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It’s in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so you get beautiful nature and city vibes. You can explore art, try local food and breweries, and enjoy great mountain views. It’s just a 2-hour and 15-minute drive from Charlotte, with scenic views along the way.
High Shoals Falls Loop
The 5.1-mile trail is lightly trafficked and a perfect escape from the city’s noise and people. The trail can be quite strenuous thanks to the difficult and steep path. If you are looking for a nature walk in the heart of Charlotte City, hike along the three-mile-long RibbonWalk that winds its way through a small 188-acre nature preserve. Another fantastic trail near Charlotte for hikers that prefer a bit of a challenge is the 4.3-mile Colonel Francis Beatty Park Loop.
What are the unique features of Whitewater Falls?
Today, the preserve protects 487 acres on Mountain Island Lake (which only dates back to 1924). What you will find are some structures dating back to the Davidson days, and a healthy and diverse bird population. Following the South Fork River as it does, the trail is relatively flat, which makes for easy hiking; it also makes for soggy hiking after a good rain, so use caution. In 1972, he began blazing a trail to help his Boy Scouts earn their Eagle rank by hiking 50 miles.
things to consider when joining a Charlotte hiking group
Please take a look at this interactive map of the hikes and walks, but then keep reading for the link to the article for each one. Summers in North Carolina are humid and hot, but if you’re in the forest or in higher elevations, it will most definitely be more comfortable than in the city. It is only 3.8 miles and is an out-and-back trail that is good for all skill levels. Apart from hiking the trail also allows access to fishing, canoeing, picnicking, and a playground which makes the trail fun for the entire family. Parking is free, and there are other amenities – including swimming and fishing – to enjoy before or after your trek. Cabins, tent and trailer campsites are also available for rent.
The 16 miles of waterfront trails and natural scenery are a major draw to Latta Nature Preserve in nearby Huntersville. Begin your hike at the Quest Nature Center to learn about the various flora, fauna and wildlife that call the 1,460-acre preserve home. While most of the trails are easy in difficulty, the five-mile Latta Nature Preserve Trail is a moderate challenge that winds through the area.
Both Mallard Greek and Clarks Creek Greenways feature a half-dozen connecting trails to neighborhoods. We recommend parking at the Winchester Playground or the TMSA Charlotte Secondary School near the Mallard Creek and Clarks Creek junction. There are a variety of entry points depending on the section of Little Sugar Creek you’d like to hike or walk. At the northernmost end, park in Elizabeth Park near Second Ward. At the southern terminus, park at the Carolina Pavilion shopping mall and hop on the South Boulevard Connector to get to Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
Getting started with hiking
Being a mix of asphalt and gravel the trail is easy to moderate in difficulty and leads to Clarks Creek Greenway with numerous neighborhood connections along the way. 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. The Rocktop is well-managed and easy to navigate, with its clearly marked “red square” trail blaze.
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This waterfall emerges from behind a natural “window” in the rock wall. Hikers can safely peek at the “window” from a railed overlook. While this hike is less than a mile long, it’s a strenuous path that’s well worth the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the north. High Shoals Falls is a popular waterfall hike near Charlotte.
Hike on Gold Hill Rail Trail for gold mine history, a bamboo forest and a ghost story (47 miles NE of Charlotte)
This out-and-back trail is used by road bikers, trail runners, and hikers. Everyone stays amiable and gives everyone else space to enjoy their outdoor excursion at their own pace. There are several unique features on this trail, including a small waterfall and several bridge crossings. RibbonWalk Nature Preserve
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The trail is moderately challenging with some steep sections and rocky terrain, making it ideal for a workout. Hikers can engage in physical activities such as hiking, climbing, and navigating the trail, which are beneficial for overall well-being. The trail to High Shoals Falls features towering trees, lush foliage, and the sound of rushing water. The highlight of the hike is the 80-foot waterfall, where visitors can witness the power and beauty of nature up close.
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. If it’s views of the tree-covered Blue Ridge Mountains you’re after, the Chestnut Knob Trail in South Mountains State Park is a great strenuous hike to tackle. Many of the viewpoints here offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains and forests, which is rare given how many trees there are in North Carolina!
The South Fork Trail is an easy, flat, out-and-back trail covering 2 miles each way. It carries along the South Fork of the Catawba River near Charlotte. The hike is particularly enjoyable for those who want to explore the riverside and see how its calm waters transform into a choppy, rocky river within a short distance.
The park is dog friendly and your canine will have plenty of water stops along the route. If you see a variety of butterflies, this is due to an Eagle Scout conversation project. 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 out-and-back trail is mostly shaded and takes hikers to the ruins of the Robinson Rockhouse. If you choose to go on the weekend, you shouldn't experience many crowds and you can explore the area at a leisurely pace. National Whitewater Center trail system and while it can get crowded during peak periods, it's an enjoyable hike to venture out on.
There are also 4 handicapped-accessible parking spots at Mallard Creek Elementary. This guide contains some amazing trails near Charlotte for any skill level. This out-and-back trail can be found in the McDowell Nature Preserve in Charlotte and is best known for its wildlife viewing opportunities. The McDowell Nature Preserve contains numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians and even though the trail is under 2 miles long there is a lot to see and explore. Most of the trail is shaded and runs alongside a river offering opportunities to spot various species of local birds, North Carolina spring wildflowers, salamanders, and crawfish.
