If you live in Charlotte and are looking for a quick and easy hike, then we have the perfect trails for you! There is nothing better than heading out into the woods on a sunny day to breathe in the fresh air, hear the birds chirping, and view beautiful scenery while walking with friends. Some of the best hikes in Charlotte are perfect for doing exactly that!

If you aren’t a seasoned hiker, don’t worry; these trails are all less than three miles long and are perfect for beginners. These trails will provide some amazing sights without pushing your abilities too far! If you’re looking for some of the greatest kid-friendly hikes in North Carolina, look no further than these wonderful hikes around Charlotte.

1. Alder Trail - Lake Norman State Park (0.9 miles)
Lake Norman State Park, 759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166, USA
Scott Densmore/AllTrails
Alder Trail at Lake Norman State Park is a beginner trail that loops around part of Lake Norman. Alder Trail is an easy, flat hike that is perfect for those just starting out or those with kids tagging along.
2. Cattail Trail - Latta Nature Preserve (1 mile)
Latta Nature Preserve, 6345 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078, USA
Scott Densmore/AllTrails
Cattail Trail is located in Latta Nature Preserve in Huntersville, NC. Cattail Trail takes you around the shoreline of Mountain Island Lake and has many benches and resting spots along the way so hikers can stop and take in the peaceful scenery every once in awhile.
3. Fern Nature Trail - Crowders Mountain State Park (1.3 miles)
Crowders Mountain State Park, 522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA
Melissa Green/AllTrails
The Fern Nature Trail in Crowders Mountain State Park joins with a portion of the Turnback Trail to create an easy 1.3-mile hike. Hikers on this trail will see some lovely scenery, including various plants and wildlife. If you start with Fern Nature Trail and feel like you can add a bit of extra mileage, consider following the Pinnacle Trail, which is a more difficult 3.8 mile hike that leads up to Pinnacle Peak and offers some of the most stunning views of the area.
4. Battlefield Trail - Kings Mountain National Military Park (1.6 miles)
Kings Mountain National Military Park, 2625 Park Rd, Blacksburg, SC 29702, USA
Scott Densmore/AllTrails
Battlefield Trail is located within Kings Mountain National Military Park near Blacksburg, SC. This trail is completely paved and a great walking path for history buffs and those who prefer a leisurely stroll. As you walk this trail, you will come across numerous monuments to the historic Battle of Kings Mountain, which took place here during the Revolutionary War. Battlefield Trail is a wonderful place for families and kids, and will definitely provide educational information as you hike.

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5. Nanny's Mountain Trail - York, SC (1.8 miles)
Nanny's Mountain Park Road, Nanny's Mountain Pk Rd, South Carolina 29745, USA
Matt Burchfield/AllTrails
Nanny's Mountain Trail is a backwoods trail located in York, South Carolina. This trail is 1.8 miles and will give beginner hikers a bit more time to experience the beautiful outdoors. About 0.3 miles into the hike, you will come to a lookout and picnic pavilion, so be sure to pack a lunch and stop here for a bite along the way.
6. Charlotte Trails - McDowell Nature Preserve (2.3 miles)
McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278, USA
Alan Bourne/AllTrails
Charlotte Trails is located in McDowell Park and Nature Preserve. At 2.3 miles, this trail is perfect for those who are new to hiking, but want to take on a little extra distance. Charlotte Trails offers views of beautiful streams, natural waterfalls, and tons of lush vegetation. If you do decide to go out longer, there are other trails you can tack onto your hike to extend your adventure. After your hike, wander into the nature preserve and learn about some of the wildlife you may have seen on the trail!
7. Congaree Boardwalk Trail - Congaree State Park (2.4 miles)
100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA
National Park Service
The Congaree Boardwalk Loop is the perfect hike for those who want a woodland adventure without leaving the comfort of a defined trail. The Congaree Boardwalk Trail is known for its beautiful Cypress and Pine Trees, which create a forest canopy that shades and cools hikers. At only 2.4 miles, this hike is a great one for those who want to check out a new State Park that you may not have explored before!
8. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve Trail - Reedy Creek Nature Preserve (3.1 miles)
Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215, USA
AllTrails
Although this trail is just over 3 miles, we felt it was short enough to include (after all, the extra 0.1 miles is only 528 feet). Reedy Creek Nature Preserve Trail features beautiful wildflowers along the trail and views of small ponds and rivers as you hike. This trail and is perfect for the active beginner who wants to push their distance.

Where is your favorite place to hike? Which scenic hikes in Charlotte would you call the best hikes in Charlotte? Let us know in the comments!

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More to Explore

Best Hikes in Charlotte

Tori Jane | April 28, 2022

What are the most amazing hiking trails near me?  

Do you find yourself wondering about amazing hiking trails in Charlotte when you’re bored? Us, too. No worries! We’ve got you covered, as we’ve got plenty of favorite hiking trails to choose from! If you got here by looking for something like amazing hiking trails near me, you’re in luck, because Charlotte is a hotspot for scenic hikes. We love the trails at Morrow Mountain State Park, like the 4.1-mile gem that leads to the top of Fall Mountain and offers wonderful views of the sparkling Lake Tillery in North Carolina. We also love the breathtaking hiking trails at Hanging Rock State Park, just north of Charlotta and right before the Virginia state line. Those hiking trails in Charlotte include incredible waterfalls and, should you try the Indiana Creek Trail, you’ll find yourself at Window Falls, one of the most beautiful places in North Carolina.  

What are some truly epic scenic hikes around Charlotte?  

Honestly, which hiking trails in Charlotte AREN’T the most beautiful hiking trails in North Carolina? Our state has the honor of being particularly beautiful, and our hiking trails reflect that. We love the 11 trails you have to pick from at Crowders Mountain State Park, which is just 20 minutes south of town. These trails differ in difficulty level and length, with the shortest being about one mile long and the longest being seven miles in length. You can’t go wrong at Crowders Mountain State Park! Then, head to Lake Norman State Park, which is about an hour north of Charlotte, and check out the hiking trails around the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. Feeling adventurous? North Carolina’s got your back!  

What are the most popular easy hikes in Charlotte?  

Anyone who loves the great outdoors but doesn’t love breaking a major sweat will be pleased to learn that there are some wonderful easy hikes in Charlotte that won’t require any hard work! Some of our favorite trails in Charlotte that just so happen to be easy-peasy include gems like Mallard Creek Greenway, which is a 9.2-mile out-and-back adventure. It’s a mixture of paved asphalt and pressed gravel, and it feels much more remote than it is. If you’re a fan of easy hikes in North Carolina, you’ll love this one. Then, check out Clarks Creek Greenway, which is 5.4 miles out-and-back and is, too, a river trail. It can get muddy in the rainy season, so plan accordingly!  

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