Grand Opening of Riverwalk Set for April 4!

Get ready to celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of the Riverwalk along Lake Hickory! The City of Hickory cordially invites everyone to join in the excitement as we cut the ribbon on this fantastic addition to the Hickory Trail on Thursday, April 4, at 10:30 a.m.

Location? The Riverwalk's overwater bridge and west trailhead await your presence at the end of Old Lenoir Road. Limited parking will be available onsite, but don't worry—we've got overflow parking sorted at Jaycee Park (P.D. Fowler Field) on 15th Avenue NW and Hickory City Park, complete with shuttle service to whisk you to the ceremony. And yes, there will be light refreshments!

The Riverwalk is more than just a trail; it's a showcase of Hickory's natural beauty, offering stunning views of the Catawba River and Lake Hickory. With its overwater bridge and a mix of waterfront and wooded paths, visitors can soak in the scenic surroundings from various vantage points.

But that's not all! The Riverwalk seamlessly connects to existing and upcoming attractions, including the Geitner Trail greenway, the Boy Scout Cabin at Rotary-Geitner Park, the Lake Hickory Trails for mountain biking enthusiasts, and future parks like the Deidra Lackey Memorial Park and OLLE Art Walk. Plus, there's exciting news about a pedestrian bridge in the works across Lake Hickory to Caldwell County!

In collaboration with the City of Hickory, the Robert Lackey family is transforming Rotary-Geitner Park into the breathtaking Deidra Lackey Memorial Park, complete with a Lake House, conservatory, gardens, trails, and more waterfront amenities for everyone to enjoy.

And let's not forget about the North Carolina Department of Transportation's plans to repurpose the current northbound bridge on U.S. 321 for pedestrian use, enhancing accessibility to the Riverwalk and beyond.

Hickory Mayor Hank Guess expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We’re excited to open the much anticipated Riverwalk. With its innovative design and stunning views, the Riverwalk is poised to become a regional gem and a driving force behind economic growth in Hickory."

Designed by acclaimed architect Miguel Rosales, the Riverwalk’s overwater bridge stands as the longest inverted Fink truss bridge in North America. Rosales noted, "The crossing over Lake Hickory includes an overlook with seating, aesthetic lighting, and a color scheme that harmonizes with the natural surroundings."

The Riverwalk marks the completion of the second segment of the Hickory Trail, a visionary project spanning over 10 miles and aimed at enhancing the city's livability and economic vitality.

Excited to learn more? Visit www.hkytrail.com for all the details on the Riverwalk segment and the entire Hickory Trail project.