Outdoor Activities

Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you hike through lush state forests, canoe down winding rivers, or rock climb in scenic recreational areas. The Hickory Metro offers all of this and more, year-round. Grab your family and friends, pick your adventure, and get ready for a memorable experience in our vibrant corner of Western North Carolina.

Scenic Parks & Trails

Reach new heights at Bakers Mountain Park, the highest point in Catawba County at 1,780 feet! Enjoy stunning views as you explore nearly six miles of hiking trails, then climb up to the observation tower for panoramic vistas. Wrap up your adventure with a relaxing picnic in the park. Want more outdoor fun? Check out our blog for all the details on our Catawba County Park System: Outdoor Heaven.

For more spectacular views and outdoor adventures, head to the 12,000-acre Linville Gorge Wilderness Area in Morganton, part of the Pisgah National Forest. Explore the area's waterfall, flowing river, and enjoy hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, and camping.

On The Waterfront

Along the Catawba River Greenway in Morganton, you'll find endless ways to enjoy the outdoors, from hiking the paved trail to fishing at your favorite pier. The Catawba River winds through both the Carolinas, stretching over 200 miles of scenic beauty.

The Riverwalk is the latest must-see attraction along the Catawba River. This elevated trail winds through tall trees, crosses over waterways, and connects to other trails, including the nearby City Walk. The Riverwalk also provides easy access to Lake Hickory, offering even more opportunities for outdoor exploration and recreation.

Our region boasts several large lakes perfect for recreational activities like boating and fishing. Lake Hickory, for example, spans over 4,000 acres and offers 100 miles of beautiful shoreline.

Make It Yours

For a fun family bonding experience, spend a day tackling obstacle courses and zip lining at locations like Treetop Adventures on Lake Hickory in Conover or Beanstalk Ziplines in Morganton. Beanstalk offers a network of five zip lines soaring more than 30 feet above the ground, plus several obstacle courses, including one designed for younger kids. 

While enjoying these outdoor attractions, we want you to feel at home and leave the area even better than you found it. Learn more about our Leave No Trace initiatives with Outdoor NC here.

No matter what outdoor adventure you choose, the Hickory Metro offers endless opportunities to explore, connect with nature, and create lasting memories with loved ones.