HICKORY NC PARKS AND RECREATION

Bakers Mountain Park 6680 Bakers Mountain Road, Hickory 828-324-8461   Bakers Mountain Park is located on the highest point of elevation in Catawba County (1780 feet).  The park features 189 acres of mature Chestnut Oak forest with nearly six miles of trail to explore.  You will experience a variety of wildlife and plants that are native to the North Carolina Mountains.  Come and explore the beauty and diversity of Catawba County’s natural heritage at Bakers Mountain Park.
Catawba River Greenway Park Greenlee Ford Road, Morganton 828-438-5350   Offers year-round biking, jogging and strolling, canoeing and picnicking.  The park features a paved, handicapped-accessible walking trail, picnic shelters and open tables, restrooms, children’s playground, fishing piers, canoe launch, gazebo, a 1200-foot multilevel observation deck and a 170-foot bridge which crosses Silver Creek.
Glenn Hilton, Jr. Memorial Park 2000 6th Street NW, Hickory 828-322-7046   Five picnic shelters with tables and grills; two playgrounds; restrooms; gazebo; nature board walk, lighted and paved walking trail; fitness and nature trail; memorial garden; 18-hole disc golf course; canoe launch; and horseshoe pits.
Henry Fork River Regional Recreational Park 5655 Sweet Bay Lane, Hickory 828-322-7046   Picnic shelter with tables and grills; seven soccer fields; Alpine Tower ropes course; two playgrounds; restrooms; paved walking trail; and canoe launch.
The Ivey Arboretum in Carolina Park NC Highway 127 N, Hickory 828-323-7500   A collection of over 400 labeled species of native and rare trees and shrubs within a three-acre park.  Self-guided and guided tours available.	Picture Coming Soon!
J.E. Broyhill Park 509 Ridge Street, Lenoir 828-757-2187 or 828-757-2165   The city of Lenoir operates this park located downtown on Ridge Street.  It is the site of a nationally recognized outdoor sculpture competition sponsored each year by Caldwell Arts Council.
Jaycee Park 1515 12th Street Drive NW, Hickory 828-322-7046   Features an outdoor basketball court, lighted softball field, playground equipment and restrooms.	Picture Coming Soon!
Kiwanis Park 605 7th Avenue, Hickory 828-322-7046   The park consists of 16 acres, which include a four field, youth baseball complex.  All four fields are lighted for night play.  Three of the fields have 200-foot fences with the fourth field having a 188-foot fence.  All outfield fences are 10 feet high.  Complex is equipped with concession stands, restrooms, and scorebooths.	Picture Coming Soon!
Lake James State Park 2785 NC 126, Nebo 828-652-5047   Hiking, swimming, boating, fishing and picnicking are all available at this 564-acre state park with five miles of shoreline on Lake James.
Matheson Park Matheson Park Avenue, Taylorsville 828-632-2218   A seven-acre family park with playground equipment, cookout facilities and sheltered eating areas, restrooms, volleyball area and a walking trail.	Picture Coming Soon!
McGalliard Falls Park Valdese 828-879-2132   This park offers a beautiful waterfall, Grist Mill, group picnic shelter and playground.
River Bend Park 6700 NC Highway 16 N, Conover 828-256-9157   Designed to preserve the existing natural beauty of the area, the 475-acre scenic park features walking, horseback and riding trails, fishing, rafting, canoeing, wildlife observation decks and a 2-acre fenced dog park.
South Mountain State Park 18 miles south of Morganton on State Route 1904, Connelly Springs 828-433-4772   The park’s 100,000 acres offer hiking, horseback and bike riding along its mountain trails.  It also offers numerous waterfalls and cascades, as well as camping, picnic areas and fishing.
Southside Park South on US Highway 321, Newton 828-465-7496   A 27-acre park featuring group picnic shelters, amphitheater, concession and restroom facilities, playground area, informal ballfield, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits and open area for activities.
Stanford Park 1451 8th Street Drive NE, Hickory 828-322-7046   The park consists of 25 acres with a three-field adult softball complex.  All three fields are lighted for night play.  Two of the fields have 285-foot fences with the third field having a 300-foot fence.  All outfield fences are 10 feet high.  Complex is equipped with concession stands, restrooms and score booths.
T.H. Broyhill Walking Park 945 SW Lakewood Circle, Lenoir 828-757-2187   Features a paved loop surrounding a pond complete with waterfowl and plant life, as well as a botanical garden and the Joe T. Ingram Nature Sanctuary.
Tuttle State Park 3420 Playmore Beach Road, Lenoir 828-757-5608   The forest/park features “talking trees”, hiking trails, picnic and camping area and an amphitheater.
Upper Catawba River Canoe Trail 828-464-0405   Trail starts at the Linville Access at Lake James and continues to Lookout Shoals Access near Lookout Shoals Dam.
Wilson Creek, National Wild and Scenic River 7805 Brown Mountain Beach Road, Collettsville 828-759-0005   One of Caldwell County’s most scenic wilderness areas with fast moving mountain streams originating at the base of Grandfather Mountain.  Swimming, canoeing, fishing, camping and hiking are available.
Winkler Park 2500 Clement Boulevard, Hickory 828-322-7046   Picnic shelter with tables and grill, playground equipment, restroom, walking, fitness and nature trail and horseshoe pits.