Walk, bike, run, or hike! Lake Norman has all your hiking and biking needs covered, whether you’re stopping by or you call the area home. Our local parks offer paved and natural trails for hikers and cyclists. We’ve got you covered with a guide to various parks and shops to secure the things you need to make your day in LKN one to remember!

Mecklenburg Parks and Rec All-Terrain Wheelchairs


Before you hit the trails, know that everyone can access the great outdoors! Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec offers All-Terrain Wheelchairs to those who may have disabilities that limit their ability to explore. You can reserve online, in person or by phone at the locations below:
- Eastway Regional Recreation Center
- Quest at Latta Nature Preserve
- Northern Regional Recreation Center
- Reedy Creek Nature Center

Stevens Creek Nature Center is expected to added soon!

Visit the Spirited Cyclist in Davidson if you don't have gear of your own. They're friendly and helpful with any bike-related questions. Sometimes pedaling is a lot of work, so checking out Pedego Electric Bikes is a great option if you want the joyride without the burning legs. They're certainly the answer for any electric biking needs. For a more traditional route, Cycle Path in Cornelius has what you need with cycling supplies and service, as well as demo options for those wanting to try a bike out before they buy. 

 

The Emerald Necklace

In Cornelius, over 10 miles of hiking and biking opportunities await on the Emerald Necklace. This loop of greenways and trails winds right through town, perfect for a bike ride, a jog, or a relaxed walk with coffee in hand. Along the way, you’ll pass through peaceful stretches of nature, neighborhood paths, and a few parks where you can stop and take a break. The Emerald Necklace even earned a Regional Excellence Award from the Centralina Regional Council for its incredible greenway connectivity, so you know it’s something special. It’s one of those local gems that makes you feel plugged into the community while also giving you a little escape.

The Emerald Necklace Map

 

Jetton Park 

Jetton Park is a waterfront gem and has plenty of walking and hiking trails for you and your family to enjoy! This 104-acre park offers a serene escape with its picturesque lake views, a 1.3-mile bike trail, a 1.5-mile hiking trail, and lush, shaded picnic areas. Families can enjoy the sandy beach area, playgrounds, and tennis courts, while fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the challenging trails. Jetton Park is also pet-friendly, making it a perfect spot for a day out with furry friends.

Jetton Park

 

Ramsey Creek Beach

Ramsey Creek Park

Ramsey Creek Park is located in Cornelius and has walking and nature trails that are perfect for anyone. This waterfront park also has a dog park, picnic shelters, a swimming beach, and an ADA accessible fishing pier.

The Ramsey Creek Loop is a 1.6-mile loop trail that takes about 31 minutes to complete. This loop is a popular spot for fishing, biking, and bird watching. This spot is definitely worth checking out, either on wheels or on foot, and the sunset views are worth the trip!

 

Latta Nature Preserve 

Latta Nature Preserve has 17 different trails, great for a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and birding, and invites you to explore over 16 miles of trail! They also have trails of various difficulty levels. If you're looking for an easier trail to relax and enjoy nature, the Latta Waterfront Trail is a good pick. This 1.1-mile loop takes about 21 minutes to complete and has an elevation gain of 29 feet. The path gently winds around the shores of Mountain Island Lake. If you want a bit more of a challenge, try out the Hill, Cove, and Split Rock Loop. This is a 5-mile loop trail that takes an average of 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete, and it has a 337-foot elevation gain. This is perfect for more experienced hikers or anyone looking to break a bit of a sweat. 

Some of the other amenities at Latta include canoe and kayak launch access, horseback riding trails, Quest Nature Center, and Carolina Raptor Center. Latta has something for everyone, and hiking and biking are just scratching the surface for a nature lover.

Quest Nature Center Latta

 

Robbins Park trail

Robbins Park 

Robbins Park is an eight-acre area in Cornelius featuring a nature-themed playground, a multi-purpose field, and nearly 5 miles of total trails, paved and unpaved. The Robbins Park Loop is a 1.2-mile loop trail in the park that takes an average of 24 minutes to complete. The McDowell Creek Greenway connects Robbins Park to Birkdale Village. The 1.5-mile trail offers a green oasis for town dwellers and excellent access to retail, office, and residential areas. It's also packed with amenities like sand volleyball, a disc golf course, tennis/pickleball courts, and so much more!  

 

Davidson Greenway

The Davidson Greenway offers more than six miles of scenic, walkable space perfect for both hiking and biking. One of the highlights is the Randall R. Kincaid Trail, a 2.8-mile paved path that winds through wooded areas and open spaces, making it an inviting spot for a casual stroll or a bike ride. Along the way, the greenway connects neighborhoods, schools, and parks, including Bailey Road Park, providing both a recreational escape and a convenient route through town.

 

West Branch Rocky River Greenway 

The West Branch Rocky River Greenway is a 1.1-mile trail that’s kid-friendly and easy for anyone to walk or ride. The path winds through shady stretches of sweetgum, black walnut, and tulip poplar trees, making it a relaxing escape for families and casual adventurers alike.

This greenway also connects to the West Branch Nature Preserve Trail, a natural-surface path that runs through nearly 90 acres of protected wetland habitat. Bikers are welcome on the paved greenway but not on the preserve’s natural trails, so it’s the perfect spot to slow down and explore on foot. Along the way, you’ll find interpretive signs that share cool facts about the ecosystem, adding a bit of learning to your outing. Overall, this refreshing trail is a great break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and one of the great spots for hiking or biking near Davidson.

 

West Branch Greenway

 

Fisher Farm Park 

Fisher Farm Park is another great option in Davidson, no matter your experience level. There are a few trails to choose from, ranging from beginner, intermediate, and advanced loops. This park is a great place to get some nice and quiet exercise, surrounded by beautiful greenery. It's also a great spot to bring your pups for a walk! 

The Fisher Farm Full Loop is a 4.3-mile loop with an intermediate difficulty level. This spot is a hidden gem for outdoor lovers who are looking for nice paths and fewer crowds. 

Fisher Farm Trail
Image by @lkndogdays

 

Rosedale Nature Park

Rosedale Nature Park

Rosedale Nature Park is a great park for hikers and bikers alike to explore! This park has many fun amenities to enjoy such as a beautiful butterfly-themed playground, a nature play area, ziplines, and shaded trails.

For a family outing, try the Rosedale Park Loop. This easy 1-mile trail, with a gentle 29-foot elevation gain, doubles as a disc golf course. With a nice mix of recreation and relaxation, Rosedale is a great destination for families and younger bikers looking to get out into nature and have fun. 


 

 

North Meck Park

North Meck Park, located in Huntersville, offers almost 100 acres of complete recreational fun! Play or watch softball and baseball, set up a picnic in the outdoor shelters, or enjoy the basketball, tennis, and soccer facilities.

One of the highlights of the park is the 3-Mile Mountain Bike Trail, which is great for beginners, intermediate riders, and families. This is a multi-use trail, so watch out for hikers as well! The biking trail is smooth and has gentle curves, so it's great for someone new to the sport. Or, ride off the beaten path and make the trail your own if you're more experienced!    

 

Lake Norman State Park

Lake Norman State Park in Troutman offers over 30 miles of biking trails and 38 miles of hiking trails. The park consists of 1,941 acres and is a great spot on the northern shore of Lake Norman. With a nice mix of shoreline and terrain, it's a popular destination for outdoor adventure of all kinds. 

This park also has many short trails and loops that are perfect for exploring on a bike or foot.

The Hawk Loop is a 2.5-mile single track that gives easy access to other biking trails, such as Hicks Creek Loop and the Norwood Loop. The connecting trails give riders the ability to customize their own path and mileage, making it impossible to ever get bored! 

If you want to enjoy nature for even longer, there is the Laurel Loop. This intermediate 9.5-mile path is rather steep and offers a good challenge for both hikers and bikers. Prepare for great forest views, challenging climbs, and steep descents. 

 

Lake Norman Maps and other sources to help you take the first step:

Dion White
Lake Norman State Park
Photos by Dion White and @trevoronthetrail

LNT

Lake Norman takes pride in its greenways, trails, and parks — you should too! Please join us in following Outdoor NC's Leave No Trace principles to protect our beautiful shared outdoor spaces. That means planning ahead, sticking to marked trails, properly disposing of trash, leaving what you find, minimizing fire impacts, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of others. Together we can ensure Lake Norman’s natural beauty is preserved for generations to come.

 

Whether you’re new to hiking and biking, or are a seasoned vet, Lake Norman has so much to offer, you're sure to find your niche. There’s so much to see and explore, so get out and satisfy your need for adventure! For more information, check out our Hiking & Biking page. Don't forget to tag us on Facebook and Instagram @VisitLakeNorman when you post your adventures!