Wellness

Adventure awaits: North Carolina’s best hiking and glamping spots near Charlotte

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of stories highlights North Carolina's spectacular hiking and glamping experiences around Charlotte and beyond.

Sky Ridge Yurts emerges as a top 'glamping' site, boasting exceptional views and modern comforts, nestled near the Nantahala National Forest.

Hiking trails around Charlotte offer a variety of experiences, from the leisurely RibbonWalk Nature Preserve to the challenging Mount Mitchell Trail.

Additionally, outdoor groups such as Black Girls Do Hike promote inclusivity and empowerment, reclaiming natural spaces for underrepresented communities. Read the stories below.

NO. 1: 5 BEST PLACES TO HIKE WITHIN 90 MINUTES OF CHARLOTTE

You know about Crowder’s Mountain already. Here are a few you may not have discovered yet. | Published August 30, 2021 | Read Full Story by Ebony L. Morman

NO. 2: INTERESTED IN HIKING? USE THESE TIPS TO STAY SAFE ALONG NORTH CAROLINA’S TRAILS

Hiking can be fun and great exercise, but there are things to learn before you try it. | Published August 12, 2022 | Read Full Story by Mary Ramsey

NO. 3: NEW TO HIKING? THESE 5+ EASY CHARLOTTE-AREA TRAILS ARE A GREAT FIT FOR BEGINNERS

Whether you’re new to hiking or just looking for a new trail to try, options abound in the Carolinas. | Published August 12, 2022 | Read Full Story by Mary Ramsey

Simone Jasper

NO. 4: THIS NORTH CAROLINA ‘GLAMPING’ SPOT RANKS NO. 1 IN THE US. WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?

Here’s why it’s considered “perfect for a wild and glamorous weekend.” | Published May 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Simone Jasper

Sylvia Yarboro goes hiking with the “Black Girls Do Hike” group at Reedy Creek Park in East Charlotte, N.C.

NO. 5: CHARLOTTE HIKING GROUP EMPOWERS BLACK WOMEN TO EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS, RECLAIM THEIR SPACE

Malika White started “Black Girls Do Hike,” and is learning how to run a nonprofit within a billion dollar industry. | Published October 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Lisa Vernon Sparks

Latinos Aventureros en las Carolinas is a bi-lingual outdoors group that invites people of all backgrounds and culture to join hiking, camping, community and conservation events and more.

NO. 6: 8 BIPOC HIKING GROUPS THAT ARE CHALLENGING OUTDOOR STEREOTYPES IN NORTH CAROLINA

Most people who visit national forests, wildlife refuges and parks are white, but it shouldn’t be that way. These local and regional groups are changing that. | Published October 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler

Melissa Oyler at Wolf Rock on Stone Mountain. By Stacia Caliano

NO. 7: 21 BEST HIKING TRAILS NEAR CHARLOTTE, INCLUDING BEGINNER-FRIENDLY AND FULL-DAY HIKES

Ready to explore the Carolinas on foot? This guide highlights fantastic hiking options near Charlotte — or within a couple hours’ drive — for every skill level. | Published April 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.