Hiking Trails, Destinations & Resources Near Charlotte NC

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Hiking

Pilot Mountain State Park - Hiking

Hiking

Hanging Rock State Park - Hiking

Hiking

South Mountain State Park - Hiking

Hiking

Rock Castle Gorge Trail - Hiking

About Charlotte Hiking

No matter how long you’ve been a hiker in Charlotte, there always seems to be another trail you haven’t yet tried. The 10 miles of trail at Reedy Creek Park stay well covered in a dense canopy of trees. At Latta Plantation, hikers share views of Mountain Island Lake with horseback riders. And down south, in Fort Mill, S.C, Anne Close Springs Greenway provides 12 miles of trails crossing streams and rounding small lakes.

Several more area-favorite hikes are reachable with a little more driving. Still a very reasonable daytrip, these treks offer rewarding views, waterfalls, and adventurous routes well worth the extra time. The spine of the trail system at South Mountain State Park is an old Civilian Conservation Road. Several smaller trails connect, directly or indirectly, to the CCC trail, linking sharp climbs, stout bridges, and a stunning waterfall. Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock are both part of the ancient Saurtown Mountain range. Both Stone Mountain and Doughton are within two hours to the northeast of Charlotte.

Total Experiences

8 reviews

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Displaying all 8 results within 100 miles

Rock Castle Gorge Trail - Hiking

A ten-mile loop trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway with stunning mountain views and a serene, creekside stroll.

Difficulty

4 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

114.0 miles

Duration

Assuming an average pace of 2 mph and a few stops to enjoy the worthwhile views.
Kings Mountain State and National Military Park - Hiking

Hiking and running a 16 Mile loop of forested rolling hills. Pass through land were a decisive civil war victory was won.

Difficulty

3 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

31.2 miles

Duration

Assuming a quick, 3 mph walking pace. As a training trail for long distance runners the pace can be much faster here.
Crowders Mountain State Park - Hiking King's Pinnacle

The hike to King's Pinnacle, one of two peaks at Crowders Mountain State Park, is steep at times. But expansive views from rock outcroppings make it worthwhile.

Difficulty

3 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

26.1 miles

Duration

The trip up will be slower but an overall speed of 2 mph isn't difficult to achieve.
Morrow Mountain State Park - Hiking

Hiking the once giant peaks of Morrow Mountain State park. While humbled, the weather warn mountains still offer great views of the surrounding piedmont

Difficulty

3 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

44.3 miles

Duration

Depending on the loops taken, this can be a nearly all day event or a couple hour's walk.
Pilot Mountain State Park - Hiking

Hiking at Pilot Mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding piedmont, Blue Ridge Mountains, and the distinctive mushroomed shaped pinnacle itself.

Difficulty

3 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

81.0 miles

Duration

Walking at a moderate pace of 2.5 miles per hour and stopping for a lunch break will get the nine-mile loop complete in about half a day
South Mountain State Park - Hiking

Waterfall watching and long trail hiking at South Mountain State Park

Difficulty

3 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

11.4 miles

Duration

6-8 hours
Crowders Mountain State Park - Hiking

A great hike with fantastic views. The perfect getaway when the leaves start changing colors.

Difficulty

3 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

26.1 miles

Duration

At an average pace of 2 mph, this five-mile hike will take about two and a half hours.
Hanging Rock State Park - Hiking

Hanging Rock State Park is home to some of the most dramatic views in central Carolina. Several significant waterfalls are easily accessible with a short hike from the visitors center

Difficulty

4 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

291.0 miles

Duration

At 2 mph and with some time to appreciated the views and falls, the 10-mile hike will take about six hours to complete.