Tired of taking the same route? Then check out these 7 local trails that offer miles and miles of new territory. Boring runs, be gone!
Anne Close Springs Greenway – 40 miles await you at the Greenway which opened in 1995, and which offers over 2.100 acres of land in Fort Mill, SC. Trails are color coded but an entrance fee applies: it’s $5/person per day unless you purchase a membership.
U.S. National Whitewater Center – The U.S. National Whitewater Center is a dream-come-true for trail runners, offering 30 miles of trails showcasing the preserved woodlands, and many along the Catawba River. Trails are marked by difficulty and are also open to mountain bikers. $5 parking fee applies.
Latta Plantation Nature Center & Preserve – This beautiful location on the North side of town offers 16 miles of trails with a variety of terrain and Mountain Island Lake as a scenic backdrop. Runners take note: 13 of the 16 miles are open to horseback riders. Read: watch for poop:).
Colonel Francis Beatty Park – Located near the Siskey YMCA, the Colonel Francis Beatty Park Loop is 4.3 miles and fairly flat. Most of it circles a lake, where ducks and geese can often be found. Be warned – they are sometimes aggressive in looking for food! There are numerous other trails that are used for mountain biking, hiking and trail running, too.
Clark’s Creek Greenway – Stretching over 7 miles, Mallard Creek and Clark’s Creek Greenways are favored by runners, walkers, rollerbladers and skateboarders. Trail is part paved and part gravel and winds you through many areas including University Research Park, neighborhoods, and Kirk Farm soccer fields.
Piedmont Medical Center Trail – Head to Rock Hill, SC and check out this paved trail, which is 10 fee wide and is 3.35 miles out (and does not loop). The trail includes uphill and downhill stretches coupled with flat areas as well; benches are situated along the way and restrooms are located in the parking lot.
Cane Creek Park – Located in Waxhaw, Cane Creek Park offers a total of 13.1 miles of trails that are open to hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers and some to horses. Trails are marked by color, and a map can be picked up at the gate at the entrance of the park. And yes, with that glorious number 13.1, should you want to do a 1/2 on your own, you can certainly do so by connecting your runs from each trail.
Happy Running Charlotte!
Kiran Dodeja Smith is a local mom of four who blogs at www.easyrealfood.com. She can often be found cooking, running and exercising and occasionally even running from her kids.
