280 North Main Street
(828) 689-2301
Parks & Recreation
690 Park Drive, Mars Hill NC
Park Hours: Daylight to Dusk
Park Shelter Reservations: 828-689-2301
The Town of Mars Hill operates a variety of recreation experiences at its Recreation Park just 2 miles off of Hwy 213 at 690 Park Drive, including tennis/pickleball courts, a ball field, outdoor basketball courts, a children's playground, and a large swimming pool. The Park also has picnic facilities adjacent to the pool and playground that is ideal for birthday parties and small gatherings. Reservations for facilities should be made in advance at Town Hall: 828-689-2301.
POOL
Pool Phone: (828) 689-5005
Park Hours: Daylight to Dusk
Park Shelter Reservations: 828-689-2301
The Town of Mars Hill operates a variety of recreation experiences at its Recreation Park just 2 miles off of Hwy 213 at 690 Park Drive, including tennis/pickleball courts, a ball field, outdoor basketball courts, a children's playground, and a large swimming pool. The Park also has picnic facilities adjacent to the pool and playground that is ideal for birthday parties and small gatherings. Reservations for facilities should be made in advance at Town Hall: 828-689-2301.
POOL
Pool Phone: (828) 689-5005
Pool Hours: Sunday: 1 to 5 PM | Monday - Saturday: Noon to 5
Pool Admission: $5.00 per person over age 5
The Mars Hill Recreation Park Pool is open daily May 23, 2026, through August 15, 2026, subject to staffing and weather conditions. The pool is managed under contract with Swim Club Management Group (SCMG). Pool passes will be available for purchase at the pool during regular operating hours. Reservations for pool parties and swim lessons should be made by contacting SCMG at: (828) 348-4770 or by following the link to the SCMG reservation site. Click Here to Reserve.
Bailey Mountain PARK AND Preserve889 Forest Street, Mars Hill NCThe Mars Hill Recreation Park Pool is open daily May 23, 2026, through August 15, 2026, subject to staffing and weather conditions. The pool is managed under contract with Swim Club Management Group (SCMG). Pool passes will be available for purchase at the pool during regular operating hours. Reservations for pool parties and swim lessons should be made by contacting SCMG at: (828) 348-4770 or by following the link to the SCMG reservation site. Click Here to Reserve.
Park Hours: Daylight to Dusk
Park Phone: 828-689-2301
The Bailey Mountain Park and Preserve consists of adjoining properties under preservation easement available to the public to visit on foot. The Preserve encompasses over 250 acres, including much of the southern slope of the mountain, including the east of Connor Ridge down to Forest St, the “Smith Farm,” and to the west of Connor Ridge the headwaters of White Oak Branch and Hamp Gap. Bailey Mountain is the highest peak visible from the Town of Mars Hill, and Bailey figures prominently in the history of the Town and Mars Hill University. The preserve offers six contiguous miles of hiking trails for the responsible enjoyment of the public and is best accessed from the parking area and trailhead at 889 Forest St.
Heritage Farmstead
The Farmstead is part of the Bailey Mountain Park and Preserve where the town's local non-profit partner – The Appalachian Barn Alliance (ABA) — has taken on the role of helping preserve the cultural heritage of Madison County by focusing on the barns on the property. The public is invited to tour the barns on the campus that retain their original Appalachian architectural style. Other farmsteads showcase static barns and outbuildings, but the Heritage Farmstead offers dynamic usage while providing historical information about architectural trends and styles of the historic southern Appalachian barn.
DR. W. Otis Duck Memorial Greenway
The Dr. W. Otis Duck Memorial Greenway is approximately 2 miles of paved greenway beginning near the MHU tennis courts, following Gabriel's Creek past the MHU athletic fields to Mars Hill Elementary School and to Bailey Street and back. The greenway is dedicated in honor of Dr. Walter Otis Duck, a renowned local physician, who was mayor of Mars Hill from 1989-1993. This route features sidewalks and walkways that connect with different areas of Mars Hill University and the surrounding neighborhoods. The greenway provides a great place to walk and run while enjoying the natural surroundings.
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