Introduction
With the increasing uncertainty of when we might be able to travel again, we have found ourselves actively seeking out different ways to bask in nature. Just to get a break from staying indoors and feeling like you’re cut off from the outside world, except when you need essentials. If you’re like me, you’ve probably been doing your research too, and your browser history is probably punctuated with search queries like:
Hiking trails near me
Can I go hiking? (Btw, yes you can, you just have to be ultra-careful!)
Gardens near me
Can I go jogging/running/walking?
The simple answer is – yes, you can do these things. You can visit gardens, and state parks, and hiking trails. And yes, you can also go jogging, running or walking.
As a travel agent that people can trust for all advice related to travel, I thought it might be useful for you to know how you can do physical activities outdoors, safely.
Here’s what the CDC has to say about going out:
- There is a potential risk of going out, which is closely related to meeting other people.
- Unless you can maintain 6 feet of distance between you and other people at all times, it’s a bad idea to engage in any social interactions outside of your household.
- Should you happen to run into someone you know while you’re out, you should be careful about how long you spend with them. The longer you spend time with people, the higher are your chances of being infected.
- Going out in groups with people outside your household is risky.
- Indoor spaces are riskier than outdoor spaces.
- If you are at high risk for severe illnesses, you should avoid going to places where you chance interacting with other people.
Read all their guidelines here. They also list preventive measures on their website here.
Here’s my break-down of what that means for you:
- You can go hiking safely if you don’t meet people who don’t live with you.
- You CAN go hiking with your family members if they live with you.
- If you do need to visit public places where you might find other people, wear a mask.
- Carry your own food, water, toilet paper, and sanitizer.
- If you do feel sick, stay home!
These should have you covered for your COVID-19 hiking plans!
Hiking in 2020 during COVID-19
Hiking has long been a favored form of physical exercise by many-a fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Long walks have the potential to be everything from peaceful to romantic and just plain fun – and that’s essentially what hiking is. Add to it the beauty of nature that you get to take in, and you’ve got a wellness activity that rejuvenates you and makes you want
My intrigue with the world of wellness travel intensified when I realized that you don’t need to necessarily travel far to be able to travel for wellness! The thing is, travel is more to me than just a source of livelihood – it’s a way of living. And being forced to stay indoors has turned my world upside down.
So when I found out that I can go hiking to delightful locations close to where I live, I realized that along with me, you should be able to, as well! In this blog post, I’ve compiled a list of 5 hiking trails you should definitely check out if you live in and around Charlotte, North Carolina.
5 Hiking Trails In and Around Charlotte
Lake Norman State Park
Disclaimer: This photo is by NC State Parks and is not owned by TTS
Lake Norman is absolutely gorgeous, especially at this time of the year when the trees are in bloom! The Lake Norman State Park has 33 acres of the 32,000+ acre lake, surrounding which, you can find plenty of trails for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Here are a couple of trails within the Lake Norman State Park
Alder Trail
When I went to Lake Norman with my family last week, we chose to hike along the Alder Trail, which is an especially great trail if you’re looking to refresh your muscles and stretch your limbs out a little. A short trail of under a mile’s length, the Alder trail invites you to take a walk through alders and pines along the shore of the lake.
Lakeshore Trail
The Lakeshore Trail is a much longer one at 6.3 miles long and has been reviewed as an impressive one by several hikers! It offers a scenic walk along the lake, laced with greenery and flowers; and comes with the option of a shorter, 3 mile trail for those that want something easier on their bodies.
Bakers Mountain Park
Disclaimer: This photo was from the AllTrails Website and is not owned by TTS.
The hiking trail at Bakers Mountain park is about 6 miles long and offers a stunning view from about 700 ft above. Bakers Mountain, situated approximately an hour’s drive from Charlotte, is beyond fantastic, with its diversely-populated flora and birdwatching options.
Evergreen Nature Preserve
Disclaimer: This photo was from the AllTrails Website and is not owned by TTS.
Just three miles from the heart of Charlotte is a quick and easy 2-mile long trail that’s great for you to visit right now and bask in the glory of nature! You can smell the fragrance of hardwood and sight migratory birds. A hidden gem that’s relatively shy of the public eye, this is your chance at exploring a gem that’s not so far from urbanization!
Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve
Disclaimer: This photo was from the AllTrails Website and is not owned by TTS.
Butterfly-spotting. Herbaceous plants. The scent of woody plants. And birdwatching.
Does it get better?
Actually, it does! This is another park in Charlotte. With several miles of lush forest land, interspersed with ponds, the Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve is the perfect mid-day escape for you to find some peace from all the housework and working from home!
I do hope you enjoy exploring these trails just as much as I enjoyed putting it together for you! I will be thrilled to offer you more options and itineraries for your hiking trip near Charlotte at affordable rates. If you live in other parts of the USA, I can help you out with a special little package, too! Get in touch to plan your special hiking trip now! Also follow me on Instagram to see how I’ve been coping with not being able to travel 😉
