5 unique trails worth checking out! Cross-Country skiing! No snakes! Don t sweat it! www.discoverburkecounty.com Visitor s Center 110 E. Meeting Street Morganton, NC
Photo of Table Rock by Justin Costner
Shortoff Mountain Trail - Linville Gorge Wilderness Distance: 2.0 Miles One-Way Rating: Moderate This app-named mountain lies at the southernmost point of the Linville Gorge. It appears like it has been shorted off due to the high cliffs on its southwestern side. The hike to the summit is mostly moderate, but the last few hundred yards are quite steep. The summit views of Lake James, the South Mountains and the Linville Gorge are incredibly beautiful. One of my favorite hikes! Directions to Trail Head: From Morganton take NC 181 north. Turn left onto Watermill Rd and then the next right onto Frank Whisnant Rd. Turn right onto NC 126 and then right onto Wolf Pit road which is a gravel road. The trail head is at the end of Wolf Pit road.
High Shoals Falls Trail - South Mountains State Park Distance: 1.0 Mile One-Way Rating: Moderate The rocky trail along Jacob Fork Creek can be icy, slippery, and almost always wet in the winter months. I normally wear Yak Traxs on my hiking boots for more traction. But, the scenic, 80-foot waterfall is worth the extra effort. Most times, I stop at the bottom of Photo by Liane Fisher the falls and take pictures looking up at them. The stairs above the falls are very slippery and dangerous in the winter. Stay at the bottom and take those awesome photos. Be sure to stop by the Visitors Center where you can see interactive exhibits and learn more about North Carolina s largest state park. Directions to Trail Head: From Morganton take NC Hwy 18 south. Turn right on Sugar Loaf Rd. Left onto Old NC Hwy 18. Right on Wards Gap road and follow signs into the park.
Over Mountain Victory Trail - Lake James State Park Distance: 4 Miles Rating: Easy This trail follows the shoreline of Lake James and Paddy s Creek through heavily forested terrain. You can expect to see abundant wildlife including Whitetailed Deer and wild turkeys. The trail is named for the Patriots who made camp near Morganton before traveling on to Kings Mountain where they defeated the British and turned the Revolutionary War in favor of the colonists. Directions to Trail Head: From Morganton take NC Hwy 126. Turn left into Paddy s Creek section of Lake James State Park. The trail is clearly marked along the entrance road. Cross-Country Skiing - Blue Ridge Parkway Distance: 475 Miles Rating: N/A When it snows on the ridge tops of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed to traffic, drop what you re doing, rent some X-Country skis from CBS Sports in Morganton and head for the Parkway. You can easily find a closed section, park your car and head off into a winter scene unlike anyplace else. Call CBS Sports for rental information. 828-437-7016.
Hawksbill - Linville Gorge Wilderness Distance: 1.5 Miles Rating: Difficult This is a steep trail to the summit area of Hawksbill. In winter it can be snow covered on the northeast side and under the canopy of rhododendron, the ice and snow can last for weeks. But, it is a beautiful view from the summit down to the south end of Linville Gorge. Directions to Trail Head: From Morganton take NC 181 north. Turn left onto Gingercake road and then the next left onto Table Rock Rd. Follow this gravel road approximately 3 miles to the trailhead parking lot on your left. The trail is across from the parking lot on the west side of the road.
Winter hiking can provide some of the most stunning views of the entire year. No leaves to block your view. Keep your head up- you don t have to watch out for snakes! Cooler weather means less perspiration! How about a hike or skiing along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stop by the Burke Visitor Center. We know more than Siri! www.discoverburkecounty.com Visitor s Center 110 E. Meeting Street Morganton, NC