What is The Bear like?
The Bear is one of 279 PDGA-listed courses in North Carolina, and one of 2 in Hickory itself. It plays 18 holes, par 54, across 3,942 ft — an average of about 219 feet a hole. That is short enough that a putter and a mid-range will cover most of the round.
The terrain is wooded — tight tree-lined fairways, which puts the emphasis on accuracy over raw distance. Tunnel shots and gaps define the lines here, so controlled mid-ranges and fairway drivers matter more than a big arm.
ThrowSpot rates the course forgiving overall, making it a good first course or a relaxed round. Shorter holes and open landing zones mean errant throws are usually recoverable, which is exactly what a newer player needs. Most groups finish in about 110 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to The Bear?
For a course like this, a putter and one or two mid-ranges covers the majority of shots. Leave the high-speed drivers in the car. There is rarely room to use them, and a controlled mid-range will out-score a driver you cannot place.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. It is also worth reading the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
The Bear charges $3 to play. Pay-to-play courses are the minority in disc golf, and the fee usually reflects better maintenance, dedicated staff, or private land. Check the course signage or the local club for how payment is collected. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at The Bear
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Other disc golf courses near The Bear
More disc golf in Hickory
Hickory has 2 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glenn C. Hilton Memorial Park | 24 | Advanced | $3 |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is The Bear?
The Bear has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 3,942 ft, averaging about 219 feet per hole.
Is The Bear free to play?
No. The Bear charges $3 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is The Bear good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with tight tree-lined fairways and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play The Bear?
About 110 minutes for a typical group on 18 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is The Bear located?
The Bear is in Hickory, North Carolina, at coordinates 35.70119, -81.36367. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to The Bear?
For this layout, a putter and one or two mid-ranges covers most shots. Leave the high-speed drivers in the car. There is rarely room to use them, and a controlled mid-range will out-score a driver you cannot place.