Martha Rivers Park
Rate this placeNearby: Gaston County Park Lineberger Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Martha Rivers Park is a popular recreational area located in the state of North Carolina.
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Summary
The park offers a range of activities for visitors, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and boating. One of the park's main attractions is its picturesque lake, which is surrounded by lush forests and scenic walking trails. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of sports facilities, including basketball and volleyball courts, as well as a playground for children.
One of the most interesting facts about Martha Rivers Park is that it was once the site of a historic grist mill, which has now been restored and is open to visitors. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.
The best time of year to visit Martha Rivers Park depends on personal preferences, as the park offers a different experience during each season. In the summer months, visitors can enjoy swimming and water sports in the lake, while the autumn months offer stunning fall foliage and cooler temperatures. Winter visitors can enjoy ice skating on the lake, while spring brings a burst of colorful wildflowers and migratory bird species.
Overall, Martha Rivers Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts in North Carolina, offering a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Kings Mountain State Park
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Hounds Gateway Campground
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McDowell Nature Preserve
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Gaston County Park
Lineberger Park
Sims Legion Park
New Hope Recreation Area
Jeffers Community Center