Are you an avid bike rider? Enjoy long-distance biking, or even twisty mountain trails? Maybe you’re just starting out and looking for some easy trails to hit.
Whatever the case is for you, there are numerous opportunities within the city of Charlotte, North Carolina to meet any of your bike trail needs and desires.
Why Go Bike Riding in Charlotte?
There are multiple health benefits to riding a bike, including decreased stress, strengthened joints, and improved heart conditions.
If you live in Charlotte, North Carolina, you’re in luck: there are so many beautiful bike trails for all skill levels, accessible year-round.
If you live outside the area and are looking for a brilliant vacation destination that will allow you to ride your bike in a variety of settings, you should definitely take a stop in this gorgeous city.
11 GREAT Bike Trails in Charlotte
1. Little Sugar Creek Greenway
This nearly six-mile trail makes the top of the list for being exemplary for all types of bikers, from beginner to intermediate. Its asphalt trails make the journey easy, and its scenery is gorgeous. It’s also #1 on many bikers’ lists of recommended bike trails within the city. It connects several parks and urban areas, allowing for frequent stopping points to enjoy the native art or a bite to eat.
They are located at 1133 Metropolitan Ave, and are open 24 hours a day.
2. McAlpine Creek Greenway
This bike trail extends from the McAlpine Creek Greenway all the way to Margaret Wallace Road. With stretches of gravel broken by asphalt and shaded nearly the entire way by thick trees, these trails provide access to enjoyment of all different types of wildlife, from birds to beautiful flowers.
It is located at 8711 Monroe Road and is open from 7 am – 8 pm every day.
3. Four Mile Creek
Located in the woods just outside of Charlotte and smooth for every skill level, the Four Mile Creek Greenway is a bike trail you’ll not want to miss. With cool, shady trees and the presence of a nearby river, riding this easy 3.2-mile trail will only leave you feeling refreshed.
You can find this bike path at 1631 Pleasant Plains Rd, and it’s accessible from dawn until dusk every day.
4. Charlotte Rail Trail
The Charlotte Rail Trail path is a unique and incredibly cute bike trail, which follows the Charlotte Trolley all the way from Uptown to the South End. Once you reach the South End, you’ll be able to enjoy the Charlotte Trolley barn and museum.
It’s an easy, well-marked trail suitable for all levels of bike riders. It begins at E. 9th St and is open 24 hours.
5. Colonel Francis Beatty Park
The loop located within Colonel Francis Beatty Park is a gorgeous nearly 4.3-mile trail that surrounds a lake. It is suitable for beginners, as there’s very few hills and is paved and well-maintained. It is busy year-round with other bikers and pedestrians.
It’s located at 4330 Weddington Rd, just outside of Charlotte.
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6. Huntersville Business Park
This is a simple bike trail, existing on the side of Reese Blvd, a road that runs in an oval around Huntersville Business Park and is nearly deserted after business hours. It is a 2-mile loop, and is great practice for the avid cycler training for long-distance runs.
You can find it at 13801 Reese Blvd W #300. It is open 24 hours, but it’s recommended you go after business hours if you want to meet fewer vehicles.
7. Renaissance Park
For serious mountain bikers only, Renaissance Park is definitely worth a stop, regardless of whether you’re a Charlotte native or a biker just passing through. With intense mountain trails and gorgeous forest scenery, as well as excellent wildlife sightseeing, you won’t want to miss this one.
It’s located at 1536 W Tyvola Rd and is open 7 am to 7 pm every day.
8. U.S. National Whitewater Center
Another fantastic mountain biking trail with somewhat smoother paths, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is not one to miss either. It contains over 50 miles of trail through breathtaking pine forests, rivers, and ponds. Visit this one for great trails and beautiful scenery, suitable for all mountain biking levels.
It’s located at 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway and is open from 7 am to 10 pm every day.
9. Sherman Branch Mountain Biking Park
Located very close to Charlotte, yet still out in the woods, the Sherman Branch Mountain Biking Park features wide, smooth dirt trails with lots of sharp turns. This is a fantastic training loop for beginners and those training for mountain bike races and challenges. There are a variety of obstacles located throughout the trail for some extra fun.
This one can be found at 12435 Rocky River Church Rd and is open from 7 am to 7:30 pm every day.
10. Freedom Park
A very short bike loop wrapping around the Freedom Park Pond, this trail is easy for all experience levels and is less than a mile long. If you take this trail between the months of April and October, you’ll experience beautiful scenery and interesting wildlife.
Find it at 1903 East Blvd, open from 7 am to 7 pm every day.
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11. Reedy Creek Park
The Reedy Creek Nature Preserve is a great bike trail for those who love wildlife and nature. Accessible year-round and by all skill levels, you can enjoy brilliant waterways and beautiful wildflowers in the spring and summer months.
The address for this is 2900 Rocky River Rd, and it’s open between the hours of 7 am and 9 pm every day.
