3 Best Hiking Trails in Charlotte, NC

“McDowell Nature Center and Preserve has 1,132 acres of land and is a perfect site for educational programs and information. The park is an ideal location for these programs and provides a range of experiences for visitors. The preserve 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 on the trails ranges from 78 feet to 456 feet. As the oldest Mecklenburg County preserve, it primarily features forested, rolling hills along the shores of Lake Wylie. Visitors can enjoy a natural play area, and there are self-guided trail guides for the miles of hiking trails. McDowell Nature Center and Preserve offers many outdoor activities and boating opportunities. The preserve is home to 119 species of birds, 21 species of mammals, 21 species of reptiles, and 14 species of amphibians. Shaded playgrounds and numerous picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis.”

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“McAlpine Creek Park has a 462-acre park featuring a fishing pier, pavilion, horseshoes, and five football fields. The trail consists mainly of crushed gravel, with a few paved sections. Campbell Creek Greenway is the paved northern section, shaded by trees on both sides for nearly its entire length. Along these two greenways, there are many pedestrian and community access spots. Nature lovers will enjoy the McAlpine Creek and Campbell Creek greenways. Trail users can enjoy a wildlife-rich environment with 188 bird species and local colonies of otters and beavers. The Campbell Creek Greenway was recently extended to Lockmont Drive, bringing the total length of the greenway to 6.2 miles.”

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“Colonel Francis Beatty Park is a 4.3-mile heavily trafficked loop trail, perfect for hiking, walking, and mountain biking. The trail is a 4.3-mile, heavily trafficked loop trail, perfect 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, and the park provides a range of activities year-round. The park is also a rental wedding venue, athletic field, and visitor picnic area. 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 kayak, fish, and canoe.”

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