Hiking in Charlotte, NC is the perfect way to get some fresh air, explore nature, and get your blood flowing. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic social distancing activity and a great way to explore Charlotte on a budget! We’ve put together a list of our favorite trails to hike, gear to bring, and other tidbits you might want to know when it comes to a Charlotte, NC hike.
Crowders Mountain State Park: Pinnacle Trail
Pinnacle Trail on Crowders Mountain State Park is a moderately difficult 4-mile out and back trail. The terrain is mostly gravel and natural surfaces and typically takes about 2 hours to complete. The cherry on top of this hike is when you reach the summit of Kings Pinnacle you’ll be rewarded with an amazing and lush view of Charlotte wooded area. To access this trailhead park at the Sparrow Springs Access.
Pets are welcome on this trail as long as they are leased. Be sure to wear a pair of reliable shoes that are slip-resistant on the rocks. While hiking in Charlotte be sure to bring plenty of water for yourself, friends, or a furry companion.
Lake Norman State Park: Lake Shore Trail
Lake Shore Trail is a popular trailhead with moderate traffic throughout the spring and summer months. Just shy of 6-miles out and back, Lake Shore Trail is moderate in difficulty with a variety of activities visitors can partake in, including fishing, picnicking, or biking.
Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail. A comfortable pair of walking shoes will suffice for the terrain on this trail. Though Lake Shore Trail offers shaded areas along the way, it’s still best to bring enough water for you and anyone accompanying you for a hike.
Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail
Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail is a 4.1 miles out and back trail that is perfect for hikers at any experience level. This is our favorite trail for bringing your furry friends (leashed of course) as there are many turns on this winding trail. Likewise, if you have children and want to stretch your legs, this trail is easy on the stroller and perfect for a family hike. The bridge at the end of the trail is a highlight at Buffalo Creek Preserve.
Comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water are encouraged when heading out on this trailhead.
Chimney Rock State Park: Hickory Nut Falls Trail
Hickory Nut Falls Trailhead is an easy 1.5 mile out and back trail that leads to the stunning views from Chimney Rock. This is one of our favorite trails because it’s great for hikers at any experience level and offers beautiful scenery through-out including the serene Hickory Nut Falls. Other than the beautiful waterfalls, you can expect to see local wildflowers, faun, and flora during your hike.
Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail, just remember this is a popular route and is typically high in occupancy. Again, bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and energized while enduring your hike.
InTown Suites Rates in Charlotte, NC
Hiking in Charlotte, NC is the perfect way to get some fresh air, explore nature, and get your blood flowing. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic social distancing activity and a great way to explore Charlotte on a budget! We’ve put together a list of our favorite trails to hike, gear to bring, and other tidbits you might want to know when it comes to a Charlotte, NC hike.
Crowders Mountain State Park: Pinnacle Trail
Pinnacle Trail on Crowders Mountain State Park is a moderately difficult 4-mile out and back trail. The terrain is mostly gravel and natural surfaces and typically takes about 2 hours to complete. The cherry on top of this hike is when you reach the summit of Kings Pinnacle you’ll be rewarded with an amazing and lush view of Charlotte wooded area. To access this trailhead park at the Sparrow Springs Access.
Pets are welcome on this trail as long as they are leased. Be sure to wear a pair of reliable shoes that are slip-resistant on the rocks. While hiking in Charlotte be sure to bring plenty of water for yourself, friends, or a furry companion.
Lake Norman State Park: Lake Shore Trail
Lake Shore Trail is a popular trailhead with moderate traffic throughout the spring and summer months. Just shy of 6-miles out and back, Lake Shore Trail is moderate in difficulty with a variety of activities visitors can partake in, including fishing, picnicking, or biking.
Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail. A comfortable pair of walking shoes will suffice for the terrain on this trail. Though Lake Shore Trail offers shaded areas along the way, it’s still best to bring enough water for you and anyone accompanying you for a hike.
Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail
Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail is a 4.1 miles out and back trail that is perfect for hikers at any experience level. This is our favorite trail for bringing your furry friends (leashed of course) as there are many turns on this winding trail. Likewise, if you have children and want to stretch your legs, this trail is easy on the stroller and perfect for a family hike. The bridge at the end of the trail is a highlight at Buffalo Creek Preserve.
Comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water are encouraged when heading out on this trailhead.
Chimney Rock State Park: Hickory Nut Falls Trail
Hickory Nut Falls Trailhead is an easy 1.5 mile out and back trail that leads to the stunning views from Chimney Rock. This is one of our favorite trails because it’s great for hikers at any experience level and offers beautiful scenery through-out including the serene Hickory Nut Falls. Other than the beautiful waterfalls, you can expect to see local wildflowers, faun, and flora during your hike.
Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail, just remember this is a popular route and is typically high in occupancy. Again, bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and energized while enduring your hike.
