Looking to escape the usual routine in the Charlotte/Concord area? I get you. Once in a while, I like to go out of the bustling metro for a change of scenery. Lucky for us, some of North Carolina’s best natural attractions are a relatively short drive from Charlotte and Concord.
If you’re planning on going on a little outing outside the city, here are some of my top recommendations.
- Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail
For our first stop, you need not go far. Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail is located in Mt. Pleasant, winding through approximately 393 acres of pristine, spectacular scenery. You can go for a relaxed hike, feel the adrenaline rush on a mountain bike, or test your endurance by running the whole length of the trail (and back).The trail meanders through a restored oak savanna, past active farmland, through a forest, and up a bluff perched above Adams Creek. Part of “Butterfly Highway”, you might encounter some local wildlife, most noticeably birds, bees, and butterflies.
- Uwharrie National Forest
If you love visiting forests, then the Uwharrie National Forest will be a treat! Just an hour’s drive away from Charlotte, Uwharrie covers about 51,000 acres, carpeting the land with tall pines and other hardwood trees. If you like bouldering, Uwharrie has a collection of rock formations and boulders, some reaching a height of 15 feet.Small it may be according to national forest standards, there are plenty of things to do in Uwharrie. You can go for a picnic or camping trip, explore one of the trails on horseback, go boating or swimming at the Badin Lake Recreation Area, and hunt both deer and game birds.
- Chimney Rock State Park
Located about 2 hours west of Downtown Charlotte, Chimney Rock State Park will take you deep within the serene North Carolina Mountains. It is filled to the brim with hidden gems that keep thousands of visitors coming in year after year.The incredible views, plus the sounds of the relaxing Rocky Broad River, will make you forget all about the stresses of city life. Here, you can connect with nature on another level through many ways. Take the short but challenging Four Seasons Trail to burn some calories. Climb one of the rock faces in the park. Visit the Animal Discovery Den, or simply relax by the river and enjoy the peace and quiet.
- Pisgah National Forest
Uwharrie National Forest is easily dwarfed by Pisgah National Forest, about an hour and a half’s drive away from Downtown Charlotte. It is a sprawling outdoor destination, covering more than 500,000 acres of land. Here, you’ll find towering peaks that offer the most breathtaking scenery, majestic waterfalls, and rushing whitewater rivers.At Pisgah National Forest, the fun never stops. You can go mountain biking, hiking, camping, rock climbing, and horseback riding. On the water, you can go fishing, tubing, boating, and swimming. And if you prefer not to be in the thick of it, you can go for a scenic drive instead via the Blue Ridge Parkway.
These destinations make it worthwhile to live in Cabarrus County
Explore your housing opportunities in Cabarrus County real estate with us. Start by browsing property listings in the area. And when you’re ready to begin your home search, get in touch with me. I look forward to helping you find your dream home here.
