One of Charlotte’s calling cards is its verdancy and access to nature, even in the most urban areas. We have numerous parks and hundreds of miles of trails all throughout the region. Save these ideas for a sunny day.
Anne Springs Close Greenway: With 2,100 acres of protected land, you can spend the whole day hiking, kayaking, and exploring Anne Springs. (Parking: 2573 Lake Haigler Dr.)
Four Mile Creek, Lower McAlpine Creek and McMullen Greenways: Stroll, bike, rollerblade or run under a canopy of trees for 7-plus miles. Bonus: This stretch of greenways includes paved surfaces and wooden boardwalks. (Parking: 11823 Johnston Road; 5803 Bevington Place)
Freedom Park & Little Sugar Creek Greenway: Freedom Park is one of Charlotte’s most precious pockets of green space – the prized backdrop to many outdoor activities, from picnics to little league practice. The park backs up to Little Sugar Creek Greenway, if you need even more room to roam. (Parking: Multiple options; 1941 Freedom Park Service Road; 1415 Princeton Ave.)
Seven Oaks Nature Preserve: If you want to escape the city for an afternoon, head to Seven Oaks. The serene nature trail wraps around part of Lake Wylie and Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. (Parking: 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont)
Jetton Park: Enjoy a playground, tennis courts, miles of walking and bike trails, and beach access, all along the Lake Norman waterfront. (Parking: 19000 Jetton Road, Cornelius)
Irwin Creek and Stewart Creek Greenways: Start at State Street to cut through Martin Luther King Park, which has a playground and a number of tennis and pickleball courts.
