Living in Charlotte, North Carolina comes with a lot of perks. Sure, the city itself is great, but there are also loads of wonderful outdoor activities littered about the cities surrounding areas. One of my favorite outdoor activities is going on a good bike ride. Riding a bike is not only great exercise, but it’s also a wonderful way to experience the great outdoors. There are loads of great biking trails to check out in the Charlotte area, and this article is going to discuss a few of them.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
The U.S. National Whitewater Center is especially known for its abundance of outdoor activities, and there are over 50 miles of trails that are suitable for various types of activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. Some of the trails include the Jackrabbit, which is less than a mile long, as well as the East Main, which is almost 6 miles long. All of the trails are rated for varying difficulty levels, with Jackrabbit being the easiest, East Main being the hardest, and a whole lot more in between. The trails are free to use, and you can rent a bike at the trail center if need be.
Anne Springs Close Greenway
The Anne Close Springs (ASC) Greenway is a nature preserve that features 36 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. The park is located in Rock Hill, and it operates as a mixture of natural and paved trails. The trails run in length from around 0.3 miles to 7.2 miles, and they are all made up of gravel, natural, and paved paths. The preserve features a lake that can be rented out for various types of water sports, such as kayaking and surfing. It also has a canteen that can serve up a variety of food. To support the organization’s vision of preserving the environment, trail users pay a $6 daily fee.
Booty Loop
One of Charlotte’s most popular biking and running loops is the Booty Loop, located in the Myers Park area. This route takes visitors through the area’s historic neighborhoods. It features paved and natural paths, and it allows riders to take in the sights of various notable landmarks such as Queen City University and several mansions. The Booty Loop is also a great place for cycling enthusiasts due to their annual biking fundraiser, 24 Hours of Booty.
McDowell Creek Greenway
The McDowell Creek Greenway is a beautiful three-mile paved trail that takes you through the Birkdale Village area. It features a variety of natural and paved paths that are ideal for both runners and cyclists. The trail winds through the woods and fields, and it is perfect for people of all fitness levels.