This is a natural park. There are no restrooms, no paved parking lot. But, it is beautiful! There are 4-5 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, you can fish from the bank, picnic at the tables and enjoy the views. Park is open dawn until dusk for you to explore at your own risk.
How to get to Valdese Lakeside Park
- From Main St, Valdese
- Take Laurel St North
- Turn right on Lovelady Road
- Turn left on Lake Rhodhiss Dr.
- Go 1 mile to the end of the road
- Park in grassy field to left before Waste Water Treatment Plant gate (shown in pic) – 2100 Lake Rhodhiss Dr, Valdese, NC 28690
After parking, in the grassy field, enter the park (by foot or bicycle) through the swing gate. The park is open Dawn to Dusk for you to explore at your own risk. The gate is always closed to keep out motorized vehicles – foot traffic and bicycle traffic is allowed. This starts you on the Greenway Trail.
Check the Info Box at the swing gate for a trail map or access your own with these links —
The signs say “future park” because right now the park is maintained by Friends of the Valdese Rec. The land (owned by the Town of Valdese) is open to the public, but it is not manned or monitored – thus, explore at your own risk. Donations are being accepted to match grants for parking, restrooms and other amenities. See the Plan:
The property is located off Lovelady Road – between Draughn HS & McGalliard Falls. The land was purchased with grants and donations from the CWMTF, PARTF, the Rostan Family Foundation and Kellex Seating.
More details of trails
Meditation Point/Table Rock View – .54 miles – follow chain link fence – a little steep up the hills.
Along lake/creek “future greenway” – 2.74 miles – enter at gate, walk to large white pipe and back.
Greenway/Creek Loop – 2.24 miles – enter at gate, down greenway, turn left at culvert, left where creek narrows, left at power lines, left at rock road, right at lake.
Gate to Gate Loop with Road – .67 miles – enter at gate, go left, left, come out different gate, walk back up road.