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Purser-Hulsey Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 218 Google reviews · Running trail in Matthews, North Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Purser-Hulsey Park'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.
Hiking and biking trails featuring an enchanted forest area, plus a dog run.
What runners say about Purser-Hulsey Park
“The paths are nicely identified so you can't get lost, clean and clear, and pleasantly challenging to walk (and we took the advance).”
“We did the main loop with the enchanted trail loop and it was an easy walk through oak and pine forests.”
I've always seen the garden from the road but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine such a forest beyond it. You literally lose yourself and forget where you are back there! The paths are nicely identified so you can't get lost, clean and clear, and pleasantly challenging to walk (and we took the advance).
This park has adorable trails filled with cute painted rocks, decoration, and thoughtful touches. We did the main loop with the enchanted trail loop and it was an easy walk through oak and pine forests. It’s not suitable for strollers as it’s open forest with roots and small steep inclines/declines.
This park is really beautiful. Have been multiple times with family and my dog. Several different trails based on what you’re in the mood for. You might even see some deer like i did on the longer trails. We painted some rocks to bring and contribute and there is also a little free library. So fun!
Really nice array of trails. The "enchanted forest" is also pretty cool. Open dawn to dusk.
Trail conditions & character
“01 ~05:50 arrived Purser-Hulsey Park, parked and out i went on an ~6 mi CW Loop of the neighborhood, and at end, Purser-Hulsey Park.”
“Also, there are a few small spots where the biking and walking trails are together so I would only bring dogs that will sit still while bikes come past since the trail is skinny.”
“I attempted to take a stroller on the trail 🤪 but there are too many roots to make that a good idea.”
“Very wooded trails that are clear enough for easy walking or biking.”
“I attempted to take a stroller on the trail 🤪 but there are too many roots to make that a good idea.”
Plan your run at Purser-Hulsey Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitematthewsnc.gov
- Phone+1 704-321-7275
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Matthews
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Fair Garden Rocks
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Four Mile Creek Greenway (Sportsplex Matthews)
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Blair Mill Park
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Four Mile Creek Greenway, Matthews
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