accustomed to hiking a longer dis...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Grassy Ridge Bald in the Roan Highlands
5.04.84 mi / 932 ft gainOnce you've parked at Carver's Gap (5500'), the trailhead is pretty easy to find. Simply cross the highway and jump onto the Appalachian Trail, right on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Head north on the AT as you head through the Roan Mountain Balds. In the very beginning of the hike,...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Round Bald via Carver's Gap
4.31.72 mi / 338 ft gainThis super easy hike to the campsites near Round Bald is the perfect intro to backpacking for kids or newbies, but serves just as well for the more experienced backpackers who can't squeeze a longer trip in over the weekend. This short (.5 mile) hike in leads to a grassy opening with amazing vie...Read more
