Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
5841 Brookshire Blvd • Charlotte, NC 28216
Tel 980-314-1000
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www.parkandrec.com
September 2016
Reedy Creek Nature Preserve
and Nature Center
Reedy Creek Nature Preserve protects over 900 acres
of natural, forested habitat within Reedy Creek Park.
There are over 10 miles of hiking trails for the outdoor
enthusiast, giving visitors the opportunity to explore
a variety of terrains while enjoying scenic views of
small lakes, forests, fields, streams and wildlife. Reedy
Creek Nature Preserve is also home to Reedy Creek
Nature Center and the Dr. James F. Matthews Center
for Biodiversity Studies.
Amenities
Anglers will find numerous fishing opportunities in both
Dragonfly and Slider Ponds. Those 16 years of age and
older must have a NC State Fishing License. The adjacent
116-acre Reedy Creek Park offers three reservable large
(80 person) picnic shelters, a reservable indoor (150
person) picnic shelter, five reservable small (15 person)
picnic shelters, numerous picnic tables, an 18-hole disc
golf course, two volleyball courts, a basketball court,
a playground and swing garden, two softball fields,
a soccer field, restrooms and Barkingham Park dog park.
Reedy Creek Nature Center features live, native
animals, an exhibit hall, a classroom and a gift shop.
Outside, visitors can stop and observe nature in
action at the National Wildlife Federation certified
Backyard Habitat Garden which includes bird feeding
stations, rain garden and a demonstration compost
area. Self- interpretive trail guides are available
for several nature preserve trails.
Nature Preserves
and Greenways
www.parkandrec.com
Greenways
Greenways are linear parks that connect people
and places by linking neighborhoods, offices, parks,
schools and shopping areas. They also protect water
quality and wildlife habitat while providing alternative
ways to move through our city, suburbs and small
towns. The Mecklenburg County greenway system
is quickly becoming one of the finest in the nation.
Greenways are vegetated natural buffers that improve
water quality, reduce the impacts of flooding and
provide wildlife habitat. Greenway trails provide
recreation, transportation, fitness and economic
benefits for all to enjoy. There are currently 38 miles
of developed and 150 miles of undeveloped greenways
in Mecklenburg County.
Center for Biodiversity Studies
The James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies
(CBS) is located at Reedy Creek Nature Center. At CBS
you will find scientists hard at work studying the plant
and animal life of the Piedmont region. The CBS houses
a wonderful natural history collection, documenting
the unique plants and animals that occur in our area.
Our namesake, Dr. James F. Matthews, Professor
Emeritus of Biology at UNC Charlotte, continues to
contribute to knowledge of the natural history of the
Piedmont as regular volunteer at CBS.
Have a question about plant and animal life in the
Piedmont of North and South Carolina? Check out our
website meckflora.mecklenburgcountync.gov
If you have plants or animals that you would like to
have identified, please contact us at 704-599-8465 or
centerforbiodiversitystudies@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Explore All Of The Nature Preserves and Greenways
That Park and Recreation Has To Offer
The Division of Nature Preserves and Natural
Resources is responsible for the protection
and conservation of Mecklenburg County’s
parks designated as Nature Preserves.
Nature Preserves provide habitat for both common and rare
plants and animals, preserve the beauty of Mecklenburg’s
natural areas and provide sites for educational activities
and the observation of wildlife and natural communities.
Staff offer more than 5,000 programs annually, perform
natural resource management on over 26 preserves protecting
over 7,600 acres, maintain more than 30 miles of nature trails
and operate three nature centers and a public campground.
Nature Centers
The Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources operate
three nature centers at three of their largest preserves. They
provide great opportunities to learn, explore and discover what
nature has to offer. The nature-themed programs are free or low
cost for all residents to enjoy. With public programs to field trips,
outdoor recreation opportunities and special events throughout
the year there is always something exciting for visitors.
McDowell Nature Preserve
and Nature Center
McDowell Nature Preserve protects over 1,100 acres
of forest fields and shoreline habitat along the shores of
Lake Wylie. With over eight miles of hiking trails, wildlife
viewing opportunities, picnic areas and playgrounds,
there is plenty to do for an entire day. McDowell is also
home to the county’s only public campground.
Amenities
The property includes shelter rentals, a large pavilion
and a waterfront deck. The year-round (weekends
only December through February) campground
accommodates everything from motor homes to
primitive camping and offers full service Rent-A-Tent
camping where tents, cots and other gear are
provided and set-up prior to your arrival. Numerous
fishing opportunities are available. Anglers ages
16 and older must have a NC State Fishing License.
Picnic shelters can be used on a first-come, first-
served basis or reserved for special events.
McDowell Nature Center serves as the gateway to the
over 1,100-acre McDowell Nature Preserve and is the
source for educational programs and information on
the preserve’s natural communities, flora and fauna.
The Center features live, native animals, an exhibit
hall, an outdoor amphitheater and a gift shop.
Outside, visitors can stop and observe nature in
action at the National Wildlife Federation certified
Backyard Habitat Garden which includes bird feeding
stations, butterfly gardens and demonstration
compost area. The preserve has a wide variety of
recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing
and canoeing.
Latta Plantation Nature Preserve
and Nature Center
Latta Plantation Nature Preserve is the County’s largest nature
preserve and protects over 1,400 acres. The preserve forms
a green peninsula extending into Mountain Island Lake,
the drinking water source for over 700,000 residents in
Mecklenburg and Gaston counties. It includes upland and
bottomland hardwood forests, open fields, streams and a
Piedmont Prairie restoration site protecting the federally
endangered Schweinitz’s sunflower and Michaux’s sumac.
The Preserve is part of the Mountain Island Lake Important
Bird Area, designated by the National Audubon Society
due to its diversity of bird species.
Amenities and Other Facilities
The Preserve offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Visitors can literally spend the entire day at the Preserve. Canoe
and kayak enthusiasts will find two landing areas that provide
access to Gar Creek and Mountain Island Lake. Numerous fishing
opportunities are available. Anglers ages 16 and older must have
a NC State Fishing License. Picnic shelters can be used on a
first-come, first-served basis.
Latta Plantation Nature Center features live, native animals,
a discovery hall, an outdoor amphitheater and a gift shop.
Outside, visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the
National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Habitat Garden
which includes bird feeding stations, butterfly gardens, garden
pond and demonstration compost area. Self-interpretive trail
guides are available for several trails.
Other facilities located in the preserve include:
Carolina Raptor Center, an education and rehabilitation
facility dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey and home
to the Southeast’s largest eagle aviary.
Latta Plantation Equestrian Center, a facility providing
guided horseback rides, pony rides, horse shows, lessons
and tack store.
Historic Latta Plantation, a restored 19th century
federal-style home and living history farm of James Latta,
open to public tours and interpretive programs.
www.parkandrec.com
Camping
Would you like to take the "Great Urban Escape?"
McDowell Campground has 56 campsites ranging
from RV to primitive sites. Group camping is available
at Copperhead Island just a few miles up the road.
Campsites may be reserved seven days a week.
Unreserved campsites are available on a first-come,
first-served basis. Reservations can be made by
calling 980-314-2267(CAMP) between the hours
of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday – Sunday.
Natural Resources
The Natural Resources Section is responsible for the
protection and management of natural resources in
Mecklenburg County natural areas including those
in parks, greenways, nature preserves and natural
heritage sites. Total acreage of these unique land
assets currently stands at about 21,000 acres with
about 7,600 acres protected as Nature Preserve.
The Division contributes to regional environmental
leadership and research by partnering with other
public agencies and non-profit organizations in
neighboring counties and throughout the state.
The Division strives to achieve the goals specified in
the adopted Mecklenburg Community Vision 2015 by
“protecting our natural resources” and identifying and
actively working to protect “environmentally sensitive
areas”. The primary focus of the Division is to preserve
natural resources, including all native plant and animal
species and natural community types that comprise
Mecklenburg County’s unique natural heritage.
The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department’s Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources manages
over 7,600 acres of parkland that provide wildlife habitat, protect high quality forests, provide water quality protection
for our lakes and streams and countless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with 35 miles of hiking trails, picnic
areas, fishing piers, canoe/kayak launches and wildlife viewing areas.
Our greenway system has over 42 miles of paved trails and continues to grow every year. Greenway properties protect water quality and wildlife habitat
while also providing a high-quality alternative transportation option for walking, running or biking. This map will help you find a trail near your house
or workplace. For more, visit www.parkandrec.com

Nature Preserves
Nature Preserves are open daily 7:00 am to sunset.
AN
RM 77
1 Big Rock • 6500 Elmstone Dr NO IRWIN
K E
22 Acres • Hiking Trails LA & STEWART
CREEK 277
15 GREENWAYS
2 Clarks Creek • 5542 Hucks Rd
99 Acres • Hiking Trails, Picnic Shelter, Playground
ST
5 AM
3 Cowan’s Ford • 5335 Neck Rd RA
H
SOUTHEAST G
878 Acres • Picnic Tables, Wildlife Observation Deck GREENWAY 19 N ST
N
YO 7
4 Evergreen • 1336 Norland Rd TR
D N
R RR 15
77 Acres • Hiking Trails, Picnic Shelter, Bathrooms (Opening In 2017) 13 FU
M
SA SUGAR
5 Flat Branch • 11833 Tom Short Rd CREEK
MCDOWELL GREENWAY
42 Acres • Hiking Trails, Picnic Shelter, Bathrooms CREEK
GREENWAY
N C H W Y 73
6 Iswa • 9909 Wilkinson Blvd 77 WE
ST
137 Acres • Fishing, Hiking Trails BL T
VD O NS
RY 277
NT
Latta Plantation • 6211 Sample Rd

PR
7

O
VI
1,478 Acres • Canoe/Kayak Launch, Carolina Raptor Center, Equestrian Center,

D
B EA
17 8

EN
O LD
STA
Fishing Areas and Pier, Hiking and Equestrian Trails, Historic Latta Plantation, SUGAR

C
13

E
TTIE S
CREEK

T ES

R
STA
Nature Center, Picnic Shelter, Bathrooms

D
TORRENCE CREEK GREENWAY

VI LL

TE S V I
GREENWAY

FOR
8 McDowell • 15222 York Rd

E RD

LLE R D
D RD
1,126 Acres • Campground (Tent and RV), Canoe/Kayak Launch, Copperhead Island
(Boat Launch), Fishing Areas and Piers, Hiking Trails, Nature Center, Picnic Shelter,
3
11 Uptown Charlotte
Playgrounds, Bathrooms

9 Reedy Creek • 2900 Rocky River Rd

832 Acres • Hiking Trails, Nature Center and Center For Biodiversity Studies,
Picnic Shelter, Playground, Bathrooms 7 85
2
10 Ribbonwalk • 4501 Nevin Rd
11 MALLARD CREEK
190 Acres • Hiking Trails, Picnic Tables
WT & CLARK’S CREEK
H ARRIS BLVD GREENWAYS
11 Rural Hill • 4431 Neck Rd
497 Acres • Hiking Trails, Historic Rural Hill

12 Sherman Branch • 12501 Rocky River Rd 16

VD
210 Acres • Hiking Trails, Mountain Biking, Picnic Tables Y BL

SU
CIT
TY

GA
I
13 Stephens Road • 5901 Stephens Rd 485 RS

RC
E
IV
UN

T
RE
352 Acres • Hiking Trails

NS
BR 10

EK

YO
O
O

RD
14 Stevens Creek • 15700 Thompson Rd KS

TR
HI
RE

N
280 Acres • Hiking Trails, Nature Center, Picnic Shelter, Playground, BL
Bathrooms (Opening In 2018) VD
FR

15 West Branch • 18232 Shearer Rd E

E

DO
MD

WT H
91 Acres • Hiking Trails

ST
R

AR
85

AM

RI S B
IRWIN
ST

AH
& STEWART ON
GR
CREEK Y

LVD
N

TR
GREENWAYS
N
Greenways 6
W I L K I N SO
N BL
5
7 12
Many greenways also have neighborhood connections and access points. VD
For directions and detailed maps, please refer to our website at parkandrec.com SUGAR 485
CREEK
GREENWAY 1
1 Briar Creek (Plaza Midwood)
0.42 Miles • Parking at 1812 Masonic Dr or 1628 Masonic Dr BRIAR
LV D
TB CREEK D
485 WES LE R
GREENWAY MA R
2 Briar Creek (Myers Park) 6 8 BE
4 AL
0.91 Miles • Parking at Alexander Graham Middle School or 2200 Runnymede Ln IRWIN
CREEK
Campbell Creek GREENWAY
IN
3 DE
SUGAR
1.1 Miles • Parking at 2116 Margaret Wallace Rd (gravel lot across from fire station)
PE
CREEK
ND

GREENWAY
EN

4 Four Mile Creek (Matthews, NC)

C
E

1.9 Miles • Parking at Squirrel Lake Park, 1631 Pleasant Plains Rd, Matthews, NC 28105 ST
BL
SOUTH BLVD

N BRIAR
YO P
VD

CREEK
TR
RO

5 Irwin and Stewart Creek Complex S GREENWAY

2 3
VID

2.9 Miles • Parking at 215 North Sycamore St (Ray’s Splash Planet), 1123 Greenleaf Ave
EN

(Frazier Park), 3204 Manchester Dr, 2964 Barringer Dr, 1960 Lela Ave or 1704 Freedom Dr
CE
RD

6 Irwin Creek #2
PA

RD
0.83 Miles • Parking at 1414 Clanton Rd or 1520 Clanton Rd 9 MCALPINE CREEK 14
RK

SUGAR

LL
12 & CAMPBELL CREEK
CREEK
RD

7 Little Sugar Creek (NoDa Section) GREENWAYS T HI

GREENWAY
IN

0.95 Miles • Parking at 2100 North Davidson St, 745 E 12th St or 624 Parkwood Ave M
RD D
RK SR
8 Little Sugar Creek (Midtown Section) YO W
AT T HE
77 -M
4.17 Miles • Parking at 1116 Metropolitan Ave, 1421 E Morehead St, Freedom Park, LE
18 IL FOUR MILE
1656 Sterling Rd or North Side of Westfield Rd between Tranquil Ave and Brandywine Rd WALKER EV
8 PIN CREEK
(on street parking) BRANCH GREENWAY
GREENWAY 4
9 Little Sugar Creek (Huntingtowne Farms Section)
N C HWY 51
0.79 Miles • Parking at 2701 Burnt Mill Rd, 2203 Huntingtowne Farms Ln,
6901 Rockledge Dr or 2203 Ramblewood Ln
10 LOWER MCALPINE,
10 Lower Mcalpine, McMullen and Four Mile Creek Complex MCMULLEN CREEK
& FOUR MILE CREEK
5.8 Miles • Parking at 5803 Bevington Pl, 11823 Johnston Rd or 8135 Pineville-Matthews Rd GREENWAYS

11 Mallard and Clark’s Creek Complex 1 485

LA

7.1 Miles • Parking at 9729 Mallard Creek Rd, 4424 Saxonbury Way, 210 East Mallard Creek
NC
AS

Church Rd (Kirk Farm Fields) or 9014 Mallard Creek Church Rd

TE

5
RH

12 McAlpine Creek (Upper)

Map Key
W
Y

7.6 Miles • Parking at 300 Boyce Rd ( James Boyce Park), 8711 Monroe Rd
(McAlpine Creek Park) or 110 Old Bell Rd
Nature Preserves
13 McDowell Creek SIX MILE
1.52 Miles • Parking at 16830 Cranlyn Rd or 8925 Townley Rd CREEK
GREENWAY
Greenways
14 Six Mile Creek 14
0.92 Miles • Parking at 17820 Marvin Rd
Street Connector
15 South Prong Rocky River (Davidson, NC)
9.17 Miles • Parking at 859 South St, 19719 Davison-Concord Rd or 13007 Robert Walker Dr

16 Toby Creek Greenway

1.6 Miles • Parking at 210 East Mallard Creek Church Rd (Kirk Farm Fields)

17 Torrence Creek (Huntersville, NC)

1.4 Miles • Parking at 13121 Bradford Hill Ln (on-street parking along Bradford Hill Ln
at the greenway entrance)

18 Walker Branch
0.48 Miles • Parking at 12655 South Tryon St or 14501 Rivergate Pkwy

19 West Branch Rocky River (Davidson, NC)

1.1 Miles • Parking at 18232 Shearer Rd

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Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department • Recreate All Year • www.parkandrec.com