Best Places to hike in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina. It’s easy to think that the city is nothing but concrete, buildings, and busy streets. Charlotte can be hectic, but the city has plenty of hidden gems that allow residents and tourists to take a breather.
You can explore the great outdoors to break away from the hustle and bustle. What better way to do that than by going on a hike? Here are some of the best hiking trails in and near Charlotte:
Little Sugar Creek Greenway
Length of Trail: 4.9 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 1133 Metropolitan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: N/A
If it’s your first time hiking, it’s best to start with beginner-friendly hiking trails. Little Sugar Creek Greenway sounds friendly, and it is! It’s one of the most popular trails for hiking near Charlotte, and it’s great for many reasons. For starters, this out-and-back trail only takes around an hour and a half to complete. It’s also an urban trail, which means you won’t have to worry about getting too far away from the city!
Little Sugar Creek is a healthy and thriving habitat for wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife. Head over to 7th St. to Morehead St., and you’ll see breathtaking views along the creek. No matter your age, you are welcome to hike this quiet trail. You can bring your dog, but make sure they’re on a leash.
Latta Nature Preserve Trail
Length of Trail: 5.4 miles
Location: 6345 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Phone: 980-314-7878
Go on a 30-minute ride from Charlotte, and you’ll find another easy hiking trail at the West of Huntersville. Latta Nature Preserve Trail is located next to the Latta Plantation, another historical site worth visiting. This hiking trail will allow you to immerse yourself in nature as you hike through the woods and across wetlands.
The Latta Nature Preserve Trail is also near Mountain Island Lake, which means you might catch a glimpse of some local wildlife. The lake views will absolutely remind you how life can be serene and beautiful if you take some time to slow down. Just make sure you don’t go there after the rain because the trails can get a little muddy!
U.S. Whitewater Center
Length of Trail: Varies
Cost: $6 for parking, $64 for pass
Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Phone: 704-391-3900
The U.S. Whitewater Center is also around a half-hour drive from Charlotte and has various hiking trails. This hiking spot is a hit for many because it’s more than just a place to hike. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go whitewater rafting, kayaking, or even rock climbing. Hiking trails range from easy to difficult, so there’s something for everyone!
If you’re looking for a short and easy trail, the Channel Loop is the one for you. It’s about 0.8 miles one-way, and you get to enjoy peaceful lakes and forests until the end. The U.S. Whitewater Center has a lot of options for your day off, so plan your visit ahead and make the most out of it!
Lake Norman Lakeshore Trail
Length of Trail: 5 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166 (Lake Norman State Park)
Phone: 704-528-6350
After conquering some of the easiest trails for hiking in Charlotte, you can up your game by going to Lake Norman. About 45 minutes north of Charlotte, Lake Norman State Park allows you to have relaxed strolls through the woods. The Lakeshore Trail brings you into a forest that never runs short of peace, tranquility, and spectacular views.
The best time to hike the Lake Norman Lakeshore Trail is during the fall because of the changing leaves. Seeing the reflection of the trees on the lake will surely be unforgettable, and it’s one of the reasons this is a must-try Charlotte hike. Start your intermediate hiking journey with this trail!
King’s Pinnacle Trail
Length of Trail: 4.2 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 (Crowders Mountain State Park)
Phone: 704-853-5375
Located at the Crowders Mountain State Park, King’s Pinnacle Trail is probably one of the most popular trails for hiking near Charlotte. Hiking to the top of King’s Pinnacle is definitely a challenge, but it’s so worth it! The panoramic views will instantly put you at peace.
Crowders Mountain State Park is about an hour away from Charlotte, and it’s considered the hiking spot for the Charlotte region. The King’s Pinnacle Trail has a lot of jutting rocks, so be extra careful when you hike. Let your motivation drive you to see the iconic rocky outcroppings and the 360-degree view of Uptown Charlotte.
Rocktop Trail
Length of Trail: 5.9 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 (Crowders Mountain State Park)
Phone: 704-853-5375
Another trail you can hike at the Crowders Mountain State Park is Rocktop Trail. This loop trail is a bit longer than King’s Pinnacle but is still considered a moderate to challenging hike. You don’t have to worry about getting lost because the trail is easy to navigate, and there are also blazes to guide you.
Like King’s Pinnacle, the Rocktop Trail will allow you to see the Uptown Charlotte skyline. However, this trail is different because you get to see various landscapes. Hiking through the woods, across creeks, and up the mountains will let you appreciate nature even more. Consider hiking with an expert, though, as some sections of the trail may be too challenging for intermediate hikers.
Linville Gorge Wilderness
Length of Trail: Varies
Cost: Free
Location: Marion, NC 28752
Phone: 828-257-4200
Whenever you’re up for long and tiring hikes that will quench your hiking thirst, the Linville Gorge Wilderness is the place to be. This wilderness area has various trails that will surely give you an adventure of a lifetime. Hiking here is not for the faint of heart as some routes may be too difficult, but all will show you stunning views you’ll want to return to.
One of the most popular difficult trails in Linville Gorge Wilderness is the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. It’s a 1,000-mile hike called the “best strenuous hike” for a reason. It’ll take months to finish the whole thing, but even hiking a section of it will let you experience North Carolina like never before! Be ready for steep areas through the rocky terrain before you attempt to conquer the trail.
Chimney Rock State Park
Length of Trail: Varies
Cost: $17 for adults, $8 for ages 5-15
Location: 431 Main St., Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Phone: 828-625-9611
You might need to go on a two-hour drive from Charlotte to get to Chimney Rock State Park, but it’ll be rewarding. This iconic state park takes you to the 315-foot rock formation (Chimney Rock), which is the park’s centerpiece. Hiking to the top will give you a stunning view of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge.
The best hiking trail for experts is the Party Rock trail. It’s about 2.3 miles, but it can be strenuous. Hiking this trail will give you an edge as it’s a bit more challenging than other trails. Don’t worry — the breathtaking views will make you remember why you love hiking in the first place!
Uwharrie National Forest: Dickey Bell
Length of Trail: 3.5 miles
Cost: $5
Location: 789 North Carolina 24, Troy, NC 27371(Uwharrie National Forest)
Phone: 910-576-6391
The Uwharrie National Forest is home to miles of hiking trails that will make you feel like you’re in another world. About an hour east of Charlotte, the forest covers 52,000 acres, including the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness. You don’t have to hike the entire forest to appreciate it, as there are various trails you can take depending on your hiking level.
Dickey Bell is one of the trails that are perfect for expert hikers. It’s a bit shorter than other trails in Uwharrie, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in difficulty. Hiking this trail will take you through the forest’s picturesque landscapes. Be on the lookout for wildlife as you hike!
Vertical Mile Challenge
Length of Trail: 3.6 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 3451 Rocky Face Church Rd, Hiddenite, NC 28636 (Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area)
Phone: +1 828-632-1093
Head over to the Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area and complete one of the most unique challenges in North Carolina — the Vertical Mile Challenge! This strenuous hike will test your limits, especially when you up your game by pushing through with the Hollow Rock Loop trail. Combining the two is not for the faint of heart, but the scenic adventure will surely make it all worth it.
The Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area is about an hour from Charlotte. You can hike the Vertical Mile Challenge and the Hollow Rock Loop Trail separately, but if you’re ready for a challenge, go for both!
Tips for Hiking in Charlotte
Whether you’re a beginner or not, hiking will need some preparation. Here are some tips you should remember:
Do Your Research
Whether you’re a visitor or a local in Charlotte, you must read up on the place you’ll be hiking. Read up on the difficulty of the trails and the things you need to prepare. This way, you can avoid any accidents or mishaps during your hike. Don’t skip visits to websites or trip reports, as these will give you a heads-up on the things you need to know.
Start Easy
If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with easy trails. Hiking is challenging, and you don’t want your first experience to be bad. Once you get the hang of hiking and begin to enjoy it, that’s when you can attempt more demanding trails.
Wear the Right Clothes and Gear
One of the most important things you need to remember when hiking is to wear the right clothes and gear. Wearing comfortable clothes will allow you to move easily, and proper shoes will help you hike with ease. Consider the temperature too, as this will help you determine what clothes to wear. The goal is to be comfortable while hiking, so don’t forget this tip!
Bring H2O and Snacks
Whether you’re hiking for an hour or the whole day, you must bring water and snacks. Hiking can be tiring, so staying hydrated is a must. Bring a reusable water bottle or a CamelBak to ensure you have enough water. Since you’ll be burning a lot of calories, munch on some snacks for energy.
Master Hiking Etiquette
Be considerate of others, respect nature, and leave no trace. Hiking is a great activity, but we must remember to take care of the environment. Be mindful of your actions and do your part in preserving nature.
Hike in Groups or With a Friend
If you can, hike with someone else or in a group. Hiking with someone will not only make it more fun, but it’s also safer. Hiking in groups will make it easier to call for help in case of an emergency.
To be 100% safe, have an expert with you during your hike. This applies to all hiking trails — not just in Charlotte.
Have Fun
Hiking is a great way to relax and de-stress, so take the time to enjoy the experience. Breathe in the fresh air, marvel at the views, and connect with nature. Hiking is a great way to connect with yourself, too. No matter how exhausting the trail is, always make the most of it.
Prepare for Your Hiking Journey in Charlotte, NC!
Finding yourself in Charlotte, NC, is a perfect opportunity to explore the state’s best hiking trails. Hiking is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors, so make sure to add it to your Charlotte itinerary!
Take some time to drive out of the city and explore the different hiking trails in and near Charlotte. From easy to challenging, there’s a trail perfect for you. With the tips we shared, you’re all set for a fun and safe hike! What are you waiting for? Start planning your hike now!
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