McDowell Nature Center and Preserve is one of the best hiking trails in Charlotte. The park has 1,132 acres of preserve and is a perfect site for education programs and information on the ecology, flora, and fauna of the preserve. The trail has miles of trails, providing 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 is 78 feet to 456 feet. The oldest Mecklenburg County preserve largely preserves forested, rolling hills along the shores of Lake Wylie. You can enjoy a natural play area, and there are self-interpreting trail guides for miles of hiking trails. McDowell Nature Center and Preserve have many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and boating. The preserve has 119 species of birds, 21 species of mammals, 21 species of reptiles, and 14 species of amphibians. The preserve offers increasing outdoor enjoyment methods. Shaded playgrounds and many picnic areas are available first-come-first-served.
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.
MCDOWELL NATURE CENTER AND PRESERVE REVIEWS
Such a great place to come and enjoy the outdoors. There are different trails to go hiking and there’s a waterfront area with seats and picnic tables. It’s definitely a hidden gem at Lake Wylie. I’ve been coming back for years and I enjoyed it!
It was so clean and fun. There's a massive teepee like thing to the side that my son was interested in too. Also a board that shows you what other things are going on in the park and I want to go on one of the kayaking days now too!
Gorgeous place to be. Normally isn’t super busy and that’s what I look for in a park/ hiking trails! It’s mostly shaded when walking through the woods so even on hot days my pup can enjoy being outside with me.
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McAlpine Creek Park is a well-renowned hiking trail in Charlotte. The park has a 462-acre park featuring a fishing pier, gazebo, horseshoes, and five football fields. McAlpine Creek Greenway runs from McAlpine Creek Park to Margaret Wallace Road in the southern section of the Greenway. The trail is mostly made of crushed gravel; however, there are few paved or pavement pieces Campbell Creek Greenway is the greenway's paved northern section, which is shaded by trees on both sides for nearly its entire length. Along these two greenways, there are numerous pedestrian and community access spots. Nature lovers will enjoy the McAlpine Creek and Campbell Creek greenways. With 188 identified bird species along the trail and local colonies of otters and beavers, trail users can relax in a wildlife-rich environment. The Campbell Creek Greenway was recently extended to Lockmont Drive, creating the total length of the greenway to 6.2 miles.
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MCALPINE CREEK PARK REVIEWS
Such a great place for a morning or afternoon run. Lots of trail options. People are tend to be very nice. It has a massive dog park which separated for smaller or larger dogs. It might get busy on the weekend, especially on an event days, so keep in mind that if that’s the case, entrance/exit on Monroe road will be a bit challenging.
I love checking out this park. I love the creek scenery especially after it rains and the bird sanctuary for the Herrings specie's. I also see hawks and owls and I am happy it's a safe space for them. We must continue to preserve the park!!!
Lots of wildlife to see makes McAlpine my happy place. Photos are Great Blue Heron, Bare-Throated Tiger-Heron, Greb, and Double-Crested Cormorant!
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Colonel Francis Beatty Park is a well-established hiking trail located in Matthews. The trail is a 4.3-mile, heavily trafficked loop trail perfect spot for hiking, walking, and mountain biking. The elevation gain of the trail is 223 feet. The trail is generally considered an easy to moderately challenging trail route. The trail is loop type. The park provides a range of activities available year-round. The park is also used as a rental wedding venue, athletic fields, and picnic areas for visitors. Colonel Francis Beatty Park features two basketball courts, six tennis courts, five lighted soccer fields, and Indoor shelters. Children visiting the park can also enjoy the two playgrounds. The main attraction, along with hiking, is a lake where you can go kayaking, fishing, and canoeing.
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COLONEL FRANCIS BEATTY PARK REVIEWS
Visiting NC and this is a trail running gem. Lots of terrain, flows well, plenty of tree cover, and just plain fun. This would be spectacular in the fall and probably the spring too. Awesome playground for kids too and the lake would make for a fun picnic. No cost to enter.
Beautiful place, arriving exactly at sunrise, or sunset makes for an even better moment. There is a place for weddings, a huge trail, multiple soccer fields. And more. Of course you can fish on the lake, or kayak. A nice place for a date, or if you just want some time alone. There is a whole lot to explore!
You have lot of playgrounds, kids play area, shelters, picnic areas, fishing spots, restrooms, walking trails, biking trails around the beautiful lake. This is dog friendly park as well. Plenty of parking. Me and my family love this park. Come and enjoy your day if you are in the Ballentyne area.
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