Trail of History

I've long maintained that, if I could travel back in time, I'd visit Charlotte in the early 20th century. I have such a fascination with this period in my hometown's history, when streetcars clanged through Dilworth, when city folks shopped at Belk Brothers department store uptown, when today's historic homes were new construction, and when many of our current urban neighborhoods were still farmland.


So much of Charlotte is new and shiny these days that it's easy to forget what a rich history the city has. Which is why I recommend a trip down the Trail of History, a 1.5 mile stretch of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway displaying a collection of bronze statues of key figures in Charlotte's historic growth and development.

Part outdoor museum, part scavenger hunt, the Trail of History offers a fantastic opportunity for exercise, exploration and education.


The Trail of History runs along Kings Dr. from 7th St. to Morehead St. There are currently eight statues installed, with more planned. (See the Trail of History marker map.) Some statues have informational signs and some are described online here.


The Trail of History is still very much a work in progress, and I hope that someday the statue biographies will be available in a consistent, accessible format (self-guided audio tour, maybe?). Until then, though, I think this is still a walk (or bike or scooter ride) worth taking.


How to experience the Trail of History
Parking
Parking is available at the Metropolitan (Target/BJ's deck) at 1116 Metropolitan Ave. (jump on the greenway on the other side of Wendy's) or the Elizabeth Park parking lot at 1124 E. 4th St. (there is a four hour limit on parking here). We also sometimes park in the CPCC lot at the corner of 7th and Kings Dr. adjacent to Memorial Stadium/Grady Cole Center.


Statues

Wherever you park, make your way toward the Philip L. Van Every Culinary Arts Center (425 N. Kings Dr.), also home to CPCC's Greenway Restaurant. On the greenway side of the building, you'll find the first two statues: Thomas Spratt and King Haigler. They are standing together. Spratt was an early settler and Haigler was Chief of the Catawbas. (Look for Spratt's hat across the greenway from the statues!)

Heading south on the Greenway, next you'll come to one of the latest installments on the Trail: Edwin Augustus Osborne, founding superintendent of Thompson Orphanage, surrounded by barefoot children. This is probably our favorite.

Next, at the corner of 4th St. and Kings Dr. is Captain James Jack, Spirit of Mecklenburg, brave courier of Mecklenburg's Declaration of Freedom.

Behind the Metropolitan you'll find William Henry Belk (retail pioneer) and Thad Tate (prominent African American businessman and civic leader).

The last two statues are near Morehead St. James B. Duke (business and philanthropic giant) is facing the intersection of Morehead St. and Kings Dr. (behind the clock tower) and Jane Wilkes (who was instrumental in building Charlotte's first two hospitals) is just around the Morehead St. corner facing, appropriately, one of the hospitals she helped establish.

As you backtrack to your parking spot, enjoy the Charlotte skyline with a better appreciation for how it came to be. And, if you're a local history geek like me, when you get home, check out the Trail of History series on PBS Charlotte.

5 Fun Ways to Explore Local History

Amid all the growth, development and shiny newness of Charlotte, it’s easy to forget – or hard to fathom – the city’s rich history. But we have a deep, storied past that should be remembered and, in many cases, celebrated. Fortunately, there are a number of fun ways for Charlotte-lifers and newcomers alike to get to know more about the city we call home.

Here are five of our favorite active, educational outings:

Liberty Walk

In its formative years, Charlotte was at the crossroads of some of the most pivotal moments in the American Revolution. Though relics of those events are long gone, folks can revisit history by taking a stroll along Charlotte's Liberty Walk uptown.

A little more than a mile long, the Liberty Walk is similar to Boston's Freedom Trail, with educational markers and monuments that memorialize how Charlotte's citizens participated in and influenced that significant time in our nation's history.

Marked by Liberty Walk sidewalk pavers and memorials, there are 19 stops along the route, which starts near the corner of South Tryon St. and East Stonewall St.

Here’s how to enjoy the Liberty Walk.

Historic Latta Plantation

Historic Latta Plantation is a cotton plantation and living history farm located in Huntersville, NC. Visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour the home and 11 outbuildings representative of life in North Carolina from 1800 to 1865.

Historic Latta Plantation offers educational programs, workshops, camps, and re-enactments throughout the year. Check the website for hours, tour schedule, admission fees and a calendar of programs and events.

Historic Latta Plantation is located within the Latta Nature Preserve, which offers a Nature Center, tons of trails, nature programs, fishing and shelter rentals.

Consider taking a hike and visiting the Carolina Raptor Center after you check out Historic Latta Plantation.

Trail of History

The Trail of History is a 1.5-mile stretch of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway running along Kings Dr. from 7th St. to Morehead St that displays a collection of bronze statues of key figures in Charlotte's historic growth and development.

The Trail of History features prominent local influencers like Captain James Jack, brave courier of Mecklenburg's Declaration of Freedom; William Henry Belk, retail pioneer; Thad Tate, prominent African American businessman and civic leader; James B. Duke, business and philanthropic giant; and Jane Wilkes, who was instrumental in building Charlotte's first two hospitals.

Part outdoor museum, part scavenger hunt, the Trail of History offers a fantastic opportunity for exercise, exploration and education. The greenway is a perfect option for a walking, strollers and bike or scooter rides.

Here’s how to experience the Trail of History.

Charlotte Museum of History

The Charlotte Museum of History, located in east Charlotte off Shamrock Dr., preserves and showcases relics, artifacts and a deeper understanding our community’s past.

The flagship attraction of the museum is the Hezekiah Alexander Home Site. Built around 1774, this is the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County and the last existing home of a framer of North Carolina’s 1776 Constitution and Bill of Rights.

But there are lots of other exhibits that make this a destination worth visiting. Here, you’ll find galleries dedicated to things like “Unforgettable Music Venues of Charlotte” (an ode to venerable establishments like the Double Door Inn and Tremont Music Hall) and “Charlotte Neighborhoods” (which explores urban growth and development from settlement to the early twentieth century.

There are also some kid-friendly exhibits, including the Rock House Mysteries play room and the Backcountry Gallery with hands-on replicas of Colonial-era dwellings, furnishings, and a garden.

Here’s more of what you’ll find at The Charlotte Museum of History.

Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room

Located on the third floor of the main Charlotte Mecklenburg Library on 6th St. uptown, the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room is an impressive public repository of historical and current information on Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and North Carolina.

Here, you’ll find genealogical resources, a neighborhood history toolkit, a collection of historic images (including an archive of Charlotte Observer negatives), Charlotte Mecklenburg school yearbooks, manuscripts and family documents, a local music archive, historic maps and deeds, and government documents and statistics.

The Carolina Room serves as contributing resource for the CMStory.org website, which exhibits the Charlotte-Mecklenburg story.

CMStory regularly offers engaging history-rich programs, like "Women Changing Charlotte" and "Food From Home," led by Dr. Tom Hanchett, Historian-in-Residence at the Library, at various area Charlotte Mecklenburg library branches.

Check Carolina Room hours before you go (it’s currently open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Monday virtual hours only. Closed Sunday.)

Before you leave the library, check out the photos and exhibits lining the hall in front of the Carolina Room for some additional insight into Charlotte history.

It only takes a little digging to appreciate the historical vibrancy of Charlotte and the surrounding area. Lucky for us, there are lots of fun, interesting ways to get to know the area and better understand everything from its founding to today.

100 Charlotte Hikes

Welcome to the 100th blazeCLT post! In recognition of this milestone, I thought it would be fun – and, I hope, helpful – to compile 100 Charlotte hikes.

We’ve been on the majority of these and I’ve written about many. Most are within a relatively short distance from town, and all are close enough to make a day trip of it.

Charlotte and the surrounding areas offer so many opportunities to explore and enjoy nature. Perhaps this list will give you some ideas for your next outdoor adventure. And if you’ve got some recommendations of your own, please pass them along. We love to discover new places!

Happy Trails!

Nature Preserves

• Big Rock Nature Preserve: A short, easy hike around giant, school-bus-sized boulders, nestled in the South Charlotte suburbs.
• Chantilly Ecological Sanctuary: Informal dog-walking paths crisscrossing and looping a recently restored natural area with two large ponds.
• Evergreen Nature Preserve: Several short loop options in an urban oasis just off Independence Blvd. in East Charlotte.
• Latta Plantation Nature Center and Preserve: An easy loop through the forest, starting and ending at the Carolina Raptor Center.
• McDowell Nature Center and Preserve: Seven miles of trails through woods and alongside Lake Wylie, including the Kingfisher Trail, which will take you to a waterfront deck. (Park website)
• Reedy Creek Nature Preserve: Miles of easy, groomed trails with features such as a nature center, two ponds and several playground areas.
• Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve: A hidden gem that offers several miles of flat, natural surface trails around ponds, through woods, and even over a small covered bridge.

Local Parks

• Colonel Frances Beatty Park: An easy, 4-mile loop good for hiking and beginner mountain bike-riders.
• Idlewild Road Park: An easy, 1.5-mile nature trail with several side spur trail options.
• Independence Park: A 1-mile sidewalk trail winding through this historic pocket park. (Trail website)
• Jetton Park: An easy, 1.5-mile paved loop walking trail through the park and by Lake Norman.
• Latta Park: A very short, quarter-mile nature trail through the park and by the creek.
• McAlpine Creek: A surface, gravel and paved greenway path that stretches three miles, and several miles of non-greenway nature trails.
• North Mecklenburg Park: An easy, shady, 3.5-mile single-track loop through the woods.
• Park Road Park: A loop walking path around the park’s duck pond and ball fields. (Park map)
• Purser-Hulsey Park: A 1.5-mile natural-surface, gently undulating loop with two add-on loop options.
• Renaissance Park: Six miles of hiking and mountain biking trails twisting through the park. (Park website)
• Sedgefield Park: Approximately one mile of wide, paved walking trails that wind around the playground, across a bridge, past the basketball and tennis courts, and along the Dairy Branch Creek tributary.
• Windsor Park: A short nature trail featuring 16 fitness stations.

 

Urban Excursions

• Backyard Trail: A network of trails off Tyvola Rd. primarily used for mountain-biking (with some features and obstacles), but also good for an easy, urban escape into nature by foot.
• Charlotte Rail Trail (Art Walk): A stroll south of uptown showcasing funky, urban art.
• Charlotte Rail Trail (SouthEnd): An easy, flat paved trail from uptown to SouthEnd, good for strollers, bikes, scooters and feet.
• Liberty Walk: A one-mile loop around uptown highlighting Charlotte’s historical role in the American Revolutionary War.
• Trail of History: A 1.5-mile stretch of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway displaying a collection of bronze statues of key figures in Charlotte's historic growth and development.
• Treasure Trees: A 2-mile loop in the heart of Myers Park featuring some of Charlotte's oldest, most impressive trees.
• UNCC Botanical Gardens: A lovely, looping stroll through manicured natural areas in the middle of the college campus.

 

City Greenways

• Briar Creek Greenway (Eastover): A short, paved 1-mile stretch running along the creek from the Mint Museum Randolph alongside the Eastover neighborhood.
• Briar Creek Greenway (Myers Park): A 1-mile gravel nature trail off Colony Rd. behind Myers Park High School.
• Clarks Creek and Mallard Creek Greenway: An easy, 5.7-mile (one way) paved, gravel and natural surface trail through the University area north of town. (Trail website)
• Campbell Creek Greenway: A quiet, 1-mile paved greenway – great for bikes and strollers – at the northern end of the popular McAlpine Creek Greenway in East Charlotte.
• Four Mile Creek Greenway: A 2-mile (one way), paved Matthews trail that threads its way along the creek between and through neighborhoods.
• Little Sugar Creek Greenway South: A six-mile, traffic-free southern stretch of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway that runs from Tyvola to I-485.
• Little Sugar Creek Greenway (Cordelia Park to 12th Street): A 1-mile paved section that provides connectivity between 12th Street/Alexander Street Park and Cordelia Park just north of town. (Trail map)
• Lower McAlpine Creek, McMullen Creek & Four Mile Creek Greenways: A horseshoe-shaped asphalt, gravel, and boardwalk-surfaced greenway that runs 5.8 miles through south Charlotte. (Trail map)
• Six Mile Creek Greenway: A 1-mile trail in the Ballantyne area that parallels the county’s southern border. (Trail map)
• South Prong and West Branch Rocky River Greenways: Four miles of greenway trails and 5.17 miles of Overland Connectors along the South Prong of the Rocky River. (Trail map)
• Toby Creek Greenway: A paved greenway that extends from Mallard Creek Greenway to University City Boulevard , providing connection to and through the UNC Charlotte campus. (Trail map)
• Stewart Creek and Irwin Creek Greenways: A combined 2 miles of paved trails that wind through gorgeous, historic neighborhoods west of uptown.
• Torrence Creek Greenway: A 2.3-mile paved trail that passes through stands of mature floodplain forest as well as dense thickets of shrubs and wildflowers. (Trail map)
• West Branch Rocky River Greenway: A short, 0.8-mile greenway connecting Abersham Park to Fisher Farm Park in Davidson. (Trail description)

 

Nearby

• Andrew Jackson State Park (Lancaster, SC): An easy, 1-mile (one way) gravel/natural surface trail. (Trail website)
• Anne Springs Close Greenway (Fort Mill): A number of easy-to-moderate trail options, including one over a swinging bridge.
• Avon/Catawba Creek Greenway (Gastonia): A 2.4-mile paved trail lined with mature trees and winding alongside Catawba and Avon Creeks with a few small bridges crossings along the way (Trail website)
• Baker’s Creek Greenway (Kannapolis): An easy, paved greenway loop that runs through residential areas, the business part of town, and Village Park.
• Baker’s Mountain Park (Hickory): Nearly six miles of trails through 189 acres sporting the highest elevation point (1780 feet) in Catawba county.
• Broad River Greenway (Shelby): A flat, natural surface trail that hugs the banks of the Broad River for about 4 miles.
• Buffalo Creek Nature Preserve (Mount Pleasant): An easy, 2.1-mile (one way) natural surface trail covering an interesting mix of terrains.
• Cane Creek Park (Union County): Several loop trail options around and on either side of Cane Creek Lake. (Park website)
• Carl Spangler Trail (Shelby): A 1.2-mile (one way) gravel/paved trail along the First Broad River. (Trail website)
• Catawba Indian Nation Greenway Trail (Rock Hill): A 2.5-mile natural surface trail that winds its way along the Catawba River through the Catawba Indian Nation Reservation.
• Dan Nicholas Park (Salisbury): An easy, 2-mile loop trail beginning and ending at the park’s amusement attractions.
• Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (Belmont): A number of easy, flat trail options around the perimeter of the gardens.
• First Broad River Trail (Shelby): A 1.5-mile natural surface trail that follows the First Broad River under a historic wooden railroad trestle and over the First Broad River via a 120-foot-long suspension bridge. (Trail website)
• Founders Trail (Rock Hill, SC): A 2.3-mile natural surface trail along the Catawba River with a sidewalk connection to the Riverwalk: Piedmont Medical Center Trail and River Park. (Trail website)
• Goat Island (Belmont): A short, wide, paved footpath that runs through the heart of Goat Island.
• Historic Gold Hill: An easy 2.2-mile (one way) natural surface trail built on an old rail line that runs through the park and by historic structures.
• Hornet’s Nest Council Trail (Statesville): A 2-mile (one way) natural surface trail that weaves through a 358-acre preserve protected by Catawba Lands Conservancy. (Trail website)
• Lake Norman community trail: A mostly flat, 2-mile (one way), natural surface trail hugs the shore of quiet stretch of the lake.
• Lake Norman State Park (Troutman): Several hiking options of varying lengths, including the easy, 3-mile Lake Shore trail. (Park website)
• Lake Whelchel Trail (Gaffney, SC): A 6.7-mile, gently rolling, natural-surface loop trail along the banks of the lake.
• Landsford Canal State Park (Catawba, SC): An easy, 1.5-mile (one way) trail along the banks of the Catawba River that passes by remnants of a 19th century canal system.
• Lyle Creek Greenway (Conover): A 1.6-mile natural surface trail that follows the Lyle Creek and features both wooded and open field areas. (Park website)
• Mineral Springs Greenway (Waxhaw): A 1.7-mile (one-way), natural surface trail that hugs the banks of a tributary Lee Branch of Twelve Mile Creek.
• Mountain Island Lake Trail: A 1.5 mile trail along the Catawba River just below the Mountain Island Dam (Trail website)
• Murray’s Mill Trail (Catawba): A 1.4-mile natural surface trail running along a farm on the south side of Murray's Mill. (Trail website)
• Overmountain Victory Trail: Cowpens National Battlefield (Gaffney, SC): An easy, 1.6-mile (one way) rural trail through the historic Cowpens National Battlefield. (Trail website)
• Pharr Family Reserve Trail (Midland): A 1.7-mile (one way) out-and-back walking and biking trail located on 66 acres of forested land preserved by the Catawba Lands Conservancy. (Trail website)
• Reed Gold Mine (Midland): Two short loop trails that skirt the mining grounds.
• Riverbend Farm Trail (Midland): An easy, 0.8-mile (one way) natural surface nature trail. (Trail website)
• Riverwalk (Rock Hill): A paved three-mile (one way) trail that meanders (with some gentle undulation) along the banks of the Catawba River.
• Rocky Creek Trail (Great Falls, SC): A 1.6-mile natural surface path that winds through land protected by the Katawba Valley Land Trust. (Trail website)
• Seven Oaks Preserve (Belmont): A 2.8 mile (one way) flat, natural surface trail that hugs the banks of Lake Wylie, winding through hardwood forests and wildflower fields.
• Sherman Branch Trail (Midland): Nearly 12 miles of twisting single-track trails good for hiking or mountain biking. (Trail website)
• Stuart Cramer High School Trail (Belmont): A 1-mile (one way) trail that passes through a high school, wetland, playing fields and forested area. (Trail website)
• South Fork Trail (McAdenville): A 2-mile out-and-back, natural-surface trail along the South Fork of the Catawba River.
• US National Whitewater Center: 45 miles of single-track trails through hardwood and pine forests and alongside rivers, creeks, and ponds. (Facility website)
• Waterford Trail (Rock Hill, SC): An easy, 1.5-mile natural surface wooded trail that follows Manchester Creek and the Catawba River. (Trail website)

Foothills

• Crowder’s Mountain (Pinnacle Trail): A moderate 4-mile (out and back) hike that will take you to the top of the highest point in Gaston County and 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
• Crowder’s Mountain (Ridgeline Trail): A gently rolling section of the longer 12-mile connector trail between Crowders and King’s Mountains.
• Kings Mountain State Park (Living History Farm Trail): An easy hike featuring live barn animals on a replica of a 19th century South Carolina yeoman farm.
• Morrow Mountain State Park (Fall Mountain Loop): A moderate 4.1-mile, natural-surface loop trail through the park.
• Morrow Mountain State Park (Hattaway Mountain Trail): A challenging 2-mile, natural surface loop with areas of steep ascent and rocky terrain.
• Morrow Mountain State Park (Laurel Loop/Three Rivers Nature Trail/Quarry Trail/Mountain Loop): Four short, easy options to hike individually or in combination.
• Nanny’s Mountain: An easy 2-mile, out-and-back, gravel trail that winds its way to the peak and then around the mountainside.
• Rocky Face Mountain: A number of loop trails of varying difficulty and a climbing wall at an old quarry site.
• Uwharrie National Forest (Dutchman’s Creek Trail): An easy 2-mile (one-way) trail through dense forest and over a number of creek-crossings.

 

Mountains

Art Loeb Trail: Starts at Davidson River Campground in Brevard and stretches 30+ miles through Pisgah National Forest.

Carl Sandburg National Historic Site: Offers a number of trails, including the moderate, 1.5-mile (one way) Glassy Mountain Trail.

Catawba Falls: A 2.7-mile (round trip) forested trek to a series of Catawba River waterfalls.

DuPont Forest: 86 miles of trails, including the popular 3-mile Triple Falls Loop.

Frying Pan Mountain Lookout Tower: A moderate, 1.5-mile hike along a graveled service road to a 70-foot lookout tower.

Gorges State Park: Nearly 20 miles of trails of varying lengths and difficulty.

Graveyard Fields: A moderate, 3.5-mile loop trail through forest and meadow to several waterfalls.

Julian Price Memorial Park: Home to the 13.5-mile Tanawha Trail.

Lake James State Park: 25 miles of trails through the park and around Lake James.

Linville Falls: Approximately 5 miles of trails with several overlook options and one hike that ends at the bottom of the falls.

Mount Mitchell: Several trail options, including one to the pinnacle of the highest point on the East Coast.

Mount Pisgah: A challenging 2.3-mile (round trip) hike to the top of Mt. Pisgah off of the Blueridge Parkway.

South Mountains State Park: A challenging, 2.7-mile loop featuring steep inclines and a waterfall at the mid-point.

Stone Mountain State Park: 18 miles of trails, including the 4.5-mile Stone Mountain Loop Trail that traverses the summit of Stone Mountain and passes by a 200 foot waterfall.

Revisiting Charlotte's Trail of History

There's a new statue on Charlotte's Trail of History, another reason to (re)visit this self-guided walking tour along the paved Little Sugar Creek Greenway. (You can learn more about the excursion from this post on the Trail of History.) 

What's recently changed is the addition of a bronze statue honoring civil right attorney Julius Chambers to the 1.5-mile "outdoor museum" featuring people who were instrumental in the growth and development of Charlotte. 

Chambers, who was from Mount Gilead, accomplished many things in his lifetime that make him worthy of this recognition. You might know his name from the Swann V. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education case, which set the precedent for integrating schools nationwide in 1971. 

Chambers also won seven other cases in the U.S. Supreme Court, founded North Carolina's first integrated law firm, served as NAACP Legal Defense fund director and was chancellor at his alma mater, N.C. Central University. 

Chambers died in 2013 at 76, but his legacy most certainly remains in and around Charlotte. You can find his statue near the large fountain along Kings Dr. near S. Torrence St. (just past Dunkin' Donuts if you're heading away from town). 

Check out the Trail of History website for more information about the historic individuals featured. You can also see a trail map here. 

Another fun recent development: The Little Sugar Creek Greenway now extends north of the northern end of the Trail of History with a recently opened section that connects 7th St. to 10th. St., and on to NoDa. Read about the new section here. 

How to get there: 

The Trail of History runs along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway from 7th St. to Morehead St. Parking is available in a number of places along that stretch, including at the Metropolitan (Target/BJ's deck) at 1116 Metropolitan Ave. (jump on the greenway on the other side of Wendy's) or the Elizabeth Park parking lot at 1124 E. 4th St. (there is a four hour limit on parking here). We also sometimes park in the CPCC lot at the corner of 7th and Kings Dr. adjacent to Memorial Stadium/Grady Cole Center. 

The Little Sugar Creek Greenway is also accessible as far south as Park Road Shopping Center and as far north as NoDa at Cordelia Park. Consider a bike ride from either end! 

Charlotte Liberty Walk

In its formative years, Charlotte was at the crossroads of some of the most pivotal moments in the American Revolution. The city and surrounding area were home to four major battles that helped turn the tide of war and led to victory at Yorktown, Va. Though relics of those events are long gone, folks can revisit history by taking a stroll along Charlotte's Liberty Walk uptown.

A little more than a mile long, the Liberty Walk is similar to Boston's Freedom Trail, with educational markers and monuments that memorialize how Charlotte's citizens participated in and influenced that significant time in our nation's history.


There are19 stops along the route, which starts near the corner of South Tryon St. and East Stonewall St. The trail follows Tryon St. north several blocks to Trade St., where it takes a left and makes a lollipop loop around Church St., 5th St., and College St., ending back at The Square (the official center of town, at Trade and Tryon). Check out the interactive map for directions and information about each stop along the way. The trail is marked by Liberty Walk sidewalk pavers.

Whether you're a lifetime local, a recent transplant, or a visitor passing through, the Liberty Walk is a compelling way to spend an hour or two uptown.

You'll learn about the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, which preceded the U.S. Declaration of Independence by a year. And about Ishmael Titus Marker, one of 5,000 African Americans (many from North Carolina), who served among the front-line troops on the American side of the war. And about the inn where President George Washington spent the night in 1791.

One of the most moving stops on the Liberty Walk for me is Settlers Cemetery. In it lie the remains of many of the leading figures in the founding of our city. It's remarkable to spend time quietly learning about these people and seeing their grave markers, which date back to the 1700s.

Before you go, take a minute to read the brochure for a full list of destination descriptions so that you know what you're looking for and can familiarize yourself with a bit of the history you'll discover.

This activity is good for all ages, including -- and maybe especially -- kids (taking the walk and searching for markers along the way feels a little bit like a scavenger hunt). And, the Liberty Walk is a wonderful companion to the Trail of History along Little Sugar Creek Greenway, which pays tribute to key figures in Charlotte's historic growth and development.


How to get there:
Charlotte Liberty Walk begins near the corner of South Tryon St. and East Stonewall St. The trail follows Tryon St. north several blocks to Trade St., where it takes a left and makes a lollipop loop around Church St., 5th St., and College St., ending back at The Square (the official center of town, at Trade and Tryon).


Parking is available nearby in metered spots on the street or in one of the surrounding parking decks. You might also consider parking elsewhere and riding the Lynx Blue Line. Or ride your bike!

Don't forget to pack:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Your smartphone for following an interactive map or a printed copy of the Liberty Walk route and stops
• Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Money for parking and/or a bite to eat

Kings Mountain State Park

Fall is in the air! Which means it's an awesome time to get out the door on a crisp morning for an invigorating hike in the woods. But, let's be honest. It's also football season and there are games that need watching and teams that need cheering come afternoon. This is when it's nice to take a fun morning outing and be back in time to settle in with your favorite team.

 

Kings Mountain State Park is a great destination for doing just that. A few miles down I-85 from Crowders Mountain, it takes less than an hour to get there. And when you're there, you have a number of fun options for exploring.

 

I recommend starting at the Living History Farm, a replica of a mid-19th century Yeoman Farm. The farm has a two-story farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, carpenter/blacksmith shop, sorghum mill and cooker, weave shop, corncrib, cotton gin and several other small dwellings -- all situated in a large field, making it easy to meander from one relic to the next. There are also live horses, a donkey, roosters and a very friendly farm cat. Bring change: You can feed the roosters and horses with feed from a gumball machine!

 

It's fun to wander around the buildings and imagine life there during the revolutionary era. There are also bathrooms on site.

 

From the farm, you can hop on the easy 1.5 mile, out-and-back natural surface Living History Farm Trail. The trailhead is on the opposite side of the street from the Living History Farm parking lot. Follow the yellow diamond blazes. The shady, rolling trail meanders down to a small lake with an impressive stone dam you can walk beside, then rock-hop in the nearby creek.

 

After heading back to your car, if energy levels and time allow, I highly recommend taking a short drive to the Kings Mountain National Military Park adjacent to the State Park. It's all connected by the same road; if it weren't for signs, you wouldn't know you'd left one for the other. (See the National Park map)

 

Park at the Visitor Center, where you can watch a short film and see an exhibit about the site, which is called the "turning point" of the Revolutionary War in the South, where, on October 7, 1780, Patriots won an hour-long battle that changed the course of the war.

 

From the Visitor Center, hop on the 1.5 mile Battlefield Trail. The trail is paved and easily accessible to all skill levels -- though it is on Kings Mountain, so it's got some steep hills to climb. The trail is well marked with information signs along the way that do an amazing job of taking you back in time to the day of the battle. I'm not a history buff, but standing on the site where this significant event in America's history occurred was captivating for me. I think you'll find it to be the same.

 

Overall, a fun way to spend the morning outdoors. And, you can be home in plenty of time for kickoff!

 

How to get there:
Kings Mountain State Park is located at 1277 Park Rd., Blacksburg, SC 29702. From Charlotte, take I-85 south to exit 8. Turn left onto Hwy 161. Go across the NC/SC state line and the park entrance will be on the right. Follow Park Rd. past the State Park Headquarters (a small wood cabin on your left) and take the first left onto the paved Group Camp Rd. There will be a sign at the turn directing you to the Living History Farm and another sign at the Living History Farm parking lot, which will be on your left. Access the Living History Farm trailhead across the street from the parking lot.


To continue to Kings Mountain National Military Park, return to Park Rd. and take a left. Follow Park Rd. a few miles. The National Park Service Visitor Center will be on your right.

 

Don't forget to pack:

• Cash: There is a $2/adult (16 and older) fee for visiting Kings Mountain State Park. Pay by putting your money in an envelope in the kiosk at the Living History Farm parking lot and hang the punch tag on your rearview mirror. Also, take a couple quarters to purchase rooster and horse feed from the gumball machines. There is no fee for Kings Mountain National Military Park.
• Shoes: Comfy sneakers will do.
• Water: Stay hydrated. You can refill at the Visor Center.
• Snacks or a picnic lunch: Take some fruit, trail mix or crackers to keep your energy up for exploring.
• Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen: The Living History Farm is wide open and bring on a sunny day. The Living History Farm trail and Battlefield trail are somewhat shady.
• Bugspray: We didn't see any mosquitoes, but ticks are always a risk.
• Backpack or small bag: Something lightweight and comfortable to carry your essentials.

Morrow Mountain State Park

So you want to go for a hike. But it’s been a while. Or you’re not sure if the kids are up for it. Or you don’t know where to start. Let me recommend Morrow Mountain State Park.


An easy hour drive east of Charlotte, Morrow Mountain offers something for everyone. While ambitious hikers can opt for a 5-mile (round trip) trek to the summit, you can also plan a trip around one or more other short (less than a mile each), compelling hikes. Breaking up the adventure into bite-sized pieces lets you do as much or as little as your energy, interest and enthusiasm allows. Here, you’ll find it’s worth the drive whether you take one hike or more.


Here are four good, short hiking options and what you can expect from each:

Laurel Loop Trail (0.6 mi.)
This is a great place to start. The trailhead is next to the living history museum at the opposite end of the main parking lot from the Visitor Center. The gently rolling natural surface Laurel Loop trail follows the Sugarloaf Creek and winds around the park’s vacation cabins. If you want to go farther, you can connect to the longer Morrow Mountain Trail. Otherwise, it’s a short, manageable hike back to the parking lot.


Three Rivers Nature Trail (0.8 mi.)
This trail is named for the intersection of the Uwharrie, Yadkin and Pee Dee Rivers. It meanders between floodplain and ridge top and offers plenty of opportunities to take in nature – from wildlife habitats to native plant life. This trail offers a relatively flat, peaceful stroll with plenty to explore.

Quarry Trail (0.6)
This is our favorite trail at the park. Designated a Kids in Parks Track Trail, you have the option to pick up a brochure with a variety of activities for children at the trailhead. The trail is wide and mostly flat and traverses a the Civilian Conservation Corps’ (CCC) rock quarry that supplied many of the rocks used to construct the park’s buildings, curbs and walls during The Great Depression. There’s also a creek-crossing and lots of wildlife to take in.

Mountain Loop Trail (0.8 mi.)
Morrow Mountain is the highest point in Stanly County and the Mountain Loop Trail is an excellent way to enjoy the views it has to offer. The trail, which is rugged in some places, circles the top of Morrow Mountain, passing remnants of pre-historic quarrying. With restrooms and a picnic area next to the trailhead, this trail is a good one to end on for the day.

We usually opt for one long hike, but really enjoyed switching it up on our recent visit to Morrow Mountain State Park. We found that choosing several shorter hikes gave us the chance cover new terrain, see several notable landmarks, and maintain a sense of adventure. If you want to give a hike a go, but are feeling hesitant, this is a great place to start.


How to get there:
Morrow Mountain State Park is located at 49104 Morrow Mountain Rd., Albemarle, NC 28001. Start at the Visitor Center for a trail map. The Laurel Loop Trail starts in the Visitor Center parking lot. The Quarry Trail is in walking distance of this parking lot. Drive to the Three Rivers Nature Trail and Mountain Loop trail trailheads.


Don't forget to pack:

• Comfortable shoes: Hiking boots or sneakers.
• Water: You can refill at the Visitor Center or restrooms on top of the mountain.
• Snacks or a picnic lunch: There are plenty of picnic tables and natural spots to take a break.
• Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses: The trails are only partially shaded.
• Trail map: Print one or pick one up at the Visitor Center.

The Official blazeCLT Summer “Thrival” Guide

According to the public school calendar, we’re halfway through summer. Now what?

Maybe you’ve already taken your family vacation, the kids have been to camp, and you’ve visited all of your go-to entertainment destinations (. . . several times over).

Maybe you’re feeling fatigued or uninspired. Or maybe you’re eager to do Summertime Things as your schedule allows, to inject some sense of adventure into your typical year-round routine.

May I offer some suggestions?

Below are lists some of our favorite activities and outings – something for everyone (kids, no kids, grandkids, kids at heart. . .) for whatever free time you have (weekdays, weekends, before work, after work) – all in and around the Charlotte area.

Summer may be half over, but there’s still plenty of time for playing. Go ahead, try something new. Make the most of those open weekends, unscheduled evenings, yawning weekdays, and squishy lunch hours. Your next adventure is calling!

 

Fun-Sized Outings for Tiny Explorers

• Bike Playground!: Take your two-wheelers for a spin around this pint-sized cityscape.
• Village Park in Kannapolis: Features a double-decker carousel, miniature train rides, a sprayground and trails.
• Dan Nichols Park: All sorts of amusement park attractions (for only a dollar!) beautifully nestled in nature.
• Take a StoryWalk: Books in parks. Brilliant and fun!
• Veteran's Sprayground: Our favorite splash pad in town.
• The Cotton Candy Factory!: When's the last time you've been to a candy shop? Yum!

Urban Excursions

• Take the train to UNCC botanical gardens: Tour north Charlotte by train, and UNCC by foot.
• The Secret Garden: Explore this magical Charlotte gem at your leisure.
• Art Walk on the Rail Trail: Discover dozens of bright, quirky, and curious displays along the tracks.
• Bike Charlotte: Find a bike-friendly route near you, pump up your tires, and venture out.
• Queen City Treasure Hunt: Search for these Charlotte treasures hidden very much in plain site.

Discover and Learn

• Trail of History: Discover Charlotte's rich history. Great for exercise, exploration and education.
• Carolina Raptor Center: Fun trails, dozens of species, and the largest owl aviary in the Southeast.
• The Scheile Museum: Beautiful outdoor trails and compelling indoor exhibits.
• Reed Gold Mine: Full of history, fresh air, and (still!) a little bit of gold.

Hiking and Biking

• Seven Oaks Preserve: Gorgeous, peaceful trail by the lake. Great for bikes or boots.
• Colonel Frances Beaty Park: Our favorite mountain biking trails in town.
• Big Rock Nature Preserve: Check out Charlotte's greatest natural wonder.
• Evergreen Nature Preserve: Explore this quiet, green urban oasis, just a short drive from uptown.
• Purser-Hulsey Park: Take the clever, whimsical Painted Rock Trail to an enchanted forest. 
• Anne Springs Close Greenway: This giant preserve offers miles of trails, living history and a swinging bridge.
• Reedy Creek Nature Preserve: We like it for the hiking trails, nature center and multiple playgrounds.
• Mineral Springs: A beautiful trail along a creek, just outside of town.
• A hike back in time: Beautiful, mystical and moving.

Bonus recommendation:

• Rocky Face Mountain Rec Area: Start with a zipline at the quarry, take a hike on the trails, picnic on the mountain face.