Charlotte, NC Running Trails and Maps

135 Reviews

Looking for the best Running trails around Charlotte?

Find the top rated running trails in Charlotte, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

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Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type
46 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

Antiquity Greenway

0.6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete

Avon and Catawba Creeks Greenway

1.9 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Bakers Creek Greenway

1.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Caldwell Station Creek Greenway

2.6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete

Heritage Trail Greenway

1.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Kings Mountain Gateway Trail

4.3 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Gravel

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

11.78 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Concrete

Lower McAlpine Creek, McMullen Creek & Four Mile Creek Greenways

5.8 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Gravel

Marcia H. Cloninger Rail-Trail

1.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

McDowell Creek Greenway

1.6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Piedmont Medical Center Trail

3.4 mi
State: SC
Asphalt

South Fork Rail-Trail

2 mi
State: NC
Crushed Stone, Dirt

Statesville Greenway Trail

6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Gravel

Torrence Creek Greenway

1.9 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

8th Street Greenway

0.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Baxter Village Trail

3.3 mi
State: SC
Dirt, Grass, Sand

Briar Creek Greenway

1.4 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail

2.1 mi
State: NC
Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel

Charlotte Rail Trail

3.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Concrete, Brick

Gold Hill Rail-Trail

2.2 mi
State: NC
Dirt, Gravel
Accordion

Irwin Creek and Stewart Creek Greenways

2 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel

Shelby Rail-Trail

1.5 mi
State: NC
Dirt

Twelve Mile Creek Trail

6 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel

Yadkin Rail Trail

0.8 mi
State: NC
Gravel

Highland Rail Trail

1.6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Roger F. Snyder Greenway

1.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Concrete

Troutman Rail-Trail

1 mi
State: NC
Concrete

York Bicycle Trail

1 mi
State: SC
Asphalt

Bailey Road Multi-Use Path

2.33 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Concrete

Bessemer City Park Trail

1.3 mi
State: NC
Boardwalk, Concrete, Dirt

Campbell Creek Greenway

1.8 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

City Walk

2.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Concrete

Clark's Creek Greenway

2.5 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Emerald Necklace

13 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Concrete

Irish Buffalo Creek Greenway

2.7 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Lindsay Pettus Greenway

2 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete

Mallard Creek Greenway

4.66 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Gravel

McAlpine Creek Greenway

4.4 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Boardwalk

Plum Creek Greenway

0.6 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

River Trail (SC)

0.9 mi
State: SC
Asphalt

Salisbury Greenway

4.05 mi
State: NC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete

South Prong Rocky River Greenway

2.2 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Toby Creek Greenway

2.7 mi
State: NC
Boardwalk, Concrete

Waterford Trail

1.5 mi
State: SC
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Dirt

West Branch Rocky River Greenway

2.8 mi
State: NC
Asphalt

Wetland Trail

0.5 mi
State: SC
Boardwalk
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
Antiquity Greenway is a half-mile segment of the Town of Cornelius' growing collection of multiuse paths and is part of the trail loop called the Emerald Necklace. The paved trail begins on Zion...
NC 0.6 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete
The Avon and Catawba Creeks Greenway has several neighborhood entrances in Gastonia. The 1.9-mile trail winds alongside Catawba Creek and Avon Creek with a few small bridges crossings along the way....
NC 1.9 mi Asphalt
The paved, scenic Bakers Creek Greenway follows its eponymous creek, connecting two parks in central North Carolina's Kannapolis. The trail is part of the Carolina Thread Trail, a network of pathways...
NC 1.5 mi Asphalt
Caldwell Station Creek Greenway is 2.6 miles of paved, smooth multiuse trail through the woods and wetlands of Cornelius. The trail is a local treasure, popular with locals for a workout in nature, as...
NC 2.6 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete
The Heritage Trail Greenway is a multiuse path in Newton, North Carolina. The first two phases of the trail are complete, stretching 1.5 miles from West 7th Street, winding through the wooded...
NC 1.5 mi Asphalt
Kings Mountain Gateway Trail is situated in a beautiful natural park setting offering a picnic shelter, restrooms, drinking fountains, and parking. Much of the park is heavily wooded and the trail is...
NC 4.3 mi Asphalt, Gravel
The Little Sugar Creek Greenway, part of the Carolina Thread Trail, runs along eastern Charlotte and will one day stretch more than 15 miles down to the Catawba River in neighboring South Carolina....
NC 11.78 mi Asphalt, Concrete
On the southern outskirts of Charlotte, a series of connected greeways along creeks form a horseshoe-shaped path of nearly 6 miles. The pathway is primarily paved with wooden boardwalks over creeks...
NC 5.8 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Gravel
The Marcia H. Cloninger Rail-Trail, known locally as the Lincolnton Rail-Trail, offers a chance to explore the heart of this small Southern town, highlighted by a stately courthouse, model Main...
NC 1.5 mi Asphalt
About 12 miles north of Charlotte, the McDowell Creek Greenway links the communities of Huntersville and Cornelius and is included in the Emerald Necklace trail loop. The paved, 1.6-mile route is also...
NC 1.6 mi Asphalt
The Piedmont Medical Center Trail (formerly the Riverwalk Trail) stretches just over 3 miles through Rock Hill near the border between North and South Carolina. The route is part of the Carolina...
SC 3.4 mi Asphalt
As you might expect, the South Fork Rail-Trail closely follows the South Fork of the Catawba River on the south end of Lincolnton. The trail rests atop a former rail corridor within land preserved by...
NC 2 mi Crushed Stone, Dirt
Statesville’s greenway system is still a collection of unlinked segments, but there are plans in place to build a truly connected non-motorized path network. Today, the discrete sections offer a...
NC 6 mi Asphalt, Gravel
Torrence Creek Greenway offers a pleasant route through meadows, woodlands, and wetlands south of Huntersville. Along the paved, 1.4-mile route, the trail offers many points to access the surrounding...
NC 1.9 mi Asphalt
The half-mile 8th Street Greenway begins at North Loop Road and follows a tree-lined northwesterly route to Bakers Creek Park, where it connects to a trail of the same name which is part of a regional...
NC 0.5 mi Asphalt
The Baxter Village Trail is nestled in a neighborhood of Fort Mill, which lies on the northern border of South Carolina (Charlotte, North Carolina, is just over the state line). The trail has a...
SC 3.3 mi Dirt, Grass, Sand
Briar Creek Greenway will one day stretch 6 miles through Charlotte and connect to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Currently, the trail is open in two disconnected segments totaling 1.4 miles. The...
NC 1.4 mi Asphalt
The Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail provides a 2-mile moderately challenging hike or mountain bike ride in the rural community of Mount Pleasant, about 30 miles northeast of Charlotte. The unpaved trail...
NC 2.1 mi Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel
Enjoy the Charlotte Rail Trail as it journeys through the heart of Charlotte along the city's LYNX Blue Line light rail system. As the trail traverses the city streets from Uptown, it passes the...
NC 3.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Brick
A trip along the Gold Hill Rail-Trail through this historic village will transport you back to a time when North Carolina was the country's major gold-producing state. Signs posted every few hundred...
NC 2.2 mi Dirt, Gravel
Accordion
The Irwin Creek and Stewart Creek Greenways cover 2 miles of trail alongside their namesake creeks in Charlotte's city center. The Irwin Creek Greenway begins at Ray's Splash Planet and travels...
NC 2 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel
Shelby's rail-trail winds through the western edge of the city between West Grover Street and Dixon Boulevard. Following the former right-of-way of Norfolk Southern Railroad, the unpaved pathway...
NC 1.5 mi Dirt
The Twelve Mile Creek Trail, which runs northeast from Walnut Creek Park over the South Carolina/North Carolina state line to Waxhaw, is part of the Carolina Thread Trail—a growing trail network of...
SC 6 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel
The Yadkin Rail Trail, also known as the Rock Creek Park Greenway, is a short hiking trail south of Albemarle, North Carolina. The trail follows the same former Norfolk Southern Railway corridor as...
NC 0.8 mi Gravel
Highland Rail Trail is named for the neighborhood that it runs adjacent to as it travels through Gastonia along the former Carolina and Northwestern (C&NW) Railway. Although short, it offers an...
NC 1.6 mi Asphalt
The Roger F. Snyder Greenway is an ambitious project to create a citywide trail system in Albemarle, North Carolina. A portion of the trail is open for use, including two disconnected segments on a...
NC 1.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The 1-mile Troutman Rail-Trail runs from Troutman's business district to a newer north end shopping area, following the former rail bed of the Statesville to Charlotte Norfolk Southern Line. The...
NC 1 mi Concrete
In northern South Carolina, only about 30 miles southwest of Charlotte, lies the quaint city of York. A paved bicycle trail runs through the heart of the community from its city park to its recreation...
SC 1 mi Asphalt
The Bailey Road Multi-Use Path links Caldwell Station Greenway with the Plum Creek Greenway, which connects to the South Prong Rocky River Greenway. A portion of this multiuse pathway—from where...
NC 2.33 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Beginning less than half a mile from downtown, the Bessemer City Park Trail offers a quiet natural retreat. The 1.3-mile route begins at the basketball court in Bessemer City Park and quickly dives...
NC 1.3 mi Boardwalk, Concrete, Dirt
The Campbell Creek Greenway is a 1.8-mile paved trail that runs through Mecklenburg County in the greater Charlotte metropolitan area. The greenway is surrounded by beautiful natural areas, including...
NC 1.8 mi Asphalt
The City Walk is part of the Hickory Trail network and provides an important off-road route through downtown Hickory. From its eastern end on 8th Street by Lenoir-Rhyne University, the trail heads...
NC 2.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Clark's Creek Greenway is a beautiful trail located in the town of Apex. It spans a total distance of 2.5 miles and is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and locals out with their...
NC 2.5 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Gravel
The Emerald Necklace is a developing 13-mile trail loop of greenways and multiuse paths in the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville. The route makes use of portions of the Caldwell Station...
NC 13 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Running alongside the Irish Buffalo Creek north into the City of Kannapolis from the border with the City of Concord, this trail provides an enjoyable route for both recreation and commuting.  The...
NC 2.7 mi Asphalt
Running through the City of Lancaster, the Lindsay Pettus Greenway is a hard surface, ADA compliant multi-use trail that connects neighborhoods, schools, and local businesses, as well as providing...
SC 2 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete
The Mallard Creek Greenway is a scenic multiuse trail located in Mecklenburg County and winds its way through lush woodlands, alongside picturesque creeks, and through peaceful residential...
NC 4.66 mi Asphalt, Gravel
The McAlpine Creek Greenway is a picturesque 4.4-mile trail that runs through a lush green corridor in south Charlotte. Following the McAlpine Creek through woods and wetlands, this multiuse...
NC 4.4 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk
Part of the Emerald Necklace trail loop, the Plum Creek Greenway is a short, paved multiuse trail in Cornelius, North Carolina, that is suitable for walking and biking. It's a pleasant neighborhood...
NC 0.6 mi Asphalt
Notice: As at September 2020, River Park has been closed temporarily for capital improvements. There is no entry or exit from the trail from this access point. Please use the Celriver Access point...
SC 0.9 mi Asphalt
The Salisbury Greenway is a developing trail network in the City of Salisbury that connects residential areas, local businesses, schools, restaurants, recreational spaces, parks, open fields, and...
NC 4.05 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete
As its name suggests, this multiuse path travels along the South Prong of the Rocky River in Davidson, Mecklenburg County. The South Prong Rocky River Greenway is included in the trail loop called...
NC 2.2 mi Asphalt
Running between Mallard Creek Greenway and Rocky River Road, the Toby Creek Greenway provides an important connection with the University of North Carolina's Charlotte campus.  The paved, multiuse...
NC 2.7 mi Boardwalk, Concrete
The Waterford Trail is a 1.5-mile segment of the Carolina Thread Trail, a system of trails and greenways in the Carolinas. Beginning by the River Park kayak/canoe launch, the wooded trail meanders...
SC 1.5 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete, Dirt
This trail follows alongside the West Branch of the Rocky River in Davidson, NC and is a part of the Carolina Thread trails complex. The greenway offers a refreshing walk or ride into nature, passing...
NC 2.8 mi Asphalt
The Wetland Trail is a .4-mile meander through River Park toward the Catawba River. Beginning by the segment of Quality Circle that starts as Keith Drive, the trail continues as an elevated boardwalk...
SC 0.5 mi Boardwalk

Recent Trail Reviews

Shelby Rail-Trail

River Trail

March, 2023 by sewupscalequilts

Pretty trail but you can hear traffic noise for most of the time. Part of the time it is not very loud. The suspension bridge is fun but it does bounce a lot so if you have balance issues, it could be a problem.

Marcia H. Cloninger Rail-Trail

great walk

March, 2023 by sewupscalequilts

Enjoyed the walk on this trail. Very unique with houses, businesses and trees on the way. We found this trail ok but it sure is easier when there is an address.

Kings Mountain Gateway Trail

Nice Trail

January, 2023 by sewupscalequilts

I thought this was a nice trail. It was clean and there were quite a few people on the trail. I enjoyed the walk. There are bathrooms although we did not use them. There were some hills.

Accordion

Shelby Rail-Trail

Lots of bridges

January, 2023 by tuckeybailbonding

Suspension bridge is a unique feature— easy, mostly flat trail, by the water, unpaved. Lots of bridges. Cool rock formations in the water, and small dam-like water fall.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Great ride esp on weekday mornings

September, 2022 by iretireu

We love this ride.

Statesville Greenway Trail

Nice trail..wear bug spray!!

September, 2022 by morgansmom04

Nice trail..wear bug spray!!

Antiquity Greenway

easy quiet walk

August, 2022 by jimrobin1205

It was a very nice, easy walk. Asphalt path was clean, well kept and wide following a power line right of way. Slight decline one way and incline on the way back. Not strenuous though but I did break a slight sweat. No shade at all. We walked on a cloudy afternoon 5:00 pm 83 degrees and it was nice. If it had been sunny and hotter it would not have been enjoyable at all. Some bug spray would have been good. Had some knats. Saw some bunnies and birds.

Heritage Trail Greenway

Really enjoyed this trail and the scenery. Bringing our twin daughters to ride next time.

July, 2022 by srebeccawhite

Really enjoyed this trail and the scenery. Bringing our twin daughters to ride next time.

South Fork Rail-Trail

Scenic, flat trail along river

May, 2022 by gypsyweaver1010

The trail has been extended a little and is now four (4) miles round trip. It’s pretty level so it’s easy to walk, and wide enough for people to pass each other going the opposite direction. It runs along the South Fork River and has a couple of small dams along the way for possible photo opportunities. Definitely relaxing as the trail is mostly surrounded by trees and nature, and there are several benches along the trail if you need to take a break. It is a natural trail, but has some gravel in a few spots to prevent it from washing out. I’ve seen some people riding mountain bikes on it too. I would definitely recommend this trail to get some exercise, walk your dog (best friend), and enjoy nature.

Caldwell Station Creek Greenway

Their is a wide concrete side walk to and down Bailey Road to the high school. At that point there is a cross walk that connects to the Greenway to Davidson and Antiquity.

November, 2021 by jasonhappe

Their is a wide concrete side walk to and down Bailey Road to the high school. At that point there is a cross walk that connects to the Greenway to Davidson and Antiquity.

Caldwell Station Creek Greenway

Afternoon Ride

November, 2021 by resifenceinc

This is a nice ride through the woods. I rode it mid day on a week day lots of walkers .

McDowell Creek Greenway

The new extension from Westmoreland to Magnolia Ridge (By Publix) is a great addition.

October, 2021 by jasonhappe

The new extension from Westmoreland to Magnolia Ridge (By Publix) is a great addition.

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