Home › North Carolina › Morganton › Table Rock Summit Trail
Table Rock Summit Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 261 Google reviews · Running trail in Morganton, North Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 1.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Table Rock Summit Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Local landmark offering scenic views from its peak at the end of a 2.2-mi. hiking trail.
What runners say about Table Rock Summit Trail
“Alot of beautiful scenery on the way up and interesting rock formations.”
“Fairly easy hike with breathtaking views.”
Trail is well-worn. One of those frequently visited popular spots and with good reason. The hike up is just over a mile. It’s not a loop, but an out and back on same trail. Ground is very rocky, not a hike for flip flops or sandals. The intersections are not marked so just stay on the path most traveled.
Beautiful trail with amazing views. The climb can be difficult especially in the hotter months. It is a bit windy at the summit so keep you hat tight. There are additional trails and sights to experience that spur off this trail as well. You can also drive up just below the summit if you'd prefer.
When I researched Linville Gorge, Table Rock and The Chimneys were at the top of my list of trails. Table Tock got my heart pounding but I was never about to die. There were tons of cool spots on the trail to explore. This was the first place my son and I came when we got to the Gorge on day 1.
Here at North Carolina Table Rock, it's an amazing trail to the top of the summit and the views are indeed incredible and very beautiful, I got to say it's one of my top best places to visit.
Trail conditions & character
“Views include linville gorge and river, wiseman’s view across the gorge, the chimneys, hawks bill and surrounding areas.”
“You travel up a gravel road except for most of the way and then it switches to pavement near the top and finishes at the parking lot trail head.”
“I’m not usually a hiker but me and my friends hiked this trail with water bottle and sneakers, and It’s fairly difficult with steep inclines at parts.”
“Trail was good with different flavors of paths - rocks, stone steps and roots, but the summit was worth the hike.”
“Use extreme caution on the road as there are many blind hairpin turns, and part of the road is gravel, but, there is a paved portion near the top.”
“Use extreme caution on the road as there are many blind hairpin turns, and part of the road is gravel, but, there is a paved portion near the top.”
“All you'll really need are good shoes and some water; I saw plenty of dogs & kids tackling the trail with no issues.”
Plan your run at Table Rock Summit Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance1.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Morganton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
The Chimneys
4.8 ★★★★★ 88 reviews
Hiking area with easy trails to viewpoints, plus climbing spots with varying difficulty levels.
Spence Ridge Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 40 reviews
Hiking area with a gorge and a bridge, also featuring opportunities for swimming.
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 303 reviews
This scenic gorge in Pisgah National Forest features rock formations, hiking trails & camping areas.
Fonta Flora County Park and Connector Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 320 reviews
Trails lead to views of Lake James and the mountains.
