Lake Hickory is one of the most beautiful lakes in the foothills of North Carolina. It is located just north of its namesake city and is surrounded by gorgeous mountains and forests that provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

 

The lake boasts 4,000 acres of water surface and features over 100 miles of shoreline. With 16 access areas, Lake Hickory has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, thanks to its picturesque scenery, fantastic weather, and recreational amenities.

 

Suppose you are planning a trip to Lake Hickory or are considering moving there permanently. In that case, you'll want to know what activities are available at this beautiful lake. If you're not familiar with Lake Hickory yet, here are our top four activities you should check out!

Nestled in the Catawba Valley, Lake Hickory Adventures is a dining experience like no other. This one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive aquatic adventure offers various public dinner cruises and private charters, including weddings and holiday parties.

 

The gorgeous 40-foot catamaran serves 350,000 locals and tourists and plays melodious tunes as guests enjoy deliciously themed dishes. Live entertainment against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Hickory is perfect for any special occasion. Public cruises last around two hours and include a buffet and drinks. Groups up to 50 are welcome for privately held celebrations.

 

Holiday cruises are justifiably popular. Lake Hickory Adventures provides several holiday-inspired menus and experiences for celebrations like Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Christmas, and many more. The demand rarely subsides, so booking in advance is highly encouraged.

Geitner-Rotary Park is a charming waterfront park flanking Lake Hickory. This quiet park is part of the Lake Hickory Recreation Area, which includes several public boat ramps, fishing piers, picnic shelters, and restrooms.

 

There are plenty of things to do around Geitner-Rotary Park. First, visitors can stroll down the paved three-mile nature trail that runs through the park's center. There are also several benches along this trail for resting and enjoying the scenery. If you would like to get in some exercise while you are at it, you can rent a bike from one of the nearby businesses or bring your own bike along on your walk. Bikers can enjoy a two-mile beginner loop, a four-mile intermediate trail, a jump line for seasoned rides, and a pump track for all skill levels.

 

Geitner-Rotary Park is a great place to set up for fishing in Lake Hickory. Bass and bluegill are swimming around, waiting to be caught. Guests can also make good use of the boat launches and enjoy boating on this lake during certain seasons. Plenty of rental companies offer boats for use on Lake Hickory year-round.

Check out this exhilarating adventure course designed for summer fun for all. Treetop Adventures features adrenaline-inducing activities such as suspended rope bridges, ziplines, tightropes, dancing logs, suspended disks, and more. The sky-high experience also features a rock-climbing offering several difficulty levels.

 

Treetop Adventures has become so popular that it now hosts an annual 5-Day Adventure Camp for the youth during the summer. The main courses include the Treetop Challenge, the Children’s Challenge, and the Ultimate Challenge. The safely-designed courses are open to guests aged five and up starting in late spring and through the summer and close for the winter and fall. Ziplines fly right over Lake Hickory, giving you some of the best views of the pristine area.

 

Looking to bond with coworkers? Besides courses and camps, Treetop Adventures also offers teambuilding activities to deepen the trust among staff and team members. Holding to their mission statement, Treetop Adventures creatively crafted teambuilding experience brings ultimate value to the people in surrounding Lake Hickory organizations and beyond.

If you are looking for something more spooky, check out  Lake Hickory Haunts. Several publications praise the uniquely themed haunted park as one of the scariest haunted events in the Carolinas and the nation. From mid-September through early November, Lake Hickory’s shoreline is fitted with 13 scary attractions. Attractions include chilling immersive events, heart-pounding special effects, and perfectly-timed jumpscares. Each year the staff works to improve on the previous year’s design.

 

Once guests have their tickets and map in hand, the thrilling experience begins. The dimly lit path leads to the famous Overlook, which gives guests a panoramic view of Lake Hickory Haunts attractions and lake. As guests shuffle past Overlook, they make their way to the Midway of Mayhem. Instead of waiting in a long, boring line for their turn, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, a DJ, celebrity guests, and freak shows to stay entertained. The Midway also features carnival games, photo booths, fire pits, and even a mini-escape room of horror. This area is such a popular extension of Lake Hickory Haunts that people stay for hours after their tour. 

 

Main attractions are updated constantly with new and improved spooky experiences. The tour is only 45 minutes, but it is not for the faint of heart. As guests make their way through the tour, they will experience indoor and outdoor sets and even attractions that force them to walk on water and underground. If you’re looking for something unique this Halloween season, this event should definitely be on your list!

 

Lake Hickory is just as much a place to relax and enjoy the view as it is a playground for adventure. And with all of this activity, it is no wonder why so many people love spending time on the water. It is a great way to get some exercise, take in some beautiful scenery, and wind down after a long week. If you are looking for a destination that offers a little something for everyone, Lake Hickory is the place to visit.

 

No matter what kind of home you're looking for, Joan Killian Everett can help. She is one of the top realtors in Hickory, North Carolina. She knows all about the area's history, local quirks, and market temperament that makes the city one-of-one. Contact The Joan Killian Everett Company today if you want to learn more about Hickory real estate!