A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

As you grab your coffee and head out to the office, it hits you: The air is cool and crisp. The sky has that clear, deep-blue hue that only fall

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

As you grab your coffee and head out to the office, it hits you: The air is cool and crisp. The sky has that clear, deep-blue hue that only fall

3 Outdoor Itineraries to Celebrate Fall in Charlotte

As you grab your coffee and head out to the office, it hits you: The air is cool and crisp. The sky has that clear, deep-blue hue that only fall can bring. Commuting to the city, you think about the scent of autumn as the leaves drift to the ground — and feel an irresistible pull to get outside this weekend.

You remember the trails you’ve been meaning to explore, the parks where the trees will soon be ablaze with amber, gold, and crimson. You’re glad to be in Charlotte, a city with both metropolitan and natural wonders. More than high rises, the Queen City offers thousands of acres of preserved lands, parks, and green spaces. Especially in autumn, with numerous ways to immerse in its seasonal magic, it’s easy to be charmed by the city’s natural beauty. Here are six inspiring locations to add to your plans this fall.



 

The trail around the edge of Dragonfly Pond at Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve is a 1-mile loop that takes hikers through a mixed hardwood forest. Photography courtesy of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation

For Nature Lovers

Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve

“Professional nature nerds.” That’s how Megan Keul lovingly describes the staff at the Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve. With more than 10 miles of trails, the preserve protects 737 acres of natural and forested habitat. At the Nature Center’s science exhibits, visitors meet some of the native plants and animals they might encounter along those trails.

Keul, who works with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, says, “I highly recommend their nature education programs as a must-do for nature lovers. The staff is ready and eager to share their knowledge and love of local flora and fauna with visitors.”

Check out the Nature Center’s programs calendar for special upcoming events and field trips in and out of the park, such as their regular BioDiversity Hikes, led by expert guides.

Anne Springs Close Greenway

Just south of Charlotte in York County, South Carolina, a nature preserve more than twice the size of Central Park awaits those longing to get out of the city and deeper into nature. Here on the Anne Springs Close Greenway, you can hike, bike, or take a horseback trail ride on 36 miles of greenway trails. (Bring your own horse or borrow one on a Guided Trail Ride.)

For a leisurely outdoor experience, the preserve offers six different kinds of yoga classes, as well as kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Haigler. (See their website for reservation and rental information.)

You can even make it an overnight adventure by reserving a group campsite, with free firewood provided for keeping cozy when the evening chill sets in.

 

The smooth pavement on Little Sugar Creek Greenway makes it a friendly spot to roller skate, bike, and more. Photography courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

For Urban Explorers

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Little Sugar Creek Greenway is the spine of the Carolina Thread Trail, a fully paved, mostly flat trail that starts in Uptown Charlotte and runs all the way to the North Carolina-South Carolina state line.

Along the way, the Little Sugar Creek Greenway is known for connecting walkers and bikers with opportunities to enjoy history, nature, exercise, shopping, and great eats. This stretch runs a little over 16 miles, says Keul, who touts it as a beautiful place for autumn leaf peeping in the Charlotte area.

For a fall bike ride, start at the James K. Polk State Historic Site and follow the greenway to Metropolitan for a bite to eat from one of the restaurants, cycling back for a 22-mile round trip. Walking? Start at Freedom Park and make your way to Metropolitan and back for a five-mile round trip. Along the way, expect to see other cyclists, dog walkers, and families with strollers soaking up the temperate fall weather.

Take in larger-than-life murals, whimsical sculptures, and interactive exhibits along the Charlotte Rail Trail. Photography courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Charlotte Rail Trail

If you happen to be in South End for business or pleasure, weave an excursion along this 3.5-mile path — located along Charlotte’s LYNX Blue Line light rail — into your plans. Like a jeweled belt fit for a queen, the rail trail is studded with public art experiences, food, entertainment, art, and shopping. Walk, bring your bike, or rent an electric scooter or bike from a ride-sharing program.

On the weekend, take the path to greet your day with coffee and donuts at Pepperbox, then stroll the South End Farmers Market for the best in local produce, proteins and goods. Find something special to take home from Charlotte Collective, a storefront for more than 20 local small businesses. Getting hungry? Take the light rail to Uptown to visit The Market at 7th Street or stay close — Trolley Barn Fermentory & Food Hall has a plethora of lunch options.

 

The U.S. National Whitewater Center preserves more than 40 miles of trails for mountain bikers, hikers, and runners. Photography courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

For Adventure Seekers

Mountain Biking at the U.S. National Whitewater Center

Rafting season may close in October, but fall has no shortage of adventure options at this 1,300-acre ecosystem of recreation. Stephen Youngblade of the U.S. National Whitewater Center encourages folks of all ages and abilities to get outside this fall and enjoy themselves.

“The more you get outside, the happier and healthier you’re going to be,” he says. Dog owners can roam a 70-acre off-leash area with their canine companions. Children are enchanted by the Treehouse Village and Balance Bike Course in Wildwoods. There’s even outdoor ice skating November through February.

Whether on a thrill-seeking ride or relaxing trail, visitors are encouraged to stop and enjoy the view. Photography courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Youngblade recommends mountain biking, noting that “all trails are open to the public free of charge, and marked according to level of difficulty and direction.” Bring your bike or rent one — even hikers and trail runners are welcome.

After the action, enjoy live music while grabbing a local beer and a bite from one of seven eateries. You can also make reservations for an Adventure Dining event, such as Zipline and Dine or Skate and Date.

Crowders Mountain State Park offers breathtaking sights at sunrise, sunset, and every hour between. Photography courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Hiking at Crowders Mountain

Editor’s note: Crowders Mountain is currently closed to visitors through the month of October 2024.

Just west of Charlotte in Gaston County, a rare opportunity to get some elevation in the Piedmont rises above the surrounding landscape. Within Crowders Mountain State Park, two mountain peaks climb more than 1,600 feet above sea level and offer magnificent views of the surrounding region — like the glittering Charlotte skyline in the distance.

Reserve a tent campsite and spend a weekend relaxing and exploring in nature. Hikers delight in 30 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, while others enjoy more laid-back activities such as fishing, bird watching, or photographing breathtaking views and beautiful fall foliage.

After your adventure, you can welcome the feeling of satisfyingly tired legs and lungs full of fresh air. Luckily an outdoor adventure is never far when you’re in Charlotte.

To learn more about Charlotte’s outdoor excursions, visit charlottesgotalot.com.