Whatever you decide to do at this 9-acre park, don't forget to bring your dog. The park's signature one-acre off-leash dog park offers unfettered play time for Fido and has become a beloved hangout for locals and their four-legged companions. This suburban oasis on the outskirts of Hickory also features a playground, a paved literacy trail, and a wooded 1/3-mile hiking loop.
Catawba County offers dog parks at 3 of our park locations (St Stephens, Mountain Creek and Riverbend). These fenced areas create a social experience for dog owners and provide necessary exercise for their dogs to run off-leash. Dog parks include waste stations, benches, tables, and shelters to protect users from the sun or rain. Entrances are double-gated for safe leashing and unleashing. For health reasons, we request that you bring your own water and small water bowl. Leashed dogs are allowed on trails throughout the parks outside of the designated dog park areas.
NOTE: Permit required to use the dog parks. You must have an official vet record indicating that Rabies, DHLLP and Bordatella shots on the application sheet are up to date. The fee is $20.00 a year per dog; permit is valid for one year from purchase date and can be used at all 3 Catawba County Park System dog parks (Mountain Creek, Riverbend and St Stephens). Application and more information available at https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/parks/dog-parks/.
