|
Quality of Life
Burke County is home to the largest state park in North Carolina. South Mountains State Park is 6000+ acres offering hiking and horseback riding, camping and picnicking. Clearly marked trails take visitors through dense forested areas including a steep challenging trail which leads to a magnificent waterfall.
In the northern portion of Burke County is the largest canyon east of the Grand Canyon. The Linville Gorge offers hiking, backpacking and rock climbing. Trails through the area lead to majestic overlooks and waterfalls. Linville Gorge is within the Daniel Boone Wildlife Management Area which is a part of Pisgah National Forest.
Several man-made recreational areas including Lake James in the western part of the county and Lake Rhodhiss in the eastern part of the county are noted for fishing, boating and swimming. Lake James, the larger of the two with 154 miles of shoreline, is the first lake along the Catawba River chain. A state park with public access areas is located on the lake offering swimming, fishing, canoeing and picnic facilities.
Burke County, Morganton, Valdese and numerous community groups and organizations sponsor adult softball and basketball, youth soccer, basketball, football, and baseball and a wide variety of programs. Both Morganton and Valdese offer year-round swimming.
Morganton is home to the Catawba River Greenway Park. This facility offers a handicapped-accessible paved walking trail extending approximately 4.2 miles along the Catawba River. The park features overlooks, public rest rooms, a playground, picnic shelters, canoe launches, fishing docks and other amenities.
Adjacent to the Catawba River Greenway is the Catawba Meadows Park. Phase One of this recreational facility includes a five field, lighted, youth baseball complex with (professionally designed with grass infields), rest rooms, concessions and a team meeting room. Phase Two features a four-field softball complex. Future plans include camping, picnic shelters, and a variety of sports fields.
|
