One of the reasons we moved to the Hickory area was its proximity to beautiful green spaces. Don’t get me wrong — there are some green areas back in Northeastern North Carolina. But not as many as here. In fact, the 2025-2030 NC Outdoor Recreation Plan from NC State Parks highlights how access to trails and parks in parts of the state has lagged, and how efforts are underway to improve it.
Here, we’re lucky. From sprawling state parks to hidden local gems, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had. This year, I’m making it a goal to explore more of them with my family.
Spending time in nature has a way of resetting both kids and adults. A simple hike can mean fresh air, a break from screens, and the chance to slow down for a while.
For adults, it’s often one of the easiest ways to clear your mind and relieve stress. While kids get the freedom to explore, climb, and ask a million questions about the world around them.
Whether it’s a short walk on a local trail or a longer hike through the mountains, time outside almost always leaves everyone feeling a little calmer and a lot more connected.
Local Hiking Spots Worth Exploring
- South Mountains State Park – Just a short drive from Hickory, this park is perfect for families who want a variety of trail lengths and difficulty levels. The views from High Shoals Falls are breathtaking, and it’s a great spot for introducing kids to longer hikes. Sadly, the entirety of High Shoals Falls Loop is still closed from Hurricane Helene – but maybe it’ll reopen soon!
- Lake James State Park – With both lakefront trails and forested paths, Lake James is versatile. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. The kids will love stopping at the beach area for a snack or a quick dip. While you usually have to pay to swim at the beach, there’s some great little hidden shoreline spots perfect for splashing.
- Baker’s Mountain Park – This local gem is great for a quick outing. I love that we can do a loop in under an hour and still feel like we’ve “gone on an adventure.” The trail offers little climbs that make the kids feel like real explorers. The view at the top is also a perfect photo moment.
- Valdese Lakeside Park – This is a great spot for an easy afternoon hike or nature walk. Their storybook trail is a favorite with my kids!
- Tuttle Education State Forest – This place is special to us. It’s the first spot we explored when we considered moving to the area AND it’s where we got married a few months later. It was closed for a time after Hurricane Helene, so we were happy to be able to explore it again when it opened. The “talking trees” trail is our favorite.
Tips for Hiking with Kids
Hiking with little ones can be tricky, but it’s all about preparation and mindset:
- Keep it short and sweet – Start with shorter trails and work your way up to longer ones. Kids (and adults!) enjoy it more when it doesn’t feel like a marathon. Even a 20-minute walk can feel like a grand adventure to kids. When we first started hiking, our goal was 3-miles. But that was when my oldest son could be in a carrier – and our youngest wasn’t born yet. Now, with two young children, our goal has shifted somewhat!
- Pack essentials – Snacks, water, sunscreen, bug spray, and a first aid kit are non-negotiable. I like to let the kids carry a lightweight backpack with their water bottle — it makes them feel involved. I purchased this backpack for my oldest son and it’s worked out well. We’ve been ironing on some of his collected patches as well to customize it!
- Engage their senses – Play I-spy with plants and wildlife, or encourage them to spot certain shapes in rocks or tree bark. Even just picking up a stick and pretending to swordfight makes it magical.
- Be flexible – It’s okay to stop often, skip a trail loop, or turn around early. The goal is making hiking enjoyable, not exhausting. We’ve changed our plans many times mid-hike to avoid having our little ones crash out on us.
Gear to Bring on Every Hike
Even a short hike goes smoother with the right gear:
- Comfortable shoes
- Lightweight backpack
- Small first aid kit (I love this small, all-purpose kit from Breakwater Supply. It’s super convenient to keep in your car or in your hiking bag – we also have one of their larger kits for our boat)
- Quick snacks and reusable water bottles (Having snacks is great for keeping morale high on hikes. We like granola bars, fruit, fruit snacks, apple sauce pouches, nuts, etc. — sometimes, we’ll bring some little snacks with us and have something larger waiting for us in the car when we get back)
Where to Buy Local Gear
If you’re local to the Hickory area, here are a few places to check out:
- Foothills Gear Garage – Located in Morganton, Foothills Gear Garage features an excellent selection of new, and used, hiking shoes, apparel, and outdoor accessories. They take seasonal-items on consignment, so even if you are looking for some bigger items (like tents), try checking here first!
- Fleet Feet Hickory – Their mission is “to help you find the right ”FIT” in every facet of your active lifestyle”, and while this shop is mostly geared towards runners – having a quality pair of shoes for each member of your family cannot be discounted.
- Outdoor Supply Company – Established in 1984, this Hickory gem has been serving the community for decades. The shop carries a wide range of gear for hiking, camping, backpacking, and travel, making it a great stop for anyone planning their next outdoor adventure. They also maintain a solid selection of kayaks and canoes, perfect for those looking to explore local lakes and waterways.
Where’s your favorite local spot to shop for outdoor gear? Or better yet, where do you like to go to get your nature fix?
Exploring these local trails is becoming a new family tradition for us, and I’m excited to see where the year takes us. Whether it’s a half-day hike at Baker’s Mountain or a full adventure at Lake James, there’s a trail for every level of hiker — and every kid who’s ready to explore.