Charlotte, NC is a thriving city that blends historical charm with modern amenities and attractions. Along with the various top-tier museums, restaurants and cultural excursions available, Charlotte is also home to a number of breathtaking parks and trails that are worth exploring on your vacation. Charlotte is located near vast mountain ranges and sprawling foothills which offer incredible day trip opportunities for hikers of all ages and skill levels.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best hiking in Charlotte to make your next North Carolina trip perfect. From gentle trails suitable for families with kids to more advanced trails for expert hikers, you’ll be able to plan the perfect day for you and your group during your vacation.
To help with planning trip to Charlotte, we’ll go over the best local trails along with important information such as:
• The distance to the destination from Charlotte
• The trail's length
• Whether it’s a loop or out-and-back trail, which means you return the same way you came
• The trail's difficulty level
• The main sights and views along each trail
Best Hiking Trails in Charlotte NC
Getty Images / drnadig
Evergreen Nature Preserve
• 1336 Norland Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
• 1.8 miles (main trail loop)
• Difficulty: Novice
Located in central Charlotte, the Evergreen Nature Preserve is a gorgeous 77-acre oasis in the middle of an otherwise energetic city.
With flowing creeks, vibrant plants and endless trees, you can enjoy hiking or lounging here in any season. The main loop trail is also a perfect hike for beginners or those looking to take a break from the bustling city.
At 1.8 miles, the trail can be completed within 30-60 minutes depending on how fast you walk. With no elevation, you can stroll here and simply take in all the beautiful sights at your leisure.
Wikimedia Commons / City Dweller 2 / CC BY-SA 4.0
Little Sugar Creek Greenway
• 1133 Metropolitan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
• 4 miles (out and back; extended connecting trails as well)
• Difficulty: Novice
The Little Sugar Creek Greenway is another central Charlotte hiking spot that features idyllic nature preserved within the city along with incredible landscape views along a casual 4-mile trail.
Enjoy lush creeks, towering trees and the sounds of a gentle stream as you walk through this tranquil park. The walk can be customized due to the numerous connecting trails and for serious hikers, you can easily connect to other trails off of the main one towards other destinations, including Freedom Park along with many shops and museums nearby.
Courtesy of Visit NC
Crowders Mountain State Park, Pinnacle Trail
• 522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
• 4 miles (out and back)
• Difficulty: Moderate, but strenuous past the Pinnacle Trail
The Pinnacle Trail is a scenic and breathtaking trail that takes you to the King’s Pinnacle in Crowders Mountain State Park. It’s a 4-mile out-and-back trail that gives you amazing views of the landscape and the slight elevation makes it a moderate hike for most people.
This vast park is less than an hour from Charlotte, making it a great excursion during your North Carolina vacation.
Getty Images / Marcia Straub
McDowell Nature Preserve
• 15222 York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
• 4.5 miles (loop; option to take other shorter trails along the loop as well)
• Difficulty: Novice to moderate
The McDowell Nature Preserve is a wonderfully preserved forest featuring a sprawling lake, pebble-coated shorelines and endless trees that are gorgeous in any season.
The main loop trail is 4.5 miles and it connects with other trails that can help you extend or shorten your hike. There are seven trails in total and while they all connect via the loop, you can also take them individually to see more of the pristine sights.
Although each individual trail is suitable for a beginner, remember to stay hydrated and pace yourself if you connect them, as the extended time can increase the difficulty of the hike.
Courtesy of Visit NC
South Mountains State Park
• 3001 S Mountain Park, Connelly Springs, NC 28612
• 90 Minutes from Charlotte
• 1 mile (loop)
• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
The High Shoals Falls Loop is the most scenic trail in South Mountains State Park and it features incredible views of the river and towering 80ft waterfall. However, there are some very steep steps towards the end of the loop, which turn this otherwise moderate hike into a strenuous one.
Luckily, you can avoid the stairs and still enjoy a scenic and enjoyable hike with views of the waterfall. If you’re feeling adventurous, continue on the steps towards the waterfall, or simply turn back and soak in all the incredible mountain scenery.
Plus, this vast park has nearly 50 miles of trails beyond the main loop. Enjoy moderate hikes along with longer, more strenuous ones depending on your preferences.
Courtesy of Visit NC
Pilot Mountain State Park
• 1721 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043
• 90 minutes from Charlotte
• 1.5+ miles (multiple trails to choose from, with varying lengths and difficulties)
• Difficulty: Novice to strenuous
Pilot Mountain State Park is a scenic destination that is well worth the short drive from Charlotte. The mountain was historically a landmark for local Native Americans and today, its monumental presence continues to enthrall visitors and locals alike.
Some simple trails within the park to enjoy include:
• Yadkin Islands Trail (1.5 miles, out and back, along the river)
• Kid’s Track Trail (great for families with small kids)
• Little Pinnacle Overlook (provides quick and easy access to the peak of the mountain)
Some longer and more difficult trails, which can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a loop, include:
• Corridor Trail
• Mountain Trail
• Grindstone Trail
Getty Images / Klaus Vedfelt
Charlotte Hiking Tips
The weather in Charlotte can be very hot in the summer and the winters can often freeze over, making hiking more difficult than usual on certain days. Always check the weather beforehand so you can plan and dress accordingly.
When hiking outside of Charlotte, make sure to stay on the marked trails and only do hikes that fit your comfort zone and skill level. If hiking further out into the wilderness, make sure to let others know where you're going. This could be family, friends, or park rangers.
Some helpful items to bring while hiking in North Carolina include:
• Extra water
• Snacks
• A paper map
• Compass
• Appropriate clothing (and extra layers depending on the weather)
• Sunscreen
Another useful tip is to join a local Charlotte hiking group if you want some extra guidance and companionship. There are groups suitable for all skill levels and they can help you discover some amazing trails and other exciting opportunities. The people in North Carolina are very friendly and welcoming and a hiking group can be a great way to connect with others while traveling.
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