HomeCharlotte, NC5 Best Hiking Trails in Charlotte 🥇

5 Best Hiking Trails in Charlotte 🥇

Below is a list of the top and leading Hiking Trails in Charlotte. To help you find the best Hiking Trails located near you in Charlotte, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.

Charlotte’s Best Hiking Trails:

The top rated Hiking Trails in Charlotte are:

  • Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve – features a number of hiking trails to follow
  • McDowell Nature Preserve – provides a great way to enjoy the outdoors through hiking and boating
  • Evergreen Nature Preserve – a 77-acre hardwood forest that serves as a home for migratory birds
  • Lake Loop Trailhead – features a 4.5-kilometer trail that is moderately trafficked
  • McAlpine Creek Park – has a fishing pier along with its hiking and biking trails

Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve 

5 Best Hiking Trails in Charlotte1

Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve features a number of hiking trails to follow. It has great scenery such as the Irwin and Sugar creeks. Furthermore, the trail follows moderate to steep slopes with elevations ranging from 710 feet to 807 feet on a hilltop. There are also large and old trees that have been preserved for centuries. It is a Mecklenburg Country Treasure Tree site. there are also mesic-mixed hardwood forest and bottomland forest as the trail progresses. In addition, there are also wetland areas with adjacent streams and three ponds.

Products/ Services: 

hiking trail, park

Location:

Address: 5017 Hoyt Hinson Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269
Phone: (980)-314-1000
Website: mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/StewardshipServices/Pages/Nature-Preserve-Information.aspx

Reviews:

“Beautiful walk, perfect for my active 16-month-old. And the dogs really enjoyed it too. Very shaded and it wasn’t buggy when I went. Quiet from all the city noise” – Kasey Salfrank

McDowell Nature Preserve 

5 Best Hiking Trails in Charlotte2

McDowell Nature Preserve provides a great way to enjoy the outdoors through hiking and boating. They offer public boat ramps and guided kayaking tours. There are also playgrounds and picnic areas for family gatherings. Their large shelters provide a great place to unwind. Furthermore, over 7 miles of trail is available. They provide enthusiasts to discover an exotic variety of animals and plants. In addition, there are unusual species such as the Seminole bat and spotted salamander. It also offers scenic views of streams, lakes, and forests. Dogs are welcome to join the hiking.

Products/ Services: 

hiking trail, boating, picnic area

Location:

Address: 15222 York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
Phone: (980)-314-1128
Website:  mecknc.gov/parkandrec/stewardshipservices/naturecenters/pages/mcdowell.aspx

Reviews:

“A great place to hit the trails and clear your mind. There are many trails that all intertwine to keep it interesting. You can also find many benches to sit and rest if you choose.” – Jason Tellier

Evergreen Nature Preserve

5 Best Hiking Trails in Charlotte3

Evergreen Nature Preserve is a 77-acre hardwood forest that serves as a home for migratory birds. It has a 2.9-kilometer hiking trail good for people and dogs. Furthermore, it accommodates all skill levels for hiking. There are also burd-watching activities available during the hike. The small trails include the Evergreen, Clear Creek, and Potters Road trails. At the end of the trail, there is a neighborhood park. It features amenities such as tennis courts and basketball. There are also restrooms and picnic shelters available. Bike racks and water fountains scatter around the area.

Products/ Services: 

hiking trails

Location:

Address: 1336 Norland Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone:  (704)-598-8857
Website: charlottenc.gov/Pages/Home.aspx

Reviews:

“Great little hidden gem in Charlotte. Feels like you’re in the woods in the mountains, a great little getaway in the city. I think I prefer Reedy Creek over this one but this is by far better than something like Freedom Park for me. I prefer this over the greenways in the city too. Feels more natural and less man-made.” – Rachel Howze

Lake Loop Trailhead

5 Best Hiking Trails in Charlotte4

Lake Loop Trailhead features a 4.5-kilometer trail that is moderately trafficked. It also provides an avenue to see wildlife in the area. The area can be hiked by beginners and advanced hikers. Mountain biking is also prominent on the trail. Furthermore, there are some fun terrains for hiking and biking. The cool scenery adds to the relaxing hiking experience. There are lots of shade when going through the trail. In addition, there are trails that are marked to thoroughly guide the people.

Products/ Services: 

hiking trail, biking

Location:

Address:  5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Phone: (704)-391-3900
Website: usnwc.org

Reviews:

“Really enjoyed this hike! A little shade in the beginning then mostly in the sun. We climbed over lots of borders, going up and down the hill. We encountered one snake but it was not poisonous. Dogs are allowed on a leash and our dogs loved it. Cool escape away from Mesa!” – Hannah Cardwell

McAlpine Creek Park 

5 Best Hiking Trails in Charlotte5

McAlpine Creek Park has a fishing pier along with its hiking and biking trails. It is a 114-acre county park filled with superior amenities. There is a 5K Championship Cross Country course available for enthusiasts. In addition, there is a 1.5-mile nature trail and a 2-mile bike trail. Their fishing pier features various sea creatures. Moreover, families and friends can gather at their gazebo and picnic areas. A dog park also adds to the fun in the park. There is also an outdoor fitness center available. The self-service recycling center helps in the preservation of cleanliness in the area.

Products/ Services: 

hiking trail, biking trail, park

Location:

Address: 8711 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212
Phone: (704)-552-8213
Website: mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/Parks/ParksByRegion/SouthRegion/Pages/McAlpinePK.aspx

Reviews:

“Love this place. So calm and relaxing. We go out as a family and enjoy quality time making fun memories to remember” – Candy Phillips