Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN CHARLOTTE
Charlotte is a hidden gem for bike touring enthusiasts. Whether you're cruising through leafy greenways or tackling long-distance routes that wind through nature preserves and historic neighborhoods, the Queen City has something for every kind of rider. Planning a cycling vacation here means access to scenic, safe, and well-marked bike paths, complemented by local breweries, parks, and charming urban areas. This guide dives into the top cycling and bike touring routes in Charlotte, NC, perfect for anyone bringing their bike on holiday and looking to explore the city on two wheels.
Best greenways and urban trails
Charlotte's greenway system: a cyclist’s playground
One of Charlotte’s best-kept secrets for cycling tourists is its vast network of greenways — car-free, scenic, and interconnected. These paved multi-use trails stretch across the city, offering both leisure and mileage for touring cyclists. Whether you're riding solo or with a group, the greenways let you explore parks, streams, and neighborhoods with little traffic stress.
Top of the list is the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, which runs for over 19 miles and connects uptown Charlotte to the South Carolina border. Along the way, riders pass through Freedom Park, Midtown, and the Carolina Medical Center, with lots of shaded areas and river views. It’s flat and fast — ideal for long casual rides or endurance practice.
Another local favorite is the McAlpine Creek Greenway, which adds a more natural feel to your ride. Expect shaded paths, wildlife sightings, and the occasional jogger. It’s about 8 miles one way and connects with Campbell Creek Greenway for a longer trip.
Little Sugar Creek Greenway: 19 miles of paved bliss with city and nature views.
McAlpine Creek Greenway: Wooded ride with bridges and trail linkages.
Four Mile Creek Greenway: Great for beginners; runs through Matthews and connects parks.
Clarks Creek Greenway: Smooth and quiet, ideal for early morning rides.
Irvins Creek Greenway: Offers connection to other trailheads in southeast Charlotte.
What makes these urban trails special is the access they give you to both nature and neighborhood vibes. You can literally stop for coffee, brunch, or a picnic in a park — all without leaving the trail system.
Long-distance and mixed-surface routes
For the touring cyclist: Go the extra mile
If your vacation goals include putting in some serious miles, Charlotte has you covered. The Queen City offers several road and gravel routes that combine challenging terrain, beautiful landscapes, and manageable traffic patterns. Most of these rides begin near the city but take you far enough into the countryside that you’ll forget you're anywhere near a metro area.
The Booty Loop in the Myers Park neighborhood is legendary. While it’s only about 2.85 miles per lap, it’s popular with endurance cyclists who loop it multiple times. It’s named after the 24 Hours of Booty fundraising ride and offers smooth roads, minimal stop signs, and a mix of shade and stately homes.
For a longer day trip, consider the Airport Loop, which is roughly a 28-mile circuit around Charlotte Douglas International Airport. It features rolling hills, wide shoulders, and clear wayfinding signs. You’ll ride through business parks, forested stretches, and under the shadows of low-flying jets.
Booty Loop: Smooth and fast, great for interval training or quick spins.
Airport Loop: 28 miles of hilly terrain near CLT Airport.
U.S. National Whitewater Center Trails: 50+ miles of MTB and gravel-adjacent touring paths.
South Tryon to Rivergate: A 35-mile route with scenic roads and bike lanes.
Mint Hill Loop: Gravel-friendly backroads, perfect for adventure cyclists.
Mixed-surface cyclists will love the U.S. National Whitewater Center. While primarily known for kayaking, it offers over 50 miles of singletrack and fire roads. You can ride gravel, dirt, and occasional technical sections all in one place — plus grab a post-ride beer at the on-site brewery.
Keep in mind: always check for route updates or closures, especially after heavy rain or construction work. Local bike shops like The Spoke Easy or Queen City Bicycles can give the latest intel.
Best scenic routes and parks
Ride slow and take it all in
Charlotte is more than just greenways and loops — it also offers beautiful park-to-park rides, panoramic hilltop vistas, and peaceful road stretches perfect for sightseeing on two wheels. If your idea of a bike vacation is less "Strava segments" and more "photo ops and vibes," this section is for you.
Freedom Park to Uptown is a must. Start your ride in one of the city’s most beloved green spaces, then cruise along Little Sugar Creek into the heart of Uptown. Along the way, you'll see public art installations, city skyline views, and plenty of locals walking dogs or rollerblading.
Another stellar option is Latta Nature Preserve. Located just north of the city, this 1,460-acre park has both paved and unpaved trails, lake views, and picnic spots. Bring snacks and plan to spend the day — it’s easy to forget you’re near a major metro.
Freedom Park to Uptown: 6-mile scenic urban ride with skyline views.
Latta Nature Preserve: Trail riding with lakefront rest stops and wildlife.
McDowell Nature Center & Preserve: Offers rugged terrain for gravel enthusiasts.
Reedy Creek Park: Family-friendly and quiet, ideal for low-speed cruising.
Colonel Francis Beatty Park: Mountain biking trails and lakeside picnic areas.
Don’t miss a golden hour ride through Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. The changing light through the trees makes it one of the most peaceful places to cycle. Bring a camera, especially in fall when the colors pop off the charts.
Even better, many of these routes connect directly or indirectly to Charlotte’s bike-sharing network and have nearby bike-friendly cafes. It’s a chill cyclist’s dream.
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