Thursday, May 2, 2024

Hikes Near Charlotte: Complete Guide to Greenways

hikes near charlotte nc

Locals might use a greenway to commute to work by foot or bike, reducing road congestion. This benefits cities by reducing vehicle traffic, pollution and individuals’ carbon footprints. The trail is easy to walk on , and it’s dog and kid friendly. If you are a runner, this would be a great spot to get in miles. This place isn't just about stunning mountains and rivers; it's got some hidden gems where life feels just right.

Renaissance Park – Nature Trail

For young adults looking for a fresh start or a new scene, it's got some hidden gems that might just be your next home sweet home. From bustling cities to cozy coastal towns, there's a spot for every vibe and ambition. This state's known for its wide-open spaces, stunning scenery, and a lifestyle that's both laid-back and adventurous. Whether you're drawn by the call of the wild or the promise of a peaceful, community-focused life, Wyoming's got a spot for you. With its stunning landscapes and friendly communities, it's no wonder more and more people are calling it home. But with so many great spots, it can be tough to decide where to plant your roots.

Fall Mountain Trail Loop

The three miles of trail on this modest 188-acre natural area offer a big escape. To date, 106 herbaceous plant species, 78 species of woody plants, 53 species of birds and 24 species of butterflies have been documented at the preserve. You won’t get a good aerobic workout here, but with so much to see that’s not really a priority. As for natural history, 46 acres of the park are designated as a Natural Heritage Site and support wildflowers typically found farther west in the southern Appalachians.

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You'll want to come back frequently after you've had a taste of the well-marked and varied paths and terrain. This particular loop should take anywhere from 3-3.5 hours, so it's important to bring enough water and a snack or two. Most of the walks and hikes, especially the ones in Charlotte, are easy and are appropriate for kids. The Clarks Creek and Mallard Creek Greenway are one of the longest greenways around Charlotte, stretching for more than 7.4 miles.

Broad River Greenway Trail

Accommodations are available in nearby towns like Boone and Linville. Hawksbill Mountain is a must-visit for those who want to experience North Carolina’s natural beauty. Lake Norman State Park, just 40 miles north of Charlotte in Iredell County, is a place for nature lovers and outdoor fun. It’s on North Carolina’s biggest artificial lake with lots to do.

Catawba Falls [currently closed]

It’s about a 3-hour drive from Charlotte and close to Asheville, making it great for a day trip or weekend getaway. There are unique shops, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park nearby, and plenty of lodging options. Bryson City is a charming place to explore North Carolina’s beauty with lots of activities and comforts. The park also has over 20 miles of hiking trails, family-friendly campsites, 10 miles of horseback riding trails, mountain biking, fishing, and rock climbing.

South Prong Rocky River and West Branch Rocky River Greenways

Top 10 Trails in North Carolina - Rails to Trails Conservancy - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Top 10 Trails in North Carolina - Rails to Trails Conservancy.

Posted: Thu, 23 Sep 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Being close to Charlotte allows hikers to fully enjoy their outdoor adventures. They can embark on hikes without spending a lot of time traveling, giving them more time to explore and enjoy the trails and waterfalls. Grandfather Mountain is a mountain in North Carolina known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and adventurous activities. It is the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the major chains of the Appalachian Mountains. Grandfather Mountain is 113 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina, and it takes approximately 2 hours and 33 minutes to reach by driving.

hikes near charlotte nc

Chimney Rock State Park

The Reedy Creek Park is 927 acres with over 10 miles of hiking trails. You can also find a gift shop/visitors center, fishing on the small lakes, disc golf, picnic shelters, a playground, sports fields, and a dog park. The Irwin Creek and Stewart Creek Greenways offer 3.2 miles out-and back and are connected to other trails in uptown Charlotte making it easy to extend your mileage when you’re ready. Surfaces are gravel/crushed stone, sidewalk and pavement and are shared by walkers, hikers and cyclists looking to enjoy views of the creek and wildlife.

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It covers 52,000 acres, including the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness, a 5,100-acre wilderness that has what the U.S. Forest Service describes as possibly the oldest mountains in North America. Uwharrie forest is also home to Badin Lake Recreation Area, a popular spot with access to roughly 40 miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult. Hikers can expect a mix of forest, streams, lakes and short mountains. Crowders Mountain State Park is kind of the hiking spot for the Charlotte region — for good reason. The park’s about an hour west of Charlotte in Gaston County, close to Interstate 85, and it has actual mountains in the metro area.

Eventually, this trail will connect to neighborhoods in Mecklenburg and Union counties. Walk another .3 miles on this trail, and you’ll find the small waterfall. Explore the top 10 hiking trails in Branson for an unforgettable Missouri adventure! Perfect for intermediate hikers seeking thrilling landscapes.

They are a series of 80-foot-tall cascading falls that drop into the Jacob Fork River. The trail to see the falls is a fairly easy 2.4-mile loop that takes a little over an hour to finish (in addition to however much time you spend at the Falls, of course). South Mountain State Park is home to the mountains closest to Charlotte, the South Mountains, a branch of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is a beautiful park covering 20,000 acres in Burke County. There are many camping options, including backcountry camping and drive-in campsites along the Jacob Fork River.

South Mountain State Park offers nearly 40 miles of hiking, horseback riding, biking trails, and access to the most famous part of the park, High Shoals Falls. Landsford Canal State Park has the largest Rocky Shoal Spider Lily population, which can be found in the rivers and lakes around the park. There are great hiking trails, including the Landsford Canal Trail, and great canoeing or kayaking areas. If you are looking for a fun half-day trip, you should consider Buffalo Creek Preserve. Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail is part of the Carolina Thread Trail, a series of trails connecting 15 counties through North and South Carolina. The main path through the nature preserve is 4 miles there and back, which can be done in an hour or two.

It runs for 4.3 miles and is considered a moderately difficult trail. The trail features scenic views of the 12-acre manmade lake the park houses amidst passing fields and a crossing creek. The trail is open year-round and welcomes leashed dogs as well. The Alder Trail in North Norman State Park covers a total of 0.9 miles as a looped pathway. It takes a short 20-minute hike to complete fully and is easy enough for beginners. Like most trails, leashed dogs are also allowed to accompany your hike.

Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. The Kingfisher follows the coastline, offering waterfront stops where you can bring out the binoculars or grab a snack.

But while hiking may seem like an unlikely pastime, residents and visitors can easily trade the concrete jungle for happy trails. Charlotte is situated in Mecklenburg County, featuring an elaborate system of linear parks, or greenways. They not only support wildlife and water quality but connect visitors and locals to destinations across the area. For more waterfalls, check out Waterfalls of the Southeast which is a long list of great waterfalls to visit with families. It has options in the Upstate and into Western North Carolina including Gorges State Park. We’ve rounded up some of the very best waterfalls to hike to and bask in the beauty of near the Queen City.

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