Mountain Biking At Lake James (Paddy’s Creek Bike Trails): Taking a mountain bike ride on the extensive trail system at Lake James State Park is a great way to enjoy the outdoors at your own pace. Around 15 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails are now open at the nearby Paddy’s Creek Area on Lake James, which encompasses more than 30 miles...
Clear Creek Trail | South Mountains State Park: The two-mile-long Clear Creek Trail is the only trail on the western side of the park at present. This “out and back” trail starts at the Clear Creek Dam and ascends into the Clear Creek Watershed for a quiet, reflective retreat into nature. The Clear Creek Access area is open from sunrise to sunset. Highlights along...
Hike Shortoff Mountain In Linville Gorge: The Linville Gorge is formed by the Jonas Ridge on the east and Linville Mountain on the west and is bisected by the Linville River which drops 2,000 feet into the valleys below. The result of this incredible elevation change is a rugged area renown for steep and difficult hiking terrain with numerous rock formations. But...
Catawba River Fishing (Morganton): The tailrace below Lake James flows east to the Atlantic Ocean and is the only Special Regulated Trout Waters in NC which requires a special trout fishing license. The Catawba River in Burke County offers universally accessible piers, canoe, and shoreline access for fishing. Expect to have your rod bending on brown trout, striped...
Catawba River Paddling: Below Linville Dam on Lake James, the Catawba River flows through scenic woodlands, around islands, and over a series of small and exciting rapids until it reaches the nearby town of Morganton. The river features beautiful scenery with clean, cold and clear water along with a number of class II rapids that provide a good challenge for...