Charlotte, North Carolina

If you're looking for a place that's bursting with natural beauty and adventure, Charlotte, North Carolina is your dream destination. Imagine hiking through lush forests in Crowders Mountain State Park, or setting up camp under the starlit sky at McDowell Nature Preserve. Fancy some water sports? The Catawba River is perfect for kayaking, rafting, and stand-up paddle-boarding. And for those of you who love a good adrenaline rush, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers thrilling zip-lining experiences. But that's not all! Charlotte has many more outdoor ventures waiting to be discovered.

Top Spots in and near Charlotte

UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, North Carolina
Walk through The Botanical Gardens in Asheville

0.5 mi

Just a little under 2 miles away from downtown Asheville, NC, you'll find the beautiful Botanical Gardens. If you're looking for the perfect place to walk around, explore, and go at your own pace...look no further. The entire wooded property is roughly 10 acres, but you can wander along the sho...
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Gastonia, North Carolina
Hike Crowders Mountain

4.6

4.2 mi / 1100 ft gain

Crowders Mountain State Park is the closest green space to downtown Charlotte and it will not disappoint. There are two peaks worth checking out: The Pinnacle and Crowders Mountain. Crowders Mountain stands at 1,600' offering incredible views of the surrounding area and on a clear day you can see...
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Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Drive the Crowders Mountain Drive

Drove this scenic road to my way to Crowders Mountain State Park. Very pretty views.
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Statesville, North Carolina
Hike the Lake Shore Trail at Lake Norman

4.4

5 mi / 75 ft gain

From the Cove Picnic area in Lake Norman State Park, you immediately begin hiking along the lakeshore. If you don't want to take the full lake loop, use Short Turn Trail for a 2.5 mile hike. This trail makes for a moderate hike or solid trail run route.
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Catawba, North Carolina
Visit Murray's Mill

4.5

The Murray's Mill Historic District features Murray's Mill (constructed in 1913) with its 28 ft. waterwheel, a general store constructed in the 1890's, Wheathouse Exhibit gallery, and the John Murray House. Free and open to the public to visit, this is a great place to stop and stretch your legs...
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Kershaw, South Carolina
Forty Acre Rock and Beaver Pond Loop

3.2

3.76 mi / 430 ft gain

This 2,267 acre preserve is known for its hiking, birding, and a 14-acre granite flatrock with a variety of wildflowers to observe. This moderate hike will take you past the flatrock, as well as a small waterfall and pond. Start from the upper parking, where you'll follow Conservancy Rd for a sh...
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Kershaw, South Carolina
Forty Acre Rock Loop

1.82 mi / 187 ft gain

This loop hike near Kershaw, SC is somewhat strenuous at some points, but altogether not too bad. The scenery is beautiful with great views and a waterfall! Be sure to pack plenty of water if you hike on a hot day.
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Mount Gilead, North Carolina
Dutchman's Creek Trail, Uwharrie NF

3.8

11.31 mi / 1407 ft gain

This hike starts with mellow terrain changes allowing you to get a feel for the trail. For the first 5 miles you will have one or two steep inclines that take a toll on the calf muscles. The remaining 6 miles include a more difficult terrain including a section of the hike called Hallucination Hi...
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Gaffney, South Carolina
Drive the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway

This 118 mile drive in South Carolina can be driven during different seasons (storms permitting). Along this route, aside from stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll have the opportunity to take in historic locations, towns, and monuments. Make sure to bring your camera! Here is a lin...
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Hickory, North Carolina
Geitner Rotary Park Loop

5.0

2.65 mi / 354 ft gain

Geitner Rotary Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hickory, North Carolina.
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