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Bakers Mountain Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 789 Google reviews · Running trail in Hickory, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 4.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bakers Mountain Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Forested park offering 6 miles of hiking paths – easy to challenging.
What runners say about Bakers Mountain Park
“The trail is well-maintained, with clear markers and location information, making navigation easy.”
“There are a few hiking trails with a beautiful observatory at the top, from where we can see the beauty of Catawba county.”
I really liked this trail. Didn't hike the whole trail but made it to the top. This is a natural terrain trail can be a bit rugged in spots with roots and rocks, so if you have weak ankles stay on the paved trail which they also have as a small loop. This park also has a literacy walk, which I adore in any park.
I found this hiking destination on my way back to Charlotte from Hickory. Easy little hike with only a few moderate elevation changes and only a couple rugged terrain spots. Very doable for new hikers and kids/pets.
We took the Red Loop, which was definitely more difficult. I'm a little out of shape after this winter, so I had to rest at times to catch my breath on the steep inclines.
A beautiful hike. Enjoyed every bit of it. My heart rate was challenged, but doable. A great workout!I loved all the posts about different plants as they were easily recognizable. The Laurel is a beauty and in bloom at the moment!
Trail conditions & character
“Theres lots of shaded trails to explore, nice water feature (creek) nice view of mountains and various sitting areas on the trail.”
“Bring water, great for dogs, lots of benches and well marked trails!”
“I'm a little out of shape after this winter, so I had to rest at times to catch my breath on the steep inclines.”
“This is a natural terrain trail can be a bit rugged in spots with roots and rocks, so if you have weak ankles stay on the paved trail which they also have as a small loop.”
“A few covered picnic areas, the old school metal BBQ standing square grills, heated bathroom (always a plus) lots of places to rest along the trail.”
“The trail is well-maintained, with clear markers and location information, making navigation easy.”
“This is a natural terrain trail can be a bit rugged in spots with roots and rocks, so if you have weak ankles stay on the paved trail which they also have as a small loop.”
“Smaller parking lot but lots more of picnic tables and great for kids.”
Plan your run at Bakers Mountain Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance4.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecatawbacountync.gov
- Phone(828) 324-8461
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Hickory
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Hickory City Park
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