9 things to do along Charlotte-area greenways (in addition to biking, hiking or running)
READ MORE
Crossing Charlotte
The Cross Charlotte Trail will one day span the city limits. Here’s how to maximize our growing network of greenways until then.
Expand All
I ran from one end of Charlotte to the other using only greenways — or tried to, at least
9 things to do along Charlotte-area greenways (in addition to biking, hiking or running)
Hit the trails: These Charlotte area greenway projects are in the works
Hidden gems of Charlotte: Where to find and visit 3 secret parks and greenways
Let’s talk about the best greenways, trails and parks in the Charlotte area
Charlotte’s vast trail system is a wonderful way to connect people and places. Sure, it’s fun to hike and bike along the greenway, soaking in the natural surroundings while getting a little cardio, but the trails are also a link to several fun destinations.
We’ve put together the following list of 9 things to do along Charlotte’s greenways, in addition to hiking and biking.
Treat yourself at Park Road Shopping Center
Location: 4101 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209
This is a CharlotteFive staff favorite. The Carolina Thread Trail runs right past the Park Road Shopping Center where you can grab your favorite desserts from Amelie’s French Bakery and Café or Suarez Bakery. Who wouldn’t want to eat macarons and walk at the same time? You can also pick up the latest bestseller from Park Road Books, and musicians will enjoy skimming through the sheet music selection at Music and Arts. Ready to kick back and enjoy the post-workout bliss? Stop in for a pint and some fish & chips at Sir Edmund Halley’s.
Check out a concert
Location: Comporium Amphitheater at the Dairy Barn Entrance, 288 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill, SC 29715
Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill hosts a summer concert series with live music every Thursday from 6-9 p.m. from May through July. So after exploring the greenway trails, grab a lawn chair and settle in for an evening of singing and dancing. Food and drinks are available from the Greenway Canteen’s food truck, and guests can also bring coolers (no alcohol or glass allowed). You can bring your dog as long as they are on a leash. Small admission fees apply.
Try Davidson’s #1 restaurant
Location: The Pickled Peach, 202 S Main St, Davidson, NC
The town of Davidson has more than six miles of trails and greenways, many leading directly to downtown Davidson which is home to several charming shops and locally owned restaurants like The Pickled Peach. Ranked #1 on Yelp, the farm-to-table cafe is known for its handcrafted sandwiches and salads and eclectic atmosphere. In a review, Tyler D. of Mooresville wrote, “… Pickled Peach as a great local spot. It didn’t disappoint and actually exceeded our expectations! We got the southern BLT and shrimp Po Boy sandwiches, chips, beer & wine and coffees afterwards and were very happy with the food, service, cost and atmosphere. Clearly a popular but not overly crowded spot, and for good reason.”
Grab a trail beer
Location: Blue Blaze Brewing, 528 South Turner Ave., Charlotte, NC 28208
Founded by a group of trail lovers, Blue Blaze Brewing is about a mile from Uptown at the end of Charlotte’s Stewart Creek Greenway. In recognition of the “Year of the Trail,” a yearlong statewide celebration of North Carolina’s trails, Blue Blaze on March 31 released Trail Pale Ale, an exclusive brew found only in the taproom. The brewery has several other seasonal selections, as well as non-alcoholic homemade seltzers.
Pack a picnic
Location: Multiple
There’s just something nostalgic about a picnic in a park. Whether you’re packing an actual picnic basket with TLC or simply grabbing a sub from a nearby sandwich shop, nothing beats eating in nature while taking a reprieve from running or biking. There are so many prime picnic areas throughout the region that it is nearly impossible to narrow down to a couple of top spots, but here goes:
Freedom Park is the Central Park of Charlotte and connects directly to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. There are several covered shelters, along with plenty of grassy areas for a picnic that overlooks the lake and its iconic bridge. The littles will enjoy feeding the ducks and playing on The Freedom Park Express, an old coal train stationed on the park’s grounds.
Outside the city, a wonderful picnic spot is Landsford Canal State Park on the Catawba River in Chester County, SC. Several picnic tables and a playground sit at the beginning of the 1.5 canal trail, which is home to the well-preserved remains of an early 1800s canal system. The best time to visit is May and June when it’s peak season for the rocky shoals spider lilies — what a site to behold!
Make a day of the Rail Trail — South End section
Location: Access from any South End light rail station
This 3.5-mile paved, art-speckled trail runs along the light rail, connecting several communities from South End to uptown. The Rail Trail is a hub to cafes, bars, public art, galleries and a plethora of retail shops. It’s a great way to watch the city come alive and experience the best of South End. We suggest grabbing an electric scooter to add to the fun in between stops.
Shop the Farmers’ Market in Matthews
Location: Downtown Matthews
The Four Mile Creek Greenway is the first greenway in Matthews, connecting Squirrel Lake Park to downtown. The picturesque greenway begins with a long wooden boardwalk and passes through a streamside forest, and with downtown Matthews as your destination you won’t be at a loss for activities. Matthews Community Farmers’ Market, ranked last fall as the #1 Farmers’ Market in North Carolina by American Farmland Trust, is a great place to spend a Saturday morning and includes a large selection of local produce or homemade goods. Downtown Matthews is also home to several cool coffee shops, locally owned restaurants, food truck Fridays and much more.
Enjoy the view
Location: 575 Herrons Ferry Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Towering five stories high along the banks of the Catawba River, right near the head of Riverwalk Trail in Rock Hill, the Pump House offers some of the best dining views in the region along with southern-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails. The stylish, upscale restaurant was converted from an authentic old pump house, and includes a fifth floor rooftop bar with panoramic views of the river and its own happy hour menu. Try the Riverwalk Mule – you won’t regret it!
Explore history and ruins
Location: Multiple
Little Sugar Creek Greenway takes you right to The President James K. Polk Historic Site, where you’ll find a representation of what the Polk farm might have looked like in the late 18th to early 19th centuries. And side note: Those adorable log cabins make a great backdrop for Instagram-worthy selfies.
Another option is to check out the remains of the abandoned turn-of-the century Lucas family grist mill, which is found about midway along the Campbell Creek Greenway trail. Or take an easy one mile trail from the Reedy Creek Nature Center to find the ruins of the Robinson Rockhouse built of stone in the late 1700s.
These sites are a nice reminder that the lands that gave us our trails and greenways all have a rich history and stories of their own.
This story was originally published April 13, 2023 at 5:30 AM.
