There are currently eight trails ranging from easy to extremely difficult. Keep in mind, though, that while hikers don’t need a permit, riders do. There are 16 miles of trails accessible via six trailheads. 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. 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. The 9 best city parks in Charlotte Uwharrie National Forest: Dickey Bellīest hike for off-roaders 3.5 miles one-way, hours, difficult The MST also intersects with the Blue Ridge Parkway and the main Linville Gorge Trail, which leads to the popular Linville Falls.
The rocky terrain, blanketed with pine forests and rhododendrons, is steep and challenging, but you'll be rewarded with spectacular views. The area was named after William Linville, uncle to famous explorer Daniel Boone, but the Cherokee called it Eeseeoh or “river of the cliffs.” Segment 4 (of 18) runs through the Linville Gorge Wilderness which lies two hours northwest of Charlotte in the Pisgah National Forest. The 1,000-mile Mountains-To-Sea Trail spans the length of North Carolina, and a hike-through takes months to complete. The scenic Linville Upper Falls is one of the many sights to see along the Mountains-To-Sea Trail ©Mary Terriberry/Shutterstock Linville Gorge: Mountains-To-Sea Trail The best time to visit Charlotte McDowell Nature Preserve: Kingfisher Trailīest hike for bird watching 1.1 miles one-way, easy But, the best way to spend the day, is to purchase a pass (starting at $64 for adults) to incorporate mountain bikes with other activities like the Deep Water Solo climbing complex or the ropes course. On its own, it's a nice way to get a feel for what the U.S. The Channel Loop is one of the shortest, but it has the potential to be action-packed. Parking is $6 for the whole day, but all of the trails are free. Whitewater Center: Channel Loopīest hike for groups/families 0.8 miles one-way, 30 mins to 1 hour, easyĬombining 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. Thanks to a now healthy and thriving natural habitat, an array of birds, grasses and wildflowers can be seen along the creek. Public parking is available, and the segment passes through four parks. It’s also part of the Carolina Thread Trail and the Trail of History.
This short portion is paved and relatively flat, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. For the past decade, the area has been the focus of massive beautification and restoration efforts, and the greenway is the result of that ongoing project. Freedom Park is one of the attractions you'll pass through along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway © Bruce VanLoon / Shutterstock Little Sugar Creek Greenway: 7th St to Morehead Stīest easy urban hike 2.64 miles round trip, 1-2 hours, easyĪs the name implies, this pedestrian walking path winds along a waterway through the heart of the city.