The people in the towns that make up the Foothills have recognized the importance of parks and recreation. You will find dozens and dozens of parks throughout the area, ranging in size from acres to a small lot, all designed to increase your quality of life. The following are just a few to get you started.  

T.H. Broyhill Walking Park

945 Lakewood Cir. SW

Lenoir, NC 28645

(828) 757-2165

Known by locals as “The Walking Park," T.H. Broyhill Walking Park covers 20 acres and features a paved walking loop around a beautiful lake and pavilion area. Surrounding the paved walkway are the beautiful botanical gardens and ducks. The park is also pet-friendly. In September, the park holds a sculpture walk/festival.

Kiwanis Park

805 Sixth St. SE

Hickory, NC 28602

Featuring two picnic shelters with tables and grills, tennis court, outdoor basketball court, four lighted baseball fields, two batting cages, walking trail, restrooms, two concession stands, Charles D. Dixon Memorial Splash Pad, and two playgrounds. The Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground and Treehouse are popular destinations in Hickory’s park system and offer welcoming play space for people of all ages and abilities. In honor of Zahra Baker, this beloved playground provides amenities that are accommodating to individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible ramps and rides, multiple ground-level activities, educational and sensory elements, and inclusive play products.

Sawmills Veterans Park

Waterworks Road

Sawmills, NC 28630

(828) 396-7903

Located on the north side of Lake Rhodhiss, with kayak and boat launching available. Good fishing spots abound from a dock or the banks. Amenities include great views, picnic tables, swings, ball fields, restrooms and two disk golf courses. A memorial to veterans lost is also present.  

Glenn C. Hilton Memorial Park

2000 Sixth St. NW

Hickory, NC 28601

The park features five picnic shelters with tables and grills, two playgrounds, restrooms, gazebo, lighted and paved walking trail, nature boardwalk, 18-hole disc golf course, canoe launch, horseshoe pits and a memorial garden.

Conover City Park

361 Fifth Ave. SE

Conover, NC 28613

(828) 464-1191

Family-friendly park with dog-friendly walking paths, shelters, parking, bathrooms. The splash pad is a favorite, along with an amphitheater for music in the summer. Outdoor workout equipment is an attraction as well as a wheelchair swing.

St. Stephens Park

2247 36th Ave. NE

Hickory, NC 28601

(828) 441-7277

Nine-acre park with a playground, and a 1/3-mile leashed dog-friendly walking trail. An unleashed dog park is located within the main park, requiring a permit (see our pet section).

Rotary – Geitner Park

2035 12th St. Dr. NW

Hickory, NC 28601

Located at the end of the Riverwalk, this park features an activity building, gazebo, paved bikeway, walking and nature trails, boat launch ramp, fishing pier, and restrooms.

Civitan Park

460 17th Ave. NE

Hickory, NC 28601

(828) 322-7046

Park with basketball and tennis courts, a lighted softball field, a picnic shelter and a playground. A mixed-use field is also available.

Cliff Teague Park

1125 C Ave.

Hickory, NC 28602

(828) 322-7046

A beautiful, kid-friendly park, featuring a tennis court, playground equipment, basketball court, horseshoe pits, grills, and restrooms.

Henry River Fork Park

5655 Sweet Bay Ln.

Hickory, NC 28602

Riverside park featuring an 8,000-square-foot picnic shelter with a catering kitchen, restrooms, picnic tables and grills, eight soccer fields (including one artificial turf field), two playgrounds, concession stand, paved walking trail, a canoe launch, and horseshoe pits.

Hickory City Park

1581 12th St. Dr. NW

Hickory, NC 28601

Featuring eight lighted tennis courts, a multi-purpose facility with an indoor meeting room, an outdoor covered shelter, and restrooms, as well as access to the Lake Hickory Trails, a system of mountain biking and nature trails. A picnic shelter with tables and grills, and a 1.5-mile paved bike trail featuring a beginner's loop, pump track, intermediate/advanced loop and skills area are also here.

Jaycee Park

1250 15th Ave. NW

Hickory, NC 28601

Adjacent to the Hickory City Park, kid-friendly with an outdoor basketball court, baseball field, playground, restrooms and a concession stand.

Lowes Food park

300-326 Main Ave. NW

Hickory, NC 28602

Located adjacent to Union Square, it's a kid-friendly park that has a splash pad and lots of things for kids to climb and play on. There are numerous places available for adults to sit and watch.

Northside Park

North College Avenue and East 22nd Street

Newton, NC 28658

(828) 695-4317

A local favorite for generations offering many things such as baseball/softball fields, basketball and tennis courts, horseshoe pegs (bring your own horseshoes). Picnic areas can be reserved in advance. Restrooms are available. It also boasts a nice shady walking trail. Two playgrounds for the kids!