Table Of Content
It's not just about the stunning coastline; this place is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and communities. Whether you're a city escapee, a nature lover, or somewhere in between, there's a perfect corner here for you. This heartland is chock-full of hidden gems, each offering its unique blend of charm, community, and comfort. From bustling cities with all the modern amenities to quiet towns where everyone knows your name, there's a perfect spot for everyone. California's got it all for families looking for their next home sweet home. From the sunny beaches to the scenic mountains and bustling cities, there's a spot for every family's taste and budget.
Hiking Friends
The Fall Mountain Trail loop can be found in Morrow Mountain State Park in Albemarle, NC, which is over an hour’s drive from Charlotte. The 4.1-mile long trail offers spectacular views of Lake Tillery and as you hike up to the top of Fall Mountain keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and ospreys. If you’re the kind of person who wants to mix in some 4x4 time with your hike, then Dickey Bell (about 49 miles east of Charlotte) is the answer. Part of a larger system known as the Badin Lake Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail Complex, dirt bikes, ATVs and basically any kind of trail vehicle are welcome. This massive “inland sea” was constructed in the late 1950s as part of a larger dam project. The Itusi Trail lies to its north, inside Lake Norman State Park (40 miles north of Charlotte).
25 Top hikes in the Charlotte area - Qcity metro
25 Top hikes in the Charlotte area.
Posted: Mon, 02 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Easy Hikes in Charlotte (& Nearby)
Catch the Joe Moffitt Trailhead 10 miles west of Troy, on Highways 24 and 27, and walk the rocky terrain in short or long sections. The trail is marked with white blazes and crosses many access points along the 20-mile Uwharrie National Recreation Trail or 11.5-mile Dutchman’s Creek Trail. One of the most popular and highly trafficked trails in Charlotte, Mallard Creek Greenway is a 9.2-mile-long out-and-back trail that is best enjoyed in late summer or early fall. This is because during this season numerous butterflies can be found walking along the trail along with other wildlife such as gray foxes, white-tailed deer, and great blue herons. Combining your hike with a visit to this sprawling recreational facility (about a half-hour drive from Charlotte) is loads of fun – even more so if you’re with a group. Parking is $6 for the whole day, but all of the trails are free.
Hiking guide: Want to scale ladders and explore plane wreckage? Check out this amazing route - Charlotte Observer
Hiking guide: Want to scale ladders and explore plane wreckage? Check out this amazing route.
Posted: Thu, 17 May 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Is Arkia Israeli Airlines Safe? Unveiling the Truth That Every Traveler Must Know
Sleeping and spending time outdoors is peaceful, relaxing, and an amazing way to disconnect from everyday life to connect with the natural world. It’s worth noting that different resources may list different mileage for Mecklenburg County’s greenway trails. However, the majority should land within a few tenths of a mile of each other.
Join the Lonely Planet community of travelers
The trail is an easy level, but it may not be ideal for families as there are bikers using it and speeding past at rapid rates. It features spectacular wildflowers and is beloved by many for being a great place for all skill levels who want to enjoy walking, running, birdwatching, and more. I grew up in an area of the United States (Richmond, VA) where mountains were not my backyard and I always envied those that were located right next to the water or mountains. The ridgeline trail not only takes you to the top of Kings Mountain but also continues onwards to SC via a rolling ridgeline that eventually leads to a bottomland forest. While most people probably don’t consider hiking one of the best things to do in Charlotte, you’d be surprised at some of the outdoor adventures you can have in the Queen City. This is a seasonal trail closed during the winter months, so be sure to check the park’s website before heading out.
Relax In The Mountains At One Of Our 16 Favorite Spas In Asheville NC
This exciting nature preserve offers miles of hiking, horseback riding, event spaces, dog parks, playgrounds, kayaking or paddle boarding, and campsites. Toby Creek Greenway travels through the forested area south of UNC Charlotte and connects the campus to Mallard Creek Greenway at its northern end. This paved trail is 5.8 miles out-and-back and does include multiple road crossings, so it’s important to be vigilant of vehicle traffic. Walkers, runners and cyclists frequently use Toby Creek Greenway, but it’s possible to enjoy some solitude at quieter times of the day.
Explore the Trails
The 1,705-foot Kings Pinnacle is a short drive and, at 4 miles, a relatively short hike. From the Visitors Center the first mile or so is a mellow meander through lowland hardwoods. Then it’s a half-mile climb up this monodnock comprised of kyanite-quartzite (a fact you can toss out on a group hike). Return on the Turnback, Fern and Lake trails through more lowland hardwoods. The trails here have a lot of variety, ranging from the powerful man-made river rapids to some more peaceful lakes and forests a bit farther out. Chimney Rock is also known for its Exclamation Point hike that climbs about 150 vertical feet, as well as the easy, child-friendly Great Woodland Adventure interpretive trail.
Check the MyOutdoorJoy calendar to sign up for the next Greenway Gathering. Parking is available in Abersham Park at the north end of the West Branch Rocky River Greenway. To hop on South Prong Rocky River Greenway, park at Davidson Elementary School or River Run Athletic Park. Parking at Birkdale behind Fleet Feet Huntersville is the easiest way to access the trail.
Queens College Treasure Trees Loop
Fern Trail connects to Shorts Lake Trail and is also around 0.8 miles, so if you are looking for something a little longer, you can easily connect the two. On the opposite end of Charlotte from the Evergreen Nature Preserve is the much larger Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve. This is a 188-acre urban forest with large beech tree groves, multiple trails, and bodies of water.
Because it’s located in a city park, there are also lots of recreational facilities, including picnic areas, sports fields, and more. Locals note that this is a really interesting trail, especially because of the rock house ruins you can explore, but that it can sometimes be hard to follow. One of the most accessible and easy hikes near Charlotte, NC, is the almost three-mile-long lake loop at the US National Whitewater Center. This wide tree-shaded trail offers the perfect escape for mountain bikers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts who are wanting to explore nature and wildlife.
The trail offers a rewarding outdoor experience with stunning views of nature. The proximity to Charlotte makes it convenient for a day trip or weekend getaway. There are 56 miles of hiking trails, biking and horseback riding trails, campsites, cabin campers, and backcountry camping. Besides quiet hiking, many come to Gorges State Park to see some of the 26 waterfalls located inside the park.
Watch your step, because there are plenty of roots and rocks that could trip you up. When you're planning your next trip and considering flying with Aeromexico, safety might be at the top of your mind. It's natural to wonder about the safety records of airlines these days, especially with the amount of travel we all do. Aeromexico, as one of the leading carriers in Latin America, often comes under scrutiny. If you or a loved one uses a wheelchair, the parking lot is paved and there are several accessible spots. The trail surface itself is smooth and there are railings along the edge of the bridges.
With very little tree cover to speak of, wide-brimmed hats are recommended on sunny days. There are roots along the path that would be difficult for wheelchair users to manage. There is a beautiful view to drink in once you reach the summit, making this trail popular for good reason. If you don't mind some boulder scrambling at the top, make sure to wear proper footwear. This hike has a good deal of forest cover, providing a nicely shaded experience. The last third of the trek gets steep, so it's a good idea to have a snack to fuel your energy for the final push.
6 miles Hickory At 200 acres, Bakers Mountain isn’t big. From its 1,780-foot summit, the highest point in Catawba County, a chestnut oak forest spreads below, with the occasional open meadow and a boulder outcrop. An extensive trail network gives hikers good exposure to the park. Exclamation Point is a short, moderate hike (less than 1 mile) to a viewpoint where you can see fantastic views of Chimney Rock and the nearby valley. For hikers who want a more strenuous challenge, head to Party Rock (2.3 miles) for absolutely spectacular views of the valley and nearby lakes. Because they’re both short, you can tackle both in one day for an awesome half-day adventure.
There are longer hiking trails for individuals and families to explore freely, each equally entertaining and engaging. The Irwin Creek Greenway is a 2-mile white paved greenway near uptown Charlotte. It runs along Irwin Creek and Stewart Creek, starting from Ray’s Splash Planet. Once you reach I-77, the trail shifts onto the Steward Creek Greenway. The Irwin Greenway, in particular, is a relatively easy trail to cover and is perfect for hiking, running, walking, and biking. The Torrence Creek Greenway Trail is a 1.8-mile paved greenway for hiking and biking near Charlotte, NC.
