Riverbend Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: County Park, Green Space, Regional Park, Stream Valley Park, Wildlife Sanctuary

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments:
General: A network of a trails of varying lengths suitable for walking, jogging/running, hiking, off-road biking, and leashed dog-walking . The fenced-in dog park does not require leashes, but does require a permit that can be purchased there. The 12 miles of trails include a shoreline trail that follows the river under the shade of mature river birches and beech trees. An ADA accessible river observation platform located just off the lower parking lot at the trail-head. Single lane natural trails and wide gravel/grass based trails traverse hardwood forest, grassy meadows, and Loblolly Pine forest. Great diversity in plant and wildlife.

See the "Detailed Trail Map" link above for more information.

Register your visit with KidsinParks.com

LiveWell Catawba

GETTING THERE:

Parking, Public Transit: Bus

pDriving Directions: 6700 N Old North Carolina Hwy 16, Conover, NC 28613
North from Conover/Hickory of NC Hwy 16, and located just before crossing the Catawba River at Oxford Dam (containing Lake Hickory). Turn right at the Riverbend Park sign, and drive to the parking lot.
DIRECTIONS

kParking Instructions: Parking lot available, should have no problem. Dogs leashed all through the park. Dog Park available near the entrance, and does require a permit for the Dog Park.

lBus Route: Unknown

TADA Accessible: Yes

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Open Space, Trails, Birdwatching, Fishing, Kayaking/Canoeing

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Restrooms, Drinking Fountains, Seating, Picnic Tables, Grills

Pets: Allowed On-Leash, Dog Park

Additional Features: Visitor Center, Picnic Shelter, Bike Repair Station

Trash Cans: Yes

TRAILS:

Trail Description: See DETAILED TRAIL MAP. Location is HERE. Many other PHOTOS from Google search.
See SATELLITE Hybrid Photos. See OTHER Catawba County managed parks .
See TripAdvisor Review . See Facebook about Park Events, etc., See All Trails Map.


General Trails/Walking/Hiking/Running/Leased-dog-walking, and Observation Platform: Riverbend Park features 450 acres with 1-mile of shoreline along the Catawba River, and 12 miles of trails. You can experience a variety of wildlife habitats that range from fresh water wetlands to upland forest. Come and experience the beauty and diversity of Catawba County's natural heritage at Riverbend Park.

Off-road Biking: 8 miles of mountain biking providing a technical, single lane course for the biking enthusiast.

Picnicking: Most tables are located close to the river. Benches can be found throughout the park to sit. Almost any open spot along the river or in the meadows is perfect to spread out a blanket and enjoy the surroundings. A 20 x 45 open picnic shelter with grills is located near the river (reservations available by calling park office).

Canoe/Kayak Access: The access ramp is a short distance from the lower parking area so you can begin your trip just below the Oxford Dam outlet. The park does not provide canoes or kayaks, so paddlers must bring their own equipment. Please use caution as the hydroelectric dam creates rapid water level changes and strong currents. The nearest public takeout is 10.5 miles downriver at the Lookout Shoals access area.

Fishing: Enjoy fishing from the bank of the Catawba River or the 3/4 acre pond at the back of the park. Bass, bream, yellow perch and catfish are the common species.

Wildlife and Habitat Observation: Regulations of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission apply. A variety of habitats and wildlife can be observed at Riverbend Park. Along the river, you will find wetland habitats home to a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Park visitors quite often see great blue herons, Canada Geese, and Wood Ducks. American Bald Eagles have been spotted on most days at the back of the park near the river. In the upland habitat, whitetail deer, wild turkey, and various other birds and mammals can be found, along with a variety of plant-life. Riverbend Park is mostly hardwood and Loblolly Pine forest. There are grassy meadows and wonderful displays of seasonal wildflowers in bloom.

Education and Events: A 1,000 sq. ft. indoor meeting/facility can be used for your educational programs (reservations needed), or your group could contact the park office for a guided outdoor interpretive tour. The park also sponsors educational events periodically. Watch for them on this website or on Facebook (see Facebook link above). See Events Link also.

Unleashed Dog Park, and Dogs Leased on Trails: A fenced 2-acre dog park (permit required) Link to Dog Park Permits will allow your dog to run and play with other dogs without wearing a leash. Leashed dogs are allowed on trails throughout the park. Please ask about ways you can volunteer to help maintain/improve our parks or sponsor a public event.

Trail Surface: Unpaved

Trail Activities: Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Bicycling, Mountain Biking, Single Track, Dog Walking, Birdwatching

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate, Difficult

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: Over 10 miles

Trail Shade: Lots

Trail Surface Type: Gravel, Sand/Dirt, Grass

Trail Slope: Flat/Gentle, Moderate, Steep

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Kiosk with trail maps, Benches/Rest Areas, Drinking Water, Mountain Biking Features, Panoramic Views

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs, Junior Ranger Programs

Park Information: Maps, Brochures, Information Kiosk

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present, Ranger Patrol

Open Space Activities: Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic, Do Yoga

Open Space Size: Between basketball court and football field

Open Space Shade: Lots

Natural Water Feature: Pond/Lake, Creek/Stream, River/Channel, Shoreline/Beach, Natural Springs, Wetlands