Morganton sits at the foothills of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Area residents call it "nature's playground" because of its lush surroundings. It's about a four and half hour drive from Atlanta, and prime territory for a quick getaway full of outdoor adventures.
Paddle down the Catawba
The Catawba River is nearly 220 feet long and begins at the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, flows through Charlotte and into Lake Wateree in South Carolina. Nearly three miles west of Morganton is the Greenlee Ford Access to the river, where it's calm enough to tube, stand up paddle, kayak and canoe. You don't have to worry about bringing your own water sports gear because outfitters like Outpost Canoe & Kayak Rental Service have everything you need for your water adventure and will even deliver it to river, so all you have to do is hop in and go.
Outpost Canoe & Kayak Rental Service, 911 N Green St, Morganton, NC, 828-433-1968, www.facebook.com/TheOutpost828/
Zip line the canopies
More than your average zip lining course, Beanstalk Journey Adventure is an adventure course with swinging and rope bridges that lead you to the next zip line. Along the way, guides will give you challenges like bean bag tosses or walking hands free across a suspended pathway. In addition to the zip line course, you can climb a rope tower or take a free fall down. It's an invigorating experience for the adventure seeker age four and up.
Beanstalk Journey Adventure, 701 Sanford Drive,Morganton, NC 28655, 828-430-3440, thebeanstalkjourney.com
Explore the Linville Gorge
The Linville Gorge is considered the "Grand Canyon of the East." It spreads 12,000 acres and as deep as 3400 feet. For a moderate hike, outfitters like Hike More Adventures, will take you along rim through the Chimneys. The Chimneys are rock formations that resemble chimneys on the eastern part of the gorge. It's quite a scenic trail, full of caves and lookouts. There are trails that will take you down the river and waterfalls, and excursions that will allow you to trek beyond the rim and up to the summit. With the help of your guides, you can eat the natural foods on the trail, like sassafras and wild berries. (Please don't touch or eat any wild foods without the advice from an experienced guide.) You can also book an overnight camping stay to star gaze in the wilderness.
Hike More Adventures , Jonas Ridge, NC, 828-595-4453, www.hikemoreadventures.com
Lake James State Park
Located at the base of Linville Gorge is Lake James State Park. There's camping facilities, twenty dedicated picnic sites with scenic vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and of course, the gorgeous lake. Lake James was recently voted one of the top 10 lakes to fish or boat for 2016. The 6,812-acre lake allows swimming, boating, fishing, and other water sports. There's 25 miles of trails, with 15 of them open to mountain biking. You must call to reserve camp and picnic sites.
Lake James State Park, 6883 NC Hwy 126 Nebo, NC 28761, 828-584-7728, www.ncparks.gov/lake-james-state-park
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