Upper Creek’s terrain presents hiking, climbing opportunities
The rectangular summit of Table Rock Mountain is probably the most iconic feature of Upper Creek, as the rock formation is visible from 30 miles away. However, it’s just one of the spots that draw hikers and rock climbers to the mountains and gorges of this remote North Carolina community that’s 8 miles northwest of Morganton. Residents typically live close to trailheads and churches, but they may have to drive 10 to 20 miles to shop for groceries or go out to eat.
Country homes to the south and mountainside cabins to the north
Most homes are on the south and east sides of the community, where Cape Cods and ranch-style houses sit along roads cutting through hilly farmland and forests. There are a few clusters of mobile homes as well. North of Rose Creek Road and Brown Mountain Road, the terrain becomes more mountainous. Cabins are tucked away on large lots that are sometimes located in gated communities. Mobile home prices start at $200,000, while single-family houses begin at around $235,000. Homes with more than a dozen acres of land can cost as much as $860,000.
Upper Creek’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Hikers can scale Table Rock Mountain or descend to Upper Falls
A bumpy road through the woods takes hikers to a parking lot and trailhead where they can start the 1-mile walk to the summit of Table Rock Mountain, where they’re rewarded with views of valleys below and ridges along the horizon. Other scenic trails fill the community; for example, hikers can reach the tumbling waters of Upper Creek Falls or a panoramic vista overlooking canyons from atop Hawksbill Mountain. Hurricane Helene closed trails across Burke County in 2024, but only a couple haven’t reopened, according to the U.S. Forest Service. “People are starting to go back up into the mountains, where there was a lot of damage from the hurricane,” says Madeline Pollard, a Realtor at Western Piedmont Real Estate and a Burke County native. People head south of Upper Creek to Lake James State Park to fish, swim and boat on the 6,500-acre body of water. “There are different islands where you can pull off, whether you’re in a kayak, canoe, jet ski or boat, and picnic for the day,” Pollard says.
Internship opportunities for Burke County Public Schools students
Children can take classes in the neighboring community of Quaker Meadows, starting with Oak Hill Elementary. Older kids go to Table Rock Middle; both schools receive B grades from Niche. Meanwhile, Freedom High School gets a B-plus. The school system partners with Work in Burke, a countywide career services program, to offer paid summer internships in fields ranging from agriculture to IT to graduating seniors at Freedom High and other high schools in the district.
Residents can shop in Quaker Meadows and day-trip to mountain towns
Campgrounds and plant nurseries dot North Carolina highway 181 as it winds through Upper Creek. Locals live as far as 20 miles from the closest shopping hub, which is a cluster of stores and shopping centers along 181 in Quaker Meadows. Walmart Neighborhood Market, Food Lion and Dollar General stand on either side of the road, along with restaurants including Firehouse Subs and AJ’s Family Steakhouse. About 3 miles south of the community, Bones Jones Burgers and Butchery has built a local following since opening in 2023, thanks to its steaks, live music and pickleball courts. “If you walk in, you’re going to know somebody either working there or eating there,” Pollard says. Upper Creek is also about 45 minutes from Blowing Rock and Boone, two mountain towns that attract visitors to small downtowns filled with shops, restaurants and breweries.
Highways connect to Morganton and Asheville
Highway 181 runs through the heart of Upper Creek, leading to the county seat of Morganton. The city is home to UNC Health Blue Ridge, the closest hospital to Upper Creek residents. It’s a 70-mile drive to Asheville; Asheville Regional Airport offers year-round flights to more than 20 U.S. cities, including Boston, New York and Orlando.
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
