5 Favorite Outdoor Activities in and Around Hickory, NC

Hickory, North Carolina is a small town located on the eastern slopes of the Appalachian Mountains, which sit on the western side of this large state. It is situated around 50 miles to the northwest of the large city of Charlotte and is less than 100 miles from the border with neighboring Tennessee. It offers numerous opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, and it abounds with history.

1. A Variety of Parks

There are a number of places in and around town where you can enjoy fun activities, including the Kiwanis, Geitner-Rotary, Bakers Mountain, Lowes Foods, and Glenn C. Hilton Jr. Memorial parks. You will find playgrounds, walking paths, large shade trees, and picnic facilities, to enjoy lunch, at these locales. There is also the Fairbrook Optimist Dog Park, for your four-legged family member, that even offers water for when your furry friend gets thirsty.

2. Many Outdoor Activities to Enjoy!

These local parks provide opportunities to participate in many activities, including sports fields for games such as basketball and baseball. There are also frisbee golf courses and splash pads, for when the weather gets hot. You can enjoy hiking and biking trails at these locations. These are also great places to view local wildlife and enjoy the natural surroundings of the local area.

3. Lake Hickory

This large body of water is located about seven miles northeast of town. It is long and narrow and is formed by a local waterway, the Catawba River. There are trails around the lake where you can enjoy biking and hiking, and the waterway offers spots for fishing and water sports. Boat rentals, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and other equipment is available at the River’s Edge Marina which is located on the lake’s north shore.

4. Union Square

This historical square is found in the downtown area and is a memorial to the local men who fought in World War I. Along with shops and restaurants, you can also view various historical statues and monuments that are scattered around the square. You can also walk through the area and view the many historical buildings and their unique architecture. You can enjoy events at this location throughout the year, such as a farmer’s market.

5. Henry River Mill Village

This historic village is situated around six miles to the west of town. While it was once a thriving community based around the local textile mill, it now resembles more of a ghost town. The village’s current claim to fame is that is was used as the set for District 12 in the Hunger Games movies. You can explore the town on your own or tours are also available on specific days and times.

Feel free to click on the links above for additional information on this unique area. This town can be enjoyed throughout the year, so if these activities sound like fun, put this historical town on your list of places to visit. You’ll be glad you did! If you need a car to get you to some of these amazing locations, come visit us at Cloninger Ford!

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