It was by pure happenstance that I was able to take this trip to Burke County. In fact, my mom was supposed to be the one to go, but she had to take her new tiny baby kitten to be spayed. Her loss, my gain! (Sorry, mom.)
I’ve already written about most of the food and drink I partook in while in Burke County, and now I’m sharing more about the other activities the area has to offer. Whether you’re looking for something adventurous, kid-friendly, or date-worthy, you’ll find it all in Burke County! Here are some highlights of my favorite Burke County activities:
The Waldensian Trail of Faith
I’m really glad the Trail of Faith in Valdese, North Carolina was part of my Burke County experience because it was fascinating and something I never would have chosen to do on my own. It’s a full-scale recreation of the journey that the Waldenses followed as they emigrated from Italy to America in search of religious freedom.
The trail is serenely nestled in the North Carolina mountains, which lends a real authenticity to the experience, as the Waldenses came from the Alpine Valleys of Italy.
Because the Waldenses’ beliefs differed from the predominant religion in Italy, Catholicism, they were persecuted and had to practice their faith in hiding. The below cave is a full-scale replica of one such hiding place. Inside, there is even a pulpit made of stone, lit by a hole in the cave ceiling. Very neat!
The stark and modern-looking church below is an example of the way the Waldenses built their houses of worship. They did not include crosses in the design because they believed that the symbol might distract church-goers from the word of God.
Our last stop along the Trail of Faith was at the outdoor brick oven, which would have been used by the Waldenses as a communal oven. We even got to try a freshly-baked sourdough loaf from an old Waldensian family recipe!
If you’re interested in history, especially religious history, you’ll enjoy walking on the Trail of Faith in the shoes of the Waldenses of Italy. I’d recommend requesting Timothy Tron as your tour guide, as his family were Waldenses and you can tell the Trail of Faith is very near to his heart. You can find more information about the Waldensian Trail of Faith at their website.
Thermal Valley Hang Gliding
This experience needs no introduction. I. WENT. HANG GLIDING. It was absolutely amazing and so, so fun. I’d do it again in a heartbeat, and if you have the chance, you should do it too!
The view of the Blue Ridge Mountains was phenomenal, and it was a surreal feeling to be flying in the air suspended by nothing but air.Before we flew, we received a lesson in what to expect from take-off to landing, and then while in the air, the instructor gives a brief lesson on controlling the aircraft using the metal bars.
Right before we began to descend, my instructor asked me if I like rollercoasters. I said yes, and he steered us in a rapid spiral all the way down!
Hang gliding was an experience I’ll never forget. Book your Thermal Valley hang gliding experience right here!
South Mountains State Park
We had the fortune to be led by Ranger Leigh Ann Fox in a two mile hike up to and back from a gorgeous waterfall in South Mountains State Park. On the way she pointed out some of the local wildlife…
…including poison ivy. Some of us city slickers didn’t even know what it looked like! Below, Ranger Leigh Ann is teaching us “leaves of three, let them be”.
After quite an athletic uphill hike, we reached the waterfall vista. Why is it that waterfalls always lose some of their grandeur in photographs? *sigh*
State of Origin Beer Festival
Now this. THIS was the pinnacle of my trip to Burke County, NC. If you don’t already know, I love beer and wine, so any opportunity I get to try a new one, I take. The State of Origin Beer Festival was begun by Fonta Flora Brewery, the creators of the “A Very Merry Un-Birthday to You” beer that I raved about in this post.
In order to have a booth at the festival, a brewery must bring at least one beer that includes an ingredient that is grown locally in North Carolina, whether it be hops, honey, or even jalapeños.
Along with lots and lots of delicious beer (and very generous pours of it, at that), there was live music during the whole event.
In my opinion, it’s worth making a trip to Burke County, NC for the State of Origin Beer Festival alone. In fact, while writing this post, I texted my beer-loving-est friends to see if they would want to make a vacation out of it next June! For more information, check out Fonta Flora Brewery’s website here.
Comments & Reviews
This is such a beautiful place. There is so much to do there but I think I would just enjoy all of the scenic nature.
So beautiful. I love finding hidden gems like this. Love the waterfall!!
oh wow looks like a fun place and the hang gliding that is amazing. The photobomb made me smile =)
So much to do, so little time! I would do the Waterfall if i had to choose just one, you are so right, waterfalls are just not photogenic. You have to see it to do it justice.
The photobomb almost made me choke on my coffee. I can’t stop laughing. I would love to do all these activities except the hang gliding. I would be the one watching while the rest of the family did that one. I don’t like heights. Looks like a really fun trip and I can tell you enjoyed it all.
I’m with Alli on this one, I almost spit my coffee out over my computer screen when I saw his pose! ROFLMAO. Too awesome.
Looks like you had a great trip and now that you aren’t in competition mode I bet that beer tasted amazing 🙂
I’ve never been to NC but this looks like a fabulous place to go to! My husband and I don’t drink but the Trail of Faith looked fascinating and I’m a sucker for nature!
LMAO the photobomb – excellent. I like that you’ve included various things in the location. I’d like to visit the States and find hidden treasures in certain locations.
That photobomb was definitely hilarious! I agree, I like finding out multiple things to do in an area. I never know what I’ll be feeling like doing.
Do I really have to pick which one I want to do I think I would want to do all of them. I need to go east and explore again it’s been too long.
Looks like there are some cool things to do in Burke County. I am fascinated by the Waldenses!
The photobomb is brilliant, what a hero! I’d love to try hang gliding, that looks like so much fun!
I would love to try the hang gliding! It looks like a lot of fun! Also would love to visit the South Mountains State Park. It’s so beautiful!
Hang gliding? Whoa girl.. you are amazing, but… we already knew that! You had a wonderful time and it shows!
If I where to go to North Carolina on a vacation, that waterfall would be something I’d most definitely go and see.
You are an inspiration! I hope to be brave enough to adventure like you someday.
I just favorited this. I am going to to italy next year for a month. Can’t wait.
How beautiful! I love all the great travel posts you’ve been doing lately. I’ve never had so many ideas for vacations before. I love it!
How lucky for you. I love costing and learning historical stuff like this. It took a lot to settle this great country.
That is really neat! To go and see how a faith created their worship space, compared to their contemporaries. That’s really neat.
LOVE your gliding gif! Super cool! There seems like lots to do – the minimalist church is like nothing I’ve seen before x
Burke county is absolutely breathtaking. I love those waterfalls and all the beautiful wilderness.
I never tire of visiting waterfalls. I’d love to see the ones in NC some day!
Burke County looks absolutely beautiful! I would love to visit there as I used to live Blue Ridge Mountains. Now I live in Florida where it is completely flat and I so miss the mountains!
North Carolina is such a beautiful and scenic state! I think all the stops look fabulous, but the places of worship would probably be my favorite.
My family loves hiking, it’s something we can do as a family. If we ever go down to North Carolina we will have to check these out!
I have never been to this state. I love being able to see photos of the state
I love the blue ridge! There’s so many beautiful places there.
Looks absolutely worth visiting! Beautiful and intersting place. I never heard before that there’re churches without crosses – interesting detail.
LOL, that photo bomb is priceless. I would love to go on the Waterfall Hike in South Mountains Park.
I’d love any of this to be honest. It all looks like fun, especially that beautiful water. would enjoy taking that in quite a bit. That photobomb is hilarious.
I would love to try the Hang gliding even though I am scared shitless of heights but I am not one to step away from a challenge. Burke county sounds like a lovely place to visit
The hang gliding would be so much fun! This experience must have been like no other.
Waldenses…what an interesting..I’ve never heard of them! I love history this would be super amazing. And topping it off with hang gliding would be the best. Already been skydiving this is def on my bucket list 🙂
I haven’t been skydiving yet but after this experience I’m definitely less scared of the prospect 🙂
Wow hang-gliding sounds amazing! I’d love to try it someday but I have to conquer my fear of heights first!
Oh my goodness, so many fun things to do. I love places like this. Hubby and I keep saying we want to retire in NC, so this would be great to keep in mind
That really is a hidden gem. I love visiting places that have a rich historical legacy and the beauty of nature. Looks lovely to me.
Wow what a beautiful spot! I love hidden gems that are gorgeous and make for pretty pictures! : ) Hope you had the best time!
It looks like you had quite a journey.
I love that picture of you flexing by the beer-belly man! Wow, talk about contrast!
That looks like such a beautiful location, a hidden gem for sure!
I have been to NC many times but not in Burke County yet. Sounds like you had a blast. The hang gliding looks like a lot of fun!
That state park looks amazing. I’ve been spoiled by living in a state filled with amazing parks, I always like seeing what other states have to offer to compete.
Wow. This post is just full of fun things. I’d love to try hang gliding and baking in that outdoor oven! I’d probably make pizza though lol
I’ve had the opportunity to take my family all around the country but we have never made it to North Carolina. We obviously need to as there are so many great things to do there.
Wow! That underground tour must have been an amazing experience! I would love to go there someday! I’ve never tried gliding before and I’m sure it’s quite unforgettable. All in all, looks like you had a wonderful trip there!
Looks like Burke county really has some awesome activities to do . Glad you were able to enjoy them and share them with us to experience!
Oh how gorgeous! Looks like such a blast. You are way braver than I am, I am so afraid of heights. Love that GIF of the gliding!
Wow love what Burke county offers people who are near there or visiting. Looks like a great amount of activities to enjoy!
I have been looking around for some more local places to visit. I didn’t even know about Burke County. It sounds like a great place to visit. I need to check it out.
What an awesome variety of activities, which always makes for a great vacation! My husband considers himself the king of photobombs, but I think he has some competition now.
Really nice pics, and everything you did looks and sounds amazing!! I would love to go hang gliding!!
What an experience! I love the simplicity of the images plus the nature trip. One of my favorite activities is to walk nature trails whenever I have the chance.
What a relaxing vacation spot. I have never visited Burke county but after seeing these photos, I would love to.
Oh man, the hang gliding looks like so much fun. I wonder if I’d ever get the nerve to try it someday. We are contemplating hot air balloons this fall. I can’t wait!
Love the waterfall! The park looks so beautiful and fun to explore! Looks like you had a blast!
I want to hang gliding so badly! Looks like you had an amazing time on your trip.
Hang gliding looked like it was a fun to try but I would be so scared to actually do it. I love the pictures of the waterfall and the flower. The trip looks like you guys had a great time on your adventures.
What an amazing tour you had! Love the photos, too! I would really enjoy being there because I love the scenery.
That tour looks incredible! I know you had a great time there. I hope I’ll could go someday.
I want to taste that bread cooked from an outside oven. I love the waterfalls!
How beautiful – those waterfalls looks so pretty (and photogenic!).
I like to be in this place. Nice place and everything seems wonderful. A must-visit place.
Once again another beautiful portrayal of where you have been. I see so many things that I can save for future travel and this is one more.
Wow! What an amazing place to visit. That hang gliding looks spectacular! I love to see waterfalls too!
That outdoor oven looks really cool, I’m sure the bread was delicious!
This place looks lovely – I would love to be able to visit one day x
Hang gliding looks like so much fun! That photobomb had me laughing my butt off! Burke county looks like a lot of fun!
This looks amazing. Would love to go hiking there
Wow it looks like you had SO much fun, I love how many beautiful pictures you’ve featured it really adds to the post 🙂
WOW! What beautiful spots! I’ve never heard of that trail of faith, but it looks amazing! And that waterfall – gorgeous!
Wow, hang gliding sounds to be so fun! I would like to include this on my bucket list!
All of this looks like a ton of fun. I would love to go Hang gliding! It is now on my bucket list.
Looks like you had a blast. Hang gliding would be so amazing. I have always wanted to try it.
The history of the Waldenses sounds fascinating. I had never heard of them. That is the tour I’d love to take. And the state park looks beautiful. But, Honey, there is just no way I am hang-gliding. Nope. I’ll just hang out at the Beer Festival and wave at anyone hang-gliding overhead 😀
Jalapeno beer???? I’m there!!! 😀
That photobomb IS epic!
Looks like a great place to visit, now I feel sorry for your mom.
thanks!
The jalapeno beer was amazing!
Great adventures you’ve had! And such a nice place.
ha ha! I just went on my first zip lining experience! I’m not sure I’m quite there yet for the skydiving! What a beautiful place the Blue Ridge Mountains make for a getaway! Would love to visit sometime!
That looks positively amazing! I love the activities, the scenery and that oven!
They all look like it would be fun but I think I would like to visit the South Mountains State Park and the State Origins Beer Festival. Hang gliding would be cool too.
What a beautiful place to visit, I think I know where my next vacations will be! I need to go there
This sounds like so much fun. I wish I did more sightseeing when I lived in North Carolina.
Thank you for sharing. I hope to make it back to NC to do some sightseeing one day.
Oh my goodness…I can’t believe you were brave enough to try hang gliding. I would love to do it but I think I would totally freak out with the anticipation.
Just another place that reminds us of how blessed we are in this day and age here in America to worship as we please.
What a beautiful place. I love nature and my husband would love the beer part so we may have to go there ourselves 🙂
Hands down it would be hand gliding that I would love to experience but it all sounds like a wonderful trip! While organized religion isn’t my thing personally it does fascinate me to be around religious history. Just because I don’t like religion doesn’t mean it’s history is less important! I’m happy you were able to go on this trip and share with the rest of us 🙂
BTW that is one truly epic photobomb. LOL
I’ve never been hang gliding but I bet it was a real rush. It’s certainly a very daring activity.
I have similar views but I enjoyed the tour anyway for its historical value!
I love your video of you hangliding. That must have been so fun!
I am into history and seeing it first hand is amazing. I’d love to check this out. Also…sidebar hilarious pic with guy lifting his shirt.
This is a nice place. All travelers must go in this wonderful place. I like discovering paradise like this one.
A wonderful place to do great activities. the Thermal Valley Hang Gliding looks just thrilling.
I have always wanted to try hand gliding. Obviously something I will have to save until after pregnancy though 🙂
What an amazing trip! That hang gliding looks like such good fun, I am quite scared of heights, but love challenging myself so I would like to give it a go!
Unfortunately I haven’t had the opportunity to travel in North Carolina, but at some point I know I’ll definitely explore the area. When I do make it there, I’m definitely going to need to check out this county. It sounds like there is a bunch to see and do.
The falls looks astonishing and clean! Great photos you have there!
Gliding, it would terrify me but in the same time, give me such a thrill!
Amazing photos – it look so beautiful. xx
Oh wow Hang Gliding looks like an absolutely amazing experience, wow x
Hang gliding is something I would love to try although its quite scary but hey life is worth living on the edge. Looks like you had fun.
I ‘ve never been anywhere in North Carolina but its super high on our list. Can’t wait to visit!
wow! this is so amazing! i loved the photos and description.
Especially enjoyed the cave where Waldenses practiced in secret
Havent been to North Carolina but would love to travel there someday. Love the idea of beaches, fall and picnics.
Ok, so this looks like it was a fun event. The hang gliding looks both terrifying and fun at the same time!
I was thinking the same thing. I would be excited yet scared.
You’re so brave to go gliding! Looks AMAZING, but I’m a huge wimp myself, and not sure I’d be able to do it.
Looks a lovely and lively place, never heard of it until now. Might of just added this to my USA trip list
Wow this looks amazing! I’d love to visit and maybe do the hand gliding! eeeep!
Oooo that beer festival does sound pretty epic!!! I will have to make a NC visit happen one day soon!
The cave sounds really cool, gliding OMG I would so do that. I would be so freaking afraid but I would totally do it. I love waterfalls, they are so refreshing. I’m a total city girl and I just learned about leaves of three last week. Womp!
The photobomb is so freaking epic I am cracking up laughing.
Looks like you’ve been on some awesome adventures lately. I think out of all of them, I’d like to try the hang gliding the most!
Looks like you’ve been keeping busy doing these amazing things. The beer festival sounds like so much fun!!
What a fantastic trip. I wish I could still hang glide and do some more adventurous things.. I would however be able to sample the jalapeno beer. yum
This post is further proof that there is so much exploring that I have yet to do, here in the US! So many cool places I had no idea existed!
I’m so impressed that you went hang gliding!! I don’t think I’d ever manage that, I’m such a wimp when it comes to flying!
I would love to hang glide. That would be an experience for sure!!
Hang gliding has always been something that has been on my bucket list! I would love to do that.
Hmm hang gliding sounds and look hella scary! I don’t think I’m brave enough hehehe I can’t stop laughing at the photo bomber in the back!
Love the photobomb, it’ very funny! Also, I bet the views from up there, while you were flying ,were superb!
Sounds like a wonderful trip with loads of fun & the pictures are so exciting that I would want to be there right now. Hang gliding looks amazing, but I would be scared like anything to handle one such adventure!
North Carolina has a lot of quirky things to do. I wish I could do them all! That photobomb gave me a laugh for the day.
a lot of fun activities! best part of a trip
Wow Amazing place. I’m sure you had great time for this adventure.