Evergreen Nature Preserve - View of Hoover Tower on Stanford University campus from Baylands Nature Preserve Bixby Hills trail with mountains in the background and evergreen trees in the forground.
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Evergreen Nature Preserve

4.7
·425 reviews·Charlotte, United States

A tranquil 77-acre urban hardwood forest preserve with a stream and shaded trails, perfect for peaceful walks and birdwatching.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Ideal for cooler temps & soft light

CrowdLow
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Evergreen Nature Preserve - View of Hoover Tower on Stanford University campus from Baylands Nature Preserve Bixby Hills trail with mountains in the background and evergreen trees in the forground.

Evergreen Nature Preserve

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Ideal for cooler temps & soft light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil 77-acre urban hardwood forest preserve with a stream and shaded trails, perfect for peaceful walks and birdwatching.

4.7
(425 reviews)

"It's hard to believe that Evergreen Nature Preserve in Charlotte is right in the middle of the city."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Roots and rocks on trails mean sturdy footwear is essential for a pleasant walk.

🅿️ Limited Parking

The parking lot is small; consider street parking if it's full.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Shaded Woodland Trails

Shaded Woodland Trails

Throughout the preserve

Wander through 77 acres of lush, shaded hardwood forest, perfect for a peaceful 1.8-mile loop walk.

Instagram
Migratory Bird Haven

Migratory Bird Haven

Forest canopy

Keep an eye out for diverse bird species, especially during migratory seasons, making it a delight for birdwatchers.

Instagram
Traces of History

Traces of History

Along trails

Spot remnants of Old Potter Road, an early 1800s trade route, offering a glimpse into the area's past.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Escape the City Buzz

Discover a tranquil 77-acre urban hardwood forest preserve offering a peaceful retreat. Perfect for a quiet nature walk or birdwatching, this hidden gem provides a much-needed escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Instagram

Trail Accessibility

While the trails are generally well-marked and clean, be aware that some sections can be challenging for strollers due to tree roots and rocks. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for navigating the natural terrain. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning or late afternoon
Why
Ideal for cooler temps & soft light
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds for peaceful walks
Crowd
Low
When
After rain
Why
Canopy offers shelter
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Day trip idea from Columbus, OH: Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve in Heath, OH (near Newark)! Or from anywhere! This is about an hour away from Columbus depending on where you live and is a beautiful, scenic park. I never knew this existed until recently! #ohiodnr #ohioparks #columbusdaytrip #614columbus #ohionature #Outdoors #ohiocheck #ohio
@meganincolumbus
12.7K likes • 186K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Roots and rocks on trails mean sturdy footwear is essential for a pleasant walk. InstagramReddit

🅿️ Limited Parking

The parking lot is small; consider street parking if it's full. Reddit

NorCal’s newest nature preserve opens this weekend. #Outdoors #nature #norcal @NBC Bay Area
@garvinthomas
12.5K likes • 94.9K views
🌿 Tucked off Norland Rd in East Charlotte is Evergreen Nature Preserve — 77 acres of quiet woods and shaded trails just minutes from Central Ave. 🌲 The city preserved this land in 2008 using $250K in Mecklenburg County bond funds. Part of the land once carried Old Potter Road, an early 1800s trade route. You can still spot traces of the old roadbed winding through the trees. 🦋 The main loop trai...
eastside_bestside_clt_
81 likes • 1.4K views

🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome

Bring your furry friends along, but ensure they stay on a leash. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Not Stroller Friendly

Boardwalks and some trails are narrow and uneven, making larger strollers difficult. Reddit

Finally have some time to start exploring some of the nearby hiking spots around Charlotte. This was #evergreennaturepreserve in East Charlotte. It was an easy 2 mile walk through the lush green woods. It’s mostly shaded, so that makes it nice on a hot day!
studiostarfish
6 likes • 199 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Roots and rocks on trails mean sturdy footwear is essential for a pleasant walk. InstagramReddit

🅿️ Limited Parking

The parking lot is small; consider street parking if it's full. Reddit

🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome

Bring your furry friends along, but ensure they stay on a leash. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Not Stroller Friendly

Boardwalks and some trails are narrow and uneven, making larger strollers difficult. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry water, especially on warmer days, to stay refreshed during your walk. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(425 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Evergreen Nature Preserve for its peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere and beautiful shaded trails, offering a serene natural escape within the city. However, some note that the trails are not stroller-friendly due to roots and rocks, and parking is limited.

"Beautiful trail, not a popular one in the area(not crowded at all, which is nice if you want some peaceful time in nature). Limited parking. Loved the trail but not stroller friendly(a lot tree roots and rocks in some areas). Other than I had a hard time push the stroller, everything’s pretty and wonderful natural trail."

Sunny Gu

"It’s hard to believe that Evergreen Nature Preserve in Charlotte is right in the middle of the city. It really provides some much needed calmness and silence in nature amidst the busy life of the city. It’s a 1.8-mile loop trail and takes around 30-40 minutes to complete.

The hardwood forest has some wonderful trails and allows you ample time and walk to clear your head or get in a workout. The hikes are clearly marked, and are clean for the most part. We saw basketball and tennis courts at the end of the loop as well.

There’s a small parking at the entrance. Restrooms are available at the entrance as well. Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash.

Overall, it’s a wonderful way to spend your time in nature."

Akshat Kumar

"Great parking, clean bathrooms and well marked trails and not crowded. Love this place!"

sammy minsk

What People Like

Peaceful and uncrowded
Shaded woodland trails
Natural beauty

What People Dislike

Not stroller friendly
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Evergreen Nature Preserve is located in East Charlotte, tucked off Norland Road. It's easily accessible by car, offering a convenient escape within the city. Instagram

Information on direct public transportation routes is limited, but the preserve is situated in a neighborhood accessible by local bus lines. Check Charlotte's public transit schedules for routes near the Norland Road area. Instagram

The preserve is located off Norland Road. Look for signage indicating the entrance to Evergreen Nature Preserve. Instagram

Yes, Evergreen Nature Preserve is near Sheffield Neighborhood Park and other East Charlotte green spaces, offering opportunities for extended outdoor exploration. Reddit

While it's an urban preserve, it can be a nice addition to a day trip exploring Charlotte's outdoor offerings. It's also mentioned as a potential day trip destination from Columbus, OH, though that's a different location. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Evergreen Nature Preserve is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to explore and enjoy its natural beauty. Instagram

While specific hours aren't always listed, nature preserves are typically open from dawn until dusk. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

There is no admission fee to enter Evergreen Nature Preserve. The city preserved this land for public enjoyment. Instagram

No reservations are needed as it's a public park. You can visit anytime during daylight hours. Instagram

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Other than that, general park rules apply to ensure the preservation of the natural environment. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The preserve features a 1.8-mile loop trail through a hardwood forest. It's mostly shaded and offers a peaceful walking experience, though some parts have roots and rocks. InstagramReddit

It's noted as not being a very popular or crowded spot, making it ideal for those seeking peaceful solitude in nature. Reddit

Yes, restrooms are available at the entrance of the preserve, which is convenient for visitors. Reddit

Yes, dogs are welcome at Evergreen Nature Preserve, provided they are kept on a leash at all times. Reddit

Expect a beautiful, natural setting with a stream, hardwood forest, and shaded trails, offering a serene environment. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The shaded woodland trails, the stream, and the natural forest canopy offer beautiful opportunities for nature photography. Look for interesting light filtering through the trees. Instagram+1

Absolutely! With its diverse trees, potential for bird sightings, and natural landscapes, it's a great spot for capturing the beauty of the outdoors. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a golden glow. Instagram

Tripods are generally allowed in parks, but it's always a good idea to check local park regulations if you plan on extensive setup. Instagram

The stream running through the preserve and the mature hardwood trees create picturesque scenes, especially when the sun filters through the leaves. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Evergreen Nature Preserve offers a natural escape for families, but parents should be aware that the trails are not very stroller-friendly due to roots and rocks. Reddit It's best suited for families with older children who can navigate the terrain comfortably. The 1.8-mile loop is manageable for a short outing, and the shaded paths provide a pleasant environment. Instagram

While there aren't specific playgrounds, the natural setting itself can be an adventure for kids. Encourage them to look for birds, interesting plants, and the remnants of the old trade route. Instagram Remember to bring water and wear appropriate footwear for everyone. The limited parking might also require some planning, especially on weekends.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Explorers & Peace Seekers

For those seeking solitude and a peaceful escape, Evergreen Nature Preserve is an excellent choice. Its reputation for being uncrowded means you can often have the trails to yourself, allowing for quiet contemplation and a deep connection with nature. Reddit

The shaded, natural trails provide a calming atmosphere, perfect for a mindful walk or a moment to de-stress. The 1.8-mile loop is a good length for a refreshing solo excursion without being too demanding. Instagram The natural beauty and the sounds of birds create a serene environment that is ideal for recharging. Instagram

🐶 Dog Owners

Evergreen Nature Preserve is a dog-friendly destination, allowing you to bring your canine companions along for the adventure. Reddit The shaded trails offer a pleasant walking experience for both you and your dog. Just remember that all dogs must be kept on a leash throughout your visit to ensure the safety and comfort of other visitors and wildlife. Reddit

The 1.8-mile loop provides a decent length for a walk, and the natural setting is stimulating for dogs. Be mindful of the trail conditions, as roots and rocks might require your dog to be extra careful. The limited parking could be a consideration if you're arriving during peak times.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Trails

Evergreen Nature Preserve boasts a well-defined 1.8-mile loop trail that winds through its 77 acres of urban hardwood forest. The path is predominantly shaded, making it a comfortable choice even on warmer days. Instagram While the trails are generally clean and clearly marked, visitors should be aware that some sections can be uneven, featuring tree roots and rocks. This natural terrain makes it less suitable for strollers, particularly larger ones, and emphasizes the need for sturdy footwear. Reddit

The preserve's natural setting includes a stream that adds to the tranquil atmosphere. It's a fantastic place for a leisurely walk, a light workout, or simply to clear your head amidst nature. Reddit The relatively low visitor numbers mean you can often enjoy a peaceful and uncrowded experience, allowing for a deeper connection with the environment. Reddit

For those interested in a bit of history, remnants of Old Potter Road, an early 1800s trade route, can still be spotted along the trails, adding a unique historical dimension to your visit. Instagram

A Haven for Wildlife

This urban preserve serves as a vital habitat for various wildlife, most notably migratory birds. Birdwatchers can find a rewarding experience here, especially during peak migration seasons, as the hardwood forest provides ample shelter and foraging opportunities. Instagram

Beyond birds, the preserve's natural environment supports a range of local fauna. Keep an eye out for squirrels, insects, and other small creatures that call this urban oasis home. The presence of a stream further enhances the biodiversity, attracting different species that rely on this water source. Instagram

Even though it's nestled within the city, Evergreen Nature Preserve offers a genuine connection to nature. The sounds of birds and the rustling of leaves create a natural soundscape that contrasts with the urban environment just beyond its borders. Instagram+1

Planning Your Visit

When planning your trip to Evergreen Nature Preserve, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon for the most pleasant temperatures and softer lighting, which is also ideal for photography. Instagram Weekdays tend to be less crowded, offering a more serene experience. Reddit

Parking is available at the entrance, but it is limited. If the main lot is full, street parking in the surrounding neighborhood may be an option. Reddit Restrooms are conveniently located at the entrance, making it easier for visitors to spend more time enjoying the trails. Reddit

Remember to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as the trails can be uneven with roots and rocks. While dogs are welcome, they must be kept on a leash. Reddit The preserve is a wonderful spot for a peaceful walk, a moment of reflection, or a gentle exploration of nature within the city. Instagram

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