Explore Nearby: Scenic Hikes Within 90 Minutes of Charlotte
From wooded loops to mountain views, here are a few local favorites to explore.
Whether you're craving fresh air after a week of screen time or looking for a scenic way to spend your weekend, Charlotte is perfectly positioned for easy access to some of the best trails in the Carolinas. These hikes are all within a 90-minute drive of the city—perfect for spontaneous Saturday adventures or peaceful weekday escapes.
This guide features a curated list of my go-to hiking trails, organized by distance from Charlotte and designed for a variety of experience levels. Whether you prefer forest strolls, lake views, or summit scrambles, there’s something here for everyone.
How to Use This Guide
Grouped by distance from Charlotte
Trail details include length, highlights, and need-to-know tips
Trail Magic includes what you'll see on the trail
Links to each trail on AllTrails
Note: I’ve spotlighted just a few of my favorite trails in each section to give you a taste of what’s out there. To see the full list (and save it to your AllTrails account), click here to view my curated guide.
Planning to hit the trails?
I use AllTrails+ to download offline maps, stay on course, and discover new hikes with ease. If you’re thinking about upgrading, you can use my link to get 30% off your subscription.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It’s an easy way to support the blog and help me keep creating experience-based travel content. Thanks for being here!
HIKES UNDER 30 MINUTES FROM CLT
Stevens Creek Nature Trails
Distance from CLT: ~25 min
Trail Length: 3.8 miles
Trail Magic: STREAM HOPPING!
This well-maintained trail starts off with a winding boardwalk and a chance to rock-hop across a meandering stream. Continuing through the lush forests, be sure to keep an eye out for the huge oak trees that once framed an old homesite.
🔗 View on AllTrails
Reedy Creek Nature Center Trails
Distance from CLT: ~25 min
Trail Length: Multiple loops ranging from 1–5 miles
Trail Magic: NATURE CENTER + POND VIEWS!
This easy-access trail is close to the city but a world away. Hike through forests and creeks, alongside a pond for a chance to view wildlife. Pack a picnic, play at the kid's playground, or visit the Nature Center to make a day of it.
🔗 View on AllTrails
HIKES 30–60 MINUTES FROM CLT
Crowders Mountain - Pinnacle Trail
Distance from CLT: ~35 min
Trail Length: 4.2 miles loop
Trail Magic: VISTAS!
On clear days, there are views of The Blue Ridge Mountains, the Charlotte skyline, and the rolling Piedmont region of NC. Stick around at the summit for a STUNNING sunset view! This trail can be crowded on weekends—arrive early or go midweek.
🔗 View on AllTrails
Seven Oaks Preserve - Loop Trail from South New Hope Road
Distance from CLT: ~40 min
Trail Length: 4.9 miles
Trail Magic: LAKE VIEWS + NATURE PRESERVE
This easy hike takes you alongside a tree-lined cove in Lake Wylie. Follow the trail into the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for a glimpse at local flora. Be sure to visit the Trailhead Store near the entrance to the garden for a post-hike snack, coffee, or adult beverage of your choice!
🔗 View on AllTrails
Landsford Canal State Park - Landsford Canal Trail
Distance from CLT: ~45 min
Trail Length: 3.0 miles
Trail Magic: RIVER VIEWS + RUINS + RARE FLOWERS!
Hike alongside and inside the well-preserved ruins of a canal system that moved goods down the Catawba River in the 1800s. See beautiful river views and keep an eye out for the rare Spider Lily Plant during the month of May. The plants grow in the rocky shoals in the middle of the river and people come from all over to view the rare flowers!
🔗 View on AllTrails
HIKES 60–90 MINUTES FROM CLT
Riverbend Park - Riverbend Park Red Trail
Distance from CLT: ~65 min
Trail Length: 3.5 miles +
Trail Magic: RIVER + WILDLIFE!
Hike along the Catawba River and the dense upland forest to see the many different types of wildlife along the way: turtles, herons, snakes, and sometimes deer and hawks too! Make a day of it and head out on the water in kayaks, SUPs, or canoes.
🔗 View on AllTrails
Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area - Hollow Rock Trail
Distance from CLT: ~70 min
Trail Length: 3.1 miles loop
Trail Magic: A GRANITE DOME + CLIMBING!
Hike this MASSIVE granite dome bald which was also the site of a former quarry operation. You can view remnants of the operations at the base of the mountain. Plan ahead and reserve a climbing permit or just watch as qualified climbers tackle the cliff faces.
🔗 View on AllTrails
South Mountains State Park - High Shoals Falls Loop
Distance from CLT: ~80 min
Trail Length: 2.7 miles loop
Trail Magic: WATERFALL!
A winding creek full of boulders and pools leads you to a beautiful, cascading 80' waterfall. Climb the stairs to the viewing platform to feel the spray from the water pouring off the rocks. Summit the stairs to see the serene headwaters before they plunge over the waterfall. Stairs and rocks can be slippery—wear good shoes.
🔗 View on AllTrails
More Trail Tips
Always check trail conditions before you go. AllTrails+ is a great resource for trail updates.
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and layers. And don’t forget your camera.
Leave no trace, pack in pack out, and respect local wildlife.
Looking for the full list?
You can explore the complete, updated AllTrails list here: Charlotte Hiking Trails: 90 Minutes or Less from CLT
Want to make the most of your hiking days?
I recommend AllTrails+ for offline maps and trail navigation—especially on lesser-known paths. You’ll get 30% off with my link, and it’s a great way to support this blog if you’ve found this guide helpful.
Happy Hiking!
These are the hikes I return to often—for reset days, mini road trips, and casual sunset wanders. Whether you’re brand new to hiking or a weekend warrior, I hope you find something here that brings you peace, perspective, and a little bit of magic on the trail.
Tag me on TikTok if you visit one of these trails—I’d love to see your adventure!
Thanks for reading along. If you’re interested in travel that’s a little less polished, a little less planned, and a lot more focused on the feeling of being in a place, subscribe to Waypoints. Paid subscribers receive an exclusive discount on all prints and products in the shop.
Let's wander a little slower, and see what we find.
Lindsey A. Miller
