40 Hiking Trails Within An Hour's Drive Of Charlotte NC

Table Of Content

• Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Hawaii for Every Lifestyle
• Is Compass Airlines Safe? Uncovering What Every Traveler Must Know
• The 10 best hikes in Charlotte
• Fisher Farm Park – Perimeter Trail
• Ridgeline Trail
• Evergreen Nature Preserve Loop
• Pharr Family Preserve – Little Creek Trail
• Latta Nature Preserve

Charlotte, North Carolina, certainly fits the bill as a major urban city, with a population just shy of one million. But while hiking may seem like an unlikely pastime, residents and visitors can easily trade the concrete jungle for happy trails. Hikers can experience the beautiful diversity of over 48 different species of trees and observe wild shrubs and herbaceous flowers in bloom.

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What might be the oldest mountains in North America rise up from Uwharrie's 52,000 acres, and you can explore them on 40 miles of trails. Mostly flat hiking trails and nearly 31 miles of single-track mountain bike routes make this a popular spot for day trippers looking to take in views of Lake Norman. There are 17 miles of shoreline in the park, all of it made even more majestic when the fall leaves reflected in the waters. The Pinnacle Trails is another popular trail that winds through the Crowders Mountain State Park.

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With its proximity to Mountain Island Lake, Latta Nature Preserve offers serene lake views along gravel paths that roll with gentle inclines and descents. Locals really enjoy this trail, but warn that it can get muddy after periods of rain. Check this website before you go for the latest trail status. Here are some suggestions for hikes within day-trip distance of Charlotte, including favorites from listeners who responded when we asked on social media. It’s worth pointing out that this is nowhere near an exhaustive list of hiking trails. It is, however, a starting point for places that a Charlotte resident could drive to in less than three hours, spend a few hours in the woods, and make it home by nightfall.

The 10 best hikes in Charlotte

Because they’re both short, you can tackle both in one day for an awesome half-day adventure. From the parking area off NC 281, the hike to the upper falls is a paved trail that is easy and manageable for dogs and children. There’s a viewing platform about a half-mile from the trailhead where you stop, hang out for a while, and take some incredible pictures. Near the South Carolina state line is the highest waterfall in North Carolina. Whitewater Falls, about 3 hours west of Charlotte in the Nantahala National Forest, drops an incredible 411 feet overall and offers one of the most lovely views in the whole state.

The Channel Loop is one of the shortest, but it has the potential to be action-packed. On its own, it's a nice way to get a feel for what the U.S. Public parking is available, and the segment passes through four parks.

Super popular with Charlotteans and pretty close by, Chimney Rock can get a bit crowded when the weather is fine. A quick .75 mile hike will bring you to its base with the top 404 feet above you. Waterflow depends on the recent rainfall and can range from a trickle to roaring.

Chimney Rock is also known for its Exclamation Point hike that climbs about 150 vertical feet, as well as the easy, child-friendly Great Woodland Adventure interpretive trail. Find four free trails at Rumbling Bald access, Eagle Rock Reserved Parking Area, and in the Chimney Rock Village. Start your hike at the parking lot at Lake Tillery to begin the 4.1-mile Fall Mountain Trail loop. The top of Fall Mountain offers great views of Lake Tillery and the surrounding countryside, especially when leaves are off the trees. The path, mostly natural and graveled, also includes a couple of bridges and boulders for added exploration. This trail is best for adults or families without small children.

Along the trail, you will also come across the banks of Lake Wylie, housed within the preserve, where you can take in incredible views of the lake. Less than half an hour’s drive from Downtown Charlotte lies the South Fork River Trail and Blueway Access. This amazing trail runs alongside the South Fork of the Catawba River and is accessible to both runners and bikers. The ridgeline trail not only takes you to the top of Kings Mountain but also continues onwards to SC via a rolling ridgeline that eventually leads to a bottomland forest.

Best trails and greenways in Charlotte NC area - Charlotte Observer

Best trails and greenways in Charlotte NC area.

Posted: Fri, 02 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

It shouldn't come as a surprise that there are a wide array of hiking trails around the major city of Charlotte. Whether you have young kids or you're an avid solo hiker, there are trails suitable for any level of experience. Sure, western North Carolina steals the show when it comes to mountains, but that doesn’t mean the area of east Charlotte is without its fun.

If you’re a beginner and are only going to tackle one easy hike in Charlotte, we’d strongly recommend this one for the most varied and picturesque views. This multi-purpose trail running, biking, and hiking in Charlotte, NC is a local favorite, and is perfect for families or dog owners wanting a no-frills, easy walking path. Because it is an urban trail, don’t expect to feel like you’re out in the wilderness, but you will get to see some nice views of the creek and the surrounding forest along the trail.

The main challenge of the trail is the overgrown roots trees, but it is fairly easy. Do note that mountain bikes are not permitted when the trails are wet. The trail can be a bit overgrown and the bridge can be out, but other parts of it are partially paved. It is a 4.3-mile, heavily trafficked loop that has a lake and many activities for hikers.

There have been multiple wildlife sightings on this trial, including deer, woodpeckers, and even a few turtles. There are water views along the loop and you're sure to get a good workout in as you hike this semi-strenuous trail. When you walk along the creek, you may even spot some crawfish and salamanders. After you've spent a couple of hours hiking and spotting wildlife, you can sit down at a picnic bench and enjoy lunch. A series of canals once made the Catawba River navigable now serve as a spot to explore along its banks, with mostly flat trails that take in views of the water. The trails are best explored from May to June when thousands of rocky shoals and spider lilies bloom along the river.