Bakers Mountain Park

GENERAL INFO:

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

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments:



General: Bakers Mountain Park is located in the southwestern part of the county. This 189-acre park allows visitors to climb a mountain and see views of the Catawba Valley, and vegetation natural to the higher elevations. A network of 6 miles of trails meander through a hardwood forest and lead to an observation platform and gazebo at the mountaintop where you will have an excellent view of the Catawba Valley. A quarter mile paved ADA accessible trail meanders through plantings near the parking area. Register your visit with KidsinParks.com LiveWell Catawba

GETTING THERE:

Parking, Bike Racks

pDriving Directions: 6680 Bakers Mountain Road, Hickory, NC 28602 DIRECTIONS

kParking Instructions: Use parking lot.

lBus Route: Unknown

TADA Accessible: Yes

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Trails, Birdwatching

AMENITIES:

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

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Visitor Center, Historic Site, Picnic Shelter, Gazebo

Trash Cans: Yes

TRAILS:

Trail Description: See DETAILED TRAIL MAP. Location is HERE. Many other PHOTOS from Google search. See SATELLITE Hybrid Map. See OTHER Catawba County managed parks . See TripAdvisor Review . Hiking, Trails, and Observation Platform: 6 miles of trails meander through a hardwood forest and lead to an observation platform and gazebo at the mountaintop where you will have an excellent view of the Catawba Valley. A 1/4 mile paved ADA accessible trail meanders through plantings near the parking area. Picnicking: 2 covered shelters with picnic tables and grills offer places to enjoy a picnic or group gathering. Shelters are used on a first-come basis or they can be reserved to ensure space for your gathering. Wildlife and Habitat Observation: A variety of habitats and wildlife give residents another unique opportunity to view the natural beauty of the Western North Carolina foothills. Abundant wildlife, rare plants and a mixed hardwood forest comprised primarily of Chestnut Oak and Mountain Laurel, make the park a refreshingly different recreation opportunity than can be found at lower elevations. A Bird Checklist can help you identify species that you might see in the park. Education and Events: The shelters can be used for your educational programs (reservations encouraged), 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. Leashed Dog Walking: You can walk/run along any of the trails with your leashed dog. Volunteer Opportunities: Please ask about ways you can volunteer to help maintain/improve our parks or help sponsor a public event.

Trail Surface: Paved & Unpaved

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

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Very Difficult, ADA Accessible

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: 5 to 10 miles

Trail Shade: Lots

Trail Surface Type: Asphalt, Sand/Dirt

Trail Slope: Moderate, Steep

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Kiosk with trail maps, Benches/Rest Areas, Drinking Water, Panoramic Views, Historic Sites

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/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: Smaller than a basketball court

Open Space Shade: Lots

Natural Water Feature: Creek/Stream