Want to go hiking? Here are 6 state parks to explore within 2 hours of Charlotte
North Carolina is often lauded for its striking landscape.
Picturesque lakes, tree-lined hiking trails and breathtaking mountaintop views are just a few of the things you can find at many of North Carolina’s 34 state parks.
There aren’t any state parks in Mecklenburg County, but six of them are within a two-hour drive from Charlotte. Here’s what you need to know about each one to make the most of your visit:
Crowders Mountain State Park
Location: 522 Park Office Ln., Kings Mountain, NC 28086
Distance from Charlotte: 30 miles
What to do: Hike along miles of trails lined with wildflower and mountain laurel that lead to the summit of Crowders Mountain, and take in scenic views of the Piedmont, or pitch your tent at one of the individual campsites a short walk away from the parking areas. You can also check out the visitor center, which features museum quality exhibits.
Lake Norman State Park
Location: 759 State Park Rd., Troutman, NC 28166
Distance from Charlotte: 46 miles
What to do: Bike on more than 30 miles of trails along the shores of Lake Norman, or go for a swim on the 125-yard-long beach on the water. You can also bring your fishing rod to cast a line at many designated spots along park trails, or gather the family for an overnight stay outdoors at the campground, complete with kitchen facilities, restrooms, a bathhouse and a fireplace.
Morrow Mountain State Park
Location: 49104 Morrow Mountain Rd., Albemarle, NC 28001
Distance from Charlotte: 48 miles
What to do: Bike or hike from the edge of Lake Tillery to the summit of Morrow Mountain for a picnic, or pitch a tent at 106-site family campground. If you’re not in the mood to rough it, you can rent a rustic vacation cabin for an extended stay.
South Mountains State Park
Location: 3001 S. Mountain Park, Connelly Springs, NC 28612
Distance from Charlotte: 62 miles
What to do: Set up camp at one of 24 backpacking sites and take in the views at elevations up to 3,000 feet, or check out the 80-foot waterfall. Experienced anglers (with a fishing license) can try their hand at catching wild trout from the Jacob Fork River, and the it’s suggested that mountain bikers be in good shape for attempting the 17-mile loop trail.
Lake James State Park
Location: 7321 N.C. 126, Nebo, NC 28761
Distance from Charlotte: 91 miles
What to do: Go boating on the nearly 7,000-acre lake, or rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard to navigate the waters. You can also take your kids on a short hike on the Holly Discovery Trail, which includes child-friendly activities, or leave them at home and head to the Overmountain Victory Trail, a historic walkway that Revolutionary War soldiers once used.
Chimney Rock State Park
Location: 431 Main St., Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Distance from Charlotte: 96 miles
What to do: You can’t visit the park without going to Chimney Rock, a 315-foot granite monolith that provides stunning views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Admission is $17 for adults, $8 for kids aged 5-15 and free for those four and under. The Rocky Broad River, which runs through the park, is also a prime destination for trout anglers.
This story was originally published May 3, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
