The Catawba County Parks system, which was created in 1999 with the opening of Riverbend Park and expanded in 2003 with the opening of Baker's Mountain Park, is growing again.  This time in more ways than one!

With the approval of the Catawba County fiscal year 2008-2009 budget, both Baker's Mountain and Riverbend Parks will return to a full six day per week schedule for the first time since 2001.  Following the unexpected loss of millions of dollars in State funding in 2001, Catawba County was forced to cut, among other services, the operating hours at both parks.  The two parks have been open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sunday and Mondays since that time, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. in November, from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. in March and October and from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. from April through September. 

As of July 1, 2008, Baker's Mountain and Riverbend Parks will be open during those same hours, Thursdays through Tuesdays.  They will be closed on Wednesdays only and on Christmas Day.

Bakers Mountain Park is located on the highest point of elevation in Catawba County (1780 feet). It features 189 acres of mature Chestnut Oak forest with nearly six miles of trail to explore. You'll experience a variety of wildlife and plants native to the North Carolina mountains.  Abundant wildlife, rare plants and a mixed hardwood forest comprised of mostly Chestnut Oak and Mountain Laurel make the park a refreshingly different recreation opportunity. An observation platform and gazebo are located near the top of the mountain, giving hikers an excellent view of the Catawba Valley.

Features of Baker's Mountain Park include:  recreational opportunities, an observation platform and gazebo, picnic areas and grills, two covered and one enclosed shelter, leashed dog walking, a quarter mile paved trail which is A.D.A. accessible, and educational and volunteer opportunities.  Bird checklists are available and a ranger is on duty during park hours.

The park entrance is located on Bakers Mountain Road just off Old Shelby Road, which can be reached from Highway 127 by taking Mountain Grove Road.  Turn left onto Old Shelby Road and follow the road until you see a sign directing you to the park.

Riverbend Park is one of the largest non-state or federal parks in North Carolina. There are 450 acres and nearly 12 miles of trails to explore in this beautiful river basin park. You can explore a variety of wildlife habitats that range from fresh water wetlands to upland forest.

Features at Riverbend Park include:  one mile of shoreline and a 3/4 acre pond for fishing, canoe/kayak access to the Catawba River, picnic areas, 1,000 square foot meeting/educational facility (reservations available), a 20 x 45 foot open picnic shelter near the river (reservations available), a wildlife habitat viewing areas, a two acre fenced Dog Park (permit required), 7.8 miles of mountain biking trails, leashed dog walking, and A.D.A. accessible river observation platform and educational and volunteer opportunities.  A bird checklist is available and rangers are on duty during park hours.

Riverbend Park is located off Highway 16 North just south of the Alexander County/Catawba County line. 

Plans are continuing for the re-opening of St. Stephens Park.  The Catawba County Parks Division has applied for a State grant for the renovation and reactivation of St. Stephens Park. The nine acre park was created in 1979 and operated by the City of Hickory from 1980 until it was closed in 2005. County staff has recommended a change of use from an active recreation facility to a passive recreation facility, with walking trails, a picnic shelter and a dog park, similar to the other parks the County currently operates.

The park is expected to reopen in early 2009, and to initially be open four days a week.

Click here for a much more information about the Catawba County Parks System at www.catawbacountync.gov!