Burke County, NC
September, 2025

Discover Burke County, in North Carolina’s foothills, where you will find outdoor experiences that are equal parts adventure and beauty. As summer gives way to crisp fall air, the landscape is ready to invite you to explore—whether your passion is hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, paddling across a glassy lake, or soaring high above the countryside, there is something for everyone to experience.

The county’s trails are a hiker’s dream, winding through diverse terrain and covering various difficulty levels; there are trails for the beginners as well as the more experienced. The Linville Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East, has fantastic hikes covering the ridgelines and going down into the gorge, each with their own set of views and adventures. It is on the more strenuous side, so be sure to come prepared with plenty of water, extra food and first aid. Another great option is the Fonta Flora trail, which spans about 20 miles around Lake James; this trail is wooded and is more flat with periodic climbs making it suitable for less experienced hikers or beginner mountain bikers. Burke County is also home to Lake James State Park and South Mountain State Park providing even more variety of trails to explore. 

For those drawn to water, Lake Rhodhiss and Lake James offer picturesque lake views surrounded by mountains and trees. With their clear blue waters framed by green hills, they are an irresistible destination for boaters. Local outfitters like RAD Rentals on Lake Rhodhiss and Lake James Boat Rentals on Lake James supply kayaks and canoes and pontoons to make it easy to get on the water, providing quality gear and friendly advice to help you make the most of your experience. Be sure to keep an eye out for great blue herons, eagles or other wildlife along the shorelines as you are out enjoying the flow.

Burke County’s adventures aren’t limited to the ground or the water. For those who dream of a bird’s-eye view, Thermal Valley Hang Gliding offers the chance to soar over the foothills, catching thermals that lift you effortlessly into the sky. The view from up there is spectacular with sights of Grandfather Mountain, The Linville Gorge and The Catawba River in the distance. With skilled instructors guiding every step, even first-time fliers can experience the exhilarating mix of serenity and thrill that comes from floating among the clouds.

What makes Burke County special is the way these experiences intertwine. You can spend a morning hiking a wooded trail, your afternoon kayaking in the sun, and your evening recounting it all while watching the sunset paint the sky over the mountains. It’s a place where outdoor adventure feels personal, where each turn in the trail or ripple on the water brings a moment worth remembering.

This fall, when the air is cool enough for comfort but still warm enough for play, Burke County’s natural playground will be ready. Whether you’re lacing up your boots, dipping your paddle, or taking that leap into the wind, the adventures here remind you that the best moments in life are often the ones that take you outside.

For more on outdoor adventure in Burke County, call (888) 462-2921, or go online to: discoverburkecounty.com.