From the Mountains to the Lake, the geographic variety in our county offers residents and visitors a wealth of recreational opportunities. Enjoy a Sunday afternoon drive across the Brushy Mountains or a day of fishing, sailing and motor boating on the Catawba River or Lake Hickory.

Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area has a rich history dating back to the early 1900’s. The site was a former quarry operation which began in 1922 and operations ceased in the early 1940’s.

On May 25, 2012 Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area opened to the public. Today, the former rock quarry area includes a paved ADA walking track as well as picnic shelter, restrooms, and park office. The quarry area features a sheer cliff face which is attractive for qualified rock climbers.

Outside the quarry area, the park includes hiking trails of approximately five miles which will take hikers along the top of the quarry cliffs and to the mountain peak. The trail will also include various markers depicting some of the rare plants which are located at the park.

Our YMCA offers a wide range of activities for town residents including a health/wellness area with Nautilus and Cybex equipment. There is also an aerobic studio, child watch area and multipurpose room. Our YMCA helps individuals and families develop values and behaviors that are consistent with Christian principles and offers programs and services that provide the tools for building the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The Alexander County YMCA is a charitable organization and exists solely to benefit the residents of Alexander County. The YMCA provides programs and services for men, women and children regardless of age, race, economic status or religious belief. The YMCA is open Monday-Saturday.

The Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center's educational facility hosts a variety of concerts and cultural performances and offers a continuing series of learning opportunities for youth and adults. September of each year brings a flurry of excitement to the streets of Hiddenite for the Hiddenite Celebration, which is sponsored by the Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center. Crowds come from near and far to enjoy music, food, festivities and shopping. Local and area craftsmen enjoy demonstrating and selling their wares.

In addition, the public can also enjoy golf with two public golf courses inside the county. The Brushy Mountain Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course with year-round golfing, special tournaments, and exciting golfing events. The Links at Oliver's Landing is an 18-hole championship course that features rolling fairways, unique design characteristics, and undulating greens. Both Courses have a practice putting green, driving range, full-service pro shop, and PGA professionals on site to help with your golf game.

We also offer several campgrounds: Hiddenite Family Campground, Linney's Mill & Campground, Suncrest Water Park & Campground and Hickory Cove Bible Camp, a beautiful facility surrounded by Lake Hickory offering Christian camping retreats for all ages and providing programs for spiritual and physical growth.

The Emerald Hollow Gem Mine in Hiddenite is a favorite for rock hounds from throughout the nation. Precious stones and gems such as emeralds, sapphires, garnets, smoky quartz, tourmaline, clear quartz, aquamarine, sillimanite, monazite and rutile may be found at the mine.

The Alexander County Senior Center is a 4,000 square-foot facility available to promote an active lifestyle and many programs to enhance senior living.

Taylorsville is a close-knit family-oriented community that offers something for everyone.