Marshall Park and Playground

Forested Marshall Park offers an enjoyable hike to a playground and a creek.

Marshall Park is comprised of 26.16 acres in a lush forest. The trails are moderately steep with an elevation gain of 357 feet, but my three and five-year-olds had no issue hiking independently. The trails are all dirt, so they are not stroller-friendly. We used our hiking backpack for our one-year-old.

The trails are in a small canyon that Tryon Creek runs through with a bridge crossing. Here is a good spot for summer creek play. Next to the creek, you will find the playground and picnic benches in a very beautiful, green setting. There is no bathroom in the park, but there is a trash can. There are no water fountains. It is mostly shaded, a little less so near the creek area. The loop trail that runs through the park is about 2-2.6 miles long, depending on which trail you take, but you can shorten it if you head straight for the playground and back to your car.

My kids loved hiking a bit, then playing at the playground while having a snack, and then hiking back up to the vehicle. Although it is a traditional play structure, the playground feels very organic and unique due to its natural surroundings. My middle child loved the big, flat swing. It can get muddy on the trails following a big rain or snow thaw, so you may want to wear water-resistant or waterproof hiking shoes. Bring water sandals for the creek, even if it's a warm day. If you're going to make it a longer hike, you can enter the larger Tryon Creek State Natural Area via the Southeast end of Marshall Park by crossing SW Boones Ferry Road. See you on the trails!