Oak Hill Community Park and Forest is a free public resource for the citizens of Burke County, NC, and beyond, meant to develop and support opportunities for outdoor recreation by building and maintaining trails and promoting responsible trail use, while also engaging natural resource protection and restoration.

Oak Hill Community Park and Forest will be a destination-quality regional park that provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, nature-based education, forest restoration and stewardship, archeological and historical exploration, and agriculture.

Open Daily. Park gates automatically open at 5:30 a.m., and automatically close at 7:30 p.m.

FCNC maintains the right to close the park for hazardous/severe weather, private events, maintenance / management, or for any other reason. Trails may be closed due to weather or trail maintenance and work. Trail closures will be announced to the public through FCNC’s social media outlets and website.

820 NC 126

Morganton, NC 28655

The entrance to the park is approximately 1.5 miles west/northwest of the intersection between Independence Boulevard and NC Highway 126.

Oak Hill Community Park and Forest is owned and operated by Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina.

The park will be open daily from dawn to dusk. Automatic gate opening and closure may fluctuate with changes in daylight.

The park is closed during periods of hazardous weather to protect recreational and natural resources.

Park vehicles in designated areas only. No parking along the park access road. No overnight parking or camping.

Park trails are designed for use by hikers and bikers. Trails shall only be used for their designated purpose.

Trail users should remain only on designated trails. Trail users shall not stray from designated trails or go onto any adjacent private properties.

Trail users should abide by all posted trail closures that will be determined by park management.

Hiking is allowed on all trails. Carry route maps and be familiar with relevant park information. Be aware and respectful of other trail users.

Biking is allowed on specific trails. Carry route maps and be familiar with relevant park information. Ensure you wear proper bicycle safety equipment. Obey all trail rules, observe stop signs and speed limits. Pay attention to vehicle traffic and other users of the trails.

Electric bicycles (E-bikes) are allowed in the park.

Use of motorized vehicles (motorcycles, ATV’s, etc.) on pedestrian and bike trails is prohibited unless for maintenance or emergency service access.

No trails shall be repaired or constructed without authorization and approval from Foothills Conservancy of NC.

Park users may walk or bike the gravel roads, but vehicular use is prohibited.

Access on unimproved roads / old logging roads is not permitted.

Do not block gates.

Littering is illegal. Pick up and remove your own trash (and a little extra!). Burying trash is prohibited.

No fires shall be built except as designated and under the direction of the park management.

No alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or smoking / vaping.

Firearms and other weapons are prohibited except for individuals with a proper permit for a concealed handgun. Discharging of firearms is prohibited.

Fireworks, cap pistols, air guns, bow and arrows, slingshots and lethal projectiles or missiles of any kind are prohibited.

Hunting or trapping of any animal is prohibited on park property.