Looking for the best trails around Charlotte?

Explore the best rated trails in Charlotte, NC, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Highland Rail Trail and City Walk . With more than 46 trails covering 136 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

Recent Trail Reviews

South Fork Rail-Trail

Pretty

September, 2024 by sewupscalequilts

My husband and I were looking for a trail that was flat but in the woods. My husband recently has knee replacement surgery and he was able to walk easily on this trail. For this trip, we only went partway but next time, hopefully, he’ll be able to go further. It was so pretty and the history of the renovated mill is very interesting. I want to add that if you are south bound on 321, after you exit, turn right. The rest of the directions are great.

McAlpine Creek Greenway

more than 4 miles

September, 2024 by burgess827

Nice trail with more than 4 miles if you include gravel/dirt surface trails that wind through some pretty woods. Can be busy on the weekends especially on the paved portion of the trail.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Good trail........ beautiful. A little questionable which way to go sometimes though

September, 2024 by wcsmarr

One thing that must be improved. Rode it the first time today. It's not completely confusing but it's not totally clear which way you go at turns, street crossings..... maybe it's the road painted green... duh... but it's still not quite clear. Great job overall. How about some green arrows on surface showing direction ?

Accordion

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Southern point parking is closed. But amazing trail!

September, 2024 by craig266

I got to the southern end of this trail early Saturday to begin riding it. I should have read the other reviews. The parking area is closed. So I drove up the Carolina Place Mall area and started at the Hwy 51 crossing pedaling north. It was a GREAT ride! The trail was nice just about everywhere. There were a few spots with mud/sand from the creek flooding but not too bad. I made it about 8 miles up to Hillside Ave behind Park Road Shopping Center and then headed back. Next time I will start here and continue north. Eventually I will catch that southern part. My goal is to eventually bike the whole trail. So far it has been great.

Salisbury Greenway

incomplete

August, 2024 by cbmadding

The finished parts are lovely and shaded. There are many segments in busy roads with no bike lanes or sidewalks.

Mallard Creek Greenway

Nice Greenway - Can Flood

July, 2024 by dianac323

This is a great greenway that we have found as an alternative to mountain biking in inclement weather, but do beware that it does flood leaving you meandering through thick soupy mud. We access from the Kirk Farm Field lot and head West. Look out for signs for the true Mallard Creek connection which will be on your left. I believe Toby Creek is first (on the left as well if you’re heading in from Kirk), then Mallard. I really wish they would just show them all on the map together. If you continue straight without turning you will simply do the Clark’s Greenway section which is easily added on for more mileage. All three greenways together will yield approximately 21 miles. See review on Toby Creek for warning about University City Blvd crossing.

Toby Creek Greenway

Beautiful But Short / Use Caution At University Crossing

July, 2024 by dianac323

I’m finally learning how to connect the seemingly never ending mess of greenways together to get decent mileage. I stumbled across Toby Creek when accessing the Mallard Creek greenway from the Kirk Farm parking lot. It’s a nice, albeit short, greenway that runs through the UNCC campus before hitting University Blvd. To keep this concise I will just say this - this section can be dangerous. We were met with a deranged man screaming expletives while menacingly holding a machete upon our return trip. He must have seen us cross the first time and waited in the woods for us to come back and got way too close for my comfort with that weapon. The police have been notified but please remain vigilant and carry something to protect yourself as I did have a hold time of almost 10 minutes when calling 911.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

South End Trail Parking Not Available

July, 2024 by rmcinc4566

Trail parking is NOT available at the south end of this trail, marked on the trail map as 3190 Gilroy Rd, Fort Mill, SC. The parking lot has been blocked off by the subdivision it is located in.
Northern parts of the trail around Charlotte are under construction. Diversion signage is inadequate. Lots of 1" to 2" mud sections on Northern part of trail after some heavy rains.

Piedmont Medical Center Trail

Great for running!!!

July, 2024 by blueheatbasketball

Ran this trail for a 6 mile run. Beautiful, peaceful and lots of shade on a hot day. One of my favorite runs I’ve done. There are some good climbs as well.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Little Sugar Creek Trail

July, 2024 by amy2paul

So far this one has been our favorite! Love looking at the creek as it follows the path. The asphalt was well maintained and most of it is shaded. It has some cute artwork along the way. Riding into Charlotte/Freedom Park was pretty. We wish it was completed. And we had a hard time finding a place to stop to eat. We tried to get on at the trail head at Gilroy Drive (in a residential neighborhood) that was listed on the route map and found it chained off and picnic tables in the parking lot. If it is a private spot it should be listed as so on the map. Other than that, it was a very enjoyable ride!

Kings Mountain Gateway Trail

nice trail

May, 2024 by mkgates22

Ride my e-bike on Foote trail. It was small gravel. Good quick ride. Walked my bike on asphalt trail because of lots of walkers but it wasn’t a long walk. Will go back not far from my house.

Lower McAlpine Creek, McMullen Creek & Four Mile Creek Greenways

green trail

May, 2024 by pasmouli5

It was a sunny day and i did biking . Awesome trail.

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