by
Dave Hardin

Public Information Officer

During these times of economic difficulty, many of us are looking for ways to cut costs. The summer months are approaching, however, so lots of people are also looking for ways to “get away from it all”.

An increasing number of our neighbors are discovering that Catawba County’s Parks System offers low cost entertainment and a great way to get away from the daily routine. As of mid-April, attendance at County parks was up 19% from fiscal year 2007-2008 and it seemed likely that 100,000 people would visit the parks, collectively, by the end of this fiscal year on June 30.

Baker's Mountain and Riverbend Parks are again open Thursdays through Tuesdays, with the hours varying through the year as daylight hours change. They’re closed on Wednesdays only. St. Stephens Park reopened as part of the County system last December and is open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

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

The park entrance is located on Bakers Mountain Road off Old Shelby Road, which can be
reached from Highway 127 by taking Mountain Grove Road. Turn left onto Old Shelby Road and follow that 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, located off Highway 16 North just south of the Alexander County/Catawba County line. There are 450 acres and nearly 12 miles of trails in this beautiful river basin park. You may explore a variety of wildlife habitats that range from fresh water wetlands to upland forest.

The park also features a 3/4 acre pond for fishing, canoe/kayak access to the Catawba River, picnic areas, a 1,000 square foot meeting/educational facility, a two acre fenced dog park (permit required), 7.8 miles of mountain biking trails, an A.D.A. accessible river observation platform, and educational and volunteer opportunities.

St. Stephens Park is located next to Clyde Campbell Elementary School, at the end of 36th Ave. NE near Hickory. It features a 1/3 mile loop trail, picnic shelter, outdoor concrete sitting and picnic area, children’s playground, horseshoe pits, a bird feeding observation area, a one-acre fenced dog park and educational meeting room.

For a lot more information about Catawba County’s parks, visit the Parks web site. If you and your family are seeking an inexpensive place for some fun this summer, I hope you’ll come to one or more of our parks!