Category: Appalachian Trail

Popularly called the ‘Central Park of Charlotte,’ Freedom Park is located in the Dilworth/Myers Park/ right in the midst of high-class residential architecture. Spread over 98 acres, Freedom Park is filled with a wide variety of plant life, which makes it ideal for a walk or rest in the sun on a hot summer day.

The park offers activities too, from several paved trails which originate from the 7 acre lake located in the center of the park, which is very popular with cyclists and joggers, to playgrounds, baseball grounds, tennis courts and even a bandshell for open-air concerts. The park, which connects to the Little Sugar Greenway is both dog and child (or family) friendly.

Contact Information:

Address: 1900 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC

Phone: (704) 432-4280

Website: https://www.mecknc.gov/parkandrec/parks/parksbyregion/centralregion/pages/freedom.aspx?redirect=charmeck

Known for offering some of the most scenic views of the mountains, Chimney Rock is located 95 miles from Charlotte. The park gets its name from a 300-feet high spire, which is present on the park’s southern side. There is a small stairway to the summit of the spire, which was built in 1885. There was an elevator to the summit, which is currently closed down for repairs.

In addition to scenic views, Chimney Rock several trails for hiking and mountain biking, and the Rocky Broad River, which is a major attraction for catching trout. Don’t forget your fishing license, though, since that’s a requirement here. One can access the fishing waters from the front gate of the park. The Rumbling Bald Mountain has a facility for rock climbing, though it is not available to beginners and cannot be availed without a permit and registration.

Unlike other parks, Chimney Rock has several other attractions besides its outdoor ones. There are two gift shops and a restaurant, as well as grills and picnic tables which are located at various spots. The gift shops, which are located on the bottom and top of the elevator, offer various souvenirs, books, clothing and decorative items, among others. The Old Rock Cafe, which is the resident restaurant offers several traditional and contemporary dishes to visitors, and even has a patio dining feature.

Contact Information:

Address: 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720

Phone: 800-277-9611

Website: http://www.chimneyrockpark.com

Located on the eastern side of the campus of the University of North Carolina, the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, which is truly a spectacle to look at, is open to both students and the general people. Originally opened in 1966 as a method to educate biology students, the Botanical Gardens were later opened to the public and relocated to the Van Landingham Glen, McMillan Greenhouse, and the Susie Harwood Garden, each of which specialize in a specific plant life.

Featuring over 1,000 species of exotic succulents, orchids, and carnivores, the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens are famous for being the home to the famous Titun Arum, which attraction a wide degree of attention when it bloomed back in 2007. Additionally, it houses several native Carolinas’ species.

The Gardens hold exhibits and also provide guided tours on request. And yes, admission to the place is absolutely free!

Contact Information:

Address: 9090 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC

Phone: (704) 687-2364

Website: https://gardens.uncc.edu/

If you’re an out-and-out outdoor person, and loves nothing less than trying new things, this place is truly ideal for your getaway. The over a hundred feet Jockey’s Ridge, aside from being a very popular park, is also the tallest sand dune on the East Coast, and offers a wide variety of activities that only few other can parallel.

A very popular location for sightseeing and kite-flying, Jockey’s Ridge offers a spectacular view of that arches between the ocean and the Roanoke Sound. It has a state-of-the-art visitor center that houses a museum, along with a 360-foot boardwalk that regularly features exhibits on the ecology of the dune and acts as a gradual entry to the gigantic dune field.

Apart from sightseeing and kite-flying, one can go sand-boarding (albeit with a permit) and hang-gliding (via vendors only). One can also go to the park’s soundside and do activities such as wading, sunbathing, and paddling, or going on the one-mile nature trail which leads to grassy dunes, maritime thickets and wetlands. Other aerial activities, such as wind-surfing are also available. And if you’re a flying enthusiast, you can even visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial located nearby and see the exact site where brothers Orville and Wilbur’s made their iconic first flight. Although there is no way for staying overnight here, the day’s trip will more than make up for the deficit.

Contact Information:

Address: 300 W. Carolista Drive, Nags Head, NC 27959

Phone: 252-441-7132

Website: https://www.ncparks.gov/jockeys-ridge-state-park

Located on Charlotte’s northern outskirts, the Latta Plantation Nature Center, which is located near the Catawba River, is a one of a kind natural reserve that is historic as well as beautiful and breathtaking. Originally owned by James Latta, an Irish immigrant who ran a cotton plantation on huge land in the 1800s, Latta today acts as a county-owned plantation that is a home to several endangered species.

Latta Plantation Nature Canter basically works as a historical museum and in addition to endangered livestock, features many things for visitors such as honeybee exhibits and cotton-picking demonstrations, among others. Also present is the Latta Nature Center, which offers several outdoor activities such as water activities, hiking trails and equestrian and guided tours.

Contact Information:

Address: 6211 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC

Phone: (704) 875-1391

Website: https://www.mecknc.gov/parkandrec/pages/home.aspx?redirect=charmeck

One of the largest state parks in North Carolina, Lake James is spread over an area of 6,800 acres and has an impressive 150 miles of shoreline. The park is about 95 miles away from Charlotte, and is well-known for the various unique features that has.

In addition to the lake itself, Lake James State Park has over 25 miles of hiking trails, and 15 miles of biking trails, and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. It also offers stunning waterfront campsites and remote camping spots where you can only go by paddling – a feature that is unique to the park. Apart from three large picnic grounds, there over twenty walk-in campsites, which offer stunning views of the lake. One should definitely visit the Paddy’s Creek area, which should be seen to be believed.

With such a large area and so many features, there is something for every taste at Lake James. Those looking for peace and quiet can take advantage of the large and quite seaside or take a walk on the shore or near the nearby forests, while those who would love to go for a splash in the water can go for a number of activities such as fishing, boating and water skiing. One can also go kayaking or canoes using the rentals that are available at various times during the year. And then of course, there’s the hiking and biking.

Contact Information:

Address: 7321 NC Hwy 126, Nebo, NC 28761

Phone: 828-584-7728

Website: https://www.ncparks.gov/lake-james-state-park

One of the most rugged state parks in the state, South Mountains State Park is the ideal place to go if you’re looking for some adventure as you escape the busy-bee city life. Located 65 miles from Charlotte, South Mountains State Park features a wide variety of terrains and features, from an 80 foot waterfall to 3,000 feet-high elevations and over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails.

There is no dearth of activities here for sure. Besides the hiking and biking trails, there is a separate 17-mile-long mountain biking loop. It is, however, not recommended for beginners and amateurs. For those who simply wish to camp, there are over twenty different backpacking campsites at six different locations, as well as several drive-to campsites near the Jacob Fork River. While the park has no lake, the river’s tributaries have enough room to go fishing, albeit with a license. The park also has a museum-like visitor center which shows beautiful as well as informative exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the state park.