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Charlotte, North Carolina has become one of the fastest growing midsize cities in the United States for many reasons. While it offers a wonderful and cutting edge urban lifestyle to its residents, both young and old, it also boasts of an enjoyable temperate climate, which lends to a quality of life not found in many cities of its size.

The many opportunities for hiking near Charlotte NC is just one aspect drawing visitors and transplants alike to this gorgeous area. With nearby foothills, winding rivers, and even lakes to explore in the area, you can find virtually any experience of hiking near Charlotte NC you might be looking for.

Great Places for Hiking Near Charlotte NC

1. McDowell Nature Preserve
   Offering seven miles of hiking trails and a nature center in which to learn more about the habitat found at the McDowell Nature Preserve, this is a popular place to go hiking near Charlotte NC. Pack a picnic, throw the little ones in the back, and drive to this beautiful wooded preserve where there are playgrounds to climb on and wildlife to see. All of the trails are ranked easy to moderate, with none of them exceeding 1.2 miles, making it the perfect place for a family outing.
2. RibbonWalk Nature Preserve
   Offering 3 miles of hiking trails, RibbonWalk is an urban forest located just four miles from downtown Charlotte. If you happen to have bicycles, you could easily ride to this beautiful natural haven from downtown where you’ll witness protected wetland habitats and one of the oldest American beech tree groves in the area.
3. Crowders Mountain State Park
   Requiring less than an hour of driving from the Davidson Village Inn, Crowders Mountain offers one of the most breathtaking views of the area you can imagine. One of the highest points in the gently rolling region known as the North Carolina Piedmont, this state park features sheer cliffs dropping vertically 150 feet at a time, offering spectacular views reaching more than 25 miles in the distance. There are many miles of trails winding through this wooded mountainous park, offering more diversity in challenge levels than other places for hiking near Charlotte NC.
4. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve
   This natural preserve surrounds the grounds of the Latta Plantation, one of the area’s many historic sites. Located on Mountain Island Lake, there are many opportunities for beautiful hikes, as well as to explore the grounds at this historically preserved plantation.
5. U.S. National White Water Center
   If you’re looking for a more extreme outdoors experience, consider visiting the U.S. National White Water Center. While they offer many miles of hiking near Charlotte NC, this is also the ideal place for mountain biking, canopy tours and, of course, the epic whitewater rafting. This is a dream come true for outdoorsy folks visiting the area.

There are plenty of places to choose from for a day of hiking near Charlotte NC, offering visitors just one more reason to visit often. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk through the woods, or something a little more challenging, you’ll find it just a short drive from this wonderful urban area.

For other ideas of things to do before and after hiking near Charlotte NC, check out this free vacation guide.