Charlotte is more than just a fast-growing city and the second-largest banking center in the world. U.S. Runners adore its many running trails for every taste and experience.
You can use public transport to get to the downtown locations. But if you have a car, you have more opportunities to run, as you can go outside the city, where a whole network of exciting trails awaits.
We gathered a list of the best running trails in Charlotte for your convenience. Use it to save time when surfing for something new and different to try.
1. Booty Loop
Let’s start with the most famous running loop in the city, which is 3-miles long. It is one of the most comfortable running trails in Charlotte, with extraordinary views of the idyllic Myers Park area, beautiful oak trees, and historic mansions along winding roads.
Start from the north on Queens Rd W, and continue on Hopedale Ave. Rejoin Queens Rd. and then go right. Follow Queens Rd. as it loops through this beautiful neighborhood back to the start.
At a 5k pace, you’ll run this trail in half an hour. There are also many people here, from beginners to skilled runners using Booty Loop as part of a longer route.
Why is it great?
- You can continue to Freedom Park, which will add about two miles to your route.
- Although the course is considered easy, there are still a few hills on Queen’s Road. You can increase the load if you run them a couple of times.
- It is a stunning route as you will get a lot of aesthetic pleasure, including the most stunning houses in Charlotte and beautiful plants.
- Booty Loop is one of the safest places to run in the city. So you can train here even at night.
- The track is also bike-friendly, which is great if you’re into cross-training.
- There are drinking fountains and bathrooms in Freedom Park, and parking is also convenient.
2. Trolley Trail
Runners adore this iconic trail, especially those who come to the city on business. It is more than just a trail; it is also an excursion to the many breweries and museums of the South End.
Charlotte Trolley Trail is 3.5 miles long. You can run it from any point you like. The northernmost point is off E 9th Street between N College St. and N Brevard St. The southernmost point is at the corner of South Blvd. and Clanton Rd.
Why is it great?
- It is a great cycling track – convenient for cross-training.
- The route is well-marked; there are many trash cans, benches for rest, bike racks, and street lights along the way.
- You can have a snack as you run past many trendy restaurants.
- What could be better than a glass of fresh, cold beer after a run? You should try it in one of the breweries!
3. Dilworth Loop
Dilworth is a real treat for the eyes, which is why many runners choose it for their workouts. History breathes through the streets of this first Charlotte tram suburb: majestic oaks, Victorian houses, and many other beauties.
Dilworth Loop begins Uptown in Marshall Park (next to the Nascar Hall of Fame) and runs down Little Sugar Creek Greenway to Freedom Park. Its length is 5.5 miles.
Why is it great?
- In addition to the route described above, you can make your own by adding Eastern Boulevard, Dilworth Road, and nearby streets.
- You can run through the residential streets and admire the magnificent architecture.
- Along the loop, you can observe a variety of fauna: turtles, herons, and ducks.
- This is one of the best places to run in Charlotte for runners who need scenic running and not just a monotonous road.
4. Uptown Parks and Stadiums Loop
If you are looking for a Charlotte Uptown running trail, try this one. You should know that residents call the city center “the Uptown.” Here you can find many green areas and the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Conference Center, museums and stadiums.
To run this 3.7-mile route:
- Start at the Convention Center and head to Bank of America via the Green.
- Turn right onto Martin Luther King Boulevard and run through Romare Bearden Park.
- Run to Fourth Ward Park and turn onto N Brevard Street.
- Run past the NBA Charlotte Hornets Arena and head to Marshall Park.
- Complete the E Stonewall Street route past the NASCAR Hall of Fame back to the starting point.
Why is it great?
- In Romare Bearden Park, you will have an incredible horizon view. In Marshall Park – you will adore a beautiful pond with ducks. So, there is a place to rest and admire something when you want to stop.
- In short, the local city center is stunning, so this is another route for lovers of running with a view.
- The trail is suitable for beginners and advanced runners.
- As you run through the center, you can have a cup of coffee or a snack – there are many coffee shops and cafes along the trail.
5. Little Sugar Creek Greenway
The Little Sugar Creek Greenway is part (most likely the central part) of the future Cross Charlotte Trail (an uninterrupted 26-mile link stretching from one end of Mecklenburg county to the other). The trail will connect the best sights of the “Queen City.”
Several sections have already opened. The longest of them is a five-mile section near the city. If you run there and back, it will be about 10 miles, which you will cover, on average, in two hours.
You can also continue your run to Freedom Park. It is a comfortable paved path for running, cycling, and walking, popular among local citizens. It is excellent for both beginners and experienced runners.
Why is it great?
- Here you can run with your dog – but remember the leash.
- Suitable for training throughout the year.
- Going around the Charlotte Loop downtown, this trail provides fantastic skyline views.
- Many green areas in parks and benches for rest.
- You will run past shopping centers and restaurants where you can have a snack or drink a coffee.
- If you’re running on a Saturday, you can buy fresh farm products at the Kings Drive Farmers Market.
- Lots of parking and restrooms along the way – read the information at the kiosks along the trail.
6. McAlpine Creek Greenway
This 4-mile route is excellent for those who like combining a running workout with a good rest afterward. You can enjoy beautiful nature and a picnic.
The path along the creek is paved and crushed gravel. It connects with a 5k championship cross-country course. The route is relatively easy and will take about an hour to run.
Why is it great?
- You can make the route longer by adding a championship cross-country course.
- You will be able to observe the life of various animals: from wild beavers and otters to wild birds.
- You can add different exercises to your workout as there are many outdoor workout stations.
- The path is surrounded by trees on both sides, which gives a sense of privacy and protection from the city noise.
- The track is flat, but there is one hill, which adds a load to your workout.
- Bring your dog, and walk it on a leash. There are park areas where you can take it off.
- There is a toilet and water in the park if you feel thirsty.
7. McMullen Creek Greenway
Let’s move to the longer routes. This one is about 6 miles long and goes along the creek and wetlands.
It is perfect for a long weekend run or after-work running workout. You’ll need about 1 hour to run this distance, but you can run more if you want.
Why is it great?
- This trail is well-marked which is important in such places.
- If you want to escape from downtown and run one of the best quiet running trails in Charlotte, NC – choose this route.
- You will see a lot of animals, birds, and beautiful plants while running.
- Local elite distance runners adore this trail as it allows up to 12 miles in one workout. Great way to prepare for a half-marathon!
- You will find bathrooms at the entrance.
- Take your dog on your workout but don’t forget a leash.
8. Mallard and Clarks Creek Greenways
This is another quiet and peaceful green trail that follows the creek. It is a 7-mile paved and gravel surface trail that consists of the Mallard Creek and Clarks Greenways.
If you live far from downtown and google “places to run near me,” it is an excellent option as it is located 9.4 miles from the center of Charlotte. The entire route takes about 2 hours on average.
Why is it great?
- If you run there and back, the length is 14 miles, which is fantastic for Charlotte as it is hard to find something longer than 4 miles in length — perfect for distance running.
- A great trail surrounded by trees gives coolness in summer and beauty at other times of the year.
- You can bring your dog, but it must be on a leash.
- There are a few parking variants here, but if you want to start at one end instead of the middle, park at Kirk Farm Fields – 210 East Mallard Creek Church Road.
9. Queens College Treasure Trees Loop
This is one of the best runs in Charlotte, especially if you prefer running alone. You will see a few people while running, but otherwise, it will be a pleasant and quiet workout. The trail’s total length is about 5 miles, and you need about 2 hours to complete it.
Why is it great?
- A good option for running and walking when you need time for yourself.
- You can observe up to 9 of the original 123 trees recognized by the Mecklenburg County Treasure Trees Program from the late 80’s up to about 2000.
- It is a very scenic place – perfect if you like scenic workouts.
- You can take a dog, but it must be on a leash.
10. The U.S. National Whitewater Center
This is a perfect Charlotte run for those who prefer more distance. The U.S. National Whitewater Center, located about 20 minutes west of Uptown, is the official Olympic Training Center for whitewater slalom racing. Among other things, runners adore 40 miles of looping trails with varying difficulty levels.
Why is it great?
- As we said above, here you will find 40 miles of trails of loops with varying difficulty levels.
- These are perfect trails for mountain biking and trail running. This means you can have running workouts and use a bike if you practice cross-training.
- If you want to add something more – there are a lot of activities here: whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, canoeing, and rock climbing. It is amazing!
If you are looking for a comfortable place to run in Charlotte – use our list instead of wasting time searching the Internet. If you know some good places we didn’t mention – tell us in the comments below.
