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Morganton lies in the Catawba River valley at the foot of the Blue Ridge, and it has deep roots: chartered in 1784, it was the first town in western North Carolina, named for General Daniel Morgan, the Revolutionary War hero of the Battle of Cowpens. In 1780 the Overmountain Men gathered at nearby Quaker Meadows on their way to victory at Kings Mountain, and from 1847 to 1862 the North Carolina Supreme Court held its summer sessions in the town's courthouse.
That Old Burke County Courthouse still stands on the square, now a heritage museum, surrounded by a lively downtown of brick storefronts, restaurants and the city's municipal auditorium, which brings concerts and shows to town. Morganton is also home to the North Carolina School for the Deaf and a campus of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, and its tree-lined streets are full of historic homes.
The real treat is the scenery around it. The Catawba River Greenway runs beside the river, Lake James State Park lies to the west, South Mountains State Park offers a high waterfall to the south, and the wild Linville Gorge and the Brown Mountain overlook are a short drive north.
A stately stone courthouse built in the 1830s in the center of Morganton's downtown square, once used by the North Carolina Supreme Court in summer sessions. It now holds a heritage museum and visitor information. The square around it is the heart of town events.
The 1812 brick home of Charles McDowell Jr. on the site where Patriot militia gathered in 1780 before the Battle of Kings Mountain. The house is restored and open for occasional tours, and the grounds have historic markers explaining the Overmountain Men story.
A local museum near downtown covering Burke County from Native American times through the Revolutionary War, industry and everyday life. Displays include military artifacts, vintage vehicles and household items. It is a good rainy-day stop; check the limited weekday hours.
A lively historic downtown centered on the old courthouse square, with independent shops, restaurants, a craft brewery and galleries in restored brick buildings. It is a pleasant place to stroll, and free summer concerts and street events often take place on weekends.
Known locally as CoMMA, this city-owned performing arts venue hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedians and local productions. It seats more than 900 people and is just off the downtown area, so pair a show with dinner nearby and book seats early for big acts.
A large downtown street festival held each September with several stages of live music, arts and crafts booths, food vendors and children's activities. It draws big crowds to the courthouse square area, so arrive early for parking and expect road closures in town.
A paved multi-use trail following the Catawba River on the north side of Morganton, with a dog park, fishing spots, picnic shelters and river views. It is flat and easy for walking, running and cycling, and connects to the developing Fonta Flora State Trail.
A state park on the shores of a clear mountain lake west of Morganton, with swimming beaches, boat ramps, canoe and kayak rentals, campsites and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Weekends in summer are busy, so arrive early to get a spot at the beach.
A large rugged park south of Morganton known for High Shoals Falls, an 80-foot waterfall reached by a steep loop trail with stairs and boardwalks. There are also long trails for hiking, horse riding and mountain biking, plus campsites and trout streams.
One of the deepest gorges in the eastern United States, carved by the Linville River in Pisgah National Forest northwest of Morganton. It is a rugged wilderness area with steep trails, rock climbing and dramatic overlooks. Trails are strenuous and unmarked in places, so plan carefully.
A distinctive rocky peak on the eastern rim of Linville Gorge, reached by a forest road and a short but steep trail to the summit. From the top you see the gorge, Hawksbill Mountain and the Piedmont. The access road can close in winter, so check before you go.
A roadside overlook on NC 181 north of Morganton facing Brown Mountain, famous for the mysterious Brown Mountain Lights reported here for more than a century. Interpretive signs tell the legends. Visit on a clear night if you hope to see the lights, and bring a jacket.
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North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
Photo: Warren LeMay, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Warren LeMay, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
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Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cullowhee, NC, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
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Photo: bobistraveling, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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