This FAMILY TO DO in CHARLOTTE series is sponsored by CEENTA.
Fall is the perfect time of year to get out and explore the outdoors with family while enjoying cooler days and beautiful fall foliage. Our list of hikes starts with those right in the Charlotte area and ends with a few that are 1-2 hours away that make for a fun day trip adventure. Hikes under 2 miles tend to work best for most families so we’ve focused our list on shorter and more manageable hikes.
Charlotte Area Family Hikes:
McDowell Nature Preserve – South West Charlotte
This Nature Preserve has hiking trails, picnic areas, campground, playground, nature center with animals and programming, and lakefront picnic areas and views.
Family Trails:
- McDowell Chestnut Loop – 1.1 miles
- Cove Trail – 1.2 miles
- Track Trail – 1.2 miles right by the Nature Center
Anne Springs Close Greenway – Fort Mill, SC
Family Trails:
- Lake Haigler Nature Walk – 1.75 mile loop
- Greenway Gateway to swinging bridge and back – 0.5 miles
- Dairy Barn to Swinging Bridge and back – 1.5 miles
- Archer’s Loop – 1.7 miles
Flat Branch Nature Preserve – Ballantyne
This small nature preserve offers one 0.6 mile trail loop perfect for kids.
Family Trails:
Shagpark Trail – 0.4 miles
Reedy Creek Nature Preserve – North East Charlotte
This Nature Preserve offers hiking, fishing, kids play areas, and a nature center.
Family Trails:
- Reedy Creek Nature Preserve Trail – 2.8 miles
- Dragonfly and Kinfisher Pond Loop – 1.1 miles
- Robinson Rockhouse Trail – 1.8 miles
Latta Nature Preserve – Huntersville, NC
This Nature Preserve offers hiking, horseback riding, fishing, Quest Nature Center and Raptor Center.
Family Trails:
- Latta Waterfront Trail – 1.1 miles
- Shady Trail – 1.6 miles
- Hill Trail – 1.5 miles
Lake Norman State Park – Troutman, NC
This state park offers a campground, hiking, fishing, boat rentals, biking, and more.
Family Trails:
- Alder Trail – 0.8 mile trail
- Dragonfly Trail – .15 mile trail
Family Hikes a Short Drive From Charlotte:
Crowders Mountain State Park (1 hour from CLT)
- Fern Trail – .9 miles
- Shorts Lake Trail – .7 miles
Grandfather Mountain State Park (2 hours from CLT)
- The 228-foot-long Mile High Swinging Bridge has breathtaking mountain views. You can park below the bridge and hike to it which is a short .07 miles. Tickets required.
Lake James State Park (2 hours from CLT)
- The Paddy’s Creek Trail is 1 mile and takes you along the shores of the lake.
- The Lake Channel Overlook Trail is 1.5 miles and gives a great look at the lake and Lineville Gorge
High Country Area (2 hours from CLT)
- Linville Falls in Lineville, NC – 2 miles
- Bass Lake Trail in Blowing Rock, NC – 0.8 mile loop
- Crab Orchard Falls Trail in Banner Elk, NC – 1 Mile
Chimney Rock State Park (2 hours from CLT)
- The Outcropping Trail – 0.4 Mile Loop
- Exclamation Point Trail – 0.6 Mile Loop
- Skyline Trail – 1.1 Miles
Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. (CEENTA) has nearly 140 providers in almost 20 locations bringing specialty care to the community. CEENTA provides comprehensive pediatric and adult eye, ear, nose and throat care, and highly specialized care, too.
These services include but are not limited to: audiology, allergy treatment, cataract surgery, cochlear implants, cornea diseases, diabetic eye care, glaucoma treatment, head and neck cancer, neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, optical and contact lenses, pediatric airway care, sleep medicine, thyroid treatment, and voice and swallowing care.
To schedule an appointment with any of CEENTA’s board-certified physicians, please call 704-295-3000.
