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Lake Hickory Riverwalk
4.6 ★★★★★ 141 Google reviews · Running trail in Hickory, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Hickory Riverwalk'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.
What runners say about Lake Hickory Riverwalk
“Scenic clean walkway with elevation changes.”
“Was so impressed with how beautiful the park was and the Riverside bridge and trail that you could walk alongside and view the water.”
“The trail is well marked with lighting.”
The Lake Hickory Riverwalk offers a nice afternoon walk, overlooking Lake Hickory. The trail is well marked with lighting. Can't say enough of the lake views on a sunny day. The trail is sloped but not steep. It is partially on planks and a paved service road.
My wife and I took two of our get to the new Lake Hickory Riverwalk which opened on April 4, 2024. This walkway showcases one of Hickory’s most beautiful, natural assets – the Catawba River.
Great walking path and super new. Varied path environments (forest / river/lake views/roadside). Can be tricky to navigate once ‘in it’ for non regulars (more trail marking an along the way could help), but nothing too dramatic if you stay on the paved / raised walking paths.
It’s a nice place to walk. We were a little disappointed that the trail isn’t actually beside the river (we only walked a small portion so this may not be true for the entire walk). It was still really nice. Lots of families and individuals were there and it felt very safe.
Trail conditions & character
“Was so impressed with how beautiful the park was and the Riverside bridge and trail that you could walk alongside and view the water.”
“Nice trail, but no restrooms at this trailhead.”
“Can be tricky to navigate once ‘in it’ for non regulars (more trail marking an along the way could help), but nothing too dramatic if you stay on the paved / raised walking paths.”
Plan your run at Lake Hickory Riverwalk
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
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitehickorync.gov
- Phone+1 828-323-7400
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–9 pm |
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