Local Area
South Mountians State Park
South Mountains State Park is situated at the crossroads of the Appalachian Mountains and the Foothills to provide the ultimate backcountry experience. The park boasts elevations up to 3,000 feet, an 80-foot waterfall, and nearly 50 miles of trail for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Water recreation is offered via the Jacob Fork River, which hosts designated trout waters, or to the far west at the separate Clear Creek access that features the namesake lake.
https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/south-mountains-state-park
Lake James State Park
Located in Burke and McDowell counties 50 miles northeast of Asheville, Lake James State Park includes two areas to access this picturesque lake that is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. Campsites at both Catawba River and Paddy's Creek accesses provide an opportunity to spend the night by the lake, with some sites accessible only by paddling. Trails include bike trails at Paddy's Creek, the kid-friendly Holly Discovery Trail, the historic Overmountain Victory Trail, and the Fonta Flora State Trail.
Downtown Morganton
The City of Morganton sits on the Catawba River in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Morganton is blessed with scenic rural landscapes, abundant outdoor adventure venues, wonderful shopping and dining opportunities, a thriving downtown music scene, a state-of-the art theater that hosts Broadway shows, and most importantly, people who love this City. Words cannot fully express the natural beauty of our area or the community spirit shared by our residents.
Fonta Flora State Trail
Fonta Flora State Trail will connect Morganton to Asheville with a hiking and biking trail. Included in the trail is a loop around Lake James. The trail will traverse Lake James State Park, part of Pisgah National Forest and Fonta Flora County Park in Burke County. It will also connect to the Overmountain Victory State Trail and the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. When complete, it will be approximately 100 miles long.
