You may be surprised what you’ll find in North Carolina – as well as where you’ll find it. And the Big Rock Nature Preserve, located in a Charlotte neighborhood, is a perfect example of a hidden treasure in the Queen City. If you don’t live nearby, then the next time you travel to Charlotte check out this big rock park. It’s an adventure like no other…
The Big Rock Nature Preserve is an awesome tiny little park in the Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec system. It's oddly located in the heart of a neighborhood, and definitely worthy of a vist.
As the name of the park suggests, it IS filled with big rocks; but you'll also discover some unique hiking around the preserve. The small park is comprised of a mere 22 acres, which may not seem large in comparison to some larger parks found in the state.
But what the park lacks in geographic size... it more than makes up for with the massive boulders found here. There are plenty of them found along the hiking path.
And even the short hike leading up to Big Rock has plenty to see. Many of the rocks have unusual erosion patterns; and one of them even has a hollowed-out core.
As for history, Big Rock Nature Preserve is believed to have been inhabited by Native Americans as far back as 7,000 years ago. Evidence suggests they hunted and gathered on this land and it is presumed the Big Rock was used as a lookout.
Big Rock Nature Preserve is located just outside the I-485 loop south of Charlotte. The address is 6500 Elmstone Dr, Charlotte, NC 28277. Admission is free, and it’s open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Learn more at this link.
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