NC Parks & Preserves
THE GREEN SWAMP RESERVE
If you are someone who believes that insect-eating plants are interesting (and not creepy), then you should definitely put Green Swamp on your list. Home to over 21 species of native orchids, 14 kinds of insectivorous plants species and more than a dozen...
WEYMOUTH WOODS-SANDHILLS NATURE PRESERVE
Yes, it is a reserve, focused on preserving something. In this case: preserving the longleaf pine forest along with the animals and plants which thrive on it. But it also offers a chance for visitors to unwind either by doing an activity or by enjoying the...
MORROW MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
If there is one thing you will never find at Morrow Mountains State Park, its boredom. A place that is abundant in terms of opportunities of recreation, Morrow Mountains State Park offers a wide range of things to do, from going on any of the numerous...
LAKE NORMAN STATE PARK
Besides featuring Lake Norman, the state’s largest man-made lake, Lake Norman State Park has a lot to offer to its visitors. From 30.5 miles of single-track trails that make one of the region’s popular mountain biking areas, hiking trails, and campgrounds...
CROWDERS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
A fantastic place for climbing or hiking, or simply sitting back and enjoying being in the midst of nature, Crowders Mountain State Park is located 32 miles west of Charlotte. It takes an average of 40 minutes to get there. Containing a wide variety of...
FORT MACON STATE PARK
If you're looking for a place that offers the outdoors and has a historical edge to it, then this is just the place for you. One of the most popular parks of North Carolina, Fort Macon State Park is named after Fort Macon - a five-sided fort was originally...
STONE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
If you like something that's grand yet outdoorsy, you must definitely head to Stone Mountain State Park. Located in the northwestern part of North Carolina, the park lies in the bordering areas of the Wilkes and Alleghany counties. Declared a National...
KERR LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA
One of the largest and most scenic lakes in the Southeast, Kerr Lake is spread over an area of 50,000 acres with over 850 miles of shoreline. The park, which offers a wide variety of activities, features a large variety of terrain, from picnic areas, to...
FREEDOM PARK
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...
CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK
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...
UNC CHARLOTTE BOTANICAL GARDENS
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...
JOCKEY’S RIDGE STATE PARK
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...
LATTA PLANTATION NATURE CENTER
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...
LAKE JAMES STATE PARK
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...
SOUTH MOUNTAINS 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...