Bakers Mountain Park, located in Hickory, NC, is comprised of nearly 200 acres of scenic views and wildlife. This park offers the perfect observational platform to take in the views of the vast bird and plant variety, learning experiences for little learners, leashed-dog access, and covered picnicking with grill access.
At 200 acres, Bakers Mountain isn’t big, but it is a great example of a foothills forest. This spot is great enough to be featured on our 25 Top Hikes in the Charlotte Area, only 60-miles from the doorstep of our Charlotte location. What makes this place most special is its 1,780-foot summit, the highest point in Catawba County. Once at the top, a chestnut oak forest spreads below, with the occasional open meadow and a boulder outcrop. The landscape of Bakers Mountain Park offers a mix of Piedmont and mountain, with mountain laurel, rhododendron Table Mountain and pitch pine, Boynton’s Locust, Shiny-leaf Meadowsweet and Heartleaf Wild Ginger. An extensive trail network gives hikers good exposure to the park.
A quick internet search of this site will reflect a huge following of fellow birders. You don’t necessarily have to make it to the observation platform to see what could be flying or pecking around, but the view is well worth it. Common sitings of the American Robin, the Chimney Swift, and the House Finch have been reported. There have even been reports of seeing the occasional Golden Eagle soaring above. This is the place where you want to come and stay for a while.
With views and hiking galore, Bakers Mountain Park is also the perfect place to take your leashed-pups and little learners. The LITeracy trail offers an educational opportunity for little ones to learn and experience the environment around them. When you’ve had all the learning you desire, mosey on over to the picnic shelters where you can cookout and enjoy the company around.
More info here.
Expert Picks
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Additional Resources
Photos By: Visit Hickory Metro