Dan Nicholas Park

Dan Nicholas Park is a large public recreation area in North Carolina offering diverse outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and horseback riding amid scenic natural settings.

1,000+
Acres Protected
15
Miles of Trails
Approx. 250,000
Annual Visitors
1965
Year Established

About Dan Nicholas Park

 

Dan Nicholas Park, located in Rowan County, North Carolina, spans over 1,000 acres and serves as a major recreational hub for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park combines natural beauty with numerous facilities, including walking and hiking trails, a small lake for fishing and paddle boating, picnic areas, playgrounds, and an equestrian center. Its geography features rolling hills, forested areas, and open fields, providing habitat for local wildlife such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various songbirds. Established to offer accessible green space near communities like Salisbury and Kannapolis, the park also includes a working farmstead that educates visitors on agricultural history and practices in the region. The park’s extensive multi-use trails are popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with specialized equestrian trails available. Seasonal events and programs, including fishing clinics and nature workshops, add to its appeal for visitors of all ages. Dan Nicholas Park is notable for its well-maintained facilities, family-friendly atmosphere, and opportunities to experience North Carolina’s Piedmont environment within a convenient urban-adjacent setting.

Highlights

Highlight

Fishing and boating on a stocked 40-acre lake

Highlight

Equestrian center with horse rentals and riding trails

Highlight

Reconstructed pioneer farmstead showcasing regional history

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Extensive multi-use trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding

Notable Natural Features

Dan Nicholas Park Lake

A 40-acre man-made lake stocked with fish for recreational angling and paddle boating.

Equestrian Center

Offers horse rentals, riding lessons, and over 4 miles of dedicated equestrian trails.

Pioneer Farmstead

A recreated historic farm featuring traditional farm buildings and demonstrations of 19th-century farming methods.