• 25 Government Drive Newton, NC 28658
  • phone: (828) 465-8200
  • Park Locations
    • Parks Home
    • Bakers Mountain
    • Mountain Creek
    • Riverbend
    • St. Stephens
    • Municipal Parks
    • Park Locations
  • Activities
  • Lakes & Waterways
    • About our Lakes and Rivers
    • Water Access Info
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Stories
  • Making. Living. Better.

Making. Living. Better.

If making time for play time is what Making. Living. Better. is all about, then Catawba County is the place to be. The Catawba County Park System’s four major parks (Bakers Mountain, Mountain Creek, Riverbend and St. Stephens) offer more than 1,500 acres of natural habitat to explore by foot, bike, paddle (and dog!) seven days a week.

But that’s just the starting point for your adventure. All told, Catawba County is home to 54 parks, three lakes (all linked by the majestic Catawba River), miles of trails and greenways, and a plethora of sports courts, skate parks, disc golf courses, splash pads, playgrounds, dog parks and more. If you love the outdoors, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy them in Catawba County. Find your adventure below – or better yet, come see for yourself!

Bakers Mountain
Mountain Creek
Riverbend
St Stephens
Municipal Parks
Park Locations

ball fields

Available at:

  • Civitan - Hickory
  • East - Newton
  • Hickory Optimist
  • Jacob Fork - Newton
  • Jaycee - Hickory

basketball

Available at:

  • Civitan - Hickory
  • Cliff Teague - Hickory
  • East - Newton
  • Hickory Optimist
  • Highland - Hickory

biking

Available at:

  • Bruce Meisner - Hickory
  • Gateway - Conover
  • Hickory City
  • Jacob Fork - Newton
  • Riverbend - Conover

birding & wildlife

Available at:

  • Bakers Mountain - Hickory
  • Chadwick - Newton
  • Conover City
  • Glenn Hilton - Hickory
  • Hickory City

disc golf

Available at:

  • Glenn Hilton - Hickory
  • Jacob Fork - Newton

dog parks

Available at:

  • Fairbrook Optimist - Hickory
  • Mountain Creek - Sherrills Ford
  • Riverbend - Conover
  • St. Stephens - Hickory

fishing

Available at:

  • Jacob Fork - Newton
  • Mountain Creek - Sherrills Ford
  • Riverbend - Conover
  • Rotary-Geitner - Hickory

hiking & walking trails

Available at:

  • Bakers Mountain - Hickory
  • Bruce Meisner - Hickory
  • Bunker Hill Covered Bridge
  • Claremont City
  • Cliff Teague - Hickory

literacy trails

Available at:

  • Bakers Mountain - Hickory
  • Bunker Hill Covered Bridge
  • Murray's Mill Historic District
  • St. Stephens - Hickory

paddling

Available at:

  • Glenn Hilton - Hickory
  • Henry Fork River - Hickory
  • Jacob Fork - Newton
  • Mountain Creek - Sherrills Ford
  • Riverbend - Conover

pickleball

Available at:

  • Conover City
  • Hickory Optimist
  • Highland Rec - Hickory
  • Mountain Creek - Sherrills Ford
  • Newton Rec Center

playgrounds

Available at:

  • Civitan - Hickory
  • Claremont City
  • Cliff Teague - Hickory
  • Conover City
  • Downtown - Conover

recreation centers

Available at:

  • East - Newton
  • Highland - Hickory
  • Long View
  • Municipal - Maiden
  • Neill Clark - Hickory

skate parks

Available at:

  • Highland - Hickory
  • Stanford - Hickory

soccer

Available at:

  • East - Newton
  • Henry Fork River - Hickory
  • Neill Clark Rec - Hickory
  • Northside/Broyhill - Newton
  • Southside - Newton

splashpads & pools

Available at:

  • Conover City
  • Kiwanis - Hickory
  • Lowes Foods City - Hickory
  • Municipal - Maiden
  • Newton Splash Zone

tennis

Available at:

  • Civitan - Hickory
  • Cliff Teague - Hickory
  • Hickory City
  • Kiwanis - Hickory
  • Long View Rec

volleyball

Available at:

  • Bruce Meisner - Hickory
  • Hunsucker - Catawba
  • Southside - Newton

Lakes & Waterways

Bordered along the north and east by 186 miles of Catawba River shoreline and three lakes, Catawba County’s extensive waterways are a natural playground for boating, paddling, fishing and watersports enthusiasts.

  • Catawba River |
  • Lake Hickory |
  • Lookout Shoals Lake |
  • Lake Norman |
  • Water Access Points

Catawba River

Emanating from the Wateree River in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 220-mile Catawba River winds along Catawba County’s northern and eastern borderline and is the source of the county’s three lakes. The river flows from western North Carolina through the Charlotte Piedmont area and into South Carolina. In addition to being a scenic natural resource and outdoor recreation host, the river is a significant source of the region’s hydroelectric power.

  • Catawba River Blueway
  • Catawba Riverkeeper - Fun on the River
  • Duke Energy Lakes & Recreation – Catawba Wateree NC Recreation Sites & Water Access

Lake Hickory

Lake Hickory, a local hot spot for water recreation, encompasses 4,223 acres along the northern edge of Hickory. The lake hosts multiple access points, including boat launches and commercial cruises, and will soon be home to the City of Hickory’s dynamic Riverwalk trail. A popular site for amateur and professional fishing tournaments, the lake is particularly renowned for its large mouth and striped bass.

  • City of Hickory Riverwalk
  • Duke Energy Lakes & Recreation – Catawba Wateree NC Recreation Sites & Water Access

Lookout Shoals Lake

Lookout Shoals Lake, affectionately known as Lake Lookout, is a 1,270 acre reservoir with nearly 40% of shoreline designated for preservation. Located along the Catawba River Blueway, the lake meanders through a large number of narrow coves ideal for exploration by paddle. It also offers great fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish and striped bass.

  • Fishing Assessment
  • Duke Energy Lakes & Recreation – Catawba Wateree NC Recreation Sites & Water Access

Lake Norman

Lake Norman is the largest man-made freshwater lake in North Carolina, covering more than 50 square miles along 520 miles of shoreline. The lakes offers a bounty of water recreational opportunities, from casual kayaking to organized fishing tournaments and commercial cruises.

  • Mountain Creek Park
  • Catawba River Blueway – Lake Norman Section
  • Lake Norman Activities
  • Duke Energy Lakes & Recreation – Catawba Wateree NC Recreation Sites & Water Access

Water Access Points

Wondering where to dip in your toe, a fishing line, a paddle, or your boat? Check out these resources for ways to access our local waterways.

  • Duke Energy Lakes & Recreation – Catawba Wateree NC Recreation Sites & Water Access
  • Catawba River Blueway – Lake Norman Section
  • Visit Hickory Metro – Area Lake Recreation Spots

Carolina Thread Trail

Catawba County is home to part of the Carolina Thread Trail, a planned 1,610-mile contiguous trail across 15 counties in North and South Carolina. Of the 126.6 miles planned in Catawba County, 28.6 have been completed. Most sections of trail in the county’s parks are included on the Carolina Thread Trail.

  • Information |
  • Completed Sections in Catawba County |
  • Master Map for Catawba County |
  • All Trail Maps

Plan Your Visit

The Catawba County Park System offers an ideal three-day weekend for nature lovers. Start out with a hiking excursion to the peak at Bakers Mountain Park, followed by a day shredding the trails at Mountain Creek Park on your mountain bike. Spend your last day enjoying a leisurely paddle along the Catawba River or taking a relaxing walk through preserved native grasslands at Riverbend Park.

To help fill those before, after and in-between hours, Catawba County is home to an exceptional amount of arts, culture, dining, recreation and entertainment experiences for people of all ages. For ideas of what else to do while you’re here – where to stay, eat, shop, and explore – check out Visit Hickory Metro, our one-stop shop for enjoying all Catawba County has to offer.

  • Visit Hickory Metro

BAKERS MOUNTAIN

Bakers Mountain Park is located at the highest elevation point (1,780 feet) in Catawba County. Known as a great place for hiking and birding, the 190-acre park’s 6-mile trail system climbs over creeks and through mature Chestnut Oak forest, leading to a mountaintop observation deck with stunning year-round views. The park also features a paved Literacy Trail perfect for getting youngsters engaged with the outdoors.

  • Park Info |
  • Trail Map

MOUNTAIN CREEK

Catawba County’s newest outdoor destination, Mountain Creek Park, resides on 606 acres on the shores of Lake Norman in Sherrills Ford. Mountain biking is at the heart this park, which features a pump track and 18.7 miles of trails with enough connections to ensure you rarely have to ride the same route twice. Hikers, trail runners and others seeking an outdoor adventure are also welcome to enjoy the trails and the park’s other amenities, including kayak/canoe lake access, an adventure playground, pickleball courts and a dog park.

  • Park Info |
  • Trail Map |
  • GIS Trail Map

RIVERBEND

Riverbend Park was named after its idyllic location along 1.25 miles of Catawba River shoreline. Its 690 acres feature 19.7 miles of hiking and biking trails, kayak/canoe river access, a 2-acre dog park, and an observation deck perfect for viewing Oxford Dam or casting a line. Riverbend’s trail system winds through two distinct habitats – densely wooded upland forest and preserved native grasslands – which have become affectionately known as "trail runner’s heaven."

  • Park Info |
  • Trail Map

ST. STEPHENS

This suburban oasis provides 9 acres of escape into nature nestled on the outskirts of Hickory. Its most prominent feature is a popular one-acre dog park where Fido is free to romp through grassy fields while locals relax and catch up under the trees. The park also features a playground, horseshoe pits, paved Literacy Trail, and wooded 1/3 mile hiking loop.

  • Park Info |
  • Park Map

MUNICIPAL PARKS

In addition to the Catawba County Park System, our cities and towns offer a broad range of park experiences. From disc golf and splash pads to hiking, mountain biking, recreation centers and organized sports, our local parks ensure that access to play is never far away.

  • Municipal Parks in Catawba County

PARK LOCATIONS

Click HERE to get an interactive map of all parks in the County

    ball fields

    • Civitan - Hickory
    • East - Newton
    • Hickory Optimist
    • Jacob Fork - Newton
    • Jaycee - Hickory
    • Kiwanis - Hickory
    • Municipal - Maiden
    • Northside/Broyhill - Newton
    • Southwest - Conover
    • Stanford - Hickory
    • West Hickory
    • Westside/Jaycee - Newton

    basketball

    • Civitan - Hickory
    • Cliff Teague - Hickory
    • East - Newton
    • Hickory Optimist
    • Highland - Hickory
    • Kiwanis - Hickory
    • Miracle of Hickory
    • Neill Clark Recreation - Hickory
    • Northside/Broyhill - Newton
    • Southwest - Conover
    • Taft Broome - Hickory
    • West Hickory
    • Westmont Recreation - Hickory
    • Westside/Jaycee - Newton

    biking

    • Bruce Meisner - Hickory
    • Gateway - Conover
    • Hickory City
    • Jacob Fork - Newton
    • Riverbend - Conover
    • Mountain Creek - Sherrills Ford
    • Rotary-Geitner - Hickory
    • Southside - Newton

    birding & wildlife

    • Bakers Mountain - Hickory
    • Chadwick - Newton
    • Conover City
    • Glenn Hilton - Hickory
    • Hickory City
    • Henry Fork River - Hickory
    • Highland - Hickory
    • Ivey Arboretum at Sally Fox - Hickory
    • Jacob Fork - Newton
    • Little Brook - Newton
    • McComb - Hickory
    • Mountain Creek - Sherrills Ford
    • Riverbend - Conover
    • Robinson - Hickory
    • Rotary-Geitner - Hickory
    • Shuford Gardens - Hickory
    • Southside - Newton
    • St. Stephens - Hickory
    • Viewmont - Hickory
    • Winkler - Hickory

    disc golf

    • Glenn Hilton - Hickory
    • Jacob Fork - Newton

    dog parks

    • Fairbrook Optimist - Hickory
    • Mountain Creek - Sherrills Ford
    • Riverbend - Conover
    • St. Stephens - Hickory

    fishing

    • Jacob Fork - Newton
    • Mountain Creek - Sherrills Ford
    • Riverbend - Conover
    • Rotary-Geitner - Hickory

    hiking & walking trails

    • Bakers Mountain - Hickory
    • Bruce Meisner - Hickory
    • Bunker Hill Covered Bridge
    • Claremont City
    • Cliff Teague - Hickory
    • Conover City
    • Downtown - Conover
    • East - Newton
    • Gateway - Conover
    • Glenn Hilton - Hickory
    • Henry Fork River - Hickory
    • Heritage Trail Greenway - Newton
    • Hickory City
    • Hickory Optimist
    • Hickory Trail
    • Highland - Hickory
    • Hunsucker - Catawba
    • Hines - Conover
    • Ivey Arboretum at Sally Fox - Hickory
    • Jacob Fork - Newton
    • Lyle Creek Greenway - Conover
    • Majestic - Conover
    • Mountain Creek - Sherrills Ford
    • Municipal - Maiden
    • Murray's Mill Historic District
    • Northside/Broyhill - Hickory
    • Riverbend - Conover
    • Rotary-Geitner - Hickory
    • Southside - Newton
    • Southwest - Conover
    • St. Stephens - Hickory
    • Stanford - Hickory
    • Westside/Jaycee - Newton
    • Winkler - Hickory

    literacy trails

    • Bakers Mountain - Hickory
    • Bunker Hill Covered Bridge
    • Murray's Mill Historic District
    • St. Stephens - Hickory

    paddling

    • Glenn Hilton - Hickory
    • Henry Fork River - Hickory
    • Jacob Fork - Newton
    • Mountain Creek - Sherrills Ford
    • Riverbend - Conover
    • Rotary-Geitner - Hickory

    pickleball

    • Conover City
    • Hickory Optimist
    • Highland Rec - Hickory
    • Mountain Creek - Sherrills Ford
    • Newton Rec Center
    • Northside/Broyhill - Newton
    • Taft Broome Park - Hickory
    • Westmont - Hickory
    • Westside/Jaycee - Newton

    playgrounds

    • Civitan - Hickory
    • Claremont City
    • Cliff Teague - Hickory
    • Conover City
    • Downtown - Conover
    • East - Newton
    • Gateway - Conover
    • Glenn Hilton - Hickory
    • Henry Fork River - Hickory
    • Hickory Optimist
    • Highland - Hickory
    • Hunsucker - Catawba
    • Kiwanis - Hickory
    • Long View Rec
    • Lowes Foods City - Hickory
    • Majestic - Conover
    • Miracle of Hickory
    • Mountain Creek - Sherrills Ford
    • Municipal - Maiden
    • Neill Clark - Hickory
    • Northside/Broyhill - Newton
    • Rosenwald - Maiden
    • Rowe - Conover
    • Southside - Newton
    • Southside Heights - Hickory
    • St. Stephens - Hickory
    • Stanford - Hickory
    • Taft Broome - Hickory
    • Union Street - Maiden
    • Washington/Southwest - Conover
    • West Hickory
    • Westside/Jaycee - Newton
    • Winkler - Hickory

    recreation centers

    • East - Newton
    • Highland - Hickory
    • Long View
    • Municipal - Maiden
    • Neill Clark - Hickory
    • Stanford - Hickory
    • Taft Broome - Hickory
    • Westmont - Hickory

    skate parks

    • Highland - Hickory
    • Stanford - Hickory

    soccer

    • East - Newton
    • Henry Fork River - Hickory
    • Neill Clark Rec - Hickory
    • Northside/Broyhill - Newton
    • Southside - Newton
    • Westside/Jaycee - Newton

    splashpads & pools

    • Conover City
    • Kiwanis - Hickory
    • Lowes Foods City - Hickory
    • Municipal - Maiden
    • Newton Splash Zone
    • Newton Swimming Pool

    tennis

    • Civitan - Hickory
    • Cliff Teague - Hickory
    • Hickory City
    • Kiwanis - Hickory
    • Long View Rec
    • Northside/Broyhill - Newton
    • Taft Broome - Hickory
    • Westmont Rec - Hickory
    • Westside/Jaycee - Newton

    volleyball

    • Bruce Meisner - Hickory
    • Hunsucker - Catawba
    • Southside - Newton