Ready to get outside? Hickory’s parks are calling. From mountaintop lookouts to riverside trails, playgrounds and peaceful nooks, Catawba County’s four parks have something for everyone. Hike, bike, paddle or play — there is a new adventure waiting at every turn. Bring the kids, bring the dog or just bring your curiosity, and discover your next favorite spot in the great outdoors.
Pick your park personality
Step into the treetops and see Catawba County like never before. Bakers Mountain Park sits at the county’s highest point at 1,780 feet, with miles of trails winding over creeks and through mature chestnut oak forest. The paths lead to a mountaintop observation deck, where you can pause, take it all in and see Hickory from a new perspective. Along the way, every turn offers a reward — sunlight dancing through the trees, a glimpse of wildlife or the perfect spot to catch your breath. Exploring with kids? The paved LITeracy Trail makes reading, movement and outdoor discovery an unforgettable adventure.
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Local tip: Do not forget your camera. On a clear day, the observation deck offers views that stretch nearly 75 miles across the surrounding landscape.
Gear up for action at Mountain Creek Park, a 606-acre hub of outdoor activity on the northwestern tip of Lake Norman in Sherrills Ford. Designed with mountain biking in mind, the park features 19.5 miles of multiuse trails. Roughly 18 miles of technical single-track — with about 4 miles reserved for bikes and the rest shared with hikers — wind through the woods with jumps, berms, rollers, sweeping turns and steep descents that keep riders on their toes. Beyond the trails, visitors can climb and play in the treehouse-style adventure playground, paddle a canoe or kayak, fish off the pier or play pickleball.
Local tip: At Mountain Creek Park, the trail network lets you mix, match and explore a new route every time you visit.
If your ideal park day includes water views and winding trails, Riverbend Park belongs on your list. This 690-acre park features 1.25 miles of shoreline along the Catawba River and 19.7 miles of trails that meander through freshwater wetlands, native grasslands and shaded upland forest. Launch a canoe or kayak just below Oxford Dam, cast a line from the bank or follow the shoreline paths for some of the best scenery in the county. Picnic tables tucked near the water make it easy to pause and enjoy Hickory at a slower pace.
Local tip: Found your favorite view? Open shoreline spots and peaceful meadows are suited for a picnic or a quiet moment outdoors.
Everyone is invited, paws included. St. Stephens Park is a 9-acre neighborhood site featuring a one-acre off-leash dog park where dogs can run, socialize and use agility equipment. Children can climb and explore the playground while adults join a game of cornhole nearby. The paved LITeracy Trail winds through butterfly-friendly gardens with interactive story stations, and a 1/3-mile wooded loop offers an easy nature walk.
Local tip: For visitors with smaller dogs, there is a dedicated area for those under 30 pounds so they can play safely and comfortably.
Love the parks? Help keep them beautiful
Exploring Hickory’s outdoors is more rewarding when everyone helps protect it. From wooded trails to scenic riverbanks, Catawba County’s parks are places for recreation and discovery, and they rely on thoughtful visitors to remain that way. By following Outdoor NC’s 7 Leave No Trace principles — from staying on trails to leaving nature as you found it — you can use the parks responsibly and help preserve them for future generations.
Park Stewardship Days is an ongoing initiative that brings together Visit Hickory, Catawba County Parks, Outdoor NC, Keep Catawba County Beautiful and community volunteers to care for outdoor spaces. Through projects such as trail work, litter cleanup, landscaping and habitat enhancement, these events offer opportunities for residents and visitors to give back while spending time outside.
