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United States
North Carolina

Union County

The best walks and hikes in Union County

5.0

(4)

308

hikers

46

hikes

If you've ever tried to plan hiking in Union County, North Carolina, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails out there, it's tough to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has walked, mapped, and reviewed countless routes here, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best hikes in Union County, saving…

Last updated: May 10, 2026

1

hikers

#1.

Six Mile Creek Greenway

1.47km

00:22

0m

0m

The Six Mile Creek Greenway offers a straightforward, easy hiking experience on a paved path near Charlotte, North Carolina. You'll wander through shady wooded areas, following Six Mile Creek, though…

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Easy

The Weddington Optimist Park Loop offers a pleasant, easy stroll through a community hub, where you can enjoy fresh air while observing local sports activities on the soccer, baseball, and…

Easy
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The Crooked Creek Park Loop in Indian Trail offers a wonderfully gentle walking path, perfect for a quick escape into nature. This easy 1.0-mile (1.7 km) loop is designed for…

Easy

5.0

(1)

27

hikers

6.27km

01:37

30m

30m

The Heelsplitter Trail offers a delightful journey through the Stevens Creek Nature Preserve, winding along a scenic wooded loop with glimpses of rivers and creeks. This easy 3.9-mile (6.3 km)…

Easy

24

hikers

The Colonel Francis Beatty Park Loop offers a delightful mix of scenery just outside Charlotte. You'll find yourself walking through open fields, alongside a serene lake, and crossing a small…

Easy

7

hikers

The Cane Creek Park Red Trail Loop offers a consistently pleasant experience, winding along a natural dirt path through shaded woodlands with continuous views of Cane Creek Lake. It's an…

Easy

2

hikers

The Campground Purple Trail offers a pleasant escape into nature, guiding you through a serene landscape that features the tranquil Crane Creek Lake and its adjacent dam. Expect a generally…

Moderate

The Wooden Bridge on Trail loop from Courts 4-6 offers a delightful, easy escape into nature, winding through peaceful wooded park areas. You'll enjoy easily-accessible paths and a relatively flat…

Easy

The Wooden Bridge on Trail loop at Colonel Francis J. Beatty Regional Park offers an easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) hike that takes about 58 minutes to complete, with a gentle…

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Popular around Union County

Hiking around Marvin

Hiking around Waxhaw

Hiking around Weddington

Hiking around Hemby Bridge

Hiking around Wesley Chapel

Hiking around Lake Park

Hiking around Jaars

Hiking around Indian Trail

Hiking around Monroe

Hiking around Fairview

Tips from the Community

Alexandra P
August 6, 2024, Crane Creek Lake Dam

As you follow the lake's edge and cross the Crane Creek Lane Dam, you'll enjoy great views of the lake. On the other side, you'll find more shade, a campground, and additional trails.

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Lisa
August 6, 2024, Crane Creek Lake

Cane Creek Lake is the centerpiece of a park with the same name. Here, you'll find beach access, a few good fishing spots, a boat launch, a bustling campground, and even a lakeside lodge.

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Alexandra P
August 6, 2024, Red Trail

A pleasant, shaded trail perfect for hiking. It's lightly trafficked and offers abundant wildlife sightings along the way. During the fall, you can enjoy a vibrant array of colors.

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Lisa
January 22, 2024, Cane Creek Lake

Cane Creek Lake is the centerpiece of a park with the same name. Here, you'll find beach access, a few good fishing spots, a boat launch, a bustling campground, and even a lakeside lodge.

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This is one of several man-made features available in this park. They are well built and will make you truly enjoy this 5-mile loop.

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Stevens Creek Nature Center is a great place to start your day at the Stevens Creek Nature Preserve. There is ample parking outside the center and access to the hiking trails. Opened in 2021, the Nature Center offers a variety of different programming for people of all ages, and features live, native animals, a classroom, an exhibit hall, and a gift shop.

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Colonel Francis J. Beatty Park is an excellent, free, multi-use park with something for everyone! There are playgrounds for children, soccer and baseball fields, picnic areas, an event venue, a small lake, and an extensive trail network for mountain bikers, hikers, and runners. It is also a popular area for birders and wildlife lovers. Here is a handy map of the trails: https://tarheeltrailblazers.com/trails/col-francis-beatty-park/. Please note on the map that it says for walkers and runners to please travel in the opposite direction of mountain bikers for everyones' safety and enjoyment of the park!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many hiking trails are available in Union County, North Carolina?

Union County, North Carolina, offers over 20 hiking routes. These trails cater to various preferences, with 15 easy routes and 7 moderate options, ensuring there's something for every hiker.

Are there any family-friendly hiking trails in Union County, NC?

Yes, Union County, NC, features several family-friendly trails, many of which are rated as easy. A great option is the Stevens Creek Nature Preserve loop — Mint Hill, an easy 3.9-mile path through natural environments, suitable for a pleasant outing with children.

What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes in Union County, NC?

Hiking in Union County, NC, is characterized by extensive woodlands, park trails, and lakeside paths. The terrain is generally gentle, with routes like the Cane Creek Lake loop via Red Trail — Waxhaw offering pleasant walks through forests around the lake.

Are there any circular hiking routes in Union County, NC?

Yes, many trails in Union County, NC, are designed as loops, providing convenient circular walks. The Colonel Francis J. Beatty Park loop — Charlotte is an easy 2.7-mile circular route, perfect for a straightforward hike.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Union County, NC?

The trails in Union County, NC, are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the serene woodland settings and well-maintained paths, particularly around areas like Cane Creek Park and Stevens Creek Nature Preserve.

Are there any moderate difficulty trails for more experienced hikers in Union County, NC?

For those seeking a bit more challenge, Union County, NC, offers several moderate trails. The Green and Purple Campground Trails to Cane Creek Lake Dam — Waxhaw is a moderate 6.4-mile path that provides scenic views of Cane Creek Lake and winds through wooded areas.

Where can I find longer hiking routes in Union County, NC?

If you're looking for a longer excursion, the Harvey Clay Nesbit Park – Twelve Mile Creek Trail loop from Millbridge is a moderate 8-mile route. It offers a more extended experience through the natural landscape of Union County, NC.

Are there any trails near water features in Union County, NC?

Yes, Union County, NC, features trails that incorporate water elements, particularly around Cane Creek Lake. The Cane Creek Lake loop via Red Trail — Waxhaw is a prime example, offering pleasant walks along the lake's edge and through surrounding woodlands.

What are some good options for shorter, easy walks in Union County, NC?

For shorter, easy walks, consider routes like the Stevens Creek Nature Center loop from Hemby Bridge, which is approximately 1.9 miles. These trails are perfect for a quick stroll or a leisurely outdoor experience.

Are there any parks in Union County, NC, that offer multiple hiking options?

Cane Creek Park in Waxhaw is a prominent location in Union County, NC, offering a variety of trails within its 1,300 acres of woodlands and around its 300-acre lake. You can find both easy and moderate routes here, such as the Green and Purple Campground Trails to Cane Creek Lake Dam — Waxhaw.

Where can I find more information about outdoor activities in Union County, NC?

For additional details on outdoor activities and attractions within Union County, North Carolina, you can visit the official tourism website: visitunioncounty.org.

Most popular routes in Union County

Family-friendly hikes in Union County

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Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Check out more Hikes throughout Union County below and find the perfect route in your destination.

Wesley ChapelIndian TrailMonroeWaxhawStallingsUnionvilleLake ParkWeddingtonMineral SpringsMarvinFairviewHemby BridgeJaars

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Things to Do around Indian Trail

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