Discover Morganton
11 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Beanstalk Ziplines
Beanstalk Ziplines offers dynamic adventure shots: long cable lines, riders in mid-flight, and wooded foothill panoramas. Photograph from platform overlooks and trail clearings for layered forest foregrounds and distant ridge lines. Best light is golden hour (sunrise for east-facing vistas, late afternoon for warm side lighting). Book tours and waivers in advance; arrive on weekdays to avoid crowds. Parking available on Sanford Dr; expect uneven terrain and some short hikes between platforms. No
Oriental (Asian) Gardens
Compact, well-maintained Asian-style public garden with ponds, arched bridges, stone lanterns, pagoda details and koi — great for intimate landscape, detail and portrait work. Best light is early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) for warm side light and calm water. Weekdays are quiet; paths are paved and mostly accessible. Free entry and on-site parking at the adjacent library/park. Seasonal interest: spring blooms and fall color add variety.
Shuey Park
Shuey Park sits on the Catawba River with riverside trails, rocky banks, wetlands and tree-lined picnic areas — ideal for intimate waterscapes, reflections, and seasonal foliage. No entry fee; free parking at the lot off Golf Course Rd. Best light is golden hour at sunrise or sunset; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Trails are mostly flat and accessible; watch for muddy patches after rain.
Catawba Meadows Park
Catawba Meadows Park offers riverside meadows, tree-lined banks and easy trails along the Catawba River — great for reflections, migrating waterfowl, and seasonal wildflowers. Access is roadside with free parking at 701 Sanford Dr; trails are mostly flat and family-friendly. Best light is at sunrise and golden hour; spring and fall bring color and active birdlife. Summer can be buggy; bring insect repellent. No entry fee; local anglers and kayakers add context to shots.
Gene Turner Park
Small riverfront park on the Catawba River offering riverscapes, walking trails, a pedestrian bridge and seasonal foliage — great for intimate landscape and waterscape shots. Best at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm side-light on the river; spring and fall bring color. Easy on‑street and small lot parking, paved accessible paths, no entry fee. Weekdays and early mornings have few visitors.
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
Wooded preserves, riparian corridors and small waterfalls around Morganton offer layered forest compositions, seasonal foliage, river reflections and birdlife. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and mist; autumn yields peak color. Trails are mostly low-impact and family-friendly; park at the Foothills Conservancy office (204 Avery Ave) and check trail maps/closures. No formal entry fee but follow Leave No Trace. Weekday mornings are quieter; expect muddy trails after rain.
Courthouse Square
Historic Burke County Courthouse and surrounding square offer classic Southern civic architecture, a clocktower, mature trees and seasonal plantings—great for architectural details, street scenes and environmental portraits. Visit at golden hour or blue hour for warm façade light and dramatic sky; weekday mornings are quiet for unobstructed shots. Easy street and municipal lot parking; fully accessible public space with occasional events and a farmers market that add candid moments.
Martha's Park
Small community park with lawns, mature trees and open sightlines — good for environmental portraits, casual landscapes, seasonal foliage and candid community shots. Easy street parking on Collett St; no entry fee. Visit at golden hour for warm light and long shadows; weekday mornings are quieter. Compact size makes it walkable; expect typical suburban park amenities and local families on weekends.
History Museum of Burke County
Small county history museum in downtown Morganton—photograph its period façade, streetscape on Meeting St, and interior exhibits (local artifacts, textiles, Civil War and industrial displays). Best at golden hour for warm façade light or overcast for even detail. Weekday mornings are quieter; check open hours and ask about photo policy (flash/tripod). Street and municipal parking nearby; building is wheelchair accessible at main entrance.
Morganton Height Roundabout
Small elevated roundabout offering panoramic views over Morganton and the foothills—good for capturing local road architecture, landscaped island detail, and distant ridgelines at golden hour. Easily accessible from the roadside; street parking and short walks from nearby neighborhoods. Visit at sunrise or sunset for warm side lighting and fewer cars. No formal entry requirements; be mindful of traffic and local signage.
WPCC Roundabout
Small landscaped roundabout on the Western Piedmont Community College campus featuring manicured plantings, signage and nearby campus buildings. Good for detail shots of seasonal planting, shallow-depth portraits with campus backdrop, and low-traffic street compositions. Visit early morning or late afternoon for soft light and minimal cars; accessible sidewalks and campus parking nearby. No entry fee; respect campus hours and students.