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McDowell Creek/Torrence Creek Greenways
4.6 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · Running trail in Huntersville, North Carolina · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from McDowell Creek/Torrence Creek Greenways' 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 McDowell Creek/Torrence Creek Greenways
“A beautiful, tree‑shaded trail that runs alongside Torrence Creek and connects several nearby communities.”
There is plenty of parking and beautiful groomed trails. This is a great place to bring kids and even little ones as you can use a stroller. Also, a dog friendly place with bags prilovided for your pooch.
A beautiful, tree‑shaded trail that runs alongside Torrence Creek and connects several nearby communities. Wildlife sightings are common—you may spot bunnies or the occasional deer. The McDowell Trailhead offers restrooms and a large parking area, while Rosedale Park provides picnic spots and a children’s playground.
Nice paved hiking trail with lots of shade. It was not crowded but might have parking problem in a crowded day.
Very nice, clean walking trail, parking is easy and plenty of it, went during the am and it was perfect.
Trail conditions & character
“The McDowell Trailhead offers restrooms and a large parking area, while Rosedale Park provides picnic spots and a children’s playground.”
“A beautiful, tree‑shaded trail that runs alongside Torrence Creek and connects several nearby communities.”
“Also, a dog friendly place with bags prilovided for your pooch.”
“Great canal trail with playground and light feature in tunnel near 77”
“The McDowell Trailhead offers restrooms and a large parking area, while Rosedale Park provides picnic spots and a children’s playground.”
Plan your run at McDowell Creek/Torrence Creek Greenways
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitecarolinathreadtrailmap.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Huntersville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Torrence Creek Greenway
4.6 ★★★★★ 101 reviews
Shaded greenway with paved pathways, frequented by walkers and cyclists.
McDowell Creek Greenway
4.6 ★★★★★ 14 reviews
Rosedale Nature Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 150 reviews
Park with a playground, plus zip lines and walking trails.
North Branch Torrence Creek Greenway
4.8 ★★★★★ 26 reviews
The Vine Greenway
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews