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On the southern outskirts of Charlotte, a series of connected greenways along creeks form a horseshoe-shaped path of nearly 6 miles. The pathway is primarily paved with wooden boardwalks over creeks and wetlands; a section of the McMullen Creek Greenway (the trail's northwestern end) is gravel.
Along the way, watch the treetops for great blue herons, warblers, and woodpeckers. Trailside signs point out wildlife and plants that have made the well-shaded waterways their home. Although the trail feels quiet and peaceful, it is easily accessible from the surrounding neighborhoods.
Also part of the Mecklenburg County Greenway System, a different Four Mile Creek Greenway follows the same creek about 6 miles farther upstream.
The two main parking areas for the trail are 11823 Johnston Road and Vista Grande Court off of Carmel Road. Restrooms are also available at the Johnston Road trailhead.
The boardwalks are very slippery for cyclists. I lost control of my bike in 2022 and while I was down, another cyclist did the same thing and nearly landed on top of me. A torn rotator cuff, surgery, and 7 months of rehab later, I will not be cycling on this greenway again. I do love the shade in the summer though!
I jog this trail, and is part paved and part boardwalk. One positive is the tree cover which provides shade even in afternoon hours. The boardwalk areas need to be maintained better as the boards need to be replaced more frequently as the boards get chewed up and sometimes I have to watch my step. They do replace the worst ones, but not frequently enough. Does get flooded and muddy after a heavy rain to the point it can be unusable. The Rea Road ending point has fountains and a bathroom.
Smooth pavement with some wooded planked areas. Somewhat winding roads. Not much open stretch areas to push yourself. Nicely wooded. Good for exploring. Not good for road bikes. Most areas good for skates or skateboards. All and all nice trail.
What a great trail to ride a bike on! Loved it and use it frequently!
Nice walk, friendly people, limited parking but spots were open Only went 3 miles
Great greenway for bikers. I used to ride this trail almost every day. Most people you encounter on the trail are friendly and courteous.
Park at the start of the trail off Pineville-Matthews Road and you'll have an almost 12 mile ride roundtrip. At the end of the trail in one direction there's a Starbucks, so it's also a great place to grab a cup of coffee before you head back.
The trail is pretty open on the 4 mile section and then gets heavily populated with walkers, joggers and families on the 1.75 mile section that heads to Piper Glen. On weekends you'll spend a lot of time navigating around folks.
Well maintained paved and gravel roads and wooden boardwalks. When there's a lot of rain it tends to flood in certain areas. Be very careful on days when it's rained and the boardwalks are wet. They're extremely slick and I've seen riders take really bad falls.
A lot of great wildlife to look at. I've seen snakes, turtles, herons, hawks, possums and loads of deer.
The look of the greenway changes a lot with the seasons so the ride never gets boring.
Nice tree lined trail.
Rode after a week of rain. The trail was wet and muddy. Even with that it was enjoyable. A mixture of crushed stone, asphalt and boardwalks. Saw lots of wildlife including 6 deer.
Trail is mostly pavement, boardwalk (my favorite parts) and gravel that make up the 4 miles of rolling small hills. Have run the trail several times while in the area. Get to hear and see some nature during your run, walk or ride.
If in the area and want to get some miles in, this is a nice safe place.
Walk, stroll, run, bike - mix of wide paved, boardwalk and gravel. Well maintained, in fact several sections where roots had buckled the path now re-paved. Easy for any bike, kids size through road/MTB/recumbent - use a bell/courtesy "passing on your left" because many walkers/runners are chatting or have the ear buds in. Well marked in 1/4 mile increments.
Boardwalks get very slick in rain/ice so careful when running/biking. After strong rains the path can get muddy - and flood in places.
Port-a-johns at both ends. Multiple side access paths all along the greenway. Plenty of benches spaced along.
I run/bike this regularly and rare to not see deer.
Very nice trail but you must be careful if you are a walker or hiker. Some people riding bikes need to slow down coming around corners and its very easy to have an accident. Nice long walk under cover with some spots of heated sun.
Great trail! Lots of shade. 8 miles round trip is perfect to start your day. Does get crowded so go early!
Took our first trip to the greenway to try out a new bike. The trail is beautifully maintained, with about 11 miles (roundtrip) of shaded scenery. I wish there were more bike trails like this, especially closer to home.
Always serene and clean!
Only for mountain bikes
Great trail but should of gone earlier than 9am. I was at the Rea Rd. (at the one end) and I had to wait a while to get a parking spot and cars were also lined up along the road. VERY crowded with kids and bikes, if you want to do this one for exercise go EARLY to avoid all the families. But it's a great rail and I only did half way to the bridge and back (Just the 4 Mile Creek).
One of the best in Charlotte for walking, running, biking...
Great trail but ignore the detour signs or you will end up hopelessly lost. Stay on the trail. The trail is open as of today (03/10/2015).
This is a great urban trail with very little urban noise, except near I485.
There is a detour shortly after you get on the trail from Pineville- Matthews Road (State Highway 51)because they are doing construction on I485. The detour is not correctly marked. You need to take a right on Carmel Rd and go into the housing complex and back onto the trail. The trail was very busy for a Monday morning at 10 am. Mostly walkers and joggers. Please be polite and call out "on the left" when passing. They are very appreciative and most often said thank you. The boardwalks are well maintained except for a few spots that are well marked. The detour at the other end under I485 is open but there is a gate that has been pushed down across the trail.
If it has recently rained I would assume the trail would be slick on the boardwalks and some sections will flood. There are a few spots with interpretive signs about the floodplain.
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