The Best Nature Walks in the Queen City
Whether you want a quick outdoor escape or you’d like to spend a full day in nature, Charlotte has plenty of options for enjoyable nature walks. Verdant urban trails, sprawling nature preserves — it’s all here. Let’s check out some of the best places to enjoy a nature walk when you want to explore the area in and around Charlotte.
Urban Paradise in Charlotte
In the middle of the Queen City, you’ll find Little Sugar Creek Greenway, a 19-mile paved trail perfect for a casual stroll or a power walk. This urban paradise runs through some of Charlotte’s most popular areas, including Freedom Park and the Metropolitan shopping district.
As you walk the Greenway, you’ll see Instagram-worthy views of Little Sugar Creek and pass by several parks. There are also art installations along the way, with informational signs so you can learn while you move.
A Natural Sanctuary
About 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte, Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve is a must-see. This 927-acre natural sanctuary has over 10 miles of trails of varying difficulty — so whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, you’ll find a trail for you. Be sure to walk the 3.1-mile Reedy Creek Nature Preserve Trail, a popular one for spotting local wildlife and plants.
Nature, Preserved
The oldest nature preserve in Mecklenburg County, McDowell Nature Preserve gives you a glimpse into Charlotte’s pristine past. The preserve has 1,116 acres of mostly forested rolling hills along Lake Wylie, with a one-mile path around the lake — the Kingfisher Trail — that’s perfect for bird-watching. (And with nearly 120 species of birds that call the preserve home, you’re sure to see at least a few feathered friends on your walk.) The Preserve also has picnic areas and a nature center, so it’s a great place to spend the day in nature.
Family-Friendly Walking
Four Mile Creek Greenway in Matthews is a shorter, family-friendly option. This 2.1-mile paved path is great for a casual walk or even a bike ride. The greenway connects Matthews Elementary to Squirrel Lake Park and has a mix of tranquil wooded areas and open spaces.
Kids (and adults!) will love the rock feature with running water — it’s a favorite among two-legged and four-legged visitors alike. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like beavers and white-tailed deer as you move along.
An Oasis in the City
A sparkling 7-acre lake is a highlight of Freedom Park, a 98-acre urban park in the middle of Charlotte. You’ll find an incredible mix of natural beauty and recreational facilities that prove you don’t need to go far from the city to get a good nature walk.
With walking trails that go through gardens and shaded wooded areas, Freedom Park is a great place to pop out of your office for a lunch break or a weekend stroll, so don’t miss it.
Walking Rocks!
Try Big Rock Nature Preserve for a different walking experience. This small but mighty preserve has the largest exposed boulders in Mecklenburg County. With about 3 miles of trails, it’s a great place for a short nature walk. Keep an eye out for around 250 species of native plants and trees.
The preserve also boasts a rich natural and cultural history — archaeological investigations have found American Indian artifacts as much as 7,000 years old.
Queen City Is a Green City
Charlotte has an abundance of green spaces for nature enthusiasts, meaning there’s no shortage of places to get your feet moving and breathe some fresh air. So put on your walking shoes, grab a water bottle, and explore the natural side of the Queen City. You might be surprised at what you find just outside your door.
