Baker Mountain located just southwest of Hickory is considered part of the South Mountains. Although it tops out at 1755' the park's trail does not go all the way to the top. A cellular/communication tower sits atop the peak and is closed to the public. This observation deck is located at the end of the hiking trail.
The views are to the north. Grandfather and Tablerock were the easiest to identify. I have not seen this view of the Catawba River Valley before. A broad flat land is situated between South Mountains and the Blue Ridge. I counted 9 water towers in the Hickory area. I tried but could not make out the Uwharries nor Sauratowns.
Baker Mountain Park is part of the Catawba county parks system. They have 4.5 miles of trails on 189 acres. The main loop trail to the top and back is 2.8 miles. All the other trails interconnect with that loop trail.
The park has a lot of Mountain laurel and some Rhododendron. Chestnut oaks dominate the forest.
This chimney is the remnant of a 1917 hunting cabin. It appears to have been a tiny one.
The magical Sourwoods
On my way to Black Mountain, this was the perfect stopover for a vigorous hike.
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