One of the best things about living in Charlotte is how centrally located we are to some of North and South Carolina’s most amazing state parks. If you enjoy hiking, swimming, boating or taking nature walks, you’re in luck because there are plenty of places to explore less than a two hour drive from the Queen City. Here’s a list of our favorites, organized from closest to Charlotte to furthest. You’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure when you pay a visit to these beautiful state parks near Charlotte.
- Crowders Mountain State Park
Carlos Bautista/Google Local Crowders Mountain State Park is located in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, which is about a 45 minute drive from Charlotte. Crowders Mountain is the closest state park to our city and is well-known by Charlotte area residents. Crowders Mountain State Park offers visitors 11 amazing hiking trails that range in levels of difficulty. Two of the most popular trails at Crowders Mountain State Park are the Pinnacle Trail and the Crowders Mountain Trail that are challenging uphill climbs leading to a birdseye view of the beautiful Piedmont area below. This view from the Pinnacle Trail is one of the most desired views by hikers. Any given weekend the park will be packed with people trying to make it to the top of the mountain and partake in its natural beauty. Crowders Mountain State Park, 522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA
If you are a beginner hiker, it may take few tries to achieve the Pinnacle or Crowders Trail, but we promise you it’s worth the endurance.
Meredith D./Yelp When you get to the mountain top looking over the hills of North Carolina, you’ll feel like you are on top of the world and can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Talk about a life-affirming, memorable moment!
- Lake Norman State Park
HG30/TripAdvisor One of the most beautiful state parks to explore in North Carolina, Lake Norman State Park is located in Troutman, about an hour’s drive north of Charlotte. Lake Norman State Park, 759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166, USA
If you love being out on the water or the sound of gentle waves lapping the beach then this park is for you.
rowanraumfahrer/TripAdvisor Lake Norman State Park offers guests tons of outdoor activities like hiking, swimming and camping. Additionally, Lake Norman State Park has become a popular place for mountain biking and has 30.5 miles of single track trail for bikers.
A public beach area lets visitors swim or sunbathe at the park, too.
Lovely C./Yelp Because this park is on the lake, it’s a great place for family cookouts or picnics near the water. Lake Normal really is an all-around day trip all star in the Tar Heel State!
- Andrew Jackson State Park
Jeff S./Yelp Andrew Jackson State Park is located in Lancaster County, South Carolina, approximately an hour south of Charlotte. This park is one for the history buff’s in your group, as it is dedicated to the life of U.S. President Andrew Jackson, who was from this area. The park has an amazing museum on the property that tells you everything you wanted to know about Commander in Chief Andrew Jackson. It also has replicated buildings and scenery to look like what it might have when Andrew was a young boy.The park offers guided tours and educational sessions for children throughout the year. This is a great place to keep your little ones occupied and having a great time learning about American history. Andrew Jackson State Park Lake, South Carolina 29720, USA
Andrew Jackson State Park also has many fun outdoor activities for the whole family.
David L/TripAdvisor Hiking trails, fishing, bird watching, and geocaching; these are just a few of the things you can do when you pay a visit to this awesome state park near Charlotte.
- Morrow Mountain State Park
Matty B./Yelp There is nothing more peaceful than enjoying a quiet lunch in the fresh air during your hike or just stopping to take in the fabulous view.
Morrow Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Uwharrie Mountains.
Chevon C./Yelp If you hike to the top, you’ll have an awesome view of the Central Piedmont countryside and the Yadkin Pee-Dee River which runs through it. Make a day trip out of this lovely park; you’ll find picnic shelters all throughout the site. There is nothing more peaceful then enjoying a quiet lunch in the fresh air during your hike or just stopping to take in the fabulous view, don’t you think?! Morrow Mountain, North Carolina 28001, USA
- South Mountains State Park
TrailDame/TripAdvisor South Mountains State Park is located in the mountains of Connolly Springs, N.C. and is roughly an hour and a half drive from Charlotte. South Mountains State Park, 3001 S Mountain Park, Connelly Springs, NC 28612, USA
Known for its amazing High Shoals Waterfall and various streams that run through the property, this park is a popular fishing and hiking destination for true outdoor enthusiasts.
Darryl S./TripAdvisor High Shoals Falls is a sight to see for visitors. Formed by the Jacob Fork River plunging 80 ft. down natural rock formations in the forest, this falls creates a beautiful pool below and is a fantastic sight.
The park offers more than 40 miles of hiking trails with elevations of up to 3,000 ft.
Annie H./TripAdvisor Often times the park will hold fly fishing classes for those who want to learn the best ways to catch trout in the natural streams of the park. This magical place may be a little bit further, but it is well-worth the drive…. trust us!
- Chimney Rock State Park
Mark S./Trip Advisor Chimney Rock State Park is the farthest on our list located in Chimney Rock, North Carolina, about two hours from the Queen City. It’s also a bucket-list-worthy destination for all North Carolina explorers! Visitors travel from all over the state to see Chimney Rock Park’s famous 315-foot rock formation – Chimney Rock – that offers amazing 360-degree views of the park. Chimney Rock State Park offers hiking, camping, swimming and picnicking to visitors. The park is also known for rock climbing where experienced rock climbers can rappel down some of the park’s amazing rock formations. Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720, USA
Hickory Nut Falls is also a major attraction at the park.
Michael Flavin/AllTrails The Hickory Nut Falls Trail is a moderate 1.5 mile loop that will take hikers to the base of the falls and back out when ready. Chimney Rock is an amazing experience for those who truly love a mountain setting. Make it a day trip or spend the weekend camping - either way you’ll be glad you did! Hickory Nut Falls, North Carolina 28746, USA
What’s your favorite state park to visit near Charlotte? How many of these North Carolina state parks have you been to? Did we miss any of your top spots? Tell us in the comments. Enjoy!
Carlos Bautista/Google Local
Crowders Mountain State Park is located in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, which is about a 45 minute drive from Charlotte. Crowders Mountain is the closest state park to our city and is well-known by Charlotte area residents. Crowders Mountain State Park offers visitors 11 amazing hiking trails that range in levels of difficulty. Two of the most popular trails at Crowders Mountain State Park are the Pinnacle Trail and the Crowders Mountain Trail that are challenging uphill climbs leading to a birdseye view of the beautiful Piedmont area below. This view from the Pinnacle Trail is one of the most desired views by hikers. Any given weekend the park will be packed with people trying to make it to the top of the mountain and partake in its natural beauty.
Crowders Mountain State Park, 522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA
Meredith D./Yelp
When you get to the mountain top looking over the hills of North Carolina, you’ll feel like you are on top of the world and can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Talk about a life-affirming, memorable moment!
HG30/TripAdvisor
One of the most beautiful state parks to explore in North Carolina, Lake Norman State Park is located in Troutman, about an hour’s drive north of Charlotte.
Lake Norman State Park, 759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166, USA
rowanraumfahrer/TripAdvisor
Lake Norman State Park offers guests tons of outdoor activities like hiking, swimming and camping. Additionally, Lake Norman State Park has become a popular place for mountain biking and has 30.5 miles of single track trail for bikers.
Lovely C./Yelp
Because this park is on the lake, it’s a great place for family cookouts or picnics near the water. Lake Normal really is an all-around day trip all star in the Tar Heel State!
Jeff S./Yelp
Andrew Jackson State Park is located in Lancaster County, South Carolina, approximately an hour south of Charlotte. This park is one for the history buff’s in your group, as it is dedicated to the life of U.S. President Andrew Jackson, who was from this area. The park has an amazing museum on the property that tells you everything you wanted to know about Commander in Chief Andrew Jackson. It also has replicated buildings and scenery to look like what it might have when Andrew was a young boy.The park offers guided tours and educational sessions for children throughout the year. This is a great place to keep your little ones occupied and having a great time learning about American history.
Andrew Jackson State Park Lake, South Carolina 29720, USA
David L/TripAdvisor
Hiking trails, fishing, bird watching, and geocaching; these are just a few of the things you can do when you pay a visit to this awesome state park near Charlotte.
Matty B./Yelp
There is nothing more peaceful than enjoying a quiet lunch in the fresh air during your hike or just stopping to take in the fabulous view.
Chevon C./Yelp
If you hike to the top, you’ll have an awesome view of the Central Piedmont countryside and the Yadkin Pee-Dee River which runs through it. Make a day trip out of this lovely park; you’ll find picnic shelters all throughout the site. There is nothing more peaceful then enjoying a quiet lunch in the fresh air during your hike or just stopping to take in the fabulous view, don’t you think?!
Morrow Mountain, North Carolina 28001, USA
TrailDame/TripAdvisor
South Mountains State Park is located in the mountains of Connolly Springs, N.C. and is roughly an hour and a half drive from Charlotte.
South Mountains State Park, 3001 S Mountain Park, Connelly Springs, NC 28612, USA
Darryl S./TripAdvisor
High Shoals Falls is a sight to see for visitors. Formed by the Jacob Fork River plunging 80 ft. down natural rock formations in the forest, this falls creates a beautiful pool below and is a fantastic sight.
Annie H./TripAdvisor
Often times the park will hold fly fishing classes for those who want to learn the best ways to catch trout in the natural streams of the park. This magical place may be a little bit further, but it is well-worth the drive…. trust us!
Mark S./Trip Advisor
Chimney Rock State Park is the farthest on our list located in Chimney Rock, North Carolina, about two hours from the Queen City. It’s also a bucket-list-worthy destination for all North Carolina explorers! Visitors travel from all over the state to see Chimney Rock Park’s famous 315-foot rock formation – Chimney Rock – that offers amazing 360-degree views of the park. Chimney Rock State Park offers hiking, camping, swimming and picnicking to visitors. The park is also known for rock climbing where experienced rock climbers can rappel down some of the park’s amazing rock formations.
Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720, USA
Michael Flavin/AllTrails
The Hickory Nut Falls Trail is a moderate 1.5 mile loop that will take hikers to the base of the falls and back out when ready. Chimney Rock is an amazing experience for those who truly love a mountain setting. Make it a day trip or spend the weekend camping - either way you’ll be glad you did!
Hickory Nut Falls, North Carolina 28746, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
State parks near Charlotte February 12, 2022 Sarah M. What are some national parks near Charlotte, North Carolina? Here in Charlotte, we are so fortunate to be close to three national parks: Congaree, Great Smoky Mountains, and Shenandoah. Each of these parks offers a different experience, and all are perfect for day trip adventures. Of course, Great Smoky Mountains is the most well-known national park in North Carolina, and within this beautiful expanse, there’s an adventure that absolutely belongs on every North Carolinian’s bucket list. Found along the North Carolina and Tennessee border, Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in Smoky Mountains National Park, and hiking to this peak is an unparalleled experience that really must be on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. From the beautiful and historic 45-foot round tower built in 1959, to the scenic hike itself, and the 360-degree views span for literally 100 miles, Clingman’s Dome is a place that will take your breath away. What is the best state park to visit in North Carolina? There are 41 state parks, state recreation areas, and state nature areas for residents and visitors to enjoy in North Carolina, making it a bit overwhelming when it comes time to pick an adventure. Luckily, we don’t have to play favorites, as the editors of Travel & Leisure magazine did that for us, naming Chimney Rock State Park as North Carolina’s superlative state park. Why? Well, let’s take a look. While a number of states in America have natural wonders they’ve dubbed “chimney rock” (Nebraska, Minnesota, and Kentucky, to name only a few), the 315-foot naturally occurring chimney rock at Chimney Rock State Park is wholly unique to North Carolina. What’s more, while most of the other chimney rocks in the U.S. don’t offer the ability for visitors to trek all the way to the top of the rock formation for fantastic 360-degree views, Chimney Rock in North Carolina does! And truly, the views from the top are jaw dropping.
The OIYS Visitor Center
State parks near Charlotte
February 12, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some national parks near Charlotte, North Carolina? Here in Charlotte, we are so fortunate to be close to three national parks: Congaree, Great Smoky Mountains, and Shenandoah. Each of these parks offers a different experience, and all are perfect for day trip adventures. Of course, Great Smoky Mountains is the most well-known national park in North Carolina, and within this beautiful expanse, there’s an adventure that absolutely belongs on every North Carolinian’s bucket list. Found along the North Carolina and Tennessee border, Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in Smoky Mountains National Park, and hiking to this peak is an unparalleled experience that really must be on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. From the beautiful and historic 45-foot round tower built in 1959, to the scenic hike itself, and the 360-degree views span for literally 100 miles, Clingman’s Dome is a place that will take your breath away. What is the best state park to visit in North Carolina? There are 41 state parks, state recreation areas, and state nature areas for residents and visitors to enjoy in North Carolina, making it a bit overwhelming when it comes time to pick an adventure. Luckily, we don’t have to play favorites, as the editors of Travel & Leisure magazine did that for us, naming Chimney Rock State Park as North Carolina’s superlative state park. Why? Well, let’s take a look. While a number of states in America have natural wonders they’ve dubbed “chimney rock” (Nebraska, Minnesota, and Kentucky, to name only a few), the 315-foot naturally occurring chimney rock at Chimney Rock State Park is wholly unique to North Carolina. What’s more, while most of the other chimney rocks in the U.S. don’t offer the ability for visitors to trek all the way to the top of the rock formation for fantastic 360-degree views, Chimney Rock in North Carolina does! And truly, the views from the top are jaw dropping.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Here in Charlotte, we are so fortunate to be close to three national parks: Congaree, Great Smoky Mountains, and Shenandoah. Each of these parks offers a different experience, and all are perfect for day trip adventures. Of course, Great Smoky Mountains is the most well-known national park in North Carolina, and within this beautiful expanse, there’s an adventure that absolutely belongs on every North Carolinian’s bucket list. Found along the North Carolina and Tennessee border, Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in Smoky Mountains National Park, and hiking to this peak is an unparalleled experience that really must be on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. From the beautiful and historic 45-foot round tower built in 1959, to the scenic hike itself, and the 360-degree views span for literally 100 miles, Clingman’s Dome is a place that will take your breath away.
What is the best state park to visit in North Carolina?
There are 41 state parks, state recreation areas, and state nature areas for residents and visitors to enjoy in North Carolina, making it a bit overwhelming when it comes time to pick an adventure. Luckily, we don’t have to play favorites, as the editors of Travel & Leisure magazine did that for us, naming Chimney Rock State Park as North Carolina’s superlative state park. Why? Well, let’s take a look. While a number of states in America have natural wonders they’ve dubbed “chimney rock” (Nebraska, Minnesota, and Kentucky, to name only a few), the 315-foot naturally occurring chimney rock at Chimney Rock State Park is wholly unique to North Carolina. What’s more, while most of the other chimney rocks in the U.S. don’t offer the ability for visitors to trek all the way to the top of the rock formation for fantastic 360-degree views, Chimney Rock in North Carolina does! And truly, the views from the top are jaw dropping.
