Where to Go for a Jog in Charlotte, NC

This 3-mile training loop of roads sits deep in the heart of historic Myers Park. Surrounded by tall oak trees, manicured lawns and colonial-revival homes, enjoy a cruise on your bicycle or an evening walk. 

Irwin Creek Greenway is a linear park and stream restoration project in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. There are about 37 miles of developed greenways in Mecklenburg County, of which this is only one. Approximately 2.9 miles of the Irwin-Stewart Creek corridors have developed greenways. The urban part of the system runs through Frazier Park, connecting the Wesley Heights neighborhood to Charlotte's Third Ward.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a linear park and stream restoration project in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Gene Conti of the North Carolina Department of Transportation praised the greenway "for providing Charlotteans with an accessible place to run, walk and bike," and called it "an example for the rest of the state." The Charlotte Observer called the Little Sugar Creek Greenway a "sweet resurrection". Fish have returned to the stream; and ducks, Canada geese, and herons are often seen.

Noted on the National Register of Historic Places, the Dilworth neighborhood is centuries old and bursting with antique charm. Wine bars, coffee shops and eateries galore are sprinkled generously between these homes, making for one of Charlotte’s most walkable — and most visited — neighborhoods.

The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is an outdoor recreation and athletic training facility for ice skating, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking which opened to the public on November 4, 2006. The Center is located in Charlotte, North Carolina on approximately 1,300 acres (530 ha) of land adjacent to the Catawba River, with more than 45 miles (72 km) of developed trail.  

The Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of greenways, blueways and trails that spans across 2 states and 20 counties. With over 260 miles of trails are open to the public, you can explore again and again and never run out of things to discover. The Thread Trail works to preserve natural areas and is the perfect way to spend the day enjoying the nature and culture of the greater Charlotte community.

Reedy Creek Park is a 125 acre urban park at 2900 Rocky River Road in the Newell section of Charlotte, North Carolina. Adjacent to the park is a 737 acre nature preserve.

Renaissance Park is a 145-acre urban park at 1200 West Tyvola Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is adjacent to the Renaissance Park golf course.

The Dowd YMCA sits right between Uptown and South End, making it a popular place to enjoy a good workout. In 2018, the Dowd YMCA underwent a huge makeover — adding 40,000 square feet. The rooftop track offers unbeatable views of the Uptown skyline and is a must for anyone looking to enjoy a run, jog or walk while taking in the sights.

Cordelia Park is a 24-acre (9.7 ha) urban park at 2100 North Davidson Street in the Villa Heights neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina. It features a full court basketball court, picnic areas, walking trails, playgrounds, and an outdoor swimming pool. Cordelia Park was designed to be kid-friendly and is one of the five Charlotte parks that feature a "sprayground", a water themed playground where children can splash and jump.

Freedom Park is a 98-acre park in Charlotte, North Carolina. Located at 1900 East Boulevard, between Charlotte's historic Dilworth and Myers Park neighborhoods, the park is centered on a 7-acre lake, and is about 3 miles (4.8 km) from the heart of Charlotte's downtown area.

Charlotte’s Rail Trail, which runs 3.5 miles along the LYNX Blue Line in South End, serves as a hub for food, entertainment, art and shopping just a few minutes from Uptown. The paved, art-speckled trail provides a well-manicured stretch for an afternoon workout, complete with healthy culinary stops for a post-sweat-session reward.