Burke County, NC
September 2023
Well, that was a hot summer! But finally Autumn is almost here and so are the Fall Color Tours on the Ridgeline Trolley.
These super-popular tours start out in the quaint downtown village of Morganton. Morganton lies in the Catawba River Valley between the high peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the uniquely situated South Mountains.
Tours are boarded near the new Burke County Visitors Center in downtown. Once loaded, the trolley heads north through the Pisgah National Forest towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. The tours stop for a delicious boxed lunch at the Linville Falls Picnic area. You’ll be outdoors under a picnic shelter with the leaves already starting to fall around you. After lunch you’ll have an opportunity for a 1-mile guided stroll to see the mighty Linville Falls- North Carolina’s largest volume waterfall. Some guests may elect to remain at the Linville Falls Visitor Center area where there is a gift shop and a bridge over the Linville River.
Leaving the falls, the trolley stops at the Linville Falls Winery where you can take in the beautiful views of the Tuscan Style Italian architecture and sample some of their award-winning wines. Wine sampling is at the guest’s expense.
After about an hour at the winery, the trolley reboards and travels up scenic NC Highway 221 to the Christmas Shop near Crossnore. As the name implies, they have all varieties of Christmas decorations there as well as homemade ice cream and baked goods.
Heading back down the mountain, the trolley makes a brief stop at the Brown Mountain Overlook. Hear tales of the mysterious Brown Mountain Lights-a rare phenomenon still unexplained. Expect to arrive back in Morganton around five thirty. Hang around town. There are multiple lodging options as well as restaurants and three breweries, and a casual bottle shop with all kinds of selections.
Make your reservations early as these tours sell out every year. Call 828-433-6793 or visit www.DiscoverBurkeCounty.com.
The Burke County Tourism Development Authority is located in Morganton, North Carolina, and serves the tourism interests of Burke County, NC. Morganton is hailed as, “The Trailhead of Western North Carolina”, centrally located in Burke County. Our Visitor’s Center is full of information about unique attractions and activities in the area. Stop by and visit us! or visit www.discoverburkecounty.com
