Getting into shape isn’t easy, but it’s a lot easier when you are in a park with other people and great scenery. Â Here are some great parks and trails near Charlotte and Rock Hill.
Charlotte Area
Reedy Creek Nature Preserve – 10 miles of hiking trails. Follow the Robinson Rockhouse Trail, a two-mile out-and-back trail that leads to the ruins of a stone house dating back to 1790.
Freedom Park – Urban park, good for picnics and sunbathing.  Paved trail around the lake.
Historic Rural Hill – Historic site and working farm.  Three miles of trails.  265-acre park.
Latta Plantation – Former cotton plantation. Largest nature preserve in the nation. The 1,343-acre park has 16 miles of trails.
Little Sugar Creek Greenway – 15-mile greenway.  Goes past Central Piedmont Community College and Park Road Shopping Center and through  most urban neighborhoods, including Uptown.
McAlpine Creek Greenway – Built  in 1978. First greenway trail built in North Carolina’s western Piedmont region. Nine miles of trails, paved paths and nature trails. Access the greenway at McAlpine Creek State Park.
Rock Hill Area
Cherry Park – 1.5 mile paved walking/biking trail
Glencairn Garden – Paved walking path. Â Not very long, but super pretty.
Hargett Park – Walking trail
Spencer Park – Off-leash dog park Â
Riverwalk – 4.5 mile trail (round trip)
Happy hiking, Collegiettes!