The Riverwalk in Hickory, North Carolina provides a path accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists, those pushing strollers, and wheelchair-users along and above Lake Hickory, which is part of the Catawba River Chain of Lakes.
The Riverwalk consists of a paved greenway and overland and overwater bridges. All are wheelchair and stroller accessible. There is some incline you’ll have to handle.
The City of Hickory celebrated the Riverwalk’s grand opening on April 4, 2024. The Riverwalk’s overwater bridge is unique, as it provides visitors a way to walk directly above Lake Hickory, which is part of the Catawba River Chain of Lakes.
Check out this list of 50+ walks and hikes near Charlotte!
The Riverwalk is about 59 miles from Charlotte, is well worth the visit, especially if you combine it with breakfast or lunch in Hickory. Hickory’s Hart & Soul Cafe, at 25 4th Street SW, Hickory, NC, is an excellent choice.
The Riverwalk is approximately 2.3 miles long, of which .1 mile is overwater.
It’s free to visit The Riverwalk. It’s open whenever the Rotary-Geitner Park.
There are several places to park to gain entry to the Riverwalk, but if you park at Rotary-Geitner Park, 2024 12th Street Drive NW, Hickory, NC, the trails, overland and overwater bridges add up to just about exactly one mile each way. There are portable restrooms at Rotary-Geitner Park.
Where to Park for Hickory’s Riverwalk
There are multiple places to park to access the Riverwalk:
Rotary-Geitner Park
2035 12th St Dr NW, Hickory, NC 28601
Leads to the trails and overland and overwater bridges.
Hickory City Park
1581 12th St Dr NW, Hickory, NC 28601
Enter the Lake Hickory Trails system, and continue to the paved greenway and the overland and overwater bridges.
Riverwalk overwater bridge trailhead at the end of Old Lenoir Road
1580 Old Lenoir Rd NW, Hickory, NC 28601
Park here for the shortest distance to the overwater bridge.
Jaycee Park
1250 15th Ave NW, Hickory, NC 28601
home of P.D. Fowler Field
Walk down Old Lenoir Road to the Riverwalk bridge trailhead.
The Riverwalk Rules
No fishing, swimming or diving from the overwater bridge. There is a fishing pier at Rotary-Geitner Park, however.
Also, no alcohol or tobacco products, no metal detecting and no littering allowed. Pets must be leashed, and you must clean up after them.
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