Charlotte Piedmont Hiking Club

We'll gather at the trailhead on Rea Road near Piper Glen, at the end of the greenway parking lot (where the colorful outdoor chairs are). From there it's a gentle walk on a combination of concrete and wooden boardwalks.

After stay with us to get some brews at Starbucks across the street.

Route:

We'll go from the meeting spot, 2.5 miles in (somewhat past the turn-off to Pike's Nurseries, to the 3.25 mile marker), then stop for a short break, turn around and head back. Roundtrip distance will be approximately 5 miles. There is almost no elevation. Optional gathering after at Starbucks.

Notable Wildlife:

Barred Owls, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Pileated Woodpecker, Frogs, Red-tailed Hawk, Deer and on rare occasions Beaver.

Park Rules:

Walkers must stay to the right and center of the trail. Dogs are allowed if they are well behaved and stay to the far right. Beware of bikers and runners on the left side.

Difficulty and Pace:

Make sure you are able to walk a brisk 5 miles at a 16 minute-per-mile pace without taking multiple breaks or shortness of breath. If you are unsure please check with a doctor.

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Meet at trailhead across the street from Starbucks (same shopping center as Trader Joe's):

We meet across the street from the Starbucks at 6432 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277, corner of Rea Road and Bevington Place. There is another Starbucks off Rea Road in Stonecrest which is not the one you want. Look for us gathered where the colorful chairs are at end of greenway parking lot..

Parking:

Plan to arrive early since parking is limited. You may park on Bevington Pl. on the side across the greenway. There is also space at the adjacent greenway lot on the corner of Bevington Pl and Rea Road. And there may be some parking behind Trader Joe's.

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Directions:

From the center of uptown Charlotte take East 3rd Street til it turns into Providence Road. After 1 mile turn left to stay on Providence Road then continue for about 6 miles til you intersect Rea Road. Turn Right on Rea Road and then after 2 miles take a left to stay on it. You'll cross over Pineville Matthews Road and pass a big pink Calvary church on your right. Next traffic light you'll turn right and see the parking option ahead.

Bathrooms/ Water:

There are toilets at the greenway parking lot in addition to a water fountain.

No rain in sight and hot high temperatures so let’s hike in the cool of the morning.
George Poston Park is a gem in nearby Gastonia on the way up to Spencer Mountain.
This nearby park has trails along creeks, a lake AND a river! Has is all. First we will hike through natural trails in shaded woods, alongside the creeks and around the lake. You must be able to negotiate tree roots. Then we walk on a gravel and natural trail down to and along the South Fork River, finishing with a short paved trail on our way back to the parking lot.
This hike is considered mostly easy and will be around 3.7 miles.
With attending this hike you agree to hike at your own risk and Charlotte Piedmont Hiking Club and its leaders are not liable for any injuries or mishaps.
No dogs on this hike as the wooded trails are fairly narrow and can have bicycle riders.
Bring drinking water and wear good walking or hiking boots.
1101 Lowell Spencer Mountain Rd
Gastonia, NC 28056
When entering the park go straight into the main parking lot.
We will meet by the public restrooms.

Are you ready to start walking but unsure if you can keep up with most hiking group paces? If so, join us for the Open Pace Walk. We will start at Pineville Lake Park and end at the SC Stateline, then walk back. We are here to support each other during our walk. This is perfect for beginners or for an extra stroll to help unwind.

We will take a few breaks during our walk. There are many benches and fences to lean on if you want to look at the water or if you need a quick additional break. There are also a variety of wildlife to observe!

Please make sure you have a clear profile photo and real first name to attend. Please read the "How to Find Us" section. I look forward to meeting everyone!

Please Note:
Even though this is an open pace, we are going to probably land in the neighborhood of between 20 - 25 minutes per mile. Faster walkers are welcome to join, as are slower walkers, but please make sure this event is for you. If you are unsure if you can complete this event due to medical issues, please consult your doctor before attending.

Also, if you do RSVP, things may change for you in regard to scheduling. If they do, please update your RSVP, as there is usually a waiting list.