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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

  • Hampton, Tennessee

    Appalachian Trail: Dennis Cove to Watauga Lake

    8.08 mi / 1955 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Dennis Cove to Watauga Lake is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Hampton, Tennessee.
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  • Hampton, Tennessee

    Hike to Laurel Fork Falls

    4.6
    2.6 mi / 600 ft gain
    From Hampton, Tennessee, take US-321S for about 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Dennis Cove Road and travel for 4 miles on this steep and very curvy mountain road.  The trailhead is where the Appalachian Trail (AT) crosses the road at a small gravel lot on the left.  Take the AT north on the trail lea...
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  • Hampton, Tennessee

    Hike and Traverse the Cables to Dennis Cove Falls

    5.0
    3.2 mi / 300 ft gain
    The Hike to Dennis Cove Falls includes three water crossings and passes several small waterfalls. Sturdy cables spanning the width of the water crossings provide a fun way of traversing the creek without wading. It is completely possible to wade through the creek while holding onto the cables for...
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  • Unicoi, Tennessee

    Camp at Unaka Mountain Overlook

    4.0
    0.1 mi
    Unaka Mountain Overlook is one of the highest locations in the Cherokee National Forest. Easily accessibly by vehicle, the overlook towers over the surrounding mountains, including Beauty Spot Gap, and is an ideal spot to camp overnight. Take Rock Creek Road until you meet the border of North Car...
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  • Unicoi, Tennessee

    Appalachian Trail: Beauty Spot to Unaka Mountain

    5.0
    6.35 mi / 1654 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Beauty Spot to Unaka Mountain is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Green Mountain, North Carolina.
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  • Gaffney, South Carolina

    Drive the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway

    This 118 mile drive in South Carolina can be driven during different seasons (storms permitting). Along this route, aside from stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll have the opportunity to take in historic locations, towns, and monuments. Make sure to bring your camera! Here is a lin...
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  • Green Mountain, North Carolina

    Hike to Beauty Spot Gap

    5.0
    2.13 mi / 1277 ft gain
    Beauty Spot Gap is located on the Appalachian Trail on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The bald offers a panoramic view of Cherokee National Forest and the city of Erwin. This is a popular destination for hikers of the AT to set up camp and watch the sunset. From the Tennessee side, t...
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  • Green Mountain, North Carolina

    Appalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa

    4.0
    8.05 mi / 1165 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Unicoi, Tennessee.
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  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Photograph Haw Creek Valley Overlook

    The Haw Creek Valley Overlook is only 8 miles from downtown Asheville. If you're in the downtown area, it's a rather easy place to zip on over to if you're in need of some time away from urban life. This overlook is a hot spot for sunset watching and picture taking. If you plan on seeing what th...
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  • Creston, North Carolina

    Three Top Mountain

    4.2 mi / 1260 ft gain
    Three Top Mountain sits within the same vicinity of Elk Knob. The mountain gets its name from its three prominent rock projections at its peak. The highest point, unofficially named “Big Rock”, is at an elevation of 5020 feet. Prior to the originally named rock peak, you will arrive at Huckleb...
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  • Saluda, North Carolina

    Hike Bradley Falls

    4.8
    2.3 mi / 312 ft gain
    This is a really nice hike along Cove Creek that leads to a beautiful, 100 foot waterfall. While most of the trail is a relaxing stroll, the end of the hike provides a little adventure for those who feel up for it. Starting from the parking lot, follow the main trail into the woods. Early in the ...
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  • Erwin, Tennessee

    Martin's Creek Falls

    3.0
    2.06 mi / 522 ft gain
    Martin's Creek Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Erwin, Tennessee.
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  • Elizabethton, Tennessee

    Kayak at Wilbur dam

    Great spot for kayaking! There is a small waterfall across the lake. The water is very still. Great for kayaking. The spot is somewhat hidden so not many people know about it. There are never many people there. It is a beautiful lake with amazing views. There is also a small picnic area in front ...
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  • Flat Rock, North Carolina

    Watch the Green Race

    5.0
    1.8 mi / 500 ft gain
    On the first Saturday of November the best creek boaters in the world gather at the Green River in North Carolina to see who can storm the Narrows and claim the top title (at least for the next year!). For paddlers, creek boating is a pursuit along tight and narrow steeps that most of us have ne...
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  • Unicoi, Tennessee

    Pinnacle Mountain Trail

    8.81 mi / 2700 ft gain
    Pinnacle Mountain is a long, grinding climb to the top. The singletrack winds up 1,500 feet of elevation for nearly 5 miles with few downhill sections. Once at the top, take a rest and climb the fire tower that overlooks the Downtown Johnson City area, Elizabethton, Erwin, and the rest of the Buf...
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  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Relax at Martin Luther King Jr Park

    The Martin Luther King Jr Park includes a large multi-purpose field as well as a playground that's great for kids. It's the perfect place to go solo to clear your head and chill with a book or with family and friends for an outdoor game.  Right at the entrance to the Park stands a statue of Mart...
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