The Charlotte area is home to a wide and growing network of trails that stretch hundreds of miles. This is due in large part to the efforts of groups like the Carolina Thread Trail. Whether you’re an avid hiker or local runner Charlotte has a trail for you. From local state parks to the crushed gravel paths that connect this city, here is our list for the 5 best trails in and around Charlotte:
Latta Plantation Nature Preserve
Where: 6211 Sample Rd. Huntersville, NC 28078
Best Trail and Distance: Catawba Trail / 1.25 Miles +
Ideal For: Trail Running / Hiking
About: The Latta Plantation Nature Preserve is a tucked away gem of an outdoors oasis in the city. It includes 16 miles of trails that interconnect providing a variety of terrain options. Our favorite portion is the Catawba Trail; a winding path that offers views of Mountain Island Lake, the forest, and streams. It is dog friendly, but don’t be surprised when you run in to horses along the trail as it is the only Mecklenburg County property open to horseback riding. Unless you are looking for a family friendly mountain biking trail I’d look elsewhere; bikes are allowed on the paved paths only.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Where: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway Charlotte, NC 28214
Best Trail and Distance: Lake Trail / 3 Miles +
Ideal For: Trail Running, Mountain Biking, Hiking
About: If you are an outdoors person in Charlotte then you already know about the Whitewater Center. What you may not realize is that they have a deep trail system that goes for over 40 miles along some of the best property along the Catawba River. Our favorite; the Lake Trail. The Lake Trail is a little more tucked away the the rest and is most easily accessible by bike, but is a great path for runners and hikers as well. The winding path leads you to some neat views of a small pond that gives you a sense of peace and tranquility. There are plenty of paths with varying difficulty, so no matter what you are bound to find the trail for you here. Keep in mind the parking fee, but if you plan on coming back often, it’s worth the annual pass.
Crowder’s Mountain
Where: 522 Park Office Lane Kings Mountain, NC 28086
Best Trail and Distance: Crowders Trail / 5.6 Miles +
Ideal For: Hiking
About: This is our closest mountain to Charlotte at less than an hour away (depending on your starting point) and is a must do at least once in your life. Offering powerful and vast views of our state’s tall pines and dense hardwoods you’ll feel further and further away from reality with each step you take. Speaking of steps, you’ll know you’re close when you reach the 330-plus stairs. This trail is not for the lighthearted, but upon arrival you’ll reap rewards of your effort.
Little Sugar Creek Greenway
Where: Multiple Starting Points
Best Trail and Distance: Brandywine Road to 7th Street / 3.8 Miles (One Way)
Ideal For: Running, Walking, Biking
About: Our current favorite portion is the “Urban section” that stretches from Brandywine Road to 7th Street. Why? This portion connects some of our favorite attractions in and around Charlotte including Freedom Park and the Charlotte Nature Museum. While you are at head to the Metropolitan shopping area for some great food and drinks. It’s plenty easy to walk this paved path, but offers plenty to get into while on it; including incredible views of the city.
Morrow Mountain
Where: 49104 Morrow Mountain Rd., Albemarle, NC, 28001
Best Trail and Distance: Fall Mountain Trail / 4+ Miles
Ideal For: Hiking, Walking, (Paddling)
About: Some of the best views of Morrow Mountain State Park and the Yadkin River can be found along the Fall Mountain Trail. Hiking this area you can take a step back in time to appreciate the former massive peaks of the park while still soaking in great views of the surrounding piedmont region. Only about a 45 minute drive from uptown.