Charlotte, NC
Hiking
Paved greenway linking uptown, Freedom Park and beyond — great for bikes and scooters.
29 places
Hiking trails and greenways near Charlotte
Paved greenways and park loops are the easiest with strollers and little kids. Nature-preserve trails and state parks are better for older kids who can hike. Stay on marked trails, bring water, and check official trail-status or park pages after heavy rain.
Related: Gastonia, Huntersville, Rock Hill
Hours, prices and seasonal dates change often — always check the official website before you go. Info last reviewed November 2026.
Stroller-friendly
Generally stroller-friendly paved or park paths; confirm trail conditions.
Charlotte, NC
HikingPaved trail alongside the light rail through South End with public art and murals.
Freedom Park
FreeCharlotte, NC
PlaygroundsHikingToddlersCharlotte's beloved central park: large playground, lake, ducks, trails and a Play 60 NFL playground.
Jetton Park
FreeCornelius, NC
PlaygroundsHikingLake Norman peninsula park with paved trails, playground and lake views.
Belmont, NC
PlaygroundsHikingToddlersTreehouse-themed playground on the Catawba River with wide paved paths and a public dock with bench swings.
Rock Hill, SC
HikingPaved Catawba River trails and nearby parks at Riverwalk.
Village Park
FreeKannapolis, NC
PlaygroundsWaterSeasonalHikingToddlersShady park with a playground, seasonal splash pad, paved trail, a $1.50 Venetian carousel and a small train.
Good to know: Carousel and train rides cost a small fee.
Pineville, NC
PlaygroundsWaterHikingToddlersLakeside park with a large splash pad and three playgrounds.
Rankin Lake Park
FreeGastonia, NC
PlaygroundsHikingCity of Gastonia lakeside park with walking trails, fishing and a playground.
Frank Liske Park
FreeConcord, NC
PlaygroundsHikingLarge Cabarrus County park with playgrounds, ballfields, a lake and walking trails.
First Ward Park
FreeCharlotte, NC
WaterPlaygroundsHikingToddlersUptown park beside ImaginOn and Discovery Place with a splash pad and playground.
Charlotte, NC
WaterPlaygroundsHikingToddlersUptown park with skyline views, a seasonal sprayground and Truist Field next door.
Stumptown Park
FreeMatthews, NC
PlaygroundsSeasonalHikingToddlersDowntown Matthews park with a playground, summer concerts and community festivals.
Better for little hikers
Nature and hiking trails — some unpaved, not all stroller-friendly. Crowders Mountain is more of a hike than a stroller outing; Anne Springs Close Greenway, Cane Creek Park and Andrew Jackson State Park charge entry.
Kings Mountain / Gastonia, NC
HomeschoolHikingHiking with big views from Crowders Mountain and The Pinnacle, plus a lake for fishing and paddling. Free entry.
Huntersville, NC
HomeschoolRainy dayHiking1,460-acre preserve on Mountain Island Lake; Quest nature center has a big aquarium and interactive exhibits, plus trails, horseback riding and paddling.
Charlotte (Steele Creek), NC
HomeschoolPlaygroundsHikingNature center on Lake Wylie with live animal exhibits, trails, playground and weekly animal meet-and-greets.
Charlotte, NC
PlaygroundsHomeschoolRainy dayHikingIndoor nature center, easy trails, and a unique fenced nature playground; frequent free family programs.
Fort Mill, SC
HomeschoolHiking2,100-acre preserve with hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, farm animals and the Greenway Canteen.
Day passes or family memberships (from about $12–13/month)
Cane Creek Park
PaidWaxhaw, NC
WaterPlaygroundsHikingUnion County park with a lake, fishing, campground and trails (entry fee applies).
Lancaster, SC
HomeschoolPlaygroundsHikingPark at the birthplace of Andrew Jackson with a museum, replica 1700s schoolhouse, playground, trails, fishing and boat rentals.
Small SC state park entry fee; kids under 5 free
Blacksburg, SC (west of Gastonia), SC
HomeschoolHikingRevolutionary War battlefield with a free visitor center, film and a 1.5-mile paved battlefield trail.
Charlotte, NC
HomeschoolHikingFree gardens and greenhouse with rainforest plants, orchids and carnivorous plants.
Charlotte, NC
HomeschoolHikingHistoric Myers Park garden and bird sanctuary with kids' programs.
Belmont, NC
HomeschoolSeasonalHikingGorgeous gardens with fountains, a children's garden, and an orchid conservatory; spring blooms and holiday lights.
Glencairn Garden
FreeRock Hill, SC
SeasonalHikingFree 11-acre garden with azaleas, fountains and a pond — stunning in spring.
Charlotte, NC
SeasonalHikingSportsHuge outdoor adventure park on the Catawba River. Warm months: whitewater rafting, ziplines, climbing, ropes courses, Wildwoods family play area and 50+ miles of trails. Winter at Whitewater (mid-Nov to mid-Feb): the Southeast's largest outdoor ice rink (24,000 sq ft), a free illuminated Winter Trail, Highland cows, a Christmas tree lot and night zips.
Free entry; parking $13/vehicle. All Access Day Pass $79; Wildwoods pass $18; ice skating $25 incl. rentals
Good to know: The Winter Trail and trails are free with parking.
Huntersville, NC
HomeschoolSeasonalFarmsHikingFestivals265-acre historic Scottish-heritage farm with trails, animals and events, home of the Amazing Maize Maze each fall.
Cornelius, NC
PlaygroundsWaterHikingLake Norman park with a small beach, playground and fishing pier.
Tuckaseege Park
FreeMount Holly, NC
PlaygroundsHikingRiverside park on the Catawba River with a playground and walking trails.
Frequently asked questions
Which trails work with a stroller?
Paved greenways and park loops are the easiest. Confirm trail conditions on the official site, especially after heavy rain.
Where can older kids do a real hike?
Nature preserves and state parks like Crowders Mountain are better for kids who can hike. Stay on marked trails and bring water.