When it comes to great big, giant things, it’s not just kids that are awestruck by them. Adults, too, are fascinated by larger-than-life objects. Case in point here in our own backyard: the Big Rock Nature Preserve in Charlotte, North Carolina.
This 22-acre granite-filled wonderland is found right in one of the city’s upscale Southside neighborhoods.
Google/Ronald Johnson And it’s open to the public, although parking is a bit of a question.
Head over to Elmstone Drive, just outside the I-485 loop and once you’ve passed the Thornhill Members Club heading west, be on the lookout for the blue and tan sign for the park.
Google/Ed Komasara
The trail into the park starts right by the speed limit sign next to the Big Rock Nature Preserve sign.
Google Maps
All Trails ranks this short, 0.6-mile loop as easy.
Google/Susan Patti
But what it lacks in challenge it more than makes up for in adventure!
Google/Ademir Luquini Faverno
While if you keep your eyes to the ground or sky, you could easily walk the whole trail in under 30 minutes, Big Rock Nature Preserve has some enormous granite boulders that make it nearly impossible to walk through without stopping.
AllTrails/Deanna Lewis
Aside from all of the boulders, the trail and park feature some marvelous woodland features, like small water crossings with wonderful, well-kept bridges.
Google/Susan Patti
Be on the lookout for the big rock shaped like a rattlesnake head with natural holes that look like eyes!
AllTrails/“Hiking Realtor” Charlotte Woah.
McAlpine Creek Tributary #1 flows right through the preserve and provides a natural buffer from I-485. This park is historically significant in that evidence gathered here points to a Native American habitat that dates back 7,000 years.
Google/Ronald Johnson
And it’s open to the public, although parking is a bit of a question.
Google/Ed Komasara
Google Maps
Google/Susan Patti
Google/Ademir Luquini Faverno
AllTrails/Deanna Lewis
AllTrails/“Hiking Realtor” Charlotte
Woah.
Learn more about Big Rock Nature Preserve’s 0.6-mile trail from AllTrails. More about the park, itself, can be found here. It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.. However, in the winter, its highly advisable to find your way out of the preserve long before the sun sets.
Please remember to leave no trace so generations to come can enjoy this historic landmark designated so by the Charlotte Historic Landmarks Commission.
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Address: Big Rock Nature Preserve, 6500 Elmstone Dr, Charlotte, NC 28277, USA
