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  observer

  Pedaling a singletrack course, cyclists compete in the 114.8-mile National Mountain Bike Oktoberfest Endurance Race at Fisher Farm Park near Davidson.

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  lmueller@charlotteobserver.com

  (lft-rt) Ben, a Greyhound rescue, greets Kaya, a mixed breed rescue, at the beginning of Davidson Parks and Recreation Basic Home Manners class with Elaine Allman at Fisher Farm Park in Davidson.

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  the Charlotte Observer

  Paintballers enjoy an afternoon at Fisher Farm Park in Davidson.

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  Mark Sullivan

  Fisher Farm Park mountain bike trail coordinator Mark Sullivan watching Gary Hallen of Davidson test one of the park's trails. Picture courtesy of Mark Sullivan.

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Kelli Robinson

Kelli Robinson is a freelance writer who lives in Mooresville and has been contributing to Lake Norman Magazine since 2009. She juggles family and writing with humor and lots of chocolate, and enjoys experiencing all the Lake Norman area has to offer.

I give credit where credit is due. I discovered this week’s “Out and About” feature thanks to Ava, my newly adopted nine-month old puppy. You visit many new places when you adopt a dog: the veterinarian’s office, the pet store, and in our case Fisher Farm Park. But you don’t need to own a dog to enjoy this Davidson outdoor gem.

Growing up in Pittsburgh there were so many natural parks to visit. When the kids and I – and Ava – drove to Fisher Farm Park last month, I felt like I was home. Maintained by the Town of Davidson, this 200-acre park is located off of Shearer Road. Follow the gravel road to the parking lot where you’ll be greeted by open fields and multiple trail entrances to choose from. Share the trail! This is paradise for mountain bikers, too!

We followed one trail through the woods and arrived at an open field. The only animals we encountered along the way were a squirrel (whose mouth overflowed with acorns) and lots of birds. But Ava soon discovered a burrow in the ground (did I mention she was part hound?), so I can only imagine the other critters peeking at us from deep in the woods. What a great place to spot wildlife!

Even in the winter, with barren trees and brown undercover, the scenery was beautiful. I can’t wait to see what types of flowers bloom this spring and the rainbow of leaf colors in the fall.

The chill in the air chased us from the trails earlier than Ava would have liked (did I mention she was part Husky, too?). But Mother Nature seems a bit confused this winter. This weekend’s weather looks sunny and warm! A visit to Fisher Farm Park would make a great outdoor activity for anyone on foot or bike. Wear decent shoes – rolling hills mean a good workout. But benches placed throughout the trails are perfect for taking in the scenery while catching your breath. Pack a picnic lunch, as there are picnic tables located in the park, as well as the all-important amenity – portable toilets in the parking lot.

According to the Town of Davidson’s website, Fisher Farm Park is in its early stages of development. The master plan indicates their intent to build among other features, a dog park, amphitheater, play area and pumpkin patch. Such additions would be wonderful, so let’s see how the plans develop. In the meantime, enjoy the scenery and trails!

Want to go:

Fisher Farm Park

21215 Shearer Road, Davidson

Park Hours: Open seven days a week, sunrise to sunset

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