The sprawling Glenn C. Hilton Jr. Park combines open spaces, wooded areas and a waterside boardwalk with playgrounds, 24 holes of disc golf and picnic shelters to offer a broad selection of outdoor recreation. It is a perfect destination for adventures with family and friends, gatherings of groups or quiet walks in the woods.
Parking and public transportation
Ample free parking is available, including handicapped-reserved spaces situated near park amenities. Be aware that on good weather weekends, the 50-60-space parking areas fill up and limit park access. The park is best accessible by car.
Best and worst time to go to Glenn Hilton Park
The park is open year-round during daylight hours, but spring and early fall are optimal seasons for a visit. Weekend crowds are smaller during these times. Spring offers opportunity to enjoy the park's memorial gardens in bloom, while the fall season colors the tree canopy above Glenn Hilton's dirt and paved paths through the woods.
Admission
Admission to the park is free, and there is no charge for the 24-hole disc golf course. Picnic shelters can be reserved December 1 through April 1 ($30-$70), but other times the shelters are first-come, first-served for no charge.
Must see/do at Glenn Hilton Park
Take the boardwalk loop along the streamside — and duck food vending offers a chance to feed the park's year-round resident waterfowl. Binoculars are a must-have for bird-watchers. Bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy in the open grassy spaces, on a table at the waterside or under a shelter near playground areas. Don't forget the discs if you want to play a round on one of the region's best disc golf courses.
Other places to visit near Glenn Hilton Park
Glenn Hilton Park is one park along a 1.4-mile greenway of paved sidewalks and trails that connect Geitner Rotary Park, Hickory City Park and Jaycee Park. Visitors can easily access these additional parks by foot, bike or car.
Insider tip for visitors to Glenn Hilton Park
While creeks and streams around the park are open to fishing, they aren't appropriate for swimming. A canoe launch opens the area to paddlers. Children with wading shoes and swimsuits enjoy playing in shallow waters winding alongside some playground areas. Near the southernmost end of the park, visitors can access terrific rock islands along Horseford Creek — a perfect place for skipping stones.
Author's bio: Michael Willard is a 13-year resident of the Hickory, N.C., Metro, where he contributes to local, regional and statewide print and broadcast media. He enjoys discovering outdoor adventures with his family and attending live sporting events.