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Introduction

About This Book

Five-Star Trails: Charlotte provides route details, maps, elevation profiles, and photographs for 32 of the best hikes in this city and the surrounding region. Charlotte offers urban hikes in the heart of downtown as well as a variety of paved and unpaved greenways that spread out around the greater metro area. Those routes connect neighborhoods, parks, business districts, and green spaces for residents and visitors alike. Surrounding Charlotte is a variety of terrain ranging from mountains and Piedmont foothills to flatlands and small natural prairies.

While none of the hikes in this book get five stars in every ratings category, each will have one, two, three, or four stars in one or more of them. A hike might merit inclusion in this book because its scenery is spectacular, while another hike with two-star scenery is selected because it’s considered five-star when it comes to taking children along. The star-rating system offers a simple and quick way to find the type of trail that’s right for you.

Greater Charlotte’s Geographic Divisions

The hikes in this book encompass five geographic regions. Each region has its own particular attraction, and they include star destinations such as urban greenways, South Mountains State Park, Crowders Mountain State Park, Uwharrie National Forest, McDowell Nature Preserve, the Latta Plantation, and much more.

Center City covers the urban core. Most of the hikes here utilize Charlotte’s greenway system—one of the longest and most developed in the United States. Downtown and much of the metro area offer level topography, compared with the land around it, offering easy strolls through the city, parks, and leafy neighborhoods. These routes are best for short strolls and for nature trails through urban areas and small parks.

North encompasses the most diverse landscapes in the book. Many of the trails in this region are centered near or on Lake Norman. Or take an easy day hike on a mostly level greenway through University Research Park. An hour to the northwest, as you get closer to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you find dramatic mountain terrain, rocky creeks, and waterfalls in South Mountains State Park.

East includes the University of North Carolina at Charlotte area, where you’ll find an easy stroll through the university’s botanical gardens. Within the Charlotte Beltway, Reedy Creek Nature Preserve is just far enough north of the city to have hilly terrain. As you head farther west in this eastern section, the terrain becomes more mountainous, and you will find great hiking in Morrow Mountain State Park and in the 50,640-acre Uwharrie National Forest.

South stretches down to Waxhaw, North Carolina, and includes trails around the towns of Fort Mill, North Carolina, and Lake Wylie, South Carolina, in the entries for Cane Creek Park, McAlpine Creek Park, and McDowell Nature Preserve. The terrain is less challenging in this region than in many others. But these trails are especially good for light hiking, running, and after-work or short day excursions.

West covers the area from Mount Holly, North Carolina, just beyond the Charlotte Beltway, to Blacksburg, South Carolina. Similar to the North region covered in this book, the West region becomes increasingly more mountainous as you get closer to the main ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. Here more than any region herein, you can experience a variety of trails, including the historic and fascinating monuments and farms in Kings Mountain National Military Park and State Park and the outdoor-adventure complex of the U.S. Whitewater Center, where you can not only hike and bike the hilly trails but also raft down rapids on a man-made river and fly down high-elevation zip lines through a beautiful forest. All the way to the west, Crowders Mountain State Park has mountain terrain and challenging trails in a park bordering the Yadkin River.

How to Use This Guidebook

The following information walks you through this guidebook’s organization to make it easy and convenient for planning great hikes.

Overview Map, Map Key, & Map Legend

The overview map on the inside front cover shows the primary trailheads for all 32 hikes described in this book. The numbers shown on the overview map pair with the map key. Each hike’s number remains with that hike throughout the book. Thus, if you spot an appealing hiking area on the overview map, you can flip through the book and find that area’s hikes easily by their sequential numbers on the first page of each hike profile.

Trail Maps

In addition to the overview map on the inside cover, a detailed map of each hike’s route appears with its profile. On each of these maps, symbols indicate the trailhead, the complete route, significant features, facilities, and topographic landmarks such as creeks, overlooks, and peaks. A legend identifying the map symbols used throughout the book appears on the inside back cover.

To produce the highly accurate maps in this book, I used a handheld GPS unit to gather data while hiking each route and then sent that data to the expert cartographers at Menasha Ridge. Of course, your GPS is really no substitute for sound, sensible navigation that takes into account the conditions that you observe while hiking.

Further, despite the high quality of the maps in this guidebook, the publisher and myself strongly recommend that you always carry an additional map, such as the ones noted in each profile opener’s “Maps” listing.

Elevation Profile (Diagram)

For trails with significant elevation changes, the hike description will include this graphical element. Entries for fairly flat routes, such as a lake loop, will not display an elevation profile. Also, each hike description’s opener lists the elevation range from the start of that specific route to the hike’s highest point.

For hike descriptions that include an elevation profile, this diagram represents the rises and falls of the trail as viewed from the side, over the complete distance (in miles) of that trail. On the diagram’s vertical axis, or height scale, the number of feet indicated between each tick mark lets you visualize the climb. To avoid making flat hikes look steep and steep hikes appear flat, varying height scales provide an accurate image of each hike’s climbing challenge. For example, one hike’s scale might rise 800 feet from the trail’s start, while another might rise 160 feet from that start.

The Hike Profile

Each profile opens with the hike’s star ratings, GPS trailhead coordinates, and other key at-a-glance information—from distance and configuration to contacts for local information. Each profile also includes a map (see “Trail Maps”). The main text for each profile includes the Overview, Route Details, Nearby Attractions, and Directions (for driving to the trailhead area). Explanations of each of these elements follow.

STAR RATINGS

Five-Star Trails is the title of a Menasha Ridge Press guidebook series geared to specific cities across the United States, such as this one for Charlotte. Following is the explanation for the rating system of one to five stars in each of the five categories for each hike.

FOR SCENERY:

FOR TRAIL CONDITION:

FOR CHILDREN:

FOR DIFFICULTY:

FOR SOLITUDE:

GPS TRAILHEAD COORDINATES

As noted in “Trail Maps”, I used a handheld GPS unit to obtain geographic data and sent the information to the cartographers at Menasha Ridge. In the opener for each hike profile, the coordinates—that is, the intersection of latitude (north) and longitude (west)—will orient you from the trailhead. In some cases, you can drive within viewing distance of a trailhead. Other hiking routes require a short walk to the trailhead from a parking area.

You will also note that this guidebook uses the degree–decimal minute format for expressing GPS coordinates. The latitude–longitude grid system is likely already quite familiar to you, but here’s a refresher, pertinent to visualizing the coordinates:

Imaginary lines of latitude—called parallels and spaced approximately 69 miles apart from each other—run horizontally around the globe. The equator is established to be 0°, and each parallel is indicated by degrees from the equator: up to 90°N at the North Pole, and down to 90°S at the South Pole.

Imaginary lines of longitude—called meridians—run perpendicular to lines of latitude. Longitude lines are likewise indicated by degrees. Starting from 0° at the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, England, they continue to the east and west until they meet 180° later at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean. At the equator, longitude lines also are approximately 69 miles apart, but that distance narrows as the meridians converge toward the North and South poles.

To convert GPS coordinates given in degrees, minutes, and seconds to the degree–decimal minute format, the seconds are divided by 60. For more on GPS technology, visit usgs.gov.

DISTANCE & CONFIGURATION

Distance notes the length of the hike round-trip, from start to finish. If the hike description includes options to shorten or extend the hike, those round-trip distances will also be factored here. Configuration defines the trail as a loop, an out-and-back (taking you in and out via the same route), a figure-eight, or a balloon.

HIKING TIME

A general rule of thumb for the hiking times noted in this guidebook is 1.5 miles per hour. That pace typically allows you plenty of time for taking photos, for dawdling and admiring views, and for alternating stretches of hills and descents. When you’re deciding whether or not to follow a particular trail in this guidebook, consider your own pace, the weather, your general physical condition, and your energy level on a particular day.

HIGHLIGHTS

Waterfalls, historic sites, or other features that draw hikers to this trail are emphasized here.

ELEVATION

In each trail’s opener, you will see the elevation at the trailhead or other starting location and another figure for the peak height you will reach on that route. For routes that entail significant inclines and declines, the full hike profile also includes a complete elevation diagram.

ACCESS

Fees or permits required to hike the trail are detailed here—and noted if there are none. Trail-access hours are also shown here.

MAPS

Resources for maps, in addition to those in this guidebook, are listed here. (As previously noted, the publisher and myself recommend that you carry more than one map—and that you consult those maps before heading out on the trail to resolve any confusion or discrepancy.)

FACILITIES

Alerts you to restrooms, water, picnic tables, and other basics at or near the trailhead.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

Tells you whether paved sections or other areas exist where persons with disabilities can safely using a wheelchair.

COMMENTS

Here you will find assorted nuggets of information, such as whether or not dogs are allowed on the trails.

CONTACTS

Listed here are phone numbers and website addresses for checking trail conditions and gleaning other day-to-day information.

Overview, Route Details, Nearby Attractions, & Directions

These four elements make up the heart of the hike. “Overview” gives you a quick summary of what to expect on that trail; “Route Details” guide you on the hike, start to finish; “Nearby Attractions” suggests appealing adjacent sites, such as restaurants, museums, and other trails. “Directions” will get you to the trailhead from a well-known road or highway.

Weather

In Charlotte, you can experience all four seasons. Enjoy these variations, but always give careful consideration to weather and prepare accordingly—especially when heading into mountainous areas to the north, west, and east of the city.

As a Southern city, Charlotte can get brutally hot in the summer—just the right time to head for higher, cooler ground in the surrounding mountainous areas. Summer also can bring afternoon thunderstorms, so it’s often best to hike in the morning or evening, not only to beat the heat but also to avoid exposure to seriously dangerous lightning.

Spring and fall are long and mild and are the best times for hiking anywhere in and around the city. Spring weather can be volatile, however: a warm, beautiful, sunny day can turn into a cold and rainy one in a matter of hours. Visitors flock to the most popular trails in the fall, as the leaves begin to turn and display their colors. During these peak seasons, you should consider hiking early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid crowds.

Winter brings the city comparatively mild temperatures that only occasionally drop below freezing. The same can’t be said for the higher elevations surrounding Charlotte, though—there you’ll encounter frigid, below-freezing temperatures and occasionally snow, sleet, and hail. So plan accordingly in terms of attire and, very importantly, in terms of time: winter daylight hours are short, especially if you are hiking in forested areas.

The following chart lists average temperatures and precipitation by month for the Charlotte region. For each month, “Hi Temp” lists the average daytime high, “Lo Temp” lists the average nighttime low, and “Rain or Snow” lists the average precipitation. Expect cooler temperatures in the higher elevations, especially those in South Mountains and Morrow Mountain state parks.

Water

How much is enough? Well, one simple physiological fact should convince you to err on the side of excess when deciding how much water to pack: a hiker walking steadily in 90º heat needs to drink approximately 10 quarts of fluid per day. That’s 2.5 gallons. A good rule of thumb is to hydrate before your hike, carry (and drink) 6 ounces of water for every mile you plan to hike, and hydrate again after the hike. For most people, the pleasures of hiking make carrying water a relatively minor price to pay to remain safe and healthy. So pack more water than you anticipate that you’ll need, even for short hikes.

If you’re tempted to drink “found” water, do so with extreme caution. Many ponds and lakes encountered by hikers are fairly stagnant, and the water tastes terrible. Drinking such water presents inherent risks for thirsty trekkers. The intestinal parasite giardia contaminates many water sources and cause the dreaded illness giardiasis, which can last for weeks after onset. For information, visit the Centers for Disease Control website: cdc.gov/parasites/giardia.

In any case, effective purification is essential before you use any water source found along the trail. Boiling water for 2–3 minutes is always a safe measure for camping, but day hikers can consider iodine tablets, approved chemical mixes, filtration units rated for giardia, and ultraviolet filtration. Some of these methods (for example, filtration with an added carbon filter) remove bad tastes typical in stagnant water, while others add their own taste. As a precaution, carry a means of water purification to get you by in a pinch or if you realize you’ve underestimated your consumption needs.

Clothing

Weather, unexpected trail conditions, fatigue, extended hiking duration, and wrong turns can individually or collectively turn a great outing into a very uncomfortable one at best—and a life-threatening one at worst. Thus, proper attire plays a key role in staying comfortable and, sometimes, in staying alive. Here are some helpful guidelines:

Choose silk, wool, or synthetics for maximum comfort—from hats to socks and in between. Cotton is fine if the weather remains dry and stable, but you won’t be happy if that material gets wet.

Always wear a hat, or at least tuck one into your day pack or hitch it to your belt. Hats offer all-weather sun and wind protection as well as warmth if it turns cold.

Be ready to layer up or down as the day progresses and the mercury rises or falls. Today’s outdoor wear makes layering easy, with such designs as jackets that convert to vests and zip-off or button-up legs.

Wear hiking boots or sturdy hiking sandals with toe protection. Flip-flopping a paved urban greenway is one thing, but never hike a trail in open sandals or casual sneakers. Your bones and arches need support, and your skin needs protection.

Pair that footwear with good socks! If you prefer not to sheathe your feet when wearing hiking sandals, tuck some socks into your day pack; you may need them if temperatures plummet or if you hit rocky turf and pebbles begin to irritate your feet. And, in an emergency, if you’ve lost your gloves, you can adapt the socks into mittens.

Don’t leave your rain gear at home, even if the day dawns clear and sunny. Tuck into your day pack, or tie around your waist, a jacket that is breathable and either water-resistant or waterproof. Investigate different choices at your local outdoors retailer. If you’re a frequent hiker, ideally you’ll have more than one rain-gear weight, material, and style in your closet to protect you in all seasons in your regional climate and hiking microclimates.

Essential Gear

Today you can buy outdoor vests that have up to 20 pockets shaped and sized to carry everything from toothpicks to binoculars. Or if you don’t aspire to feel like a burro, you can neatly stow all of these items in your day pack or backpack. The following list showcases never-hike-without-them items—in alphabetical order, for easy reference.

Extra clothes: Rain gear, warm hat, gloves, and change of socks and shirt.

Extra food: Trail mix, granola bars, or other high-energy foods.

Flashlight or headlamp: Include extra bulb and batteries.

Insect repellent: For some areas and seasons, this is extremely vital.

Maps and high-quality compass: Even if you know the terrain from previous hikes, don’t leave home without these tools. And, as previously noted, bring maps in addition to those in this guidebook, and consult your maps prior to the hike. If you are versed in GPS usage, bring that device too, but don’t rely on it as your sole navigational tool, as the battery can dwindle or die. And be sure to compare its guidance with that of your maps.

Matches (ideally, windproof) and/or a lighter: A fire starter is also a good idea.

Pocketknife and/or a multitool: Never hike without one.

Sunscreen: Note the expiration date on the tube or bottle.

Water: As emphasized more than once in this book, bring more than you think you’ll drink. Depending on your destination, you may want to bring a water bottle and iodine or filter for purifying water in the wilderness in case you run out.

Whistle: This little gadget will be your best friend in an emergency.

First-Aid Kit

In addition to the items above, those below may appear overwhelming for a day hike. But any paramedic will tell you that the products listed here, in alphabetical order, are just the basics. The reality of hiking is that you can be out for a week of backpacking and acquire only a mosquito bite—or you can hike for an hour, slip, and suffer a bleeding abrasion or broken bone. Fortunately, these items collapse into a very small space. You may also purchase convenient prepackaged kits at your pharmacy or online.

Ace bandages or Spenco joint wraps

Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or the generic equivalent)

Athletic tape

Band-Aids

Benadryl or the generic equivalent, diphenhydramine (in case of allergic reactions)

Blister kit (such as Moleskin or Spenco 2nd Skin)

Butterfly-closure bandages

Epinephrine in a prefilled syringe (for people known to have severe allergic reactions to such things as bee stings; usually available by prescription only)

Gauze (one roll and a half dozen 4-x-4-inch pads)

Hydrogen peroxide or iodine

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Note: Consider your intended terrain and the number of hikers in your party before you exclude any article cited in the previous list. A botanical-garden stroll may not inspire you to carry a complete kit, but anything beyond that warrants precaution. When hiking alone, you should always be prepared for a medical need. And if you’re part of a twosome or hiking with a group, one or more people in your party should be equipped with first-aid material.

General Safety

The following tips may have the familiar ring of Mom’s voice as you take note of them:

Always let someone know where you’ll be hiking and how long you expect to be gone. It’s a good idea to give that person a copy of your route, particularly if you’re headed into any isolated area. Let that person know when you return.

Always sign in and out of any trail registers provided. Don’t hesitate to comment on the trail condition if space is provided; that’s your opportunity to alert others to any problems you encounter.

Never count on a cell phone for your safety. Reception may be spotty or nonexistent on the trail, even on an urban walk—especially if it’s surrounded by towering trees.

Always carry food and water, even for a short hike. And bring more water than you think you will need. (I cannot say that often enough!)

Ask questions. State forest and park employees are on hand to help. It’s a lot easier to solicit advice before a problem occurs, and it will help you avoid a mishap away from civilization when it’s too late to amend an error.

Stay on designated trails. Even on the most clearly marked trails, there is usually a point where you have to stop and consider in which direction to head. If you become disoriented, don’t panic. As soon as you think you may be off-track, stop, assess your current direction, and then retrace your steps to the point where you went astray. Using a map, a compass, and this book, and keeping in mind what you have passed thus far, reorient yourself and trust your judgment on which way to continue. If you become absolutely unsure of how to continue, return to your vehicle the way you came in. Should you become completely lost and have no idea how to return to the trailhead, remaining in place along the trail and waiting for help is most often the best option for adults, and always the best option for children.

Always carry a whistle, another precaution that cannot be overemphasized. It may be a lifesaver if you do become lost or get hurt.

Be especially careful when crossing streams. Whether you are fording the stream or crossing on a log, make every step count. If you have any doubt about maintaining your balance on a log, ford the stream instead: use a trekking pole or stout stick for balance and face upstream as you cross. If a stream seems too deep to ford, turn back. Whatever is on the other side is not worth risking your life.

Be careful at overlooks. While these areas may provide spectacular views, they are potentially hazardous. Stay back from the edge of outcrops and be absolutely sure of your footing; a misstep can mean a nasty and possibly fatal fall.

Look up! Standing dead trees and storm-damaged living ones pose a significant hazard to hikers. These trees may have loose or broken limbs that could fall at any time. Be mindful of this when walking beneath trees, and when choosing a spot to rest or enjoy your snack.

Know hypothermia symptoms. Shivering and forgetfulness are the two most common indicators of this stealthy killer. Hypothermia can occur at any elevation, even in the summer, especially when the hiker is wearing lightweight cotton clothing. If symptoms present themselves, get to shelter, hot liquids, and dry clothes ASAP.

Likewise, know the symptoms of heat exhaustion (hyperthermia). Lightheadedness and loss of energy are the first two indicators. If you feel these symptoms, find some shade, drink your water, remove as many layers of clothing as practical, and stay put until you cool down. Marching through heat exhaustion leads to heatstroke—which can be fatal. If you should be sweating and you’re not, that’s the signature warning sign. Your hike is over at that point—heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that can cause seizures, convulsions, and eventually death. If you or a companion reaches that point, do whatever you can to cool down and seek medical attention immediately.

Most important of all, take along your brain. A cool, calculating mind is the single most important asset on the trail. Think before you act. Watch your step. Plan ahead. Avoiding accidents before they happen is the best way to ensure a rewarding and relaxing hike.

Watchwords for Flora & Fauna

Hikers should remain aware of the following concerns regarding plant life and wildlife, described in alphabetical order.

BLACK BEARS: Though attacks by black bears are uncommon, they have occurred around Charlotte. The highest concentration of black bears will be found in the western part of the region that is closest to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and also to the east in the Uwharrie National Forest.

The sight or approach of a bear can give anyone a start, but if you encounter a bear while hiking, remain calm and avoid running in any direction. Make loud noises to scare off the bear, and back away slowly. In primitive and remote areas, assume bears are present; in more developed sites, check on the current bear situation prior to hiking. Most encounters are food-related, as bears have an exceptional sense of smell and not particularly discriminating tastes. While this is of greater concern to backpackers and campers, on a day hike you may plan a lunchtime picnic or will munch on an energy bar or other snack from time to time. So remain alert and be particularly cautious about going on a hike or camping after grilling meat. Often the smoke and the smell will get in your hair and on your clothes, and this has been known to be the cause of bear attacks in the past.

BLACK FLIES: Though these insects are certainly pests and maddeningly annoying, the worst a black fly will cause is an itchy welt. They are most active April–June, during the day, and especially before thunderstorms, as well as during the morning and evening hours. Insect repellent has some effect, but the only way to keep out of their swarming midst is to keep moving.

MOSQUITOES: They’re certainly a problem in and around Charlotte during the warmer months. During the early spring, the mosquitoes haven’t emerged in their full numbers. After the first freeze of the winter, the population is seriously reduced. This makes fall and spring particularly pleasant times to hike and be free of the pestering and itch-inducing buggers. Ward off these pests with insect repellent and/or repellent-impregnated clothing.

Another great way to keep your sanity and avoid being bitten is to wear gloves and a head net. A net draped over a wide-brimmed hat works especially well for keeping all bugs from landing on your face and the back of your neck. In some areas, mosquitoes are known to carry the West Nile virus, so all due caution should be taken to avoid their bites.

POISON IVY, OAK, AND SUMAC: Recognizing and avoiding these plants are the most effective ways to prevent the painful, itchy rashes associated with them. Poison ivy occurs as a vine or groundcover, 3 leaflets to a leaf; poison oak occurs as a vine or shrub, also with 3 leaflets; and poison sumac flourishes in swampland, each leaf having 7–13 leaflets. Urushiol, the oil in the sap of these plants, is responsible for the rash. Within 14 hours of exposure, raised lines and/or blisters will appear on the affected area, accompanied by a terrible itch.

Try not to scratch if you can—bacteria under your fingernails can cause an infection. Wash and dry the affected area thoroughly, applying a calamine lotion to help dry out the rash. If itching or blistering is severe, seek medical attention. If you do come into contact with one of these plants, remember that oil-contaminated clothes, hiking gear, and pets can easily cause an irritating rash on you or someone else, so wash not only any exposed parts of your body but also any exposed clothes, gear, and pets.

SNAKES: Rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, and corals are among the most common venomous snakes in the United States. Their hibernation season is typically October–April. Rattlesnakes like to bask in the sun and won’t bite unless threatened.

In the regions described in this book, you will possibly encounter western diamondback rattlesnakes, timber and pygmy rattlers, cottonmouths (water moccasins), and copperheads. However, the snakes you most likely will see while hiking will be nonvenomous species and subspecies. The best rule is to leave all snakes alone, give them a wide berth as you hike past, and make sure any hiking companions (including dogs) do the same.

HIGH SHOAL FALLS, SOUTH MOUNTAINS STATE PARK

When hiking, stick to well-used trails, and wear over-the-ankle boots and loose-fitting long pants. Do not step or put your hands beyond your range of detailed visibility, and avoid wandering around in the dark. Step onto logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks. Always avoid walking through dense brush or willow thickets. Rattlesnakes and copperheads are often found on sunny spots atop rocks, while cottonmouths are likely to be found near lakeshores and along the banks of rivers and creeks.

TICKS: These arachnids are often found on brush and tall grass, where they seem to be waiting to hitch a ride on a warm-blooded passerby. Adult ticks are most active April–May and again October–November. Among the varieties of ticks, the black-legged (deer) tick is the primary carrier of Lyme disease. As a precaution, wear light-colored clothing, which makes it easier for you to spot ticks before they migrate to your skin. At the end of your hike, visually check your hair, back of neck, armpits, and socks. During your posthike shower, take a moment to do a more complete body check. For ticks that are already embedded, removal with tweezers is best. Use disinfectant solution on the wound.

Hunting

Separate rules, regulations, and licenses govern the various hunting types and related seasons. Though there are generally no problems, hikers may wish to forgo their trips during the big-game seasons, when the woods suddenly seem filled with orange and camouflage. The hunting season for most animals in and around Charlotte occurs October–December. The most common places for hikers to encounter hunters are in the Uwharrie National Forest and the Birkhead Wilderness, east of the city.

Regulations

Each state generally has a unique set of rules and regulations that apply to the use of state parks and other public lands. Below you will find many of the most important rules and regulations to know when visiting these areas. Many of these regulations are listed on the rules-and-regulations pages of the North Carolina State Parks and North Carolina Parks and Recreation websites.

Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and must not be left unattended. Campers must confine pets to enclosed vehicles or tents during the park’s quiet hours, and pets are not allowed in bathhouses, changing areas, rinsing stations, swimming areas, restrooms, visitor centers, or rental boats. Exceptions are service animals and authorized search-and-rescue dogs.

North Carolina state parks are wildlife preserves. The removal, destruction, or injury of any tree, flower, artifact, fern, shrub, rock, or other plant or mineral in any park is prohibited unless you have an approved collection permit for scientific or educational purposes.

The hunting, trapping, pursuing, shooting, injuring, killing, or molesting of any bird or animal is prohibited. Feeding or baiting wildlife is prohibited.

In parks where boating and fishing are allowed during park hours, such activities are regulated by all applicable North Carolina laws and regulations, including those regarding fishing licenses, boat registration, and safety requirements.

For your safety and protection, please stay on designated trails and hiking areas. Also, many rare plants live on thin soils and wet rocks and are vulnerable to damage from climbing, trampling, and scraping.

Camping

In North Carolina, it is lawful to camp anywhere in a national forest unless it is otherwise posted. In state parks and national parks, the following are prohibited: alcohol, the possession or use of fireworks, cap pistols, air guns, bows and arrows, slingshots, or lethal missiles of any kind. To possess a handgun within a state or national park, you must carry a concealed-weapon permit; in any case, firearms are prohibited in park offices and visitor centers.

As a courtesy to other campers, please observe the campground quiet hours, typically 10 p.m.–7 a.m. In any park or recreation area, sounds that annoy, disturb, or frighten park visitors are prohibited at all times.

Camping is allowed in designated areas by permit only. In most cases, campers register with a ranger on-site or at an on-site registration box. Fires are permitted only in designated areas and must be tended at all times. Gathering firewood is generally prohibited but may be allowed in some parks.

Litter

Littering is illegal in North Carolina.

To help maintain a clean and safe environment for park visitors and wildlife, place trash in proper containers. Wildlife may mistake plastic bags for food and may become entangled in discarded fishing line or other types of litter.

Burying trash is prohibited. Shifting winds and other types of weather may expose trash and endanger wildlife and the environment.

State law requires aluminum cans to be placed in recycling containers where available.

Business and Special Activities

Conducting commercial business or activity in any park is prohibited except during events governed by a special-activity permit. Photography or video production for commercial purposes is prohibited unless you have a film permit.

State parks allow for many recreational activities, such as bicycling events, marathons, photo tours, kite-flying contests, club meetings, and so on. However, participants in all such events must acquire a special-activity permit for $35. The permit application is available from the “Forms & Permits” web link at individual park menus or may be obtained from park offices.

Vehicles and Bicycles

North Carolina motor-vehicle and traffic laws apply in all state parks. Unlicensed motor vehicles—including golf carts, unregistered motorcycles, snowmobiles, utility vehicles, minibikes, and all-terrain vehicles—are prohibited.

Unlicensed drivers may not operate motor vehicles on park roads.

Motorized vehicles are permitted only in designated areas and are prohibited on park trails.

All vehicles left in the park after posted park hours must be registered.

No carts, carriages, or other horse-drawn apparatus are permitted on park trails.

In all parks, bicycles are permitted only on those trails or other park areas specifically designated for their use.

Bicycle riders under age 16 must wear a helmet.

Bicycle passengers who weigh less than 40 pounds or who are less than 40 inches tall must be seated in a separate restraining seat. All other bicycle riders must be seated on saddle seats. Persons unable to maintain an erect, seated position cannot be bicycle passengers.

Trail Etiquette

Always treat trails, wildlife, and fellow hikers with respect. Here are some reminders.

Plan ahead in order to be self-sufficient at all times. For example, carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-planned trip brings satisfaction to you and to others.

Hike on open trails only.

In seasons or construction areas where road or trail closures may be a possibility, use the website addresses or phone numbers shown in the “Contacts” line for each of this guidebook’s hikes to check conditions prior to heading out for your hike. And do not attempt to circumvent such closures.

Avoid trespassing on private land, and obtain all permits and authorization as required. Also, leave gates as you found them or as directed by signage.

Be courteous to other hikers, bikers, equestrians, and others you encounter on the trails.

Never spook wild animals or pets. An unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise startles most critters, and a surprised animal can be dangerous to you, to others, and to itself. Give animals plenty of space.

Observe the YIELD signs around the region’s trailheads and backcountry. Typically they advise hikers to yield to horses, and bikers to yield to both horses and hikers. Hikers and bikers should yield to any uphill traffic. When encountering mounted riders or horsepackers, hikers can courteously step off the trail, on the downhill side if possible. So that the horse can see and hear you, calmly greet the rider before s/he reaches you, and don’t dart behind trees. Also resist the urge to pet a horse unless you’re invited to do so.

Stay on existing trails, and do not blaze any new ones.

Pack out what you pack in, leaving only your footprints. No one likes to see the trash someone else has left behind.

Tips on Enjoying Hiking in Charlotte

It’s pretty hard not to enjoy hiking around Charlotte, but a few tips might enhance the experience.

First, check out all of the information listed in this book for the particular trail you consider hiking. Note the contact information and the GPS coordinates of the trailhead. The trail descriptions will help you know what to expect along the trail and help you prepare for such elements as water crossings, fishing opportunities, and views (that is, bring your camera).

Because the trails around Charlotte are fairly spread out, it’s always a good idea to see how far a trail may be from your point of origin to avoid driving an hour to a trail when you really just wanted to do a quick day hike. The terrain around Charlotte is also very diverse, and you’ll want to consider your own fitness level in making decisions about the level of physical challenge you want to take on.

Take your time on the trail. Hiking presents a great opportunity to relax and think. Hurrying along the trail and becoming too goal-oriented with the process can sometimes take away from the experience.

The main point, though, is to get what you want out of the trail. If you want a physical challenge—to run the trails, time yourself, and attempt to set new records—do it. If you want to take a whole day to hike a few miles, sitting and picnicking and watching the clouds roll by, then you should set aside a day to do just that. Whatever you do, make sure to hike the trail in your own way and make it your experience.

Just as important as it is to never live anyone else’s life, you should never hike anyone else’s trail.