Exploring Hickory with Anna Koby
Anna Koby
Parks Marketing Coordinator for Catawba County
Nestled within the Catawba River Basin is where you’ll find Hickory — a place where the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains transition into the softer, rolling hills of North Carolina’s Piedmont region. This unique geography shapes a landscape rich in biodiversity and outdoor opportunity, from the mixed hardwood forests of Bakers Mountain to the quiet coves and wetlands of Lake Hickory.
Whether you’re exploring by trail or blueway, catching a glimpse of a historic grist mill or the iconic Bunker Hill Covered Bridge can offer a window into the region’s commitment to preservation — one that extends to Hickory’s outdoor spaces as well. With community-led cleanups, native habitat restoration projects, and an ever-expanding trail network, Hickory continues to embrace a future of responsible recreation and environmental care.
As Parks Marketing Coordinator for Catawba County, Anna Koby is part of the team helping to share these stories and encourage others to experience the outdoors with curiosity, respect, and joy. We asked Anna to share her favorite parks, trails, and paddling spots — and how guests can help ensure these natural spaces remain healthy and welcoming for generations to come.
exploring Hickory, north carolina
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do in Hickory?
In my role as Catawba County’s parks marketing coordinator, I handle the communication, marketing, and community engagement efforts to drive awareness and use of the four parks that Catawba County operates for leisure and outdoor recreation. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, paddling, chasing waterfalls, climbing peaks, traveling the world, listening to live music, spending time with friends, photography, cooking and more.
What inspires you to do what you do?
I am fortunate to have a job that combines my skills in marketing with my passion for nature. My love for the great outdoors goes back to my childhood. Some of my happiest memories growing up in Poland have me in the woods, on the lake or by a campfire with my extended family. I want to share the beauty and peace of our natural world with others so they, too, can reap its benefits.
What makes the outdoor experiences you love in Hickory unique?
Many of the outdoor spaces in Catawba County are unique in and of themselves! For example, Bakers Mountain is the highest elevation point in the county, unique for its prominence, geology and habitat. And Hart Square Village is a one-of-a-kind open air museum with the nation’s largest collection of historic log cabins from the 18th and 19th centuries. That said, what I think makes this area special is the variety of experiences available. There is so much to do and so many activities to choose from around here — I’d say we really have something for all interests, skill levels, and abilities when it comes to outdoor fun.
Hart Square Village, near Hickory, NC
If you had a day to spend outdoors in Hickory, what must-see landmarks or attractions would you visit?
We’re so lucky to have so many wonderful places for outdoor recreation in and around Hickory. A few must-see spots that come to mind include Bakers Mountain Park, Hart Square Village, Mountain Creek Park, Lake Hickory or Lake Lookout Shoals, Murrays Mill, Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, the Riverwalk, and Hickory Motor Speedway — just to name a few!
Thinking about those must-see spots, how would you create the ideal day spent outdoors in Hickory?
An “ideal day outdoors” goes morning to night, in my opinion, so get ready for a full itinerary! Start with a hike up Bakers Mountain or a mountain bike ride at Mountain Creek Park. Then, relax and refuel with a meal al fresco. In the afternoon, explore the historic log structures at Hart Square Village and end your day with a sunset paddle on Lake Hickory or Lake Lookout Shoals. And if you can handle more, catch some live music outdoors downtown under The Sails, at The Hum or at City Walk Brewery.
Are there any lesser-known trails, parks or outdoor activities that you would recommend?
Murrays Mill in the town of Catawba, just a short drive from Hickory, is a hidden gem in my opinion. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, the 1913 gristmill with its 28-foot waterwheel sits along the banks of Balls Creek in a very picturesque setting. A two-mile loop hike will take guests around the placid pond above the mill, past the waterfall formed by the water spilling over the dam, onto the edge of scenic farmland and past a number of historic buildings. The 1890s Murray & Minges General Store awaits at the end of the hike to purchase local goods and enjoy a soda on the porch swing outside.
While in the area, be sure to also swing by the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, one of the only two remaining covered bridges in NC. It dates back to 1895 and was designated a National Civil Engineering Landmark in 2001.
Lake Hickory
Do you have any local food or dining recommendations that complement a day of outdoor adventure?
Start your day with coffee or a small breakfast at Tasteful Beans or a larger meal at the Frothy Rooster. For lunch, check out Hatch Sandwich Bar. For a casual dinner, you can’t go wrong with Olde Hickory Tap Room, or head to Duke’s Restaurant & Wine Bar for a more upscale dining experience.
What tips do you have for guests to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure here?
Plan and prepare for your outing ahead of time by checking the weather before you go, taking water and snacks, and wearing proper footwear and clothing. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Take lots of pictures, hike or bike at your own pace, and have fun!
People who are passionate about the outdoors like yourself are typically equally passionate about stewardship. Can you share an interesting fact about stewardship in Hickory that many might not know?
Preserving and caring for our natural resources is definitely something I am passionate about. I am super excited about our current work, under the direction of Catawba Lands Conservancy, to restore over 45 acres of native habitat at Catawba County’s Mountain Creek Park. This three-year project is focused on treating areas of high erosion and invasive vegetation to create the biodiverse, resilient forest endemic to the area to support indigenous flora and fauna, protect water quality, and create more aesthetically pleasing sights within the park.
Murray’s Mill, one of Hickory’s outdoor hidden gems.
Can you give us some background on how you approach stewardship and responsible recreation?
I advocate for and personally practice the principles of Outdoor NC Leave No Trace for responsible recreation outdoors. My goal is not only to leave it as I found it, but if possible, to also leave it better than it was! I take “pack it in, pack it out” a step further by removing any trash I come across, including any left behind by others. I plan ahead, come prepared, and strive to reduce any negative impact on the surroundings, and I also look for opportunities to help those I meet have the best experience possible.
How do you see the Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority contributing to stewardship of the outdoors?
The Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority is always promoting stewardship in its messaging, including within the tourism guide, website, newsletter and social media channels. That includes not only communicating the principles of Outdoor NC Leave No Trace, but also sharing and participating in opportunities to get involved.
Are there recent examples of local projects or initiatives aimed at preserving the natural beauty and resources of Hickory?
I love the story of the establishment of the Hickory Citizens Litter Project as a great example of a local initiative aimed at beautifying our community. Recognizing a need for more regular litter sweeps, a group of citizens came together to form a loosely organized group to meet on a weekly basis to pick up trash around town to supplement the work of larger community organizations, like Keep Catawba County Beautiful. The grassroots effort continues to grow and make a big impact.
How can guests contribute to these stewardship efforts during their stay or after they have visited?
Even the smallest act can have a big impact when it comes to stewardship. If you have the time and inclination to become part of a big group effort or organized event, great. But if not, don’t underestimate the effect you can make through simple, everyday actions such as reducing and picking up waste, recycling, being mindful of your water use, staying on trails, and limiting your area of disturbance outdoors. If you operate with a “leave it as you found it… or better” mentality, you will be making a positive impact on the preservation of our natural spaces.
How does the local culture and community influence the outdoor experiences in Hickory?
Hickory and the surrounding area has a large, active, and vibrant community of nature lovers that engage in and promote outdoor recreation. Thus, it’s easy to find information, ideas of things to do and like-minded folks to do them with. Likewise, the popularity of an outdoor-focused lifestyle here is supported by the local community through a presence of businesses, organizations, activities and events that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
Can you share any local festivals or events that highlight the connection between the community, stewardship and the outdoors?
One of my favorite local environmental stewardship events is the City of Hickory’s Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration, which takes place annually at the end of April. Now called Green Fest, the event distributes free potted trees, seed packets, giveaways, and information about protecting and preserving our natural environment.
What final advice or message would you like to share with guests coming to explore Hickory?
Hickory is a wonderful place to visit. It’s a respite from the hustle and bustle but offers the variety you’d expect to find in a bigger city. It’s beautiful here, and everything is served with a dose of Southern hospitality. You’re guaranteed to find lots to do, and a weekend may not be enough to experience it all! As you explore, remember that even small, everyday actions — like picking up litter and giving plenty of space to wildlife — can help keep these natural spaces thriving. Stewardship is something we all share, and it starts with how we show up outdoors.
How can people stay in the loop about seasonal outdoor experiences, upcoming events or stewardship initiatives in Hickory?
Social media — look for us at @VisitHickoryNC — is the best source for up-to-date information on events and happenings around the area. Additionally, check the event calendar along with the blog, Visitor’s Guide and newsletter published on our website for more ideas and all the scoop on what the Hickory area has to offer.
*Published 7/1/2025
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