Rowan County is home to an original mix of outdoor spaces that range from destination parks and scenic overlooks to neighborhood playgrounds, greenways, splash pads, and historic recreation areas. Whether you're planning a full day outdoors or looking for a quick place to unwind, these parks offer something for every pace and interest.
Destination Parks Worth the Drive
If you're looking for outdoor destinations that offer more than just a playground or walking trail, these parks deliver some of Rowan County’s most memorable experiences. From lakeside recreation and mountain views to historic sites and family attractions, these are parks worth building a full day around.
Photo taken at Dan Nicholas Park.
Dan Nicholas Park
Dan Nicholas Park is a 425-acre destination in Salisbury offering one of Rowan County’s most complete outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy a 10-acre lake for paddle boating and fishing, playgrounds, picnic shelters, miniature golf, gem mining, a carousel, aquarium, and the Rowan Wildlife Adventures nature center. The park also features a seasonal water plaza and a 70-site campground, with free admission and small fees for select activities.
Dunn's Mountain Park
Dunn’s Mountain Park is an 83-acre scenic overlook and nature escape offering some of the best views in Rowan County. Visitors can hike wooded trails, enjoy birdwatching, and take in panoramic views from one of the county’s highest elevations. The park also features a historic blacksmith shed, restrooms, and long-range binoculars for scenic viewing.
Lake Corriher Wilderness Park
Lake Corriher Wilderness Park features two lakes surrounded by more than five miles of hiking trails, making it a top destination for outdoor adventure. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddle boating, disc golf, camping, and cabin rentals, along with picnic areas and a playground. A general store on-site offers supplies, bait, and fishing licenses for added convenience.
Salisbury City Park & Recreation Center
Salisbury City Park & Recreation Center is a 41-acre community hub near downtown featuring a scenic lake, playgrounds, picnic shelters, tennis and pickleball courts, and a modern recreation center. Visitors can enjoy waterfront walking, active recreation, or the Patriots Flag Concourse and Memorial in a versatile park setting.
Sloan Park
Sloan Park spans 100 acres in western Rowan County and blends outdoor recreation with local history. The park is home to the historic Kerr Mill and offers three miles of trails, fishing, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and sports areas including baseball, softball, and volleyball. It’s a mix of open green space, recreation, and cultural heritage.
Parks for Families & Playgrounds
These parks are perfect for play, picnics, and easy outdoor fun for all ages.
Photo taken at Bell Tower Green.
Village Park: Village Park in nearby Kannapolis features a double-decker carousel, playground, splash pad, walking trail, picnic shelters, and the Rotary Express train. The park also includes an amphitheater and hosts free summer events like concerts, movies, and live performances.
Granite Lake Park: Granite Lake Park in Granite Quarry offers a playground, walking trails, picnic shelter, gazebo, and a small lake with fishing piers. The park also connects to Centennial Park and hosts seasonal community events.
Bell Tower Green: Located in Downtown Salisbury, Bell Tower Green features open lawns, a playground, splash pad, amphitheater, and year-round community events. It’s a walkable downtown gathering space designed for families and festivals.
Nature Parks, Trails & Scenic Views
Rowan County’s natural areas offer everything from quiet forest walks to lake overlooks and paved greenways.
Photo taken at Eagle Point Nature Preserve.
Eagle Point Nature Preserve: Eagle Point Nature Preserve is a 200-acre High Rock Lake area with over three miles of trails, scenic overlooks, and wildlife viewing. Visitors may see eagles, herons, deer, and other native wildlife along forested loops and shoreline access points.
Fred and Alice Stanback Educational Forest: Known as Spencer Woods, this 100-acre forest features 2.5 miles of hiking trails, shaded paths, a small pond, and wooden shelters in a quiet, protected natural setting.
Gold Hill Mines Historic Park: This 70-acre park blends outdoor recreation with gold rush history, offering trails, open space, sports fields, and picnic areas in one of North Carolina’s most historic mining sites.
Hurley Park: Hurley Park is an 18-acre botanical garden-style park featuring woodlands, streams, and curated gardens with magnolias, azaleas, and seasonal blooms, along with bridges, gazebos, and walking paths.
Kannapolis Greenways: Kannapolis Greenways connect parks and neighborhoods through a network of paved walking and biking trails, including Bakers Creek and 8th Street Greenways, ideal for casual recreation and commuting.
Salisbury Greenway: The Salisbury Greenway is a 4.1-mile system of connected trails linking parks and neighborhoods across the city, offering a convenient way to walk or bike between recreation areas.
Splash Pads & Water Fun
Cool off and enjoy family-friendly water play across Rowan County’s parks and recreation spaces.
Photo taken at the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Splash Pad at Atrium Health Ballpark.
Bell Tower Green: This Downtown Salisbury park includes an interactive splash pad, playground, and amphitheater, making it a central gathering space for cooling off and enjoying events.
Dan Nicholas Park: Dan Nicholas Park features the Hurley Family Water Plaza along with paddle boating, playgrounds, miniature golf, and other attractions, making it a full-day summer destination.
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Splash Pad: Atrium Health Ballpark offers a public splash pad and playground even on non-game days, along with walking access around the concourse and food options.
Royal Giants Park: Royal Giants Park in East Spencer includes a splash pad, ballfields, picnic areas, and greenway access in a community-focused recreation space.
Village Park: Village Park in Kannapolis features a popular splash pad alongside a double-decker carousel, playground, walking trail, picnic shelters, and the Rotary Express train.
Sports & Recreation Parks
These parks are designed for active recreation, organized sports, and community facilities.
Baker's Creek Park: A 40-acre active park in nearby Kannapolis featuring pickleball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, softball fields, playgrounds, shelters, and greenway access.
Ellis Park: A 26-acre recreation hub with ball fields, disc golf, tennis courts, bocce courts, trails, a fully accessible playground, and an event center with an arena.
JC Optimist Sports Complex: This 17.8-acre park includes lighted baseball fields, basketball courts, walking trails, playgrounds, fitness equipment, and picnic areas.
Kelsey Scott Park: A 21.7-acre park connected to the Salisbury Greenway featuring a softball field, playground, basketball courts, picnic shelter, and disc golf course.
Salisbury Community Park & Athletic Complex: A 300+ acre recreation area with multiple sports fields, playgrounds, a lake, and more than 10 miles of walking, hiking, and mountain biking trails.
Neighborhood Parks & Local Favorites
These community parks offer playgrounds, open space, and local outdoor access throughout Rowan County:
- Centennial Park
- Community Memorial Park
- Granite Civic Park
- Rockwell Park
- Spencer Town Park
- Town of Cleveland Park & Walking Trail
- Veterans Park
- Westhaven Park
- Woodleaf Park
Plan Your Stay in Rowan County
Turn your park day into a weekend getaway with our Overnight Stay & Play Package, offering 50% back on qualifying hotel stays as a VISA e-Gift Card. It’s an easy way to explore more of the county while getting rewarded for your overnight visit. Plug your dates into the widget below and claim your offer!