This is a really nice trail in the Charlotte area that not many people know about…read more We first did the South Fork Catawba River Greenway which is about a mile round trip. It's starts at Goat Island Park south of 85. Another weekend we came back and did the South Fork Catawba Trail which is north of 85. That was about 4 miles round trip. I really hope they connect the two because they're so close together, but there is a small gap between the two, so you can't hike straight through. I saw some signs that made it look like there were plans to extend it, so hopefully that happens. If you're looking for an easy walk that's not crowded, check out either of these two trails!

While not quite "over the river and through the wood" type of trail, getting into the heart of it…read moretakes some maneuvering, especially from the parking area nearest I-85. Once you have crossed under the overpass (which some might find intimidating), walk another 200 yards until the trail quiets down. Ahhh . . . you are on your way. South Fork Trail is one of the few Carolina Thread Trails that has a legitimate natural surface with two parking areas, each at either end of it. At about 2 miles in length (or 4 miles to go out/back from whichever end you parked), it's a lazy stroll along the south fork of the Catawba river. I've seen deer, turkey, turtles, snakes, along with various birds and foliage. Mostly, I feel alone on the trail (depending on the day), sometimes meeting the occasional hiker or bike enthusiast. OK, that works. When I want to want hike to clear my head, avoid the crowds, and sometimes walk barefooted, this trail scores. Beware, however, of the height and roll of the river. Too much rain can turn this little trail into a deadly torrent. Otherwise, I say "give it a whirl."

A beautiful meandering trail through a suburban Greenway. Most of the trail is either asphalt or…read morewooden slat bridge, so easy to traverse for anyone on 2 feet, with a stroller or on a bicycle. The pathways stretch through a nicely forested area, some of which also has a small stream that snakes through a few communities in Matthews. I came in autumn, and it was lovely to see all the leaves falling and changing colors. Highly recommended!

Living in Charlotte it was a little bit of the drive, but I absolutely loved this park. We went on…read morea Saturday afternoon so the parking lot was packed but we didn't run into that many people on the trail because of how many pathways there are. Very family friendly and great vibes

I had a terrific walk today on the trail. Easy to locate along Mount Pleasant Road with a pretty…read moredecent rock road to get to the trailhead where there is plentiful parking and signage. The trail is not paved and barely smooth. It's great if you're wearing appropriate footwear. I would not say that this is handicapped accessible at all. However, it's a level walk and I would rate this hike as "easy." Natural walkway extends for nearly two miles from here and goes through a lovely forest and farmland. I walked for about 15 minutes before turning back and continuing on my way. Always hike with a friend and always be aware of wildlife, whether four- or two-legged. [Review 13911 overall, 1233 of 2020, number 2555 in North Carolina.]

I like walking trails that are same way in/out. This is one of them and at about a 5K, satisfies…read moremy desire for recreation, exercise, and solitude. Plus, its an easy walk with little elevation changes, and is entirely natural surface. Over the years, I have met some nice people, discovered interesting wildlife, and have ran up on the occasional snake crossing the trail. I dislike snakes and give them space to go on their merry way. Since the trail "snakes" along the Rocky River, they come with the territory. The trail is mostly shaded from the hot summer sun as it meanders across several feeder creeks that empty into the river. Each crossing is made easy with sturdy bridges which the volunteers have replaced several times due to flash flooding. The Rocky River rises quickly and can become dangerous, so the trail entrance is locked both during those times and during the evening hours. You can also launch your canoe or kayak there as part of the Blue Way Trail system. Afterwards, head down to Midland to the ice cream shop for a treat. Easy to give this trail my "give 'em a whirl" nod.

This greenway is beautiful!!! I discovered this place the other day when I wanted to walk my dog…read moresomewhere new and I fell in love! It's gorgeous, clean and peaceful. I didn't walk the whole thing, but the area we did walk was so serene. There's some creeks and beautiful trees. It also runs right behind a neighborhood so there are backyards right there on the greenway and that was fun to see. There were a lot of people out and about so I felt perfectly safe. I will be back to the spot often!!! So fun and so pretty!

This might be my favorite greenway in Charlotte. Sure, Little Sugar Creek Greenway is great, but…read moreeveryone knows about it and it's usually crowded. This greenway wasn't crowded in the morning when we went. We did 5.4 miles round trip which I believe was the whole greenway, but it connects to other greenways so you could definitely do more if you want. Like many greenways, it passes by houses/neighborhoods. The biggest reason why I love this one is because the houses are gorgeous and so fun to check out as you're walking by. There's plenty of parking at the school if you're there on a weekend. Check it out for your next outdoor activity in the city!

There was a lot to see walking around this green space and walking path…read more A great space for run clubs, a morning walk, or a quick stroll with the family. There was a lot of construction going on and the nature trail was closed, but there was still a nice route through residential streets and paved space. The traffic might be slightly overwhelming for home owners, but everyone was there for the physical activity and having a good time. I look forward to taking a longer walk to see where else the trail goes.

Don't let the name fool you. There is nothing little about Little Sugar Creek Greenway. When…read morecompleted this meandering trail will extend 19 miles connecting several sections of the city and retailers from north of Uptown all the way to the South Carolina border. I live near the Brandywine Road part of the Greenway. I simply walk out my condo door and presto! I'm there. It's a quiet, leisurely stroll with joggers, kids in strollers, while others are biking or walking their dogs. Wonderful. Feeling the allure of nature even within an urban setting? Pegs the needle to "10" on my "Give 'em a whirl" meter. Relax here.

We've been starting to explore Charlotte's greenways a bit more recently…read more Previously, we parked at Pineville-Matthews Rd and walked to the Vista Grande Circle parking lot (2 miles one way). This section is the McMullen Creek Greenway. So this time, we parked at Vista Grande Circle and walked to the Johnson Rd parking lot. This is also 2 miles one way on the McAlpine Creek Greenway right until it meets up with the Four Mile Creek Greenway. The parking lot on this side is only big enough for 3-4 cars, but you could probably park on the street in the neighborhood as well. We really enjoyed this section of the greenway, probably a little more than the previous section. There were boardwalk sections here as well. There was a lot more marshy flood plane area here which was cool. If you're looking for a way to get outside in Charlotte, explore your local greenways.

I absolutely love this trail. It is secluded from busy streets, well maintained, shaded, and family…read moreand dog friendly. This trail is over 4 milked long and perfect for a walk, jog, run, or bike ride. It is accessible from the neighborhoods and has entry points with parking, restrooms, and bike maintenance/air pumps.

I have to admit, I was dragged out for this walk, but it quickly turned into a beautiful,…read moreunexpectedly perfect start to our day. The air had that wonderful, crisp feel--ideal for a brisk walk. The energy here is fantastic: we felt a calm, welcoming vibe from every dog walker, couple, and team we passed. It truly felt like a community enjoying the morning. The path takes you right past the University of North Carolina Charlotte's campus, where the early fall colors are already starting to show--a gorgeous transition from the hot summer.

Wanting to stretch our legs and have a cup of coffee to start the morning, I yelped local parks…read more Yelp guided us from Starbucks in University City over to Mallard Creek Greenway, about 5 mins away. The directions lead you to a parking lot with ample parking. Once you enter the greenway everything gets incredibly lush. The walkway is paved and is wide enough that you can walk side by side and another couple can pass comfortably. The greenway is also well kept and free of litter. We walked all the way down to the University, tried out some outdoor fitness equipment and headed back to the car. It was Monday but the walkway was still humming with people walking and biking. The Mallard Creek Greenway is an excellent choice for a morning walk.

With three entrances to this half-mile greenway (one here on Academy Ave, another on Crowell Drive…read moreand the third at Kerr St), this trail is open to walkers, runners, bicyclists, and roller bladers. The Village Greenway trail starts on Elm Avenue, NW, beside the Boys and Girls Club of Cabarrus County. The trail travels down Elm Avenue, turns left at Alexander Street, and then right at Academy Avenue. The greenway takes you past the Academy Recreation Center and Webb Field, and then crosses a bridge and travels alongside Webb and McAllister fields. The greenway trail then crosses Crowell Drive and follows Locke Mill Creek to Kerr Street. Lots of shade, not many people walking today. It was quite pleasant to walk down and back. [Review 13169 overall, 486 of 2020.]