Burke County Map, North Carolina, USA

Written and Fact-checked by | Last Updated: November 01, 2025, 13:30 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.

Facts about Burke County, North Carolina

CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
RegionWestern North Carolina / Mountain & Piedmont area
County SeatMorganton
Named AfterThomas Burke
Established1777
Coordinates~35.75° N, 81.72° W
Total Area~514.24 sq mi
Land Area~506.24 sq mi
Water Area~8.00 sq mi
Population (2020)~87,570
Estimated Population (2024)~88,545
Population Density~173 per sq mi
Major CommunitiesMorganton, Valdese, Drexel, Glen Alpine, Hildebran, Connelly Springs, Rutherford College, Rhodhiss, Icard, Salem
Main IndustriesManufacturing, Tourism, Services, Forestry & Agriculture
Major RoadsInterstate 40, U.S. Highway 70, U.S. Highway 64
Time ZoneEastern Time (UTC−05:00)
Known ForLake James & State Park, Linville Gorge, South Mountains State Park, Pisgah National Forest
Websitehttps://www.burkenc.org

Top Attractions in Burke County, North Carolina

  • Linville Gorge Wilderness – Rugged hiking and views.
  • Lake James State Park – Boating and mountain scenery.
  • Linville Falls – Iconic waterfall hikes.
  • South Mountains State Park – Trails and waterfalls.
  • Morganton Downtown Historic District – Shops and dining.
  • Catawba Meadows Park – Riverfront recreation.
  • Historic Burke County Courthouse – County landmark.
  • Quaker Meadows Historic Site – Revolutionary War history.
  • Silver Creek Plantation – Historic farmstead.
  • Upper Creek Falls – Scenic waterfall spot.

Cities & Towns in Burke County, North Carolina

Morganton, Valdese, Drexel, Rutherford College, Connelly Springs, Glen Alpine, Hildebran, Icard, Long View