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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 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Joan Daniels on 4/28/2008 My friends took the challenge of hiking this trail with the ranger on Saturday. Despite the rain we had a wonderful time and the ranger pointed out many things that most of us would have never noticed. Bakers Mountain is very beautiful this time of year and there were some georgeous birds and wildflowers. Joan Daniels 
Reviewed by Naomi on 4/10/2008 Our college went on the hike on 4/7/08. It was quite a dreary wet day, but our class decided to hike so off we went. I was so pleased that I had gone on the hike. John Sutton is an incredible source of knowledge and professionalism. We are so lucky to have him. He pointed out many of the plants and flowers along the way. He knows the history of the park, and I can tell he loves what he does. Thanks John for delightful, meaningful and worthwhile experience. The park was in excellent shape, I was surprised that it was not muddy, despite the rain. The hike was somewhat strenuous at times, but the view from the top was worth it!
Reviewed by Jeff on 4/7/2008 I am the instructor for the Nature Hiking class from a local community college. John Sutton was one of the two the ranger on duty at the time. He took us on a 1.5 hour tour of the area. This was our first hike of the semester and it was a good one, even in the rain. The trails were clear and marked well. The degree of difficulty varied from easy to difficult but John was sensitive to our abilities and adjusted the pace accordingly. The education of the area (plants, animals, terrain, history) that John gave us was fabulous. My students were commenting on the way home of how knowledgeable and friendly the rangers were. We will return! 
Reviewed by Ace on 4/5/2008 I had the distinct dis-pleasure of this park while hiking with a group of college aged students. The area is nice and is similar to the mountains, but the rangers leave a LOT to be desired. For one, they came out of the office one time, and personally I find their knowledge base lacking. The next trip we took was to Riverbend...what a change. The rangers were pleasant, knowledgable, and willing to take time with my students...It would be nice if the park attentants at Bakers Mtn would learn a thing or two from those at Riverbend. Seeing how both parks get the same amount of money, the last complaint is warrantless. I wonder how many of these posters have ulterior motives
Reviewed by April on 4/4/2008 A challenge but not to difficult. A very unfair dissplacement of funds between Bakers Mountain and Riverbend and sadly Bakers is on the loosing end. It's sad that Catawba County despises John and Frank so badly but they do the best they can with what little they have to work with. It's stil a favorite of mine because it is so convenient and the staff is so generous.
Reviewed by Debra L. on 3/3/2008 We hiked with a small group this Sunday and according to the ranger it was one of the best viewing days of the year. Ranger John Sutton pointed out numerous points of interest to dozens of park patrons . He not only shared his knowledge, but his food, water and even his binoculars. His kindness and professionalism is un-matched anywhere. I hope more people will take the time to enjoy Bakers Mountain before it dissappears to the "progress" of man. Debra L.
Reviewed by Carol on 2/4/2008 I had the pleasure rhis weekend to go with a group hike with park interpreter John Sutton. He did a great job pointing out the peeks in the Brushy and Blue Ridge mountain ranges. They have cleaned up some of the deadfall so one can view a full 180 degree area from Asbury Mtn. in Iredell County to the Craggy Mtns. and Mt Mitchell to the West. We also enjoyed the birds including the exceptional Redpoll. I admit that I was a little suprised to find such a knowledgeable, professional and generous ranger in a small county park. Carol
Reviewed by Mike T. on 11/23/2007 This is a very nice park with very professional staff. They inform you about what to watch and watch out for as you hike the trails. The trails are well marked and the ranger will plan a course for you based on your ability and time restraints. They have maps and directional arrows at every intersection and there are signs identifying the trees, flowers, mica mines and other points of interest. I am quite surprised that more people are not aware of this gem. Mike T. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||