The Most Gorgeous Hiking Trails in Charlotte
There are dozens of dazzling nature trails just a stone’s throw from home, and our Insider Guide proves that when it comes to exploring the region’s legendary landscape, the hiking in Charlotte has trails for everyone. Whether you’re an avid solo hiker or someone who likes to take your time and talk while you walk, you can find the perfect outing for any experience level and type of trekking adventure.
Stevens Creek
A perfect year-round option thanks to its abundance of tree cover, this shady 2.8-mile loop trail will make you feel miles away from the city. With a combination of new growth and old forest, Stevens Creek lets you enjoy a few hours under the canopy right along with the songbirds and wildflowers.
The flat paths make for an ideal stroll if you want to take things easy, with minimal incline and well-trod routes. There is ample free parking at the trailhead, and the Nature Center is outfitted with modern bathrooms. This relatively quick and easy hike offers spectacular views and a cool escape from Charlotte’s sunniest summer days.
Reedy Creek Nature Preserve Trail
Hikers love the dragonfly pond, quaint creek bridges, and abundant resting areas that dot the trail that leads toward the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. Clocking in at 3.8 miles round trip, it’s easy to see why this well-traversed loop is a popular destination among hikers and runners alike, along with their on-leash pets.
This hike is a very popular one for birding, so it’s common to see lots of other people on the trail in the mornings and evenings. Sitting on the outskirts of Charlotte and just a short drive from Uptown, Reedy Creek Nature Preserve Trail is open year-round and beautiful to visit any month of the year.
Mallard Creek Greenway
Try out this highly trafficked out-and-back trail if you’re after a lengthier but still easy-on-the-knees adventure. At an “easy” 9.2 miles, the Mallard Creek Greenway trail is nearly flat and gives you incredible access to one of the best natural landscapes in Charlotte.
As an out-and-back option, you can traverse the entire trail from top to bottom or turn back at any point once you’ve had your fill of the incredible flora and fauna. If you want to travel alongside hundreds of butterflies, and gray foxes, white-tailed deer, and blue herons, this hike might be best enjoyed in the late summer or fall when the wildlife is easily spotted.
Latta Nature Preserve
The Latta Nature Preserve is the largest nature preserve in the county and is host to 16 miles of trails spanning over 1,460 acres. Try out this spectacular waterfront trail if you’re down for a more moderate level of activity.
The famous five-mile trail is incredibly beloved among locals and visitors alike, with its unparalleled views of Mountain Island Lake, forested glens, and local vegetation and wildlife — including occasional bald eagles!
Its 350-foot elevation gain presents more of a challenge than many hikes in and around Charlotte but is doable by even well-prepared amateurs, so make sure you’ve packed a good pair of shoes and plenty of water as you explore its expansive twists and turns.
Crowders Mountain State Park
Likely the region’s most iconic hiking area is situated a quick 45 minutes outside of Charlotte, and this one is well worth the drive. This state park boasts magnificent views of Piedmont from its two mountain peaks.
Try Pinnacle Trail for a strenuous backwoods hike that really gets you into the wilderness, winding next to a river that provides areas to stop and relax. If escaping the crowds is your main motivation, try hiking Crowders Trail via Boulders Access, which gives you similarly amazing views on a satisfyingly challenging route that is less trafficked. You can scramble on the rocks or simply enjoy the scenery from the outcroppings.
From rustic hikes through wooded forests to easier waterfront paths, we think you'll soon discover that Charlotte is the perfect place to break out your hiking boots and spend a short or long afternoon tackling the trails. Enjoy the journey!
