Wonderful park with well marked trails Feels like a hike…read moremore than a walk which is awesome

The Photograph Club from Trilogy had scheduled a fall photo shot for today with the goal of taking…read morein Murray's Mill Historical Site and the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, both in the same area. While at the Bridge, I mentioned that I was also considering going over to Riverbend Park which was only about 20 additional minutes from where we were. A couple of the folks decided to join me. I've been here probably a half a dozen times but never checked in and left a review although I did post some photos. Our group leader was familiar with the Park because she had hiked the trails often but was not aware of the Dam for Lake Hickory which is just upstream. The other lady was aware of the Dam but did not realize that there was a Park just downstream. When you pull into the main parking lot, at the back side is a small road with a sign that says "Trailheads" to the right and Picnic Rest Rooms to the Left. Not obvious but if you take the Left Fork, you go down the hill to the River. At the bottom of the hill is another parking lot next to the Catawba River. When you first to into the lot, there is an observation deck that extends out into the edge of the Catawba River. Great view of Fall foliage from here. If you go back past the covered picnic shelter you end up at the Canoe Launch area. Another beautiful area. We missed it but they open up the dam on occasion for the Canoe's and Kayaker's to create whitewater. At that time. all the rocks you see in the photographs are submerged. A little past peak color but the maples with their shades of rea were still beautiful.

This is easily one of the coolest and most beautiful parks I have taken my children to. Both…read morecreative and esthetically pleasing, you really must bring your children here. Restrooms are here as well.

The kids and I love this place. Listen...I've lived in several states, I've seen all types of…read moreparks...this place does NOT disappoint. There are so many unique and completely fun pieces of playground equipment. Rope walks, sliding swings, rope wall, etc. Additionally there are great picnic areas and shelters, grills, and a zip line course. But also a greenway to ride bikes or walk yourself or your pups. And, let's add the multiple baseball fields that are a great place to practice with your peers or your kiddos. I absolutely recommend this gem. Its an awesome, FREE, place to spend a beautiful day in Morganton.

What a gorgeous park, even in the winter time…read more Since it's winter when I visited, I can't review all of the incredible summer time water sports but I know this park can get busy then. Winter was in incredible time to visit, easy parking, a chance to chat with the staff at the visitor center, and walk around. The lake is beautiful. I've heard that this area did get some hurricane/ storm damage but everything needed to drive around is up and running! Make a plan to visit next time you're nearby. It's about 1 hour drive from downtown Asheville.

This has the look of one of those parks formed around a dam. Don't get me wrong; I'm all for…read morehydroelectric power, but artificial lakes always feel like they're lacking a certain mystique. This park had an impressive visitor center and restrooms were open even after it closed, though neighboring water fountains were not functioning on a hot summer day. The trail I selected was rugged and had occasional waterside views, most notably on a footbridge that offered a mountain vista. Cell service was not great for me, and while I'd hoped to do a zoom meeting on the run I had to return to more urban areas. But if you actually want to get unplugged, the people on boats here appeared to be having a good time.

Not Too Bad Of A Hike. Very Rewarding Views At The End! Slippery When Wet. Wear The Proper Shoes!read more

You can't pay for views like this, and good news is... you don't have to!…read more Rough Ridge Overlook is a local *and* tourist hot spot for some of the best views in the state! I went there with some GFs for nature and the views, and it didn't dissapoint. Definiteluy put this spot on your map when planning a trip to Grandfather Mountain.

Beautiful small park with excellent view below and above. Picnic area with two different camping…read morestoves. One was covered. Porta potties that appear to be temporary as the area is under construction.

This is such a special spot in Boone. The drive is crazy steep, but it is absolutely worth trekking…read moreup to see the top of Howard's Knob. You cannot find a better view of the town and beautiful mountains surrounding the area. Plenty of opportunities to snap some amazing pictures unlike anywhere else in the high country. During the winter months the park gate is closed, otherwise the daytime hours are clearly posted. There is a fair amount of parking spots and plenty of picnic tables (some are sheltered) and trash cans. Please don't forget to respect the neighbors and the park boundaries.

I almost passed this spot entirely, and missing it would have been a real loss. Tucked across from…read morethe Ingles Market, a modest parking area and an understated sign conceal a striking series of cascading waterfalls. The path leading up the slope was carved out by volunteer firefighters, and while it is steep in places, it offers a rewarding climb with views that unfold as you ascend. It's medium difficulty. The park features a few picnic tables scattered near the base, inviting visitors to linger and enjoy the sound of rushing water. The falls themselves are double-tiered, flowing over rugged stone, and a natural rock bridge allows you to cross to the other side with reasonable footing. I had the place entirely to myself today, and despite the questionable wisdom of climbing solo, I made it up and back without incident. The experience was peaceful and memorable, and I left with a handful of beautiful photos and a sense of quiet satisfaction. Locally, the site is also known as Bobby McLean Memorial Park, named in tribute to a respected community figure whose legacy lives on in this serene corner of Newland. [Review 1222 of 2025 - 4407 in North Carolina - 24774 overall]

So pretty! A lovely little stop. Just a short climb...:and for anyone you can't climb, you can see…read moremost of it from the rocks at the bottom.

we had a wondrous time at Bakers Mountain (more like BAKED mountain - see photo). It was foggy but…read moreit was still a good hike. The leaves made it slick which made it more fun. Anyway we had a great time, saw a bird and a turtle!

Whoever said hiking was fun, they lied !!!…read more I would recommend this trail to everyone! Beginners trail, but might be hard because of rain. The trail was well marked so you won't get lost. Make sure you grab a map before you start. The bathroom was nice and clean! There are walking sticks available if you want to use one. At the top was a awesome view and a gazebo to rest. You could see various mountain tops from there. Through out the trail there are benches and picnic tables to rest at. So if you're in the area, stop bye and take a hike!!!!

Nice park that is free and accessible. It has clear walking trails, beautiful scenery, and…read moreoverlooks the Lake. I visited just for the new Riverwalk and enjoyed it. There are some restrooms available, lots of maps and signage, and also mountain biking trails. Connected with other greenways and hiking trails - there is much to explore!

This stunning park is located along the edge of Lake Hickory and does feature a boat ramp (that is…read morecurrently closed for construction). Around 100 feet long, the longest straight ramp I've ever seen and if you are able to launch from here, you're clearly a backing up trailer expert. The park has a picnic shelter with tables and grills, a pretty gazebo and a fishing pier. An activity building (currently closed) has restrooms. The shoreline has a fabulous view of the lake and the picnic tables would be perfect for doing exactly that by the waterside. Parking lot is the trailhead for a paved bikeway and walking trails. [Round number review 15400 overall, 903 of 2021, number 2950 in North Carolina.]