McDowell Nature Preserve

Quiet and relaxed( especially waterfront dock). If you’re stressed out, then come here. You won’t be disappointed. Numbers of walking/hiking trails, picnic areas etc. you can do fishing in the lake as well. Pet friendly. Overall a very good place for family camping. You can just sit by the lake and enjoy the serenity. I wish I could be there during summer and fall seasons. Will visit again. Parking and restrooms are available.

Beautiful nature preserve in the Charlotte area. Enjoyable to go down by the lake and sit on the benches to get some sun or walk around on the paths. First time going and also noticed many different hiking trails.

Great dirt trails and dog friendly. Must be able to walk up/down stairs and step over tree roots. I would recommend getting a map and choosing your trail. Restrooms available in parking areas.

Nice trails and fee to use daytime facilities. Bathrooms located around the park. Lots of picnic tables and places to relax.

We took our 2 daughters here on a Sunday and it was almost empty. We licked out and happened to stumble in right before a little presentation on turtles and our daughters got to see and pet a live turtle while learning about them. We all really enjoyed that. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and seemed to enjoy telling us about the place. The trails outside are nice, easy to follow and seemed well maintained with lots of plant life and mushrooms to check out. There were a lot less bugs than I was expecting so that was also a plus lol.. We will definitely be returning here for more adventures.