Is the park open to the public

Yes

The property at 339 Conference Center Drive (with the main office, lake loop, Piedmont loop, and wetlands boardwalk trail) is open to the public from 8am-5pm every day except Christmas Day. The Iron Ore Belt Access at 6068 North Church Street is open at 8am every day, and closes seasonally based on the following hours: November to February: 8:00am to 6:00pm March to May, and September to October: 8:00am to 8:00pm June to August: 8:00am to 9:00pm Source: "Park Hours" https://www.ncparks.gov/haw-river-state-park/home

Yes, they have a gaga ball pit and really beautiful hiking trails. One of the trails leads to a natural area which is a bog garden with bridges over it. Very beautiful!