Whether you’ve just moved to Charlotte or you’ve lived here for many years, you know that it is an exciting city. There is an amazingly wide variety of places to go and things to do, including museums, restaurants, rooftop bars, and coffee shops, mixed in with historical spots and the thrilling nightlife of the busy Uptown district. When you’re in the mood for some fresh air and exercise, though, you’ll want to check out the best hiking spots in Charlotte!
Something for Everyone
Throughout Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, you’ll find a long list of hiking spots, from the easy to the challenging. Within the local area, Lake Norman, Davidson County, and Gastonia County also offer a variety of nature trails for hours of enjoying the great outdoors. There are short trails and long trails, including those that may be a bit more challenging and those that are perfect for an afternoon outing.
McDowell Nature Preserve
The 1,132 acres of the McDowell Nature Preserve includes over seven miles of trails for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Here you can explore a variety of terrain with scenic views of Lake Wylie, as well as forests, streams, and a piedmont prairie restoration area.
The nature preserve includes a loop that starts with the Pine Hollow, Creekside, and Cedar Ridge trails, taking you away from the water and through a forest. The valleys that made the area well-suited for Duke Power to dam the Catawba River offer quick climbs and, mostly in winter, good views. Finishing up on the Cove Trail you’ll witness the evolution of a small creek to flooded wetlands to manmade lake.
Lake Norman State Park
Looking for a longer trail for your next hiking adventure in the Charlotte area? The Itusi Trail in Lake Norman State Park is 30.5 miles long, comprised of 8 loops which range from 1.0 to 9.75 miles. All of these are considered easy to moderate, with the exception of Laurel Loop which is considered more moderate. The Itusi, which includes the Alder Trail, the Hawk Loop, and the Lake Shore Trail, is definitely one of the best hiking spots in Charlotte.
Latta Plantation Nature Preserve
There are 16 miles of trails available for you to enjoy at the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. Hikers, nature enthusiasts, and horseback riders can explore a variety of terrain while enjoying scenic views of the lake, forests, and streams. Thirteen miles of the trails are designated for horseback and hiking, and three miles are designated for hiking only.
US National Whitewater Center
With over 1300 acres of woodlands, the US National Whitewater Center has over 50 miles of hiking trails for you to enjoy. Trails are marked as Difficult, More Difficult, and Most Difficult, so you can choose a trail that challenges you on many different levels. There is a parking fee to enter the center, but beyond that all hiking trails are free to use. The trails follow the historic Catawba River and feature a range of challenging climbs and descents. If you’re looking for more than a stroll, the Whitewater Center is certainly one of the best hiking spots in Charlotte for you!
Evergreen Nature Preserve
For a quick escape from urban Charlotte, check out the Evergreen Nature Preserve. Not too long and not too challenging, but also not too far from the center of Charlotte, the preserve offers you the opportunity to get away to enjoy a two-mile hike among the 77-acres. Here you’ll find an upland hardwood forest, small tributaries, and even some glades. So grab your hiking boots and check it out!
Crowders Mountain State Park
Hiking trails connect two mountains and two states in Crowders Mountain State Park. The peaks of the Pinnacle and Crowders Mountain offer challenging hikes, towering cliffs, and 25-mile views of the surrounding piedmont. The park features eleven trails that range from the pastoral, lined with wildflowers and mountain laurels, to the strenuous. The Ridgeline Trail, the more strenuous, links to Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park in South Carolina. The trails at Crowders Mountain State Park are, without a doubt, among the best hiking spots in Charlotte.
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When you’re ready to move to the beautiful and exciting Charlotte area, Fox Moving and Storage Charlotte is ready to help you. We are your trusted, locally owned movers. We will help you take care of everything involved in your next move, so you won’t have to worry. Contact Fox Moving and Storage Charlotte today to learn more so you can start enjoying the best hiking spots in Charlotte from your new home! We also offer you a free quote. Simply give us a call today at 980-207-2998 and find out how we can help you.