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BEST RATED CHARLOTTE, NC HIKING TRAILS

3 Best Hiking Trails in Charlotte, NC

Expert-recommended Top 3 Hiking Trails in Charlotte, North Carolina. All of our hiking trails actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

McDowell Nature Preserve - Charlotte, NC Hiking Trails
McDowell Nature Preserve - Charlotte, NC Hiking Trails
McDowell Nature Preserve - Charlotte, NC Hiking Trails
Best Hiking Trails in Charlotte NC - McDowell Nature Preserve video
10+ YEARS IN TBR
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MCDOWELL NATURE PRESERVE

(4.9 Score)
15222 South York Road,
Charlotte, NC 28278 Directions

Since 1976

Specialty:

✓ Boat Ramp ✓ Peaceful Place ✓ City Limits ✓ Hiking ✓ Kids' Events ✓ Canoe Rental ✓ Guided Kayaking Tour ✓ Park ✓ Lake Wylie ✓ Campground ✓ Nature Center ✓ Great Outdoors ✓ Fishing Poles ✓ Picnic Lunch ✓ Water Fountains ✓ Playground ✓ Beautiful Area ✓ Kid-Friendly Hike

"McDowell Nature Preserve features 1,132 acres of preserve that provides education programs and information on the ecology, flora, and fauna. The preserve has miles of trails that offer hikers and nature lovers opportunities to discover a range of terrain with spectacular views of Lake Wylie, trees, and streams. The elevation gain of the trail ranges from 78 feet to 456 feet. Visitors can enjoy a natural play area, and there are self-interpreting trail guides for miles of hiking trails. McDowell Nature Preserve also includes a wide array of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and boating. The nature center is a haven for 119 species of birds, 21 species of mammals, 21 species of reptiles, and 14 species of amphibians. The preserve also ensures spacious shaded playgrounds and many picnic areas for visitors' comfort.

2026 Update: McDowell Nature Preserve offers entry and activities that are free for visitors to access."

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Price:

Rv Sites
Resident: $35
Non-Resident: $40
Drive-To Sites
Resident: $30
Non-Resident: $40
Primitive Site
Resident: $20
Non-Resident: $25

Contact:

(980) 314-1128 (980) 314-2267

Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve - Charlotte, NC Hiking Trails
Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve - Charlotte, NC Hiking Trails
Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve - Charlotte, NC Hiking Trails
Best Hiking Trails in Charlotte NC - Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve video
11+ YEARS IN TBR
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REEDY CREEK NATURE CENTER AND PRESERVE

(4.8 Score)
2986 Rocky River Road,
Charlotte, NC 28215 Directions

Since 1985

Specialty:

✓ Wildlife Areas ✓ Wildlife ✓ Dog Park ✓ Lakes ✓ House ✓ Ponds ✓ Basketball ✓ Rock ✓ Disc Golf Course ✓ Nature and Parks ✓ Outdoor Activities ✓ Athletic Fields ✓ Playground ✓ Woods and Picnic Shelters ✓ Cycling Lanes ✓ Barbecue Grill ✓ Kid-friendly Hikes ✓ Dog Friendly ✓ Basketball Court ✓ Baseball Field

"Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve contains 927 acres of forested natural habitat within the park. It has over 10 miles of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts in the nature preserve, offering tourists the chance to explore a variety of terrain. It is more than 1 mile from the entrance to the nature resort. All the tourists can walk between the nature preserve and nearby Reedy Creek Park facilities such as playing fields, picnic shelters, or playgrounds. It includes live, indigenous animals, an exhibit space, a classroom, and a gift shop. The nature center protects 109 bird species, 15 mammal species, 20 reptile species, and 12 amphibian species.

2026 Update: Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve features entry and parking that are free for visitors to access."

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Price:

Laine Clontz Pavilion At Reedy Creek Park Rental Cost
County Residents:
Monday - Thursday $450
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Holidays $550
Non-County Residents:
Monday - Thursday $650
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Holidays $750
Each Additional Hour Per Hour $50

Contact:

(980)314-1000 (980) 314-1119

Mon - Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

McAlpine Creek Park​ - Charlotte, NC Hiking Trails
McAlpine Creek Park​ - Charlotte, NC Hiking Trails
McAlpine Creek Park​ - Charlotte, NC Hiking Trails
Best Hiking Trails in Charlotte NC - McAlpine Creek Park​ video
10+ YEARS IN TBR
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MCALPINE CREEK PARK​

(4.8 Score)
8711 Monroe Road,
Charlotte, NC 28212 Directions

Since 1978

Specialty:

✓ Picnicking ✓ Biking ✓ Hiking ✓ Running ✓ Wildlife ✓ Playground ✓ Self-service Recycling ✓ Mile Bike Trail ✓ Wildflower ✓ Outdoor Fitness Center ✓ Soccer Fields ✓ Horseshoes ✓ Mountain ✓ Fishing Pier ✓ Gazebo ✓ Lake ✓ Kid-friendly Hike ✓ Picnic Area ✓ Dog Friendly

"McAlpine Creek Park is a 462-acre recreational area that features a fishing pier, pavilion, horseshoe pits, and five football fields. The trail consists mainly of crushed gravel, with a few paved sections. The northern section, Campbell Creek Greenway, is paved and shaded by trees on both sides for nearly its entire length. The park also includes various pedestrian and community access points, along with these two greenways. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the McAlpine Creek and Campbell Creek greenways. Visitors can also enjoy the diverse wildlife, with 188 bird species and local colonies of otters and beavers. The park offers spacious picnic areas, restrooms, and welcomes dogs.

2026 Update: McAlpine Creek Park features a lake for fishing activities, soccer fields, hiking and biking trails, a dog park, and 100+ parking spaces. Entry and activities are free for all visitors to access."

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Contact:

(704) 552-8213 (704) 529-3273

Mon-Sun: 7am - 8pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Video

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MCDOWELL NATURE PRESERVE REVIEWS

Quiet and relaxed( especially waterfront dock). If you’re stressed out, then come here. You won’t be disappointed. Numbers of walking/hiking trails, picnic areas etc. you can do fishing in the lake as well. Pet friendly. Overall a very good place for family camping. You can just sit by the lake and enjoy the serenity. I wish I could be there during summer and fall seasons. Will visit again. Parking and restrooms are available.

Beautiful nature preserve. The place is calm and clean, you can just seat and walk around the trail. There are quite a few people fishing, some kayaking and some just enjoying the beautiful nature. There is ample parking and a great place to go with family and friends.

Beautiful nature park the playground is small but it’s OK. We enjoyed it as a family is fun hiking it was fun hot we got to see some little sea animals. Here are some pictures. Enjoy.

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REEDY CREEK NATURE CENTER AND PRESERVE REVIEWS

We were looking for a relatively easy hike around the Charlotte area that would include great views of nature and maybe some local history. The Reedy Creek Nature Center was a great place to visit, as the hike was very leisurely and enjoyable. At the Nature Center, the crew member was very helpful with suggestions on which trails to take and the distances. The trails are relatively flat with a few roots and rocks, and very easy climbs. Several bridges take you over creek areas and provide great photo opportunities. All trails were clearly marked and easy to follow.

We love this whole park! Beautiful play spaces and trails, and a wonderful and informative nature center with animals and hands-on activities for all ages. We come here with our children to relax and enjoy the outdoors in a safe and maintained environment. They also have a self-serve recycling area. One of the best things about this park, however, is all of the family-friendly programs and festivals. The programs usually allow families to meet and greet animals or learn about native plants. The festivals get so popular that they have to open up overflow parking, but they provide shuttles to the park for free. The staff we have met have all been so friendly.

This park is the best, and its center is the Nature Center. It's small enough to bring multiple kids and keep up with them but there is enough to see and do for a broad age range to be happy and entertained. We love the events and classes there, and then having access to hiking trails and an amazing nature-themed playground right outside!

MCALPINE CREEK PARK​ REVIEWS

This park is absolutely amazing! It’s spacious, beautiful, and perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. There’s plenty of room to walk, run, or just enjoy nature without feeling crowded. One of the best things is that it’s pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along. Whether you want to take a peaceful walk, have a picnic, or let your kids play, this park is a fantastic choice. Highly recommend it!

Nice place. Easy walking trails around lake and through trees. You can do fishing as well. Benches are available to enjoy the lake view, birds etc. Pet friendly. You can hangout with friends, family and do barbecue as well. Restrooms are available. Adequate parking.

Love this walking trail! Well kept and a lots of benches around the pond to sit and relax.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

MCDOWELL NATURE PRESERVE Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Business Hours: 8
Social Media: 9
Business Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Specialization: 10
Video: 10
Website Source: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

REEDY CREEK NATURE CENTER AND PRESERVE Total Inspection Points: 115/120
Social Media: 8
Exact Services: 9
Reviews Accuracy of 3.8K: 9
Reviews Study: 9
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Specialization: 10
Website Source: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

MCALPINE CREEK PARK​ Total Inspection Points: 114/120
Exact Services: 8
Reviews Accuracy of 3.0K: 8
Reviews Study: 8
Business Hours: 10
Business Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Specialization: 10
Video: 10
Website Source: 10