Location

Morganton is located on Interstate 40 (I-40), and the Charlotte and Asheville areas are about an hour's drive from Burke County. The Blue Ridge Parkway (perhaps the most famous highway in America) winds its way through the northwestern part of the county. Located on the Parkway are Linville Falls and pathways to Linville Gorge area, access to Table Rock Mountain, Pisgah National Forest with 92,900 acres of primitive natural environment and to Mt. Mitchell, highest peak east of the Mississippi.

I-40, U.S. highways 64 and 70 and North Carolina highways 18 and 181 intersect the City's corporate limits at various points. I-85, I-77 and I-26 are within 50 miles of the City.

Southern Railway services Morganton and Burke County by rail and approximately 30 major truck carriers provide ground/freight transportation.

Charlotte's Douglas International Airport is approximately 70 miles from Morganton and offers about 500 flights per day. General aviation and charter services, as well as housing for numerous corporate and private aircraft are available at the Foothills Regional Airport approximately eight miles northeast of Morganton. This facility is a joint venture between the City of Morganton, Burke County, the City of Lenoir and Caldwell County.