Home › North Carolina › Charlotte › Flat Branch Nature Preserve
Flat Branch Nature Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 87 Google reviews · Running trail in Charlotte, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Flat Branch Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Flat Branch Nature Preserve
“There’s about 15 parking spots available for guests and a picnic shelter next to the clean and well kept restrooms.”
Pretty cool little Greenway with swamp in the middle. Short trail, almost any level of fitness should be able to handle. Be aware white kids from the neighborhood backing onto the swamp area do like to frequent here for their weed sessions, so no that ain't a skunk you're smelling.
Great little short trail loop, with one walking board section elevated above the tree swamp. Be aware the bugs here are HEAVY during warm, humid weather. Good clean restrooms at the parking area.
Gem of a nature preserve nestled in a suburban area of Charlotte. Clean, neat and well maintained. Circular flat walking trail, restrooms and covered picnic area. Parking available.
Small park, with a short circuit path. But very quiet and a clean bathroom. Interesting lichens and mushrooms to be seen. The sign in the parking lot is a little concerning.
Trail conditions & character
“There’s about 15 parking spots available for guests and a picnic shelter next to the clean and well kept restrooms.”
“There’s about 15 parking spots available for guests and a picnic shelter next to the clean and well kept restrooms.”
“09 ~07:10 while i was on my way to Flat Branch Creek, i came by the Reserve for a walk - it was nice and clean.”
“It’s only about a half mile loop but it’s smooth and flat, and you might just catch a glimpse of of some deer!”
“Really couldn’t ask for a better spot to take my elderly dog.”
“The boardwalk will lead you into the Stone Creek Ranch community but hang a right before the bridge and you’ll enter onto the short wooded trail that circles the park.”
“This location has several picnic tables, ample parking, water fountains, and bathrooms.”
Plan your run at Flat Branch Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparkandrec.mecknc.gov
- Phone(980) 314-1000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Charlotte
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Big Rock Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 539 reviews
This unassuming wooded area & wildlife habitat features 22 acres & large granite formations.
Charlotte Latin Cross Country Trail
3.8 ★★★★☆ 5 reviews
Lake Pointe Hall, Colonel Francis Beatty Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 156 reviews
Park and pond with playgrounds and picnic spots that also hosts weddings, receptions and other events.
Six Mile Creek Greenway
4.3 ★★★★☆ 71 reviews
Recreation spot providing a paved trail with opportunities for bird watching, hiking, and wildlife sightings.
Marvin Efird Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 293 reviews
Relaxed destination featuring swings, climbing toys and a disc golf course.
