Burke County Map, North Carolina

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 05, 2026 | 06:10 ET

Map of Burke County - Burke County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Burke County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Burke County located in the map, major cities in Burke county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Burke County, North Carolina

About Burke County, North Carolina

Burke County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It's county seat is Morganton. As per 2020 census, the population of Burke County is 87611 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 515 sq mi (1,334 km2). Burke County was established on 1777.

Burke County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
County SeatMorganton
Largest City/TownMorganton
Established1777
Total Area515 sq mi (1,334 sq km)
Land Area507 sq mi (1,313 sq km)
Water Area8 sq mi (21 sq km)
Population87,570 (Census 2020)
Population Density173 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
Major HighwaysI-40, US-64, US-70, NC-18, NC-126, NC-181
Major RiversCatawba River, Linville River, Johns River
Neighboring CountiesCaldwell County, Avery County, McDowell County, Rutherford County, Cleveland County, Catawba County
Famous ForLinville Gorge, Lake James, Blue Ridge Mountains, outdoor recreation
Top AttractionsLake James State Park, Linville Gorge, South Mountains State Park, Morganton Historic District
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Burke County, North Carolina

Burke County is located in the western part of North Carolina, in the state of the United States, and was established in 1777. The county seat is Morganton, which is also the largest city. The county stretches from the foothills into the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known for its scenic landscapes, lakes, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Cities and Towns in Burke County, North Carolina

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Morganton (county seat)17,76935.7454°N, 81.6848°W
Valdese4,48435.7404°N, 81.5634°W
Rutherford College1,32835.7476°N, 81.5295°W
Glen Alpine1,52935.7296°N, 81.7782°W
Connelly Springs1,61135.7437°N, 81.5148°W
Drexel1,87635.7668°N, 81.6015°W
Hildebran (partly in Catawba County)2,02335.7143°N, 81.4226°W
Salem (CDP)1,80035.8000°N, 81.6000°W
Oak Hill (CDP)1,50035.7000°N, 81.7000°W
Lake James (CDP)3,00035.7400°N, 81.7500°W

Golf Courses in Burke County, North Carolina

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Mimosa Hills Golf & Country ClubMorganton35.7356°N, 81.6815°W
Silver Creek Plantation Golf ClubMorganton35.7500°N, 81.7000°W
Lake Toxaway Golf CourseLake James35.7400°N, 81.7600°W

Roads and Highways in Burke County, North Carolina

Burke County is well connected by major highways linking it to surrounding regions and mountain areas.

  • I-40 – runs east–west connecting Morganton to Asheville and Hickory
  • US-70 – parallels I-40 through much of the county
  • US-64 – provides access to Lake James and western North Carolina
  • NC-18 – runs north–south connecting Morganton to Lenoir and Shelby
  • NC-181 – scenic route leading into the Blue Ridge Mountains
  • NC-126 – connects Morganton to Lake James State Park

Neighboring Counties of Burke County

  • Caldwell County (north)
  • Avery County (northwest)
  • McDowell County (west)
  • Rutherford County (southwest)
  • Cleveland County (south)
  • Catawba County (east)

Top Attractions in Burke County, North Carolina

The county offers a mix of mountain scenery, lakes, and outdoor activities.

  • Lake James State Park – large lake with boating, swimming, and camping
  • Linville Gorge – rugged wilderness area known as the “Grand Canyon of the East”
  • South Mountains State Park – hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views
  • Morganton Historic District – charming downtown with shops and historic sites
  • Fonta Flora Trail – popular trail for hiking and mountain biking
  • Wilson Creek Gorge – scenic area for fishing, swimming, and camping

Distance from Burke County to Nearby Cities

  • Morganton to Asheville – 65 mi (105 km)
  • Morganton to Hickory – 25 mi (40 km)
  • Morganton to Charlotte – 75 mi (121 km)
  • Morganton to Boone – 45 mi (72 km)
  • Morganton to Greenville, SC – 90 mi (145 km)

FAQs about Burke County

Where is Burke County located?

Burke County is located in western North Carolina between the foothills and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What is the population of Burke County?

The population of Burke County is 87,570 according to the 2020 Census.

What is Burke County known for?

Burke County is known for Lake James, Linville Gorge, and outdoor recreation in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What are the major highways in Burke County?

Major highways include I-40, US-64, US-70, NC-18, NC-126, and NC-181.

Are there golf courses in Burke County?

Yes, Burke County has golf courses including Mimosa Hills Golf & Country Club and Silver Creek Plantation Golf Club.