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 Reporter |
Summary: Bakers Mountain Park is a small county park in western Catawba County, NC. It's nothing spectacular, but a nice place to go and get away from it all for a while. The ranger here is an avid birder, and very knowledgeable about the area. They have some strange hours, so call before you go. The small trail system, about six miles, has a number of different combinations of trails you can put together for numerous loop hikes. Pick up a map at the park office. The trails are pretty well marked and there is a map at almost every intersection. Definitely make sure you go to the observation platform for good views to the east. Also check out the old homesites, waterfall, and boulder outcropping. Most of the trails here are very steep. Don't let the short distances fool you. Take water with you. Trailhead: Take exit 121 from I-40. At the top of the ramp, turn right (from both sides, I-40 East and West) South onto Old Shelby Road. Stay to the left at the intersection with George Hildebran Road. After traveling approximately 4.1 miles from I-40 turn left onto Bakers Mountain Road. There should be a brown and white sign with Bakers Mountain Park written on it at this intersection. The road dead ends at the park office. (Lat:35.65665 Lon:-81.41537) Trail Guides for Bakers Mountain Loop Hike: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Bakers Mountain Park, Catawba County, NC Parks - 828-324-8461 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Tim Johnson, who has posted 15 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Ted on 10/11/2009 The fall color is beginning to add more beauty to this very well kepted park. The ranger named John is very knowledgable and helpful and the other two rangers are nice.I reccommend this park for anyone looking to get in shape or to enjoy the natural world without having to drive an hour or more from Hickory. Ted B. 
Reviewed by Ren on 7/27/2009 I hiked on July 25, 2009. This short trail is a perfect one I have experienced. Not only the clear marks of the trail and the maps in the connection, but also the benches on the side of trail. The best spot is the top of the mountain, give you a scenic view of the north east. It's also suitable for 55 plus people since the hiking distance and the difficulty are moderate. I will come back in other season for sure.
Reviewed by JJB on 7/16/2009 Great little hike just a few minutes drive from downtown Hickory. We will be going back to walk the rest of the trails!
Reviewed by Julie on 5/24/2009 I have been to some of the guided hikes with the ranger. I find this park to be wonderful in spring and fall and reccomend it to anyone in shape enough to enjoy a good workout or educational experience.
Reviewed by TC on 4/4/2009 I went today. I never have been, it was a wonderful walk. I believe everyone should take this walk.
Reviewed by Mike on 11/4/2008 I must give this a five star rating this time of year as it is simply georgeous. The best fall color I have seen anywhere in the state. Mike Jones
Reviewed by Robert on 10/26/2008 One must keep in mind that this park has come a long way since it's origional review in 2004. The trails have been greatly improved and enhanced with educational material and their hours have bee increased so the only day they are closed is Wednesday. It is a great park for hiking in Autumn, Winter and fall. It is not as enjoyable in Summer because of the high temperatures, Gnats and Yellow-Jackets. I highly reccommend it any time between now to mid May. Robert Howell
Reviewed by James on 8/26/2008 I am a home school teacher and I utilize the expertise of the Bakers Mountain staff frequently. I share in the concern that Daduka stated about the need to preserve more of the mountain. The private property surrounding the park is inundated with drunks on horses and dirt bikes raising hell all along the mountain. I hope we can form a park advocacy group to attempt to convince the county to purchase, or take the rest of the mountain before it suffers irreversible annihilation. James Williams Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Catawba County Hiking, Catawba County Trails, Catawba County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
