Discover Valdese

Valdese places Waldensian history at its center. Two cultural and historical attractions explore it in different ways, along with a two-mile Greenway between two parks. Annual events provide additional calendar markers in May and August. When planning, you can therefore choose between a thematic focus and a scheduled occasion.

Waldensian History in Two Forms

The Waldensian Heritage Museum houses the largest collection of Waldensian artifacts in the United States. The Trail of Faith presents the story of the Waldensians who settled Valdese through 15 replica buildings and monuments marking important stages of their journey. This offers two ways to explore the same historical subject: a collection of artifacts and a portrayal of settlement history through replicas. The distinction can help with planning your trip: Would you like to focus on artifacts or explore the story through several stops? The 15 buildings and monuments give the Trail a clear structure.

A Connection Between Two Parks

A two-mile Greenway connects Valdese Lakeside Park with McGalliard Falls Park. With its two named endpoints, the connection can be considered as a separate point in your plans. This presents a practical question for your stay: Would you like to focus on one of the parks or include both in your plans via the Greenway? The stated distance provides a tangible measure of the connection and helps you place it within your planned day.

Events Throughout the Year

A town festival takes place every May at McGalliard Falls Park. The Great Waldensian Footrace is part of the Town of Valdese’s Waldensian Heritage Festival every August. May and August therefore offer different calendar anchors: a town festival in the park or the race as part of the festival. For one event, trout are stocked in the stream beforehand for children to catch. This offers a specific point of interest for families looking for an activity for children.

Plan Your Travel and Accommodation

Valdese is located right off Interstate 40 and can be reached via exits 111 and 112. These are specific reference points for traveling by car. When looking for a vacation rental, you can first decide which factor should shape your stay: Waldensian history, the Greenway connection, or an event date. The cultural and park-related themes provide a focus; the annual events can help narrow down your travel dates. If an event date is the deciding factor, start with the date. Otherwise, you can choose your preferred theme first, then coordinate your travel arrangements and dates accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Morganton.

Go to the main travel overview: Burke County.