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Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 443 Google reviews · Running trail in Charlotte, North Carolina · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Ribbonwalk 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.
Scenic park featuring a large beech tree grove, trails & several species of birds & butterflies.
What runners say about Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve
“Beautiful preserve with several trail options and approximate walking times posted at the entrance.”
“The walking trails are well marked and easy to follow.”
“Cool bird sightings, diverse growth of trees and it's so quiet, right in the middle of Charlotte.”
“During the ~1+ hr of walk, i encountered a total of 5 people and 3 dogs; everyone was cheery and friendly.”
Went today and had a quiet walk among all the trails. I did not use any walking sticks. I'm 77 and walk very briskly.
Such a beautiful hidden gem. We saw a lot of 🦫 activity. Great place to bring your kids, the trails aren't very difficult. Such a great experience all around. The only negative thing I will say is there isn't a big area for parking. Small area when you first arrive.
This is such a hidden gem. There are a few different trails that are short or you can do them all for a longer journey. The canopy cover is great. It was raining when we went but we did not get wet.
Beautiful preserve with several trail options and approximate walking times posted at the entrance. We took the Wetlands trail and saw tons of geese, turtles, squirrels and birds. This is a peaceful hideaway in the middle of Charlotte. There are some designated picnic tables off the main entrance trail.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful preserve with several trail options and approximate walking times posted at the entrance.”
“Also heads up bathrooms are a Porta potty at the front.”
“Cool bird sightings, diverse growth of trees and it's so quiet, right in the middle of Charlotte.”
“During the ~1+ hr of walk, i encountered a total of 5 people and 3 dogs; everyone was cheery and friendly.”
“The only negative thing I will say is there isn't a big area for parking.”
“The walking trails are well marked and easy to follow.”
“Easy trails, although can be a little muddy after rain.”
Plan your run at Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparkandrec.mecknc.gov
- Phone+1 980-314-1000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Reedy Creek Nature Center
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