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Hiking trails & Routes

United States

North Carolina

Mecklenburg County

McDowell Nature Center – Lake Wylie Cove loop from McDowell Nature Preserve

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

North Carolina

Mecklenburg County

McDowell Nature Center – Lake Wylie Cove loop from McDowell Nature Preserve

Easy

4.6

(2974)

16,266

hikers

McDowell Nature Center – Lake Wylie Cove loop from McDowell Nature Preserve

01:18

4.90km

50m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 1, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

McDowell Nature Preserve

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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107 m

McDowell Nature Center

Highlight • Rest Area

McDowell Nature Center features live native animals, a discovery hall, and a gift shop for visitors to the county’s oldest and largest nature preserve. There are also educational programs ranging …

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1.74 km

View of Lake Wylie from the McDowell Nature Preserve

Highlight • Viewpoint

From this particular spot in the McDowel Nature Preserve you get nice views over Lake Wylie and the surrounding area. This is a great place to rest, sip some water, …

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2.12 km

Lake Wylie Cove

Highlight • Lake

The Lake Wylie Cove is an an attractive spot along the intricate shores of Lake Wylie in the McDowell Nature Preserve. This peaceful area is a great place to look …

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3.59 km

Porter Branch is a small stream running through the McDowell Nature Preserve. The Cove Trail follows this stream for a bit. Small wooden bridges carry visitors over the stream, keeping their feet dry.

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