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.

1. Crowders Mountain State Park
Crowders Mountain State Park, 522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, USA
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.
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!
2. Lake Norman State Park
Lake Norman State Park, 759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166, USA
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.
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!
3. Andrew Jackson State Park
Andrew Jackson State Park Lake, South Carolina 29720, USA
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 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.
4. 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.
Morrow Mountain, North Carolina 28001, USA
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?!
5. South Mountains State Park
South Mountains State Park, 3001 S Mountain Park, Connelly Springs, NC 28612, 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.
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!
6. Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720, USA
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.
Hickory Nut Falls is also a major attraction at the park.
Hickory Nut Falls, North Carolina 28746, 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!

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!

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