GO SOMEWHERE.
Off-leash dog parks, leashed trails, hours and maps. Pick the amount of woodland, tiny-dog segregation and driving you can tolerate.
Hickory Optimist Park Dog Park
751 2nd Ave SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Improved dog park areas opened in July 2026. Separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, dog-friendly water fountains, shelters and waste stations.
St. Stephens Park Dog Park
2247 36th Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601
828-256-9157
One-acre fenced off-leash park with a separate area for dogs under 30 lb. Leashed dogs are allowed on trails.
Riverbend Park Dog Park
6700 N NC Hwy 16, Conover, NC 28613
828-256-9157
One-acre wooded and grassy dog park. Leashed dogs are welcome on park trails.
Mountain Creek Park Dog Park
6554 Little Mountain Rd, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
828-465-9645
1.6-acre mostly wooded dog park with an any-dog area and a separate small-dog area, plus extensive trails.
BEFORE YOU GO.
County Dog Park Passes
Catawba County requires passes for its dog parks and proof of vaccination. Check the current fee and application before visiting.
CURRENT RULESLeashed Trail Walking
County parks welcome leashed dogs on trails outside fenced dog-park areas. Bring water and bags and keep an eye on heat and ticks.
Human Rule
Watch your dog instead of your phone. Interrupt bullying. Pick up poop. Leave if your dog is overwhelmed. Astonishingly effective.
St. Stephens Park
Local park overview hosted on YouTube. The creator/channel attribution is shown directly in the embedded YouTube player.