8 Essential Stops for Outdoor Lovers in Charlotte, North Carolina

Yes, Charlotte brings all the benefits of a big city, with a busy international airport, major league sports teams, and a reputation for being the financial center of the Southeast. But as much as it buzzes with urban activity, it also hums with the sounds of nature, providing ample opportunities to slow down (or get active) and soak up the Carolina outdoors.

From parks and gardens to greenways and farms, the city and surrounding area are flush with outdoor spaces where you can unplug, take a stroll, hop on a bike, go for a swim, or pursue some downright thrilling fresh-air fun. For an outside-focused trip to Charlotte, these are the essential stops.

1. Plan a park day with the family…

Photo: Carissa Rogers/Anne Springs Close Greenway

Technically, Anne Springs Close Greenway is located in Fort Mill, South Carolina, but it falls within the Charlotte region — and that’s great news for anyone seeking a family-friendly day outdoors. Conservationist and philanthropist Anne Spring Close’s eight children donated the land 30 years ago, creating a perfect venue for kids to swap screen time for tree time among streams, lakes, hiking and biking trails, play structures, and a swinging bridge.

With or without little ones, pack a picnic and head to this 2,100-acre nature park for a quiet afternoon. Or grab a bite at the Greenway Canteen after a horseback ride, kayaking session, or maybe some yoga in the park.

2. …and then keep it going at another excellent green space.

Photo: Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Tennis, pickleball, batting cages, volleyball — those are just some of the activities waiting to be enjoyed at Freedom Park in Charlotte’s historic Dilworth neighborhood. In the heart of town, this is where local families meet for little league and visitors can get a breath of fresh air without leaving the city.

Among the neatly manicured lakeside lawns, a band shell serves as a community gathering point, hosting events like concerts in the park and alfresco film showings. It’s as quintessential as a city park can get.

3. Tackle rapids like an Olympian.

Photo: Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Some nature centers bring serenity — this one ups the adrenaline. In West Charlotte, the Whitewater Center’s main claim to fame is having the largest artificial whitewater river in the world, with Class II-IV rapids so impressive they’re used to train Olympic canoe and kayak slalomers. The channels aren’t just for the pros, however. Anyone aged eight and up can hop on a raft with a trained guide and give the whitewater a whirl on a gentler excursion, while teens and adults can opt for a “big water session” or “rodeo rafting” to let the rapids give them a whirl instead.

You can also avoid the water altogether. In addition to paddling sports of all kinds, the Whitewater Center has ropes courses, 50-plus miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, and rock climbing walls if that’s more your speed.

4. Traverse the city’s greenery on foot…

Photo: Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

Little Sugar Creek Greenway is an accessible 19.5-mile park belt that connects Midtown Charlotte to the state line. Walk, jog, or bike the whole thing for an activity that’s both scenic and energizing, or take your time getting to know the points of interest along the trail.

Starting in NoDa, the mostly flat, paved trail navigates through multiple neighborhoods and a handful of other city parks. These include Cordelia Park, Alexander Park, and a newly opened entrance at Freedom Park.

5. …or go for a swim nearby.

Photo: Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

About 30 minutes north of Charlotte in Mooresville, Carrigan Farms is one of the area’s most popular nature escapes. It gets a lot of social media buzz for The Quarry, a natural pool where you can swim, float, and jump from rocks to cool off on hot summer days (reservations recommended). But the fifth-generation farm has more activities and photo ops up its 275-acre sleeve — just ask the couples who throw their weddings here on account of the stunning scenery.

Have the ultimate farm-to-finger experience by picking your own produce: strawberries, apples, or pumpkins, depending on the season. If you’re visiting in October, you might also be able to catch Scarrigan Farms, a Halloween-themed event featuring a haunted walking trail.

6. Get educational outside.

Photo: Carolina Raptor Center

Huntersville’s Latta Nature Preserve puts a scholastic spin on family-friendly outdoor exploration. As you pull into the park, one of the first things you see is Quest, a nature center with a massive freshwater fish tank, an interactive water table, and lots of other opportunities to learn and play.

Quest is one of the preserve’s two experiential centers. The other is the not-for-profit Carolina Raptor Center next to the Raptor Hospital, a rehabilitation facility for rescued birds. Walk the Raptor Trail to see birds of prey — think eagles, hawks, and falcons — and stick around for a bird show or fly-by to see what the incredible creatures can do.

With 1,480 acres to its name, the Latta Nature Preserve also has plenty of open space where you can do your own thing, whether that’s exploring its 16 miles of trails (open to hikers and horseback riders) or paddling on Mountain Island Lake.

7. Sip rosé among the roses…

Photo: Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Stop and smell the roses — literally. Between Uptown and the NoDa arts district, the McGill Rose Garden is a beautifully curated celebration of gardening that started as one woman’s passion project and is now a valued park in Charlotte. With over 500 rose bushes to admire (and plenty of charming pathways to wander) every turn is as pretty as a postcard.

After admiring all the blooms, swing by Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden for a warm latte or chilled glass of pink prosecco that matches the surrounding flowers. Note that children are more than welcome, but the tranquil garden has more of a grown-up vibe — not surprising since you enter through a bar.

8. …then walk to dinner via rail trail.

Photo: Kyo H. Nam/Charlotte Center City Partners

Public transportation is readily available in downtown Charlotte, but it’s much more memorable to get around via the Charlotte Rail Trail, a wide paved park lined with flowers and trees that takes you through the South End neighborhood. You’re almost guaranteed to see joggers running here on their way to a juice bar, but take it slow and you’ll be rewarded with cafes, breweries, restaurants, galleries, public art, and more to check out around every corner. A lot of life happens on and around the Rail Trail, making it an excellent way to get to know Charlotte.

If one of the marks of a great city is that it balances outdoor spaces with urban amenities, Charlotte is truly one of the greatest around. See how many outdoor experiences you can rack up on your next visit, and start planning your trip today.