This park is urban in the relative sense, being surrounded by the residences of the town of Black…read moreMountain. It was a quality park. While views of the mountains are likely majestic, even on a cloudy day the misty sights were intriguing. A clean path runs around the lake, connecting bathroom facilities, tennis courts, and several other amenities. There were some dedicated parking spaces, but it was an easy walk from the town's business stretch as well. And why not, if you have the time?

So cute! What a nice little city park, perfect for our…read moremorning walk while visiting the area.

Clean facilities, great friendly staff. It beats whatever else there is. Now I need to get up to…read moreenough characters...

I've always thought of the Morganton Aquatic Center as one of the best kept secrets in Morganton!…read moreHow many pools open at 5am for those early swimmers? This one does! The staff is so friendly and is always busy cleaning, making the place welcoming and clean. I appreciate being able to swim laps most anytime I want (and I often overstay my welcome, never hearing an angry word). The cost of membership is very affordable. It has been a great place to meet other swimmers as well. Thank you, staff of Morganton Aquatic Center, for your hard work year after year to run an outstanding facility!

The falls are closed as of late April 2026. Road is blocked about 2 miles out from town.read more

Elk River Falls is an open recreation area. As such it is not developed and the path is not…read moremaintained. Nevertheless the road into the parking lot is safe and easily passable by typical cars SUVs cans or trucks with either two or four wheel drive. There are no rest rooms or food so you must bring your own food and water. The path is firm and slopes upward gently becoming rocky with prominent tree roots. The 65 foot high big falls is spectacular. It is not a straight fall down. Many deaths have occurred as visitors attempt to dive from the top of the falls. Elk falls ranks in the top 3 waterfall related deaths. The rocks surrounding the first pool are beautiful but have a slippery surface. This park recently reopened after extensive restoration following Hurricane Helene. On the first day it opened there was a fatality of a falls jumper. Despite these challenges this park is a great example of the outdoors in nearly natural and breathtaking state.