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There is an elevation gain of 528 feet and it is fantastic for XC bikes – so if you’re hiking, beware of bikers coming in behind you at full speed! This loop trail combines a few other trails – the North Main Loop, Lake Loop, Carpet Loop, and South Main Loop. Another trail located at the US National Whitewater Center is the 8.7-mile heavily trafficked loop aptly called the US National Whitewater Center Loop trail.
US National Whitewater Center Loop
They bring a beautiful sense of life to the preserve and have been enjoyed by many local hikers as they trek along this quick trail. This loop trail has a disc golf course nearby, so you'll want to look out for any stray frisbees. There are several smaller trails that are offshoots from the main one. You can add in one of the mini trails to bump up the mileage to 5+ miles. This is an out-and-back trail that is one of the many greenways that Charlotte has to offer. Once you cross over Briar Creek via a bridge, you'll enter a densely forested area that's surrounded by beautiful wetlands.
US National Whitewater Center Lake Loop
Just three miles in length, the RibbonWalk is the perfect trail when you are looking for a quick escape to enjoy nature and tranquility. Starting from Huntington Farms Park, the Little Sugar Creek Greenway trail is one of the best hiking trails in Charlotte for those looking for an easy to moderate day hike. The 5-mile Lake Shore Trail is amongst the most popular hiking trails at the park and is of moderate difficulty for those seeking a scenic hike around the lake’s picturesque shoreline. Lake Norman State Park, located in Iredell County, in Troutman, NC, lies 40 miles north of Charlotte and takes about 45-min to reach from Uptown Charlotte. For a scenic, moderate stroll around the lake’s beautiful shoreline, follow the white blazes, or red blazes for a shortcut, on the five-mile Lake Shore Trail hike.
Carolina Thread Trail – Clark’s Creek Nature Preserve
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The trail is hard to traverse and takes roughly 30 minutes to complete. It covers a loop around the 80-acre Rankin Lake, offering beautiful sights of its blue waters, fishing pier and boat dock, and the plentiful wildlife surrounding it. The Hickory Nut Falls Trail is a moderate-difficulty trail that is only a 1.5-mile round trip.
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Want to go hiking? Here are 6 state parks to explore within 2 hours of Charlotte - Charlotte Observer
Want to go hiking? Here are 6 state parks to explore within 2 hours of Charlotte.
Posted: Thu, 05 May 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Learn essential Dutch phrases for a smooth trip to the Netherlands. Perfect for travelers looking to connect with locals and enrich their experience. This hike has a good deal of forest cover, providing a nicely shaded experience.
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Near the South Carolina border is the McDowell Nature Center, a hub for educational programming and preservation. From the nature center, explore the 1,132 acres of forested terrain along the banks of Lake Wylie from one of the hiking trails. Traverse the outer edge of the preserve on the 4.5-mile trail loop that combines the Cove, Cedar Ridge, Creekside and Chestnut Trails.
South Carolina
From the bustling streets of Charlotte to the serene beaches of the Outer Banks, North Carolina's got a little something for everyone. Whether you're after the hustle and bustle of city life or the quiet charm of small-town living, you'll find your perfect spot here. This place isn't just about stunning mountains and rivers; it's got some hidden gems where life feels just right. Whether you're after that small-town charm, vibrant city vibes, or a quiet spot surrounded by nature, West Virginia's got a spot for you. When you're planning your next trip, the airline you choose is as crucial as your destination.
Latta Plantation Nature Preserve – Gar Creek Trail
There are also mosquitos and other bugs during the summer months and it's recommended that you bring bug spray. You'll want plenty of water on a hot day, as you're still likely to work up a sweat. The tree canopy cover provides much-needed shade and protection from the sun. It makes this hike manageable on even the hottest summer day. For the most part, the trail is kid and stroller friendly. There isn't much shade to speak of, so ensure everyone is wearing a wide-brimmed hat on hot and sunny days.
5 hikes for Charlotteans obsessed with the outdoors - Axios
5 hikes for Charlotteans obsessed with the outdoors.
Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2018 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The Latta Plantations house the country’s largest nature preserve covering around 1,251 acres. Moreover, housing over 16 miles of trails opens for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and horseback riders. The trails are easy to traverse and perfect for those who want to get some fresh air.
The park is relatively active, so you're unlikely to be completely alone while on the trail. If you want to beat the crowds, consider going on a weekday as the weekends can get crowded. You can find some peace and quiet on slow mornings when you'll have the place to yourself. If you're thinking about making this hike after it has just rained, you should grab some duck boots because there are going to be areas of mud. Overall, there is a good deal of shade and you can enjoy your hike without worrying about heatstroke. The Kingfisher follows the coastline, offering waterfront stops where you can bring out the binoculars or grab a snack.
Running for 11.6 miles, the Sherman Branch Trail is one of the closest trails to Charlotte, making it one of the top spots for hiking near Charlotte NC. This is a somewhat tight trail with plenty of twists and manmade obstacles that will make your hike challenging and enjoyable. Along the trail, climbing ladders, berms, bridges, jumps, log jams, and other features add up to 600 feet of climbing.
If you head toward the creek, you will have a chance to see salamanders and crawfish. Sign up to receive news, updates and exclusive offers direct to your inbox. Stand on the bridge a watch for bald eagles soaring in the skies and take in the views of the Broad River. We asked avid hiker and photographer Jim Ogden to tell us about some hikes you might never have heard of…but you should. Unless otherwise captioned, all of these photos are the property of Jim Ogden and are used with permission. Find amazing destinations, unique trip ideas, the best hotels, and most comfortable resorts.
North Carolina has trails nearly everyone can enjoy — whether you’re a longtime outdoor enthusiast, someone who got into hiking during the pandemic or a newcomer looking to explore. Keep in mind, though, that while hikers don’t need a permit, riders do. There are currently eight trails ranging from easy to extremely difficult. Crowders is a popular park for weekend hikers and climbers, so be prepared for fellow foot traffic and potentially crowded parking lots.
It's a strenuous 5.3-mile hike to the top of Morrow Mountain, but the reward is views of Lake Tillery and its tributary, the Pee Dee River. Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area