1. Fern Trail - (Crowder's Mountain State Park)
Crowders Mountain: 50 Minutes from Charlotte
This loop trail connects with a portion of the Turnback Trail and follows a creek for some portions of the trail. Crowders Mountain State Park's TRACK Trail adventures were designed for use on the Turnback Trail, Fern Trail, and Lake Trail. These three trail combined make a 2.1 mile round-trip hike.
Length: 0.80 miles loop
Difficulty: Easy hike - Family Friendly
Click HERE for Directions
2. Crabtree Falls - ( Is off the Blue Ridge Parkway)
Crabtree Falls: 120 Minutes from Charlotte
Crabtree Falls is a waterfall located near the boundary of McDowell County and Yancey County, North Carolina. trail located near Little Switzerland, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate.
The trail is primarily used for hiking and camping and is accessible year-round.
Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Length: 1.8 Miles (round-trip to the falls and back)
Difficulty: Moderate - Family Friendly
Click HERE for Directions
3. High Shoals Falls Loop Trail - (South Mountain State Park)
High Shoals Falls Loop Trail: 77 minutes from Charlotte
The trail crosses the Jacob Fork River and reaches the High Shoals Waterfall one mile from the parking lot. The trail continues up steep steps and crosses the river again above the waterfall. Turn right at trail intersections and return to the parking lot via the "backside" of the loop. Backpackers may prefer going up the less steep backside to reach backcountry campsites.
Length: 2.7-mile loop which includes a short section of stair climbing.
Difficulty: Moderate - Family Friendly
Click HERE for Directions
4. Lake Trail - Hanging Rock State Park
Lake Trail: 120 Minutes away from Charlotte
The path begins at the trailhead behind the lake bathhouse, located at 2847 Hanging Rock Park Road. The path surface is gravel, dirt, and rock. If walking the path clockwise, the trail crosses a long boardwalk and then follows closely along the edge of the lake.
There are several benches and nice spots for fishing along the path. Near the dam, the path turns to the left and emerges at the paved Campground Road. Turn right and walk across the paved roadway bridge. Then turn right again to re-enter the path on the opposite side of the bridge.
The path then goes uphill and back to the edge of the lake. Several more benches are situated in the open section along the earthen dam. The path then leads to the fishing pier. From there, it is paved in asphalt and winds gently uphill, past some wheelchair-accessible picnic table sites. The path then forks to the right, passing behind the boathouse to complete the loop.
Length: 1.00 miles loop.
Difficulty: Moderate - Family Friendly
Click HERE for Directions