Hikes near Charlotte (or something to do)??

[Bulldawg]

The wife and I will be in Charlotte this weekend for the races. We have a really full Friday, but Saturday is sort of open. Are there any good 2 or 3 hour short hikes in the area that would be worth while? If no hikes is there anyone in Charlotte who can suggest something to do Saturday? Most of the race shops will be closed Saturday, so that is out. We will probably be heading to the race track around 3ish on Saturday for the race. But I am a early riser, so I have 6 or 8 hours to kill. Thanks in advance!!

[Marta]

The steepest hiking around Charlotte, i.e., best training, is at Crowders Mtn. State Park. It's I-85, exit 13. Unfortunately that is on the opposite side of Charlotte from the races.

Riverbend is nice:
http://www.catawbacountync.gov/depts/parks/rbndmain.asp
Not very challenging, but has some pretty, riverside trails.

[Bulldawg]

I didn't count on any mountains much in Charlotte. Just some walking to pass the time in a pretty place.

[Flush2wice]

I was going to suggest the US National Whitewater Center. But when I looked at their website it says the trails are currently closed. Anyone know why?
http://www.usnwc.org/

[Marta]

I think it's because they close the trails for 24 hours after it rains...which it did last night.

[Bulldawg]

I was going to suggest the US National Whitewater Center. But when I looked at their website it says the trails are currently closed. Anyone know why?
http://www.usnwc.org/

Thanks to everyone so far. I think this suggestion might be cool. The high ropes thing they offer would be right up my alley to try, but I am not sure the wife would go for it. Anyone here ever participated?

[Bulldawg]

I think it's because they close the trails for 24 hours after it rains...which it did last night.

Seems there is some sort of Mountain Bike race there this weekend as well.

[Flush2wice]

Are some for hiking only or are they all hiking and biking?

[Flush2wice]

Thanks to everyone so far. I think this suggestion might be cool. The high ropes thing they offer would be right up my alley to try, but I am not sure the wife would go for it. Anyone here ever participated?

I was there once last year for a short visit. I didn't get to check out the trails but I thought the climbing wall and the whitewater was really cool. I had a good time just wandering around watching. There's a restaurant there too.

[Skidsteer]

You could take her to Carowinds, if she's into that kind of thing.

[Bulldawg]

I'm not into that kind of thing. Especially since the fuel up there and back is probably going to come close to breaking the bank!!

[chicote]

At the White Water Center the trails are for hiking and biking. Crowders has plenty for a day trip and if the weather is nice you might see some climbers and a view of the city from the top.

[Marta]

My boys are in town and went to the Whitewater Center yesterday to go mtn. biking. They said the biking trails at Rennaisance Park were better than the ones at the Whitewater Center.

[Bulldawg]

The steepest hiking around Charlotte, i.e., best training, is at Crowders Mtn. State Park. It's I-85, exit 13. Unfortunately that is on the opposite side of Charlotte from the races.

I might check this out then.

[Bulldawg]

Yep, I'm thinking the backside trail up to the top is the ticket for something to do in the morning before heading to the racetrack. Thanks!!

[Bulldawg]

Just thought I would bump this one more time before I leave out at 4AM tomorrow morning. Thanks for all the suggestions already.

[DesertMTB]

Just thought I would bump this one more time before I leave out at 4AM tomorrow morning. Thanks for all the suggestions already.

I would second Crowders. Nice hiking. Doesn't take too long to get too from Charlotte.

[Berserker]

Yeah, definitely hit up Crowders. There is nothing else to do in NE Charlotte (or most of Charlotte for that matter) other than shop and eat. I would recommend parking at the park headquarters (off of Sparrow Springs Rd.), and doing an out and back to the top via the Crowders and Rocktop trails. If I remember right the Backside trail has a bazillion stairs in it, and is more like a dirt road. The Rocktop trail is like an actual hiking trail, and has some really cool rocky spots that have to be traversed in it. The out and back is about 5 miles total I think.

I am a former Charlottean by the way just so you don't wonder why the h#$l some guy from VA is giving advice.

[DesertMTB]

Anyone ever hike that?

[Hooch]

Anyone ever hike that?

Not yet, but it's on my to-do list once I get moved in a couple weeks.